pennsyLvania 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

SECRETARY 

November 25, 2013 

Mr. Shawn M. Garvin 

Regional Administrator 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III 

1650 Arch Street, (Mail Code: 3RAOO) 

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 

Dear Mr. Garvin: 

I am pleased to submit a request to redesignate the Reading N onattainment Area as attainment 

for the 1997 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.s) National Ambient Air Quality Standard 

(NAAQS), and a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) consisting of a Maintenance 

Plan demonstrating that the area can maintain the NAAQS for 10 years after redesignation, and 

the comprehensive emissions inventory required by Section 172( c )(3) of the Clean Air Act 

(CAA). The maintenance plan was developed in accordance with Section 175A(b) of the CAA. 

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) opened a public comment period on 

September 21,2013, and scheduled a public hearing on October 30, 2013, to receive comment 

on these documents but no persons expressed interest in presenting testimony or attending. 

Therefore, DEP cancelled the hearing. DEP received no written comments on the proposals. 

The following documents are enclosed for your approval: 

1. The Request for Redesignation to attainment for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS; 

2. The Maintenance Plan revision, which includes the comprehensive emissions 

inventory and a Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget for the purposes of 

transportation conformity; and 

3. Certification of public participation activities. 

A paper copy and a disc containing a searchable PDF copy ofthe documents are enclosed. I 

certify that the electronic file is an exact duplicate of the hard copy. 

The Commonwealth followed all ofthe applicable procedural requirements of the State's laws 

and constitution in conducting and completing the issuance ofthe SIP revision. 

Thank you in advance for the expeditious consideration of this SIP submittal. Should you have 

any questions or need additional information, please contact Joyce E. Epps, Director, Bureau of 

Air Quality, bye-mail atjeepps@pa.gov or by telephone at 717.787.9702. 

Sincerely, 

E. Christopher Abruzzo 

Acting Secretary 

Enclosures 

Rachel Carson State Office Building I P.O. Box 2063 I Harrisburg, PA 17105:2063· 

717.787.2814 o~ Printed on Recycled Paper \679 www.depweb.state.pa.U5 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

REQUEST FOR REDESIGNATION 

AS ATTAINMENT

READING NONATTAINMENT AREA

1997 FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

NOVEMBER 2013 

Bureau of Air Quality 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 

P.O. Box 8468 

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8468 

717-787-9495

www.dep.state.pa.us 
[This page intentionally left blank.] 
Table of Contents 

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

I. DEMONSTRATION OF ATTAINMENT AND AIR QUALITY TRENDS 

ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................. 3

A. Design Value Determination ................................................................................... 4

B. Air Quality Trends Analysis.................................................................................... 4

C. Climate Trends Analysis ......................................................................................... 8

1. Temperature Trends ................................................................................................ 9

2. Precipitation Trends .............................................................................................. 10

D. Additional Trends .................................................................................................. 11

1. Population Trends ................................................................................................. 11

2. Economic Trends .................................................................................................. 12

E. Modeling Analyses.................................................................................................. 14

II. SIP APPROVALS AND APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS .............................. 15

A. Section 110(a)(2) of the CAA................................................................................. 15

B. Part D - Plan Requirements for Nonattainment Areas ...................................... 16

1. Section 172(c) of the CAA ................................................................................... 16

2. Section 173 of the CAA ........................................................................................ 17

3. Section 176 of the CAA ........................................................................................ 17

4. Section 189(e) of the CAA ................................................................................... 18

C. Conclusion............................................................................................................... 18

III. DEMONSTRATION OF PERMANENT AND ENFORCEABLE 

IMPROVEMENT ................................................................................................. 19

A. Baseline (2002) Emissions Inventory .................................................................... 20

B. Attainment Year (2007) Emissions Inventory ..................................................... 21

C. Control Measures ................................................................................................... 22

1. Stationary Point Sources ....................................................................................... 24

2. Highway Vehicle Sources ..................................................................................... 26

3. Nonroad Sources ................................................................................................... 29

4. Stationary Area Sources ........................................................................................ 30

IV. MAINTENANCE PLAN ...................................................................................... 31
Table of Tables 

Table I-1: Reading Area Annual PM2.5 Concentrations ............................................... 5

Table I-2: Reading Area 98th% of 24-Hour PM2.5 Concentrations .............................. 5

Table I-3: Reading Area Annual PM2.5 Design Values ................................................. 7

Table I-4: Reading Area 24-Hour PM2.5 Design Values ................................................ 7

Table I-5: Reading Area Monthly Mean Temperature (°F) ......................................... 9

Table I-6: Reading Area Precipitation (inches) ........................................................... 10

Table I-7: EPA’s Transport Rule Modeling Results for the PM2.5 Standard for 

Pennsylvania Sites ................................................................................................... 15

Table III-1: 2002 Reading Area Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) ......................... 21

Table III-2: 2007 Reading Area Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) ......................... 22

Table III-3: Change in Reading Area Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) from 2002 

to 2007 ...................................................................................................................... 23

Table III-4: Summary of Emission Totals (Tons) in 2007, 2017 and 2025 ................ 24

Table of Figures 

Figure I-1: Pennsylvania’s 1997 PM2.5 Nonattainment Areas ...................................... 3

Figure I-2: PM2.5 Annual Concentration Trend ............................................................ 6

Figure I-3: PM2.5 98th% Concentration Trend ............................................................... 6

Figure I-4. Pie Chart of 2007 Reading Speciation Data ................................................ 8

Figure I-5: Reading Area Monthly Mean Temperature (°F) ....................................... 9

Figure I-6: Reading Area Annual Precipitation (inches) ............................................ 11

Figure I-7: Reading Area Population Trend ................................................................ 12

Figure I-8: Reading Area Population and Labor Force Trends................................. 13
- 1 - 

INTRODUCTION 

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in 

air that include: acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust 

particles and allergens (such as fragments of pollen or mold spores). Fine particle 

pollution or PM2.5 describes particulate matter that is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers 

(μm) in diameter, approximately 1/30th the diameter of a human hair. Because of their 

small size, fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs. 

Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to fine particles and 

premature death from heart or lung disease. Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung 

diseases and have been linked to effects such as cardiovascular symptoms, cardiac 

arrhythmias, heart attacks, respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks, and bronchitis. These 

effects can result in increased hospital admissions, emergency room visits, absences from 

school or work, and restricted activity days. Individuals that may be particularly sensitive 

to fine particle exposure include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and 

children. The article, “Fine-Particulate Air Pollution and Life Expectancy in the United 

States” by C. Arden Pope, III, et al. published January 22, 2009, in the New England 

Journal of Medicine evaluated the role PM2.5 reductions occurring in the 1980s and 1990s 

had on the increased life expectancy observed over that period. The study found that a 

reduction of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) of PM2.5 was associated with an 

average increase in life expectancy of 7.3 months. 

PM2.5 has significant environmental impacts, including acid rain and stream 

eutrophication. PM2.5 also affects visibility (regional haze) through the scattering and 

absorption of light. Fine particles, similar in size to the wavelength of light, are most 

efficient, per unit of mass, at reducing visibility. Soiling and materials damage can also be 

caused by PM2.5 in the air. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued PM2.5 national ambient 

air quality standards (NAAQS) in 1997 after evaluating hundreds of health studies and 

conducting an extensive peer review process. The EPA established an annual primary 

(health-based) and secondary (welfare-based) standard of 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter 

(μg/m3), based on the 3-year average of annual mean PM2.5 concentrations. The EPA also 

established a primary and secondary 24-hour standard of 65 μg/m3determined by the 

3-year average of the 98th percentile of 24-hour concentrations. 

On December 17, 2004, the EPA issued air quality designations for the PM2.5 standard 

based on air quality monitoring data from 2001-2003. The final designations were 

published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 944). The designations 

became effective on April 5, 2005. On April 5, 2005, the EPA issued a supplemental 

notice changing the designation of certain areas from nonattainment to attainment based on 

newly available air quality data (70 FR 19844; April 14, 2005). The April 5, 2005, 

supplemental notice only affected Mercer County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
- 2 - 

The Reading Area was one of eight areas in Pennsylvania, comprising all or parts of 21 

Pennsylvania counties, designated by the EPA as nonattainment for the 1997 PM2.5 

NAAQS. The Reading Area, consisting of Berks County in Pennsylvania, was designated 

by EPA as nonattainment because it violated the 1997 annual standard of 15.0 μg/m3based 

on 2001-03 monitoring data. The Reading Area did not violate the 1997 24-hour standard 

of 65 μg/m3

.

