What Is Being Done About Particulate Matter?
Local Authorities Are Working on the Problem
The Air Quality Department works to protect people from particulate matter. The top man-made sources of particulate matter are dust from construction areas, vacant lots, dirt roads, and dirt tracked out onto paved roads. The Dust Compliance Division focuses on these areas, as well as open burning and fireplaces.
Monitoring
The Local Air Monitoring Network tracks air quality at 23 locations in the county and provides vital information to air quality forecasters. Air samples are taken in a variety of settings and are used to collect data about air pollution, assess the health effects, and help find and monitor sources of air pollution.
County Plan
Non-attainment Status
On December 31, 2006, the region failed to reach attainment of the federal particulate health standards. This happened because the Valley had more than three days over the last three years in which the particulate matter level was higher than the national standard. In fact, as of January 1, 2007, the Valley had experienced 46 days with at least one county monitor exceeding the particulate matter standard.
What’s Next for Particulate Matter?
- Local authorities will work with state and local air quality control agencies to develop a plan to reduce particulate matter emissions by 5 percent each year until the county meets national standards.
- The plan will be developed in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, local government associations, and other regulatory agencies.
- The plan will be submitted to EPA by December 31, 2007.
- Following that, the county must show a reduction of 5 percent of PM10 annually until all air quality monitors show that the national standards are met.