UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 2

The Honorable Chris Christie Governor ofthe State ofNew Jersey Office ofthe Governor PO Box 001 Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Dear Governor Christie: 290 BROADWAY NEWYORK, NY 10007-1866 

## FEB - 6 2013

Thank you for your recommendations ofJune 23, 2011 on air quality designations for the state ofNew Jersey for the 2010 revision to the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide (S02 ). Reducing levels ofsulfur dioxide pollution is an important part ofthe U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitmentto a clean, healthy environment. Exposure to S02 can cause a range of adverse health effects, including narrowing ofthe airways which can cause difficulty breathing and increased asthma symptoms. This letter is to notify you ofthe EPA'spreliminary intentions regarding your recommended designations.
On June 3, 2010, the EPA strengthened the health-based or "primary" standard for S02 by establishing a standard for 1-hour average S02concentrations at a level of75 parts per billion. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to complete the initial designations process within two years ofpromulgating a new or revised standard. Ifthe Administrator has insufficient informationto make these designations, the EPA has the authority to extend the designation process by up to one year. On July 27, 2012, the EPA announced that it had insufficient information to complete the designations for the 1-hour 

## so2 standard within two years and extendedthe designations deadline to June 3, 2013.
At this time the EPA is proceeding with designating as nonattainment most areas in locations where existing monitoring data from 2009-2011 indicate violations ofthe 1-hour S02standard. The EPA intends to address the designations for all other areas in separate future actions. With input from a diverse group ofstakeholders, EPA has developed a comprehensive implementation strategy for these future actions that focuses resources on identifying and addressing unhealthy levels ofS02
.The strategy is available at: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. The EPA will continue to work closely with you and our other partners at the state, tribal and local levels to ensure healthprotective, common sense implementation ofthe 1-hour S02standard.
The EPA's review ofthe mostrecent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no monitored violations ofthe 2010 S02 standard in any areas in New Jersey. With respect to the data measured at the monitor in Warren County, EPA determinedthere is not enough datato propose designation ofthis area at this time. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action in New Jersey. The EPA expects to be able to proceed with designation action in New Jersey once additional data are gathered pursuant to our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofour intended designations for these areas, and seekpublic comment on these actions, no later than 120 days prior to promulgating any final designations.

Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable 011 Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 50"/o Postconsumer content)We look forward to a continued dialogue withyou and your staffas we worktogether to implement the 2010 primary S02 standard. For additional informationregarding initial designations onthe S02 standard, please visit ourwebsite at www.epa.gov/so2designations. Should youhave any questions, please do not hesitate to call me, orhave your staffcontact Richard Ruvo ofmy staffat 212-637-4014 or ruvo.richard@epa.gov.

cc: Bob Martin, Commissioner Sincerely, 

# d .JDII-1+-

# pt.**~.Mcft-..** Judith A. Enck Regional Administrator

NewJersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection
William 0'Sullivan, Director Division ofAir Quality New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection
Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Stephen D. Page, Director, Office ofAir QualityPlanning and Standards