The subsequent analyses described in this Request for Redesignation clearly demonstrate 

that the ambient air quality in the Reading Area now meets the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS and 

that the emission reductions responsible for the air quality improvement are both 

permanent and enforceable. These analyses and the maintenance plan submitted 

concurrently demonstrate that the Reading Area has completed all criteria set forth in 

Section 107(d)(3)(E) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and should be officially redesignated as 

attainment. 

Section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA states that an area may be redesignated to attainment if 

the following conditions are met: 

 The NAAQS has been attained (discussed in Section I); 

 The applicable implementation plan has been fully approved under Section 110(k) 

of the CAA and the state has met all applicable requirements for the area under 

Section 110 and Part D (discussed in Section II); 

 The improvement in air quality is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in 

emissions (discussed in Section I and Section III); and 

 A Maintenance Plan with contingency measures has been fully approved under 

Section 175A (discussed in Section IV). 

This Request for Redesignation describes how the Reading Area satisfies each of the 

CAA’s Section 107(d)(3)(E) criteria for redesignation to attainment. 

Requirements for a public comment process are set forth in Section 110(a)(2) of the CAA, 

40 CFR Section 51.102(d) and 35 P.S. Section 4007.5. The Department provided notice of 

a public comment period and the opportunity for a hearing on the Maintenance Plan, 2007 

comprehensive inventory required by Section 172(c)(3) of the CAA, and this Request for 

Redesignation on September 21, 2013. The public comment period closed 

November 1, 2013. The Department scheduled the public hearing to occur on 

October 30, 2013, but no persons expressed interest in presenting testimony or attending. 

Therefore, the Department cancelled the hearing. No one submitted written comments. 
- 3 - 

I. DEMONSTRATION OF ATTAINMENT AND AIR QUALITY TRENDS 

ANALYSIS

On December 17, 2004, the EPA issued air quality designations for the 1997 PM2.5

standard based on air quality monitoring data from 2001-2003. The final designations 

were published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 944). The designations 

became effective on April 5, 2005. On April 5, 2005, the EPA issued a supplemental 

notice changing the designation of certain areas from nonattainment to attainment based on 

newly available air quality data (70 FR 19844; April 14, 2005). The April 5, 2005, 

supplemental notice only affected Mercer County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

(Commonwealth or Pennsylvania). 

The Reading Area was one of eight areas in Pennsylvania, comprising all or parts of 21 

Pennsylvania counties, designated by the EPA as nonattainment for the 1997 PM2.5

NAAQS. The Reading Area, consisting of Berks County in Pennsylvania, was designated 

as nonattainment because it violated the 1997 annual standard of 15.0 μg/m3

based on 

2001-03 monitoring data. The Reading Area did not violate the 1997 24-hour standard of 

65 μg/m3.

Figure I-1: Pennsylvania’s 1997 PM2.5 Nonattainment Areas 
- 4 - 

Air quality in the Reading Area has improved since the EPA’s original designations. The 

Reading Area’s annual PM2.5 design value has decreased over the 2001 to 2012 time 

frame. The Reading Area’s design value for 2003 (based on data from 2001 through 2003) 

was 16.4 μg/m3. The Reading Area’s 2012 design value (based on data from 2010 through 

2012) was 10.9 μg/m3. Following EPA criteria, a PM2.5 design value below 15.0 μg/m3is 

considered to be attainment. Concentrations are expected to remain lower than 15 μg/m3

over the next decade. 

On September 25, 2009 (74 FR 48863), the EPA determined that the Reading Area had 

attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS (“Clean Data Determination”). EPA’s Clean Data 

Determination was based on quality-assured, quality-controlled and certified ambient air 

monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment based on 2006 through 2008 

data. This final action suspended the requirements for this area to submit attainment 

demonstrations and associated reasonably available control measures, reasonable further 

progress plans, contingency measures and other planning State Implementation Plan (SIP) 

revisions related to the attainment of the NAAQS for so long as the area continues to attain 

the NAAQS. 

The determination of attainment did not “redesignate” the area as “attainment.” The 

Reading Area remains nonattainment for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS until the Commonwealth 

submits, and EPA approves, a Request for Redesignation and a Maintenance Plan showing 

the area can maintain the standard for at least 10 years. 

A. Design Value Determination 

The ambient air quality analysis is based on PM2.5 data measured at Berks County 

monitoring sites. The ambient air quality data analysis for PM2.5 was completed using the 

appropriate regulations and guidance documents. Monitoring procedures were determined 

in accordance with 40 CFR Part 58. The PM2.5 design values were calculated in 

accordance with 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix N, “Interpretation of the National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards for Particulate Matter.” 

B. Air Quality Trends Analysis 

This section provides a brief summary of PM2.5 monitoring concentrations in the Reading 

Area. The Department moved the Berks County monitor twice between 2005 and 2007. 

The first location (EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) monitor #42011009) was located at 

Morgantown Road and Prospect Street in Reading. The Department lost the lease for that 

location, and, in 2006, moved the monitor to a temporary location at 503 North 6th Street in 

Reading (AQS monitor # 420110010). Finally, in 2007, the monitor was moved to its new 

permanent location, 1059 Arnold Road in Reading (AQS monitor #420110011). As 

discussed in EPA’s technical support document for the 2006 PM2.5 designations, EPA 

considers these monitoring locations to be one and the same for calculating design values. 

EPA based the Reading Area’s Clean Data Determination (74 FR 48863) on qualityassured, quality-controlled and certified ambient air monitoring data for 2006 through 

2008, based on the combined data for the monitoring sites.
- 5 - 

Trends in PM2.5 design values were analyzed from 2001 through 2012. Table I-1 displays 

annual PM2.5 concentrations monitored in the Reading Area. Table I-2 contains the 98th

percentile of 24-hour concentrations for each year. In both tables, “X” indicates that data 

was collected at the monitoring site for part of the year and combined with data collected at 

another monitoring site to calculate the combined design value shown on the bottom row 

of each table. The 2001 through 2012 trend lines for annual concentrations and 98th

percentile of 24-hour concentrations are shown in Figures I-2 and I-3. As shown in figures 

I-2 and I-3, the slope of the trend lines for the annual and 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations are 

both negative, indicating decreasing concentrations. The slopes of the annual mean and 

the 24-hour concentrations indicate declines of 0.65 and 1.98 μg/m3per year, respectively, 

over the 2001 through 2012 timeframe. 

Table I-1: Reading Area Annual PM2.5 Concentrations 

Annual Mean

Site Name and 

FRM ID 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Reading 

42-011-0009 16.5 16.7 16.1 15.6 16.8 X

Reading 

Temporary

42-011-0010

X X

Reading Airport

42-011-0011 X 12.5 10.9 10 11.3 11.3

Reading 

Combined 13.9 14.3

Table I-2: Reading Area 98th% of 24-Hour PM2.5 Concentrations 

Annual 98% Concentration

Site Name and 

FRM ID 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Reading

42-011-0009 43 48.5 45 33.1 39.4 X

Reading 

Temporary

42-011-0010

X X

Reading Airport 

42-011-0011 X 28.4 28.8 26.7 26.4 26.3

Reading 

Combined 36.9 36.2
- 6 - 

Figure I-2: PM2.5 Annual Concentration Trend 

Figure I-3: PM2.5 98th% Concentration Trend 

Tables I-3 and I-4 contain the Reading Area’s annual and 24-hour PM2.5 design values 

calculated from the 2001 through 2012 monitoring data. 

Design values for the annual PM2.5 NAAQS show a steady declining trend. The Reading 

Area was designated as nonattainment based on the 2001 through 2003 annual design 
- 7 - 

value of 16.4 μg/m3. The 24-hour design value for that time period was 46 μg/m3. 

Compared with the 2001 through 2003 design values, the annual design value for 2010 

through 2012 has decreased by 34% and the 24-hour design value by 43%. The annual and 

24-hour PM2.5 design values for the Reading Area are shown below in Tables I-3 and I-4, 

respectively. 

Table I-3: Reading Area Annual PM2.5 Design Values 

1997 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS = 15 ug/m3

Design Value

Site Name 

and FRM 

ID

1999-

2001

2000-

2002

2001-

2003

2002-

2004

2003-

2005

2004-

2006

2005-

2007

2006-

2008

2007-

2009

2008-

2010

2009-

2011

2010-

2012

Reading 

42-011-

0009

15.6 16.7 16.4 16.1 16.2

Reading 

Temporary 

42-011-

0010

Reading 

Airport 

42-011-

0011

11.1 10.7 10.9

Reading 

Combined 15.5 15 13.6 12.6

Table I-4: Reading Area 24-Hour PM2.5 Design Values 

1997 24-Hour PM2.5 NAAQS 3 year 98% = 65 ug/m3

Design Value

Site Name 

and FRM 

ID

1999-

2001

2000-

2002

2001-

2003

2002-

2004

2003-

2005

2004-

2006

2005-

2007

2006-

2008

2007-

2009

2008-

2010

2009-

2011

2010-

2012

Reading 

42-011-

0009

39 43 46 42 39

Reading 

Temporary 

42-011-

0010

Reading 

Airport 

42-011-

0011

28 27 26

Reading 

Combined 36 38 34 31
- 8 - 

C. Climate Trends Analysis 

PM2.5 formation in the eastern United States is a complex process involving local and 

regional meteorology, topography, chemistry and transport. Sulfates and nitrates are 

formed primarily through atmospheric reactions of precursor emissions of sulfur dioxide 

(SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and ammonia (NH3). Organic carbon is a combination of 

secondary organic particles formed from emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) 

and the organic portion of primary PM2.5 that is directly emitted or condenses near its 

source. Currently, our understanding of sulfate and nitrate chemistry and its impacts on 

PM2.5 concentrations far exceeds our understanding of contributions from anthropogenic 

VOCs. This is important because sulfates, nitrates, ammonium and organic carbon are 

major contributors to the total PM2.5, making up approximately 79% of the annual PM2.5

concentration observed in the Reading Area in 2007. 

Figure I-4. Pie Chart of 2007 Reading Speciation Data 

Attainment of the PM2.5 NAAQS involves the range of meteorological conditions 

throughout the year. PM2.5 chemistry favors sulfate formation during the warm summer 

months and nitrate formation during the colder winter months. In addition, local 

temperature inversions more common in the winter can concentrate emissions near the 

surface, leading to periods of elevated PM2.5 concentrations. 

To assess whether it is likely that unusual meteorological patterns have contributed to the 

lower PM2.5 concentrations observed in the Reading Area, temperature and precipitation 

trends over the last 10 years were examined. 
- 9 - 

The data used in the trends analysis is from the Global Historical Climatology Network 

(GHCN) database for the Reading Spaatz Field station. The monthly summary data was 

obtained from the NOAA National Climatic Data Center at: 

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/search#t=secondTabLink

1. Temperature Trends 

Table I-5 presents monthly mean temperature data for the Reading Area for 2001 through 

2011. Figure I-5 graphically displays the data. 

Table I-5: Reading Area Monthly Mean Temperature (°F)

Reading Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2001 28.2 33.6 37.6 51.3 61.7 69.8 71.6 75.2 63.7 55.0 48.4 39.9

2002 35.8 37.2 42.1 54.1 59.4 71.1 77.0 76.8 68.9 51.3 41.7 30.7

2003 25.3 28.6 40.6 50.4 57.9 68.7 74.7 75.4 65.7 51.6 47.1 34.0

2004 23.9 31.5 42.8 52.3 67.1 68.9 73.0 72.5 67.5 52.9 45.7 34.0

2005 28.8 33.4 36.9 54.0 57.7 74.7 78.3 76.6 70.3 56.5 45.7 30.2

2006 38.1 32.9 42.3 53.6 62.1 70.7 77.0 74.3 63.7 52.9 48.0 40.3

2007 34.7 25.2 40.6 48.9 64.0 72.0 73.9 74.8 68.5 61.5 41.7 34.3

2008 32.9 32.4 41.4 53.4 58.1 74.1 76.3 71.2 67.1 52.7 43.0 34.7

2009 25.2 34.0 42.1 53.1 62.6 69.3 72.0 74.7 64.9 53.2 48.6 33.6

2010 30.9 30.4 47.5 56.3 65.5 74.5 78.8 75.7 69.3 55.6 44.6 30.7

2011 26.2 33.1 40.8 51.3 65.5 73.2 80.4 73.9 68.4 56.3 48.4 39.7

Figure I-5: Reading Area Monthly Mean Temperature (°F)
- 10 - 

The Reading Area was designated nonattainment for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS based on 

2001 through 2003 data. The summer of 2001 appears to have been a slightly cooler than 

normal summer while the winter of 2002 was milder than normal. Neither of these 

conditions would be expected to cause higher PM2.5 concentrations as was experienced 

during that timeframe. The Reading Area’s Clean Data Determination was based on 2006 

through 2008 data, and the Reading Area has monitored attainment since that time. 

Examination of the temperature data from 2006 through 2011 shows normal variation in 

seasonal temperatures but no evidence of unusual patterns that would be expected to 

repress PM2.5 formation. 

2. Precipitation Trends 

Table I-6 presents monthly and annual precipitation data for the Reading Area for 2001 

through 2011. Figure I-6 graphically displays the annual precipitation data. 

Table I-6: Reading Area Precipitation (inches) 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Annual 

Total

2001 1.8 1.2 3.8 2.8 3.7 5.8 4.3 1.2 5.2 0.7 1.2 1.7 33.4

2002 2.1 0.6 3.6 4.1 4.4 4.5 0.4 3.7 3.5 7.1 4.1 4.8 42.8

2003 1.6 2.8 3.5 2.4 3.1 7.2 4.0 3.5 9.3 4.8 3.2 4.1 49.5

2004 1.4 3.1 2.0 4.0 3.7 5.7 9.4 4.8 7.8 2.6 3.5 3.3 51.3

2005 3.5 1.6 3.7 5.0 1.0 1.4 8.2 1.7 0.6 4.9 3.1 3.6 38.4

2006 4.2 1.9 0.6 4.0 1.4 8.5 5.0 3.9 5.3 3.8 4.8 2.2 45.7

2007 2.7 2.5 3.8 4.8 2.4 5.0 3.4 5.2 1.0 4.8 3.4 5.0 44.0

2008 1.1 6.0 4.0 0.9 3.6 1.7 3.8 2.3 5.8 2.1 1.9 6.2 39.5

2009 1.8 0.5 1.8 2.4 4.9 6.1 4.2 7.4 3.3 4.6 1.8 5.0 43.7

2010 1.6 1.8 3.7 2.8 4.4 2.6 2.5 1.4 6.7 3.7 2.5 1.9 35.5

2011 1.7 2.7 5.2 4.0 5.4 3.1 2.2 6.9 11.6 3.5 4.7 3.4 54.4
- 11 - 

Figure I-6: Reading Area Annual Precipitation (inches) 

Examination of the 2001 through 2003 precipitation data indicates both drier and wetter 

than usual years within the timeframe. Examination of the precipitation data from 2006 

through 2011 also shows variation in precipitation amounts. Throughout these years the 

Reading Area monitored attainment of the standard. There is no indication from the data 

that unusual precipitation patterns contributed to the lower PM2.5 concentrations in recent 

years in which the Reading Area monitored attainment of the PM2.5 NAAQS.

D. Additional Trends 

1. Population Trends 

The Reading Area, which consists of Berks County, has had significant population growth 

over the last decade. Berks County’s population increased approximately 10% between 

the 2000 and 2010 Censuses. According to the Bureau of the Census, Berks County’s 

2010 population was 411,442 people, ranking the county ninth largest in population in 

Pennsylvania. 

Population increases correspond with increased emissions from some types of emission 

sources and, therefore, can result in increased pollution levels. While Berks County’s 

population has grown approximately 10% over the last decade, this growth has not resulted 

in increased PM2.5 concentrations. In fact, the county’s PM2.5 concentrations have declined 

in spite of the increase in population. 
- 12 - 

Figure I-7: Reading Area Population Trend 

350,000

360,000

370,000

380,000

390,000

400,000

410,000

420,000

Berks County Population Trend

Population

2. Economic Trends 

Economic trends could have impacts on emissions and consequently affect PM2.5

concentrations in the Reading Area. The two factors considered here include estimated 

labor force changes in Berks County and overall economic activity in Pennsylvania as 

measured by the Coincident Index. The labor force data was obtained from the U.S. 

Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mid-Atlantic Information Office. The 

Coincident Index data was obtained from the Philadelphia Reserve Bank. 

Figure I-8 shows Berks County’s population change and estimated labor force change 

since 1980. A larger labor force could lead to more driving and increased infrastructure 

demands. This in turn could lead to higher emissions. Increases in the county’s labor 

force also contribute to overall increases in economic activity (greater family 

income/spending). The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank has tracked economic activity 

in Pennsylvania over the last 25 years. Pennsylvania’s Economic Activity Index is 

graphically depicted in Figure I-9. In spite of these upward trends, air quality continues to 

improve in Berks County. 
- 13 - 

Figure I-8: Reading Area Population and Labor Force Trends 

Data Source:

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mid-Atlantic Information Office

The database containing "State and local industry employment and earnings - monthly" data was 

accessed from the following site:

http://www.bls.gov/ro3/data.htm

Figure I-9: Pennsylvania and National Coincident Indexes from the Philadelphia 

Federal Reserve Bank 

Data downloaded on 5/24/2012 from: The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia at: 

http://www.philadelphiafed.org/research-and-data/regional-economy/indexes/coincident/
- 14 - 

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia produces a monthly coincident index for each of 

the 50 states. The coincident indexes combine four state-level indicators to summarize 

current economic conditions in a single statistic. The four state-level variables in each 

coincident index are nonfarm payroll employment, average hours worked in 

manufacturing, the unemployment rate, and wage and salary disbursements deflated by the 

consumer price index (U.S. city average). The trend for each state’s index is set to the 

trend of its gross domestic product (GDP), so long-term growth in the state’s index 

matches long-term growth in its GDP. 

E. Modeling Analyses 

Modeling results for the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (76 FR 48207;

August 8, 2011)1(Transport Rule) were examined to determine if the model results support 

redesignating the Reading Area to attainment. EPA’s analysis indicates that the Reading 

Area would attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS, even in the absence of either the Clean Air 

Interstate Rule (CAIR) or the Transport Rule.

EPA used the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extension (CAMx) version 5.3. 

CAMx is a three-dimensional Eulerian grid-based photochemical model designed to 

simulate the formation, chemical transformation, transport, and removal of ozone, 

secondary and directly emitted PM2.5, and their precursor species on national, regional, and 

local scales for short-term episodes up to annual time periods. Using this model, EPA 

simulated the emissions from many different sources of pollution (such as electric 

generating units (EGU), and mobile sources). All of the Transport Rule CAMx 

simulations used meteorology for 2005 derived from simulations of the Pennsylvania State 

University / National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) version 

3.7.4. The 2005 emissions of SO2, NOX, VOC, NH3 and direct PM2.5 were modeled. The 

modeling was based on the annual PM2.5 design values for the 2003 through 2007 base 

period. 

EPA outlined the model results in the Air Quality Modeling Final Rule Technical Support 

Document for the Transport Rule. Air quality modeling was performed to simulate ozone 

and PM2.5 concentrations for the 2005 base year, a 2012 “no CAIR” base case, a 2014 “no 

CAIR” base case, and the 2014 remedy scenario. Table I-7 displays the results of EPA’s 

analysis for the Reading Area. EPA’s analysis indicates that the Reading Area would 

attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS, even in the absence of either CAIR or the Transport Rule. 

The results support redesignating the Reading Area to attainment for the PM2.5 NAAQS. 

 

1 “Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction 

of SIP Approvals.”
- 15 - 

Table I-7: EPA’s Transport Rule Modeling Results for the PM2.5 Standard for 

Pennsylvania Sites 

Source: Air Quality Modeling Final Rule Technical Support Document for the Transport Rule 

(http://www.epa.gov/airtransport/pdfs/AQModeling.pdf) 

II. SIP APPROVALS AND APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS 

In order for EPA to approve a redesignation of a nonattainment area to attainment, the 

applicable SIP revision must be fully approved under Section 110(k) of the CAA. In 

addition, the state must have met all requirements applicable to the area under CAA 

Section 110 and Part D—Plan Requirements for Nonattainment Areas. The specific 

requirements applicable to the Reading Area can be found in Sections 110(a)(2), and 

Part D Sections 172(c) (relating to nonattainment plan provisions), 173 (relating to permit 

requirements), and 176 (relating to limitations on certain federal assistance). A court has 

also recently held that EPA must implement the PM2.5 NAAQS pursuant to Subpart 4 of 

Part D – see section III below for more information. 

These requirements have been fulfilled for the Reading Area. 

A. Section 110(a)(2) of the CAA 

Section 110(a) of the CAA contains the general requirements for a SIP. Pennsylvania 

concludes that, as EPA has stated in previous rulemaking in another state,[1] only the 

Section 110 and Part D requirements that are linked with a particular area’s designation are 

the relevant measures to consider in evaluating a redesignation request. Further, 

Pennsylvania believes that the other Section 110 elements that are not connected with 

nonattainment plan submissions and not linked with an area’s attainment status are also not 

applicable requirements for purposes of redesignation. A state remains subject to these 

requirements after an area is redesignated to attainment. 

The requirements of CAA Section 110(a)(2) that are statewide requirements and that are 

not linked to the PM2.5 nonattainment status of the Reading Area are not applicable 

requirements for purposes of review of the Commonwealth’s PM2.5 redesignation request. 

 

[1] See EPA’s proposed approval of Ohio’s redesignation request for the Ohio portion of the HuntingtonAshland nonattainment area for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS (76 FR 79593). On December 31, 2012, EPA 

published final approval of Ohio’s redesignation request for the Ohio portion of the Huntington-Ashland 

nonattainment area for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS (77 FR 76883).

Site ID County Form of Standard

2003-2007 

Average 

Ambient 

Values

2003-2007 

Maximum 

Ambient 

Values

2012 Base 

Case 

Average 

Values

2012 Base 

Case 

Maximum 

Values

2014 Base 

Case 

Average 

Values

2014 Base 

Case 

Maximum 

Values

420110011 Berks Annual 15.82 16.19 13.74 14.06 13.42 13.74

420110011 Berks 24-Hour 37.7 39.1 33.7 35.3 32.9 34.5

PM2.5 Design Values (μg/m3)
- 16 - 

However, EPA requires that the Commonwealth’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

(PSD) requirements be approved prior to redesignation, because PSD requirements will 

apply after redesignation. Sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(a)(2)(J) of the CAA require state 

plans to meet the requirements of CAA, Subchapter I, Part C, which contains PSD 

requirements. In addition, Section 110(a)(2)(I) requires that a plan revision for an area 

designated as a nonattainment area meet the applicable requirements of CAA, 

Subchapter I, Part D (relating to nonattainment areas). Therefore, Pennsylvania has 

concluded that only the parts of Sections 110(a)(2)(C), 110(a)(2)(I) and 110(a)(2)(J) that 

relate to Part D applicable requirements or PSD are applicable for purposes of 

redesignation. 

