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Draft 2013 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment and Network Plan

PUBLIC NOTICE

Input welcomed on District of Columbia’s 2013 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment and Network Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised ambient air monitoring regulations in October 2006.  The revisions are expected to help the EPA, states, tribes and local air quality agencies improve public health protection and better inform the public about air quality in their communities.  The requirements are outlined in 40 CFR §58.10.  The monitoring regulations require the District of Columbia to adopt and to submit to the EPA an annual monitoring network plan which provides for establishing and/or maintaining an air quality surveillance system.  The annual monitoring network plan must be made available for public inspection for at least 30 days prior to submission to EPA. The District of Columbia’s annual ambient air monitoring network plan is available for a 30-day public inspection.  The review period begins on Monday, May 13, 2013 and ends on Thursday, June 13, 2013.

Please view and/or download the Draft District of Columbia’s 2013 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan (attached below).

Please submit your comments/input on the District of Columbia’s air monitoring network plan to:

Ms. Khin Sann Thaung
Environmental Specialist

Monitoring and Assessment Branch - Air Quality Division
District Department of the Environment
1200 First Street, N.E., Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20002

Email: [email protected]

Background Information

In 1970, Congress passed the Clean Air Act that authorized the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants shown to threaten human health and welfare.  Primary standards were set according to criteria designed to protect public health, including an adequate margin of safety to protect sensitive populations such as children and asthmatics.  Secondary standards were set according to criteria designed to protect public welfare (decreased visibility, damage to crops, vegetation, and buildings).

EPA established NAAQS for six pollutants- ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), lead (Pb), and particulate matter less than 10 microns aerodynamic diameter, (PM10) and less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). These are commonly known as the “criteria” pollutants.  When air quality does not meet the NAAQS, the area is said to be in “non-attainment” with the NAAQS.  For more information on air quality and the federal NAAQS, please visit EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards.