UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4

The Honorable PatMcCrory Governor, State ofNorth Carolina State Capitol 20301 Mail Service Center ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 

### FEB

- 6 2013

Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-0301 Dear GovernorMcCrory: Thank you for your staff's recommendations dated June 2, 2011, with updates onJuly 23, 2012, and January 23,2013, on air quality designations for the State ofNorth Carolina for the 2010 revision to the primaryNational Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide (S02). Reducing levels ofS02 pollution is an importantpart ofthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitment to a clean, healthy environment. Exposure to S02 can cause a range ofadverse health effects, including narrowing ofthe airways which can cause difficultybreathing and increased asthma symptoms. This letter is to notify you ofthe EPA's preliminary intentions regarding yourrecommended designations. On June 3, 2010, the EPA strengthened the health-based or ''primary'' standard for S02by establishing a standard for 1-hour average S02 concentrations at a level of75 parts perbillion. The Clean AirAct requires the EPA to complete the initial designations process within two years ofpromulgating a new or revised standard. Ifthe Administratorhas insufficient information to makethese designations, the EPA has the authority to extend the designation process byup to one year. On July 27, 2012, the EPA announced that ithad insufficient information to complete the designations for the 1-hour so2 standard within two years and extended the designations deadline to June 3, 2013. Atthis time, the EPA is proceeding with designating as nonattainment most areas in locations where existingmonitoring data from 2009-2011 indicate violations ofthe 1-hour S02 standard. The EPA intends to address the designations for all other areas in separate future actions. With input from a diverse group ofstakeholders, the EPA has developed a comprehensive implementation strategy for these future actions that focuses resources on identifying and addressingunhealthy 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 ourotherpartners at the state, tribal and local levels to ensure health-protective, commonsense implementation ofthe 1-hour S(h standard. The EPA'sreview ofthe mostrecent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02 standard in any areas inNorth Carolina. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action inNorth Carolina and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas inNorth Carolina. TheEPA expects to beable to proceed with designation action in North Carolina once additional data are gathered pursuant to our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofourintended designations for these areas,

Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed wtth Vegetable OR Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer)

### and seek public comment onthese actions, no laterthan 120 days priorto promulgating any final designations. We look forward to a continued dialogue with you and your staffas we work together to implement the 2010 primary S02 standard. For additional information regarding initial designations on the S02 standard, please visit our website at www.epa.gov/so2designations. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 404-562-8357 orBeverly Banister ofmy staffat 404-562-9326. Sincerely,

# ~~9'((**Gwendol~eyes** Fleming Regional Administrator

cc: John E. Skvarla, III Secretary, North Carolina Department

ofEnvironment and Natural Resources Sheila Holman Director, Division ofAir Quality David Brigman Director, Western North Carolina Air Quality Don R. 

### Willard Deputy Director, Mecklenburg County Land Use and

Environmental Services Agency William M. Barnette Director, Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Stephen D. Page, Director, Office ofAir QualityPlanning and Standards