EPA has previously approved provisions of Pennsylvania’s SIP addressing Section 110 

requirements, including provisions addressing PM2.5. Pennsylvania’s SIP measures 

meeting section 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(a)(2)(J) requirements are fully approved under 

Section 110(k) of the CAA. The Maintenance Plan associated with this Request for 

Redesignation for the Reading Area is a SIP revision for an area designated as a 

nonattainment area and meets the applicable requirements of Part D of Subchapter I of the 

CAA; therefore, the Maintenance Plan associated with this Request for Redesignation 

meets the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(I). Please see the discussion below 

concerning Part D (plan requirements for nonattainment areas). 

B. Part D - Plan Requirements for Nonattainment Areas 

1. Section 172(c) of the CAA 

Section 172 of the CAA contains the general provisions required to be included in SIP 

revisions for nonattainment areas. These include attainment demonstrations, reasonably 

available control measures, reasonable further progress, inventory data, and permitting 

requirements. 

As stated above, EPA determined on September 25, 2009 (74 FR 48863), that the Reading 

Area had attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA based this Clean Data Determination 

upon complete, quality-assured, quality-controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring 

data that showed that the area monitored attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS during the 

2006 through 2008 monitoring period. The Clean Data Determination suspended the 

requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably 

available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and 

other planning SIP revisions related to attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS for so long as 

the area continues to meet the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS.

Submittal of a comprehensive inventory is required by 40 CFR Section 51.1008 to meet 

the requirements of Section 172(c)(3) of the CAA. This requirement was not suspended by 

the Clean Data Determination. In fulfillment of this requirement, the 2007 inventory, 

which also serves as the attainment year inventory, is being submitted as part of the 

Maintenance Plan, submitted concurrently with this Request for Redesignation. 
- 17 - 

2. Section 173 of the CAA 

Section 173 of the CAA outlines requirements related to permitting of air pollution sources 

in nonattainment areas. 

Stationary air pollution sources are subject to the regulations of the Commonwealth of 

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Code in Title 25 Environmental Resources 

(25 Pa. Code Chapters 121-145). These regulations include: 

 Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources promulgated by EPA 

under the Clean Air Act (25 Pa. Code Chapter 122); 

 Standards for Contaminants (25 Pa. Code Chapter 123); 

 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants 

(25 Pa. Code Chapter 124); 

 Construction, Modification, Reactivation and Operation of Sources, including 

plan approval, prevention of significant deterioration, new source review, 

operating permit program (25 Pa. Code Chapter 127); 

 Standards for Sources (25 Pa. Code Chapter 129); and 

 Annual Emission Statements and required reporting to the Department 

(25 Pa. Code Chapter 135). 

These permitting, stationary source monitoring and reporting, preconstruction review, 

offset ratios and enforceable emission limitations requirements were adopted to implement 

the federally mandated requirements in Sections 110, 172, 173 and 182(a) of the CAA. 

EPA has approved all of these regulations as SIP revisions, as indicated in Section III of 

this document. 

3. Section 176 of the CAA 

Section 176(c) of the CAA contains the provision prohibiting federal financing of projects 

or activities that do not conform to an approved implementation plan. 

The Commonwealth adopted and incorporated EPA’s general conformity rule 

(40 CFR Part 93, Subpart B) by reference in its entirety in 25 Pa. Code Section 127.802. 

The general conformity regulation describes procedures to determine if federally-financed, 

non-transportation projects are in conformity with air quality plans. 

EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have issued regulations regarding 

criteria and procedures for demonstrating and assuring conformity of transportation 

improvement programs (TIP or program), long range plans (LRP or plan), and individual 

transportation projects with the requirements of the CAA and the SIP for the specific 
- 18 - 

nonattainment area. Affected transportation planning organizations are complying with all 

federal laws, regulations and guidance for transportation conformity. 

4. Section 189(e) of the CAA 

In light of a recent court decision, Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, No. 08-

1250, 706 F.3d 428 (DC Cir. 2013) (see discussion in Section III), the Department 

considered Section 189(e) of the CAA. According to Section 189(e) and the court 

decision, control requirements in nonattainment areas applicable for major stationary 

sources of PM also apply to major stationary sources of PM precursors. Pennsylvania 

assessed emissions of PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3 for the maintenance demonstration. 

Pennsylvania also assessed NH3 emissions although there are no major sources of NH3 in 

the Reading Area. Please see Section III-C-1 relating to control measures for stationary 

sources for a discussion of the stationary source control measures in place in the Reading 

Area. 

C. Conclusion 

The requirements of Section 110(a) and Subpart D of the CAA have been fulfilled in the 

Reading Area. 
- 19 - 

III. DEMONSTRATION OF PERMANENT AND ENFORCEABLE 

IMPROVEMENT 

This section provides an assessment of the PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursor emissions at the time 

the Reading Area was originally designated as nonattainment for PM2.5 and at the time 

when this area attained the PM2.5 NAAQS. A 2002 (baseline) inventory of PM2.5 and 

PM2.5 precursor emissions is used to represent emissions during the PM2.5 nonattainment 

designation period. A 2007 inventory is used to identify PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursor 

emissions during the period when the Reading Area demonstrated that it attained the PM2.5

NAAQS. Detailed information is presented in the Maintenance Plan by sector. 

Because of the complexity and variability of the process of particulate matter formation, 

the EPA recognizes that effective control measures for PM2.5 will vary among 

nonattainment areas. In the EPA’s Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule 

(72 FR 20586; April 25, 2007) (the implementation rule), the EPA established general 

presumptive policies for assessing which PM2.5 precursors should be evaluated for possible 

controls. The EPA required states to evaluate control measures for SO2 and primary PM2.5

in all locations. The EPA required states to evaluate control measures for NOX unless a 

technical demonstration is made to show NOX does not significantly contribute to PM2.5. 

The EPA required states to evaluate measures for VOC and NH3 only if a technical 

demonstration is made to show they significantly contribute to PM2.5 in that area. 

The Department recognizes the January 4, 2013, decision of the Court of Appeals for the 

D.C. Circuit, in Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, No. 08-1250, 706 F.3d 428 

(DC Cir. 2013). In its decision, the court granted petitions for review that challenged 

EPA’s implementation rule for the 1997 PM2.5 standard. After considering the petitions 

and EPA’s response to them, the court remanded the case to EPA to re-promulgate the rule 

pursuant to Subpart 4 of Part D of the Clean Air Act, rather than implementing it under 

Subpart 1, as EPA had done (706 F.3d at 437). Because the Court remanded rather than 

vacated the implementation rule, the implementation rule remains in effect unless and until 

EPA rescinds it or promulgates a replacement. In any event, the Maintenance Plan 

accompanying this Request for Redesignation demonstrates maintenance of the standard 

consistent with the court’s ruling. 

In general, the court’s decision could affect an area’s nonattainment classification, certain 

deadlines, and the impacts of failing to attain timely, and could impose a deadline for 

implementation of reasonably available and best available control measures 

(706 F.3d at 436, n. 6). Since the Reading Area is already attaining the NAAQS, however, 

those considerations are not relevant for this Request for Redesignation and the 

Maintenance Plan. The court noted that PM2.5 precursors, including ammonia and VOCs, 

are presumptively regulated in PM2.5 nonattainment areas under Subpart 4, pointing 

specifically to Section 189(e), which applies to control of major stationary sources of PM10

[the court stated that PM10 includes PM2.5 throughout Subpart 4] (706 F.3d at 436, n. 7, and 

at 437, n. 10). According to Section 189(e) of the CAA, control requirements applicable 

for major stationary sources of PM10 also apply to major stationary sources of PM10
- 20 - 

precursors, except where the Administrator determines that major stationary sources do not 

contribute significantly to PM10 levels that exceed the standard in the area; Section 189(e) 

also requires EPA to issue guidelines regarding the application of Subsection (e). 

Pennsylvania assessed emissions of PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3 for the maintenance 

demonstration. Pennsylvania also assessed emissions of NH3 although there are no major 

stationary sources of NH3 in the Reading Area. 

This Request for Redesignation provides emissions information for all pollutants (PM10, 

PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3), as required by EPA’s guidance entitled, “Emissions 

Inventory Guidance for Implementation of Ozone and Particulate Matter National Ambient 

Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Regional Haze Regulations.”2

The section first 

describes the PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursor emission estimates for the Reading Area. These 

inventories have been developed in accordance with EPA emission inventory preparation 

guidance. The section then presents information about the permanent and enforceable 

control measures that have been implemented in the Reading Area to produce the PM2.5

and PM2.5 precursor emission reductions that have occurred between these years and that 

will provide emission reductions ensuring maintenance of the standard. 

