EPA releases draft schedule for updating particulate matter standard

The EPA has released a draft schedule for updating their particulate matter standard. The schedule indicates that they are not planning to lower standards for at least another five years.

If the EPA did lower the particulate matter standard, it could lead to stricter production limits for air permits. The previous standard was issued in 2013 and included the retention of the coarse particulate standard (PM10) at 150 ug/m3 and a reduction in the fine particulate standard (PM2.5) to 12 ug/m3.

While the Clean Air Act requires that the EPA review the standard every five years, it is not unusual for delays in the extensive review process to be seen, as the process includes a review of the science, risk and policy of the standard prior to issuing a proposed rule. Environmental groups have urged the EPA to speed up its review, but none have yet announced a lawsuit to force the EPA to meet the statutory deadline.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/28042016/epa-releases-draft-schedule-for-updating-particulate-matter-standard-998/