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U.S. EPA GIVES CONDITIONAL APPROVAL TO VALLEY DUST RULES

Release Date: 3/20/2002
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano

Action Defers Highway Sanction Deadline
   
    SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it is proposing to conditionally approve the San Joaquin Valley's particulate matter rules, known as Regulation VIII, which limit dust pollution from certain roads, vacant lots, construction sites and other sources.

     The EPA's proposal would tentatively approve Regulation VIII and require the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District to demonstrate that the best available control measures are being applied to significant dust sources.  The EPA is soliciting comments on this proposal for 60 days.  Pending final action, the EPA is suspending sanctions on federal highway funding in the valley scheduled to go into effect on April 7th.

     "We commend the district staff for developing the Regulation VIII rules, but more needs to be done," said Wayne Nastri, the EPA's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest.  "We're looking to the state and local air pollution agencies as well as industry and environmental stakeholders to continue their efforts to reduce the valley's serious air quality problems."

     In March 2000, the EPA partly approved an earlier version of Regulation VIII, while simultaneously requiring the district to make several revisions.  After conducting nine public workshops and incorporating extensive public comments, the district substantially strengthened the regulation in December 2001.  For example, the regulation now requires large construction sites to apply water or take other steps to significantly reduce dust plumes.

     National health standards for pollutants that threaten public health and the environment are established by the EPA as mandated by the Clean Air Act.  When an area violates a health-based standard, the Clean Air Act requires the area to be designated as a non-attainment area for that pollutant.  The San Joaquin Valley, from Stockton to Lancaster, was designated a serious non-attainment area for particulate matter pollution in 1993.

     Particulate matter affects the respiratory system and can cause damage to lung tissue and premature death. The elderly, children, and people with chronic lung disease, influenza, or asthma are especially sensitive to high levels of particulate matter.