A. Baseline (2002) Emissions Inventory 

An emissions inventory for the baseline year, 2002, was developed for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, 

NOX, VOC and NH3 in accordance with EPA guidance. The baseline year inventory 

represents the emissions present when the Reading Area did not meet the PM2.5 standard. 

The inventory contains information for these sectors: 

 “Stationary sources” (or “point” sources), which are sources for which the 

Department collects individual emissions-related information. Generally, they 

represent major stationary sources but may be smaller. 

 “Area sources,” which are industrial, commercial, and residential sources too small 

or too numerous to be handled individually. These include but are not limited to 

commercial and residential open burning, architectural and industrial maintenance 

coatings application and clean-up, consumer product use, and vehicle refueling at 

service stations. Where there is overlap between stationary point sources and 

stationary area sources, the area source values are adjusted to remove any double 

counting. 

 “Highway vehicles,” which include passenger cars and light-duty trucks, other 

trucks, buses and motorcycles. 

 “Nonroad sources,” which encompass a diverse collection of engines, including but 

not limited to outdoor power equipment, recreational vehicles, farm and 

construction machinery, lawn and garden equipment, industrial equipment, 

 

2 Emissions Inventory Guidance for Implementation of Ozone and Particulate Matter National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Regional Haze Regulations – EPA-454/R-05-001, August, 2005, updated 

November, 2005. 
- 21 - 

recreational marine vessels, commercial marine vessels, locomotives, ships, and 

aircraft. 

Pennsylvania and other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states participated in a regional 

effort to refine the emissions inventory and to compile a regional emissions inventory. The 

Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association (MARAMA) coordinated that 

regional effort, which allowed states to pool their resources to compile a regional 

emissions inventory for the purpose of conducting the regional modeling analysis used in 

Pennsylvania’s air quality management planning efforts to attain the 8-hour ozone NAAQS 

and the PM2.5 NAAQS, and to prepare the Regional Haze SIP revision. 

Table III-1: 2002 Reading Area Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Reading 2002 PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 577 1,265 14,834 5,363 1,740 9

Area Sources 2,608 14,299 2,131 1,502 8,819 4,284

Highway Vehicle Sources 459 530 306 14,922 5,237 180

Non-Road Sources 212 221 242 3,323 2,331 2

Totals 3,857 16,315 17,514 25,110 18,128 4,475

A summary of the 2002 inventory is shown in Table III-1. The 2002 inventory is not 

directly comparable to the 2007, 2017 and 2025 inventories because of changes in 

inventory methodology and the adjustment made to account for condensable PM emissions 

from EGUs in the 2007, 2017 and 2025 emission inventories. The Technical Appendices

to the Maintenance Plan contain more detailed information about the 2002 emissions for 

each sector. 

B. Attainment Year (2007) Emissions Inventory 

A 2007 inventory of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3 emissions for the Reading 

Area is used to identify emissions during the period when attainment of the PM2.5 NAAQS 

was demonstrated for the Reading Area. A summary of the 2007 inventory is provided in 

Table III-2. 
- 22 - 

Table III-2: 2007 Reading Area Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Reading 2007 PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 1,272 1,922 15,140 5,793 1,237 21

Area Sources 1,859 5,330 2,389 1,289 5,877 3,632

Highway Vehicle Sources 383 452 81 11,374 4,415 163

Non-Road Sources 191 205 106 2,532 2,096 2

Totals 3,704 7,908 17,716 20,988 13,625 3,818

The emissions inventory shows an apparent increase in PM2.5 emissions from stationary 

sources from 2002 to 2007, in part because the 2002 inventory was based on emissions 

reported to the Department by facilities and did not include condensable PM for many 

facilities. The 2007 EGU inventory was augmented utilizing the updated condensable 

emission factors for EGUs developed for MARAMA in 2008 to calculate condensable PM 

emissions where that data was missing. 

Sulfur dioxide emissions in 2007 were 202 tons (1%) more than they were in 2002. The 

SO2 emissions from stationary point sources and area sources increased while the SO2 

emissions from highway vehicle and non-road sources decreased. The small increase can 

be attributed to typical year to year emission fluctuation and is not significant.

The Maintenance Plan describes how the 2007 inventory was compiled. The Technical 

Appendices to the Maintenance Plan contain more detailed information for each sector. 

C. Control Measures 

Along with the analysis of ambient air quality and contributing factors in Section I of this

Request for Redesignation, this section describes the permanent and enforceable federal 

and state measures that provided PM2.5, SO2, NOX and VOC emission reductions from 

2002 to 2007 to bring the Reading Area into attainment and measures that will assure 

maintenance of the standard. In the EPA’s implementation rule, the EPA established 

general presumptive policies for assessing which PM2.5 precursors should be evaluated for 

possible controls. However, the Department recognizes the January 4, 2013, decision of 

the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, 

No. 08-1250, 706 F.3d 428 (DC Cir. 2013). The court noted that PM2.5 precursors are 

presumptively regulated in PM2.5 nonattainment areas under Subpart 4, pointing 

specifically to Section 189(e), which applies to control of major stationary sources of PM10

[the court stated that PM10 includes PM2.5 throughout Subpart 4] (706 F.3d at 436, n. 7, and 

at 437, n. 10). According to CAA Section 189(e), control requirements applicable for 

major stationary sources of PM10 also apply to major stationary sources of PM10

precursors, except where the Administrator determines that major stationary sources do not 

contribute significantly to PM10 levels that exceed the standard in the area; Section 189(e) 

also requires EPA to issue guidelines regarding the application of Subsection (e). 

Pennsylvania assessed emissions of PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3 for the maintenance 
- 23 - 

demonstration. Emissions of NH3 were assessed, although there are no major stationary 

sources of NH3 in the Reading Area. 

PM2.5, NOX, VOC and NH3 emissions in the Reading Area decreased by 4%, 16%, 25% 

and 17%, respectively, from 2002 to 2007. Over the same time period, SO2 emissions 

increased slightly, by 1 percent. The SO2 emissions from stationary point sources and area 

sources increased while the SO2 emissions from highway vehicle and non-road sources 

decreased. The small increase can be attributed to typical year to year emission fluctuation 

and is not considered significant by the Department. As noted above, the decrease in PM2.5

emissions is a conservative estimate because the 2007 inventory was augmented to account 

for condensable PM. 

A summary of the quantity of emission reductions from 2002 to 2007 is included in Table 

III-3. (Negative values indicate emission reductions.) 

Table III-3: Change in Reading Area Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) from 2002 to 

2007

Difference between 2007

and 2002 PM2.5 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 695 305 431 -503 11

Area Sources -750 258 -213 -2,942 -651

Highway Vehicle Sources -77 -225 -3,548 -823 -17

Nonroad Sources -22 -136 -791 -235 0

TOTAL -153 203 -4,122 -4,503 -657

This section also describes the federal and state measures that will provide direct PM2.5, 

SO2, NOX and VOC emission reductions, ensuring maintenance of the standard. 

A summary of the total emissions in 2007 and projected estimates for 2017 and 2025 is 

included in Table III-4. The emission estimates account for any anticipated growth in the 

activity of sources and include a transportation conformity safety margin for PM2.5 and 

NOX. For all pollutants, except NH3, emissions in 2017 and 2025 in the Reading Area are 

anticipated to be lower than they were in 2007. This means that the projected growth in 

emissions is smaller than anticipated emission reductions from control measures for all 

pollutants, except NH3, in the nonattainment area. The small projected increase in NH3

emissions does not present a concern for maintaining the NAAQS because the NH3

emissions overall are small compared with the SO2, NOX and VOC emissions, which are 

all projected to decline. Each measure is explained in greater detail in the following 

sections. 
- 24 - 

Table III-4: Summary of Emission Totals (Tons) in 2007, 2017 and 2025 

Reading PM2.5 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

2007 3,704 17,716 20,988 13,625 3,818

2017* 3,307 15,567 12,386 10,697 4,119

2025* 3,215 15,908 10,186 9,692 4,368

*A portion of the difference between attainment year and maintenance year emissions of PM2.5 and NOX

has been set aside as a transportation conformity safety margin to accommodate unanticipated growth in 

highway vehicles. The emissions in Table III-4 reflect inclusion of that safety margin. 

