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EPA proposes 2 Indiana counties for ozone standard redesignation

Release Date: 04/10/2007
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA051

CHICAGO (April 9, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 announced today it is proposing to approve a request by the state of Indiana to redesignate St. Joseph and Elkhart counties to attainment of the national health-based eight-hour outdoor air quality standard for ozone (smog).

EPA said complete, quality-assured outdoor air monitoring data from the counties for 2003, 2004 and 2005 meet the standard, and quality-assured data for 2006 show the counties continue to meet the standard.

The Agency also proposed to approve the state plan to continue to meet the eight-hour health-based ozone standard through 2020 and to approve motor vehicle emissions budgets.

The action will soon be published in the Federal Register. The public then will have 30 days to comment on the proposed action. Comments may be entered at www.regulation.gov. Refer to docket ID No. EPA-R05-OAR-2006-0305 and follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be sent by e-mail to [email protected], or faxed to (312) 886-5824. For additional information, contact Steve Rosenthal at (312) 886-6052.

Ground-level ozone is commonly referred to as smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. The pollutants are released from cars, factories and a wide variety of other sources. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.