PM_(2.5)Air Quality Modeling for Permits

摘要

The air quality permitting landscape for particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) has changed dramatically in the last two years. These changes are primarily due to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions lowering the annual average National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)for PM2.5 from 15 μg/m~3 to 12 ug/m3 in December 2012 and "finalized" guidance on the air quality analysis required to support issuance of pre-construction permits in May 20141. The requirements of the Guidance include the evaluation of both primarily emitted PM2.5 and two precursors for PM2.5 (NO_x and SO2). Also, within the regulatory framework, there have been a series of legal decisions, EPA responses to these decisions, and separate EPA policy changes and administrative actions. These changes will have an impact on all major sources' ability to obtain air quality pre-construction permits.