1. Stationary Point Sources 

Background. In 1998, EPA promulgated the NOX SIP Call as the EPA’s principal effort 

to reduce interstate transport of air pollution (63 FR 57356; October 27, 1998). In 

response to the federal NOX SIP call rule, Pennsylvania adopted the NOX Budget Trading 

Program regulations for EGUs and large industrial boilers, with emission reductions to 

commence May 1, 2003. The regulations were approved by EPA as a revision to the 

Commonwealth’s SIP on August 21, 2001 (66 FR 43795). Additionally, in response to the 

NOX SIP Call, Pennsylvania adopted additional NOX control regulations covering cement 

plants and internal combustion engines, with emission reductions to commence 

May 1, 2005. These regulations were approved by EPA as a SIP revision on 

September 29, 2006 (71 FR 57428). 

Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). In 2005, EPA adopted CAIR (70 FR 25162; 

May 12, 2005, as amended) to address interstate transport of NOX and SO2. CAIR is now 

being implemented in Pennsylvania through the Department’s CAIR regulation, codified in 

25 Pa. Code Chapter 145, Subchapter D, with related amendments in Chapters 121, 129 

and 145. EPA approved Pennsylvania’s CAIR SIP revision on December 10, 2009, 

codified at 40 CFR §52.2020(c)(1) (74 FR 65446). In the CAIR SIP revision, 

Pennsylvania terminated the NOX Budget Trading Program and transitioned to the federal 

CAIR for large electric generating units (EGU). 

The market-based CAIR is designed to reduce EGU emissions of NOX and SO2 below 

2002 levels throughout the eastern United States. Pennsylvania and the other CAIR states 

were required to adopt a regulation implementing the requirements of the CAIR or an 

equivalent program. The large EGUs in Pennsylvania were initially regulated under CAIR 

FIPs promulgated by EPA, but have been regulated under the SIP since EPA approved 

Pennsylvania’s CAIR SIP revision. Under the SIP revision, Pennsylvania participates in 

the EPA-administered cap-and-trade programs for NOX annual, NOX ozone season, and 

SO2 annual emissions. 

EPA’s CAIR was remanded to EPA for revisions by the United States Court of Appeals for 

the District of Columbia on December 23, 2008 (See, North Carolina v. EPA, 

531 F.3d 896, modified, 550 F.3d 1176 (D.C. Cir. 2008)). Following remand, EPA 

replaced CAIR with the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), but in a separate legal 
- 25 - 

challenge the court vacated CSAPR. In that ruling, the court ordered EPA to continue 

administering CAIR pending the promulgation of a valid replacement (See, EME Homer 

City Generation L.P. v. EPA, 696 F.3d 7 (D.C. Cir. 2012, rehearing denied, 2013 U.S. 

App. LEXIS 1623 and 1624 (D.C. Cir. Jan. 24, 2013)). On June 24, 2013, the Supreme 

Court of the United States accepted review of the case. Following the Circuit Court’s 

direction, CAIR remains in place pending the Supreme Court’s review. 

NOX Budget Trading Program limits on non-EGUs. The CAIR SIP revision also 

established emission limits for the non-EGUs and other units that were subject to the 

Commonwealth’s NOX Budget Trading Program but are not subject to the CAIR NOX

Ozone Season Trading Program. These units must continue monitoring NOX emissions 

and must meet an emissions cap. Each unit has an allowable emission rate, calculated by 

January 31 of each year, based on the previous ozone season’s heat input. If the combined 

NOX ozone season emissions from all of these units exceed the statewide ozone season 

emission cap of 3,438 tons, each unit that exceeds its individual allowable emissions limit 

for that ozone season must surrender to the Department one CAIR NOX ozone season 

allowance and one CAIR NOX annual allowance for each ton of emissions over its 

allowable emission limit. In addition, the Commonwealth has set aside 181 tons of NOX,

including tons that will be retired each year to compensate for sources that were exempted 

under the ‘‘twenty-five ton exemption’’ in 25 Pa. Code § 145.4(b) 3. The balance of tons 

remaining in the set aside is available to the Department annually for accounting 

corrections. The Commonwealth retires any unused amount from this set aside each year. 

It is unlikely that the 3,438-ton statewide NOX ozone season emission limitation will be 

exceeded. Pennsylvania’s non-EGU sources’ total emissions during each of the years they 

were trading under the NOX Budget Trading Program never exceeded the statewide cap of 

3,438 tons. 

The Department’s regulation, codified in 25 Pa. Code §145.8(d), was approved by EPA on 

December 10, 2009, and codified in the SIP at 40 CFR §52.2020(c)(1). 

Cement kilns and large stationary internal combustion engines. The CAIR SIP 

revision also included regulations updating the cement manufacturing and large stationary 

internal combustion engine regulations that were adopted pursuant to the NOX SIP Call. 

Until 2009, cement kilns and large stationary internal combustion engines that were subject 

to the NOX SIP Call were required to surrender NOX SIP Call allowances if they exceeded

their NOX emission limits set forth in Department regulations. Because the Department 

discontinued the NOX Budget Trading Program beginning 2009, at which point NOX SIP 

Call allowances were replaced by CAIR NOX ozone season allowances, the Department 

modified the regulations to require surrender of CAIR NOX ozone season and CAIR NOX

annual allowances for emission limit exceedances. 

The Department’s regulations for large stationary internal combustion engines and cement 

kilns, codified in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 145, Subchapters B and C, respectively, were 

approved by EPA on December 10, 2009, and codified at 40 CFR § 51.2020(c)(1). An 

amendment to the Department’s regulation for cement kilns to reduce NOX emissions 
- 26 - 

effective April 15, 2011, codified in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 145, Subchapter C, was 

approved by EPA on July 19, 2011, and codified at 40 CFR §51.2020(c)(1). 

Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD). The PSD program is a preconstruction 

review and permitting program applicable to new or modified major stationary sources 

subject to Title I, Parts C and D of the federal CAA. The PSD requirements are applicable 

in areas attaining the NAAQS. The Department’s PSD regulations, codified in 25 Pa.Code 

Chapter 127, Subchapter D, were approved by the EPA on August 21, 1984 and codified at 

40 CFR § 52.2058 (49 FR 33128). The federal PSD regulations codified in 40 CFR Part 

52 are incorporated by reference in their entirety in 25 Pa. Code § 127.83 (relating to 

adoption by reference). The PSD program requires any new source to implement Best 

Available Control Technology (BACT) and limits a new source's allowable impact on the 

environment.

Best Available Technology (BAT) Program. Pennsylvania regulations require, in 

25 Pa. Code § 127.1, that new sources in Pennsylvania must control the emission of air 

pollutants to the maximum extent, consistent with the best available technology as 

determined by the Department as of the date of issuance of the plan approval for the new 

source. Under 25 Pa. Code §127.12(a)(5), an application for a plan approval must show 

that the emissions from a new source will be the minimum attainable through the use of the 

best available technology. Pennsylvania regulations define “best available technology” in 

25 Pa. Code § 121.1 as, “Equipment, devices, methods or techniques as determined by the 

Department which will prevent, reduce or control emissions of air contaminants to the 

maximum degree possible and which are available or may be made available.” The 

Department’s BAT regulations, codified in 25 Pa. Code §§ 127.1 and 127.12(a)(5), were 

approved by EPA on July 30, 1996, and codified in the SIP at 40 CFR §52.2020(c)(1).

The following federally enforceable programs, already incorporated in the 

Commonwealth’s SIP, will also reduce emissions.

