Particulate Matter Plans
What is particulate matter?
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. The size of PM is directly linked to potential health problems. EPA has set federal standards for PM10 (PM that is 10 microns or less in diameter) and PM2.5 (PM that 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Health research has also documented health effects of ultrafine particles, or particles that are 0.1 microns or smaller.
The chemical composition of PM is also a factor in the type and severity of health impacts. PM can be emitted directly into the atmosphere, or it can form in the atmosphere through the photochemical reactions of precursors. There are several PM species, or chemical compounds, including organic carbon, elemental carbon, geologic material, trace metals, secondary organic aerosols, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate. More information is available on EPA’s website.
Supplemental Document for the 2012 PM2.5 Plan
This document demonstrates that the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District’s adopted 2012 PM2.5 Plan satisfies federal PM2.5 plan requirements under subpart 4 of Part D of Title I of the Clean Air Act. Additionally, this supplemental document also demonstrates that Valley attainment of the 2006 PM2.5 standard by 2015 is not practicable. As such, the District requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approve the already submitted 2012 PM2.5 Plan and reclassify the San Joaquin Valley air basin as a serious nonattainment area. Finally, this document demonstrates that the District’s most recently adopted Rule 2201, New and Modified Stationary Source Review (adopted April 21, 2011) fully satisfies the requirements of subpart 4
Adopted PM Plans
- 2015 Plan for the 1997 PM2.5 standard
The District adopted the 2015 Plan for the 1997 PM2.5 Standard on April 16, 2015. This plan addresses EPA’s annual PM2.5 standard of 15 µg/m3 and 24-hour PM2.5 standard of 65 µg/m3, established in 1997.
- 2012 PM2.5 Plan
The District adopted the 2012 PM2.5 Plan in December 2012. This plan addresses EPA’s 24-hour PM2.5 standard of 35 µg/mł, which was established by EPA in 2006.
- 2008 PM2.5 Plan
The District adopted the 2008 PM2.5 Plan in April 2008. This plan addresses EPA’s annual PM2.5 standard of 15 µg/mł, which was established by EPA in 1997.
- 2007 PM10 Maintenance Plan
The District adopted the 2007 PM10 Maintenance Plan in September 2007 to assure the San Joaquin Valley’s continued attainment of EPA’s PM10 standard. EPA designated the Valley as an attainment/maintenance area for PM10.
- 2015 Commitments to Leave No Stone Unturned to Evaluate Additional Opportunities
The District’s 2015 Plan for the 1997 PM2.5 Standard contains the Most Stringent Measures, Best Available Control Measures, and ensures expeditious attainment. However, due to the need to demonstrate attainment for multiple federal ozone and PM2.5 standards in the coming years and need to search for all available emissions reductions, the District committed to conduct the following evaluation:
- DRAFT Flare Minimization Plan Further Study
This draft study evaluates submitted FMPs to identify the most effective flare minimization practices utilized by operators to reduce flaring in various source categories and applications. Notice is hereby given that a 30-day public comment period is being held on the DRAFT Flare Minimization Plan Further Study beginning December 3, 2015.
- 2015 DRAFT Warm Mix Asphalt Further Study Report
This draft study evaluates the feasibility of using Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) as an alternative to Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to reduce NOx emissions. Notice is hereby given that a 30-day public comment period is being held on the 2015 DRAFT Warm Mix Asphalt Further Study Report beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
- 2014 Flares Further Study
District Rule 4311 (approved by EPA on November 3, 2011) reduces emissions from flaring activities in the San Joaquin Valley through a combination of emission limitations, monitoring, reporting, and other requirements. This study includes an assessment of the implementation of Rule 4311 and an evaluation of potential opportunities for additional requirements.