The TCEQ has hosted public meetings in Texas on the EPA proposed revisions to the Ozone standards during June and July.
On January 6, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a primary eight-hour ozone air quality standard within the range of 0.060 to 0.070 parts per million (ppm) and a separate seasonal secondary standard within the range of 7 to 15 ppm-hours using a cumulative peak-weighted index. The primary standard protects people while the secondary standard protects welfare such as sensitive ecosystems and forests. The EPA’s proposal, published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2010, was a reconsideration of the 2008 eight-hour standard of 0.075 ppm. The EPA expects to finalize the primary and secondary standards by August 31, 2010.
TCEQ recommendations will be developed this September and October with the Governor’s recommendation due to the EPA on January 7, 2011. In regards to the secondary ozone standards the designation recommendation is due to the EPA on August 31, 2011.
More information on TCEQ deadlines and material on the proposed Ozone standards can be found by visiting the following link: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/air/aqps/eighthour.html
A copy of the TCEQ presentation can be viewed at: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/implementation/air/rules/eight_hour/062010_presentation.pdf