Federal Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Federal standards to control 

hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) require Maximum Achievable Control Technology 

(MACT) at units located at major sources of HAPs. The EPA has issued a series of 

regulations that are applicable to sources in Pennsylvania. These MACT standards are 

adopted and incorporated by reference in Section 6.6 of Pennsylvania’s Air Pollution 

Control Act and implementing regulations in 25 Pa. Code § 127.35 (relating to maximum 

achievable control technology standards for hazardous air pollutants) and are also included 

in federally enforceable permits issued by the Department for affected sources.

2. Highway Vehicle Sources 

Even with increases in vehicle miles travelled (VMT) that occurred between 2002 and 

2007, and are anticipated to occur from 2007 through 2025, highway vehicle emissions 

will continue to decrease. As more vehicles subject to cleaner new car standards replace 

older vehicles subject to less stringent new vehicle standards, the fleet as a whole emits 
- 27 - 

fewer emissions, compensating for the increase in VMT. These decreases can be attributed 

to the programs described below. 

Federal Motor Vehicle Control Programs (FMVCP) and Pennsylvania Clean Vehicle 

Program for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks and cleaner gasoline. Tier 1 

tailpipe standards established by the CAA Amendments of 1990 include NOX and VOC 

limits for light-duty gasoline vehicles (LDGVs) and light-duty gasoline trucks (LDGTs). 

These standards began to be phased in 1994. Evaporative VOC emissions were reduced in 

gasoline-powered cars starting with Model Year (MY) 1998. 

In 1998, under the authority of Section 177 of the CAA, the Pennsylvania Environmental 

Quality Board (EQB) adopted the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program (28 Pa.B. 5873; 

Dec. 5, 1998). The Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program incorporates by reference 

certain California Low Emission Vehicle (CA LEV) emission standards for passenger cars 

and light-duty trucks. As required under Section 177 of the CAA, these provisions are 

identical to the low emission standards adopted by California. The regulation does not 

incorporate by reference the California zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) or emissions control 

warranty systems statement provisions. 

In the same rulemaking, the EQB adopted the National Low Emission Vehicle (NLEV) 

program as a compliance alternative to the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program. The 

NLEV program became effective in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) in 1999. 

Pennsylvania’s New Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Program regulations in 

25 Pa. Code §§ 126.401-126.441 allowed automobile manufacturers to comply with 

NLEV instead of the CA LEV program through MY 2005. These regulations affected 

vehicles 6,000 pounds and less and were the regulations in effect for new motor vehicles in 

the baseline year, 2002. 

In 1999, the EPA promulgated regulations more stringent than NLEV (Tier 2), starting 

with MY 2004. The NLEV program was replaced for MY 2004 and later by the more 

stringent Federal “Tier 2” vehicle emissions regulations (65 FR 6698; Feb. 10, 2000), and 

vehicle manufacturers operating under the NLEV program became subject to the Tier 2 

requirements. 

Pennsylvania amended the former New Motor Vehicle Control Program in 2006. The 

Clean Vehicles Program continues to incorporate the California Low Emission Vehicle 

Program (CA LEV II) by reference. As amended, the program affects MY 2008 and newer 

passenger cars and light-duty trucks vehicles (36 Pa.B. 7424; Dec. 9, 2006, corrected 

37 Pa.B. 209; Jan. 12, 2007, eff. Dec. 9, 2006). EPA approved Pennsylvania’s Clean 

Vehicle Program as a revision to the Commonwealth’s SIP on January 24, 2012 

(77 FR 3386).

Heavy-Duty Diesel Control Programs. The EPA promulgated more stringent national 

regulations for heavy-duty engines and vehicles (over 14,000 pounds) starting with 

MY 2004. In addition, consent decrees with seven of the largest heavy-duty engine 

manufacturers required, among other terms, that diesel engines made by these companies 
- 28 - 

comply with these 2004 standards two model years early, in MY 2002. The emission 

reductions from these programs are reflected in the future year emission inventories, as 

provided in the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model. 

In 2002, the EQB adopted the Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program for model 

years starting after May 2004. The program incorporates California standards by reference 

and requires MY 2005 and subsequent new heavy-duty diesel highway engines to be those 

certified by California. California standards were more stringent than federal standards for 

the two model years between expiration of the consent decrees discussed above 

(MYs 2005 and 2006) and the implementation of more stringent federal standards affecting 

MY 2007 and beyond. However, EPA’s MOVES model already assumed that the engines 

would comply with consent decree standards, even without an enforcement mechanism. 

The Department has used MOVES defaults to calculate emissions from MY 2005 and 

2006 highway engines. 

The EPA adopted new emission standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles for 

MY 2007 and subsequent. For diesel engines, the standards were phased in from 2007 to 

2010 for NOX and VOCs. For gasoline engines, the standards were phased in during 

MY 2008 and 2009. Federal and California standards are virtually identical for MY 2007. 

For MY 2008, California adopted requirements for idling restriction engine programming 

and an optional “clean NOX idle” standard. However, there is no EPA-approved 

methodology to estimate emission reductions from this requirement. Therefore, the 

emission estimates use assumptions of the federal rule for MY 2007 through 2010. 

Because the new engine standards are adversely affected by sulfur in fuel, the EPA also 

required most highway diesel fuel to contain no more than 15 parts per million (ppm) of 

sulfur, beginning in the fall of 2006. There was a temporary compliance option allowing 

refiners to continue to produce up to 20 percent of their highway diesel fuel at 500 ppm 

fuel until 2010. The Department used MOVES defaults to estimate the effects of the 

phase-in provision. 

Vehicle Emission Inspection/Maintenance Program. In early 2004, Pennsylvania 

expanded its Vehicle Emission Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Program into the Reading 

Area. The program applies to gasoline-powered vehicles 9,000 pounds and under, model 

years 1975 and newer. For vehicles 1996 and newer, the program consists of an annual 

on-board diagnostics test and a gas cap pressure test. For subject vehicles 1995 and older, 

the program consists of an annual visual inspection of pollution control devices to ensure 

they are present, connected and the proper type for the vehicle and a gas cap pressure test. 

These regulations can be found in 67 Pa. Code Chapter 177. The Department submitted 

the expanded emissions program as a SIP revision on December 1, 2003. EPA approved 

the SIP revision on October 6, 2005 (70 FR 58313). 

Low sulfur gasoline. Sulfur is a natural component in crude oil that ends up in gasoline 

and diesel unless removed. Sulfur in gasoline impairs the effectiveness of emission control 

systems and contributes to air pollution. By removing most sulfur from gasoline, new 
- 29 - 

advanced emission controls will work longer and more efficiently, and air pollution will be 

reduced.

The 1999 federal Tier 2 regulations (65 FR 6698; Feb.10, 2000) reduced the sulfur content 

of gasoline by up to 90 percent, enabling the use of new emission control technologies in 

cars and trucks that reduce harmful air pollution. The emission inventory analysis in the 

Maintenance Plan submitted concurrently with this Request for Redesignation uses the 

default assumptions provided in MOVES2010 to account for the implementation of the 

federal standards for low sulfur gasoline. Requirements for use of low-sulfur gasoline 

enabled use of advanced emission control systems in light-duty vehicles beginning in 

model year 2004. Vehicles meeting Tier 2 emission standards are 77 to 95 percent cleaner 

than earlier models.

Currently, EPA has proposed a rulemaking reducing sulfur limits in gasoline further with a 

Tier 3 Low Sulfur Gasoline program (78 FR 29816; May 21, 2013). The Tier 3 program 

would reduce sulfur levels in gasoline to 10 parts per million or lower. When 

implemented, this program, by 2030, would increase the effectiveness of vehicle emission 

controls even further and reduce tailpipe emissions of NOX by 29 percent and VOC by 26 

percent.

3. Nonroad Sources 

The EPA has adopted a series of regulations affecting new diesel-powered (“compression 

ignition”) and gasoline-powered (“spark ignition”) nonroad engines of various sizes 

(horsepower) and applications. Information on these federal rules, including their 

implementation dates, can be found at www.epa.gov/nonroad. The Department used the 

assumptions built into the nonroad model (NONROAD2005) and NMIM to estimate 

emissions for all milestone years. 

While the EPA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking for more stringent standards 

for locomotives and large commercial marine diesel engines, the agency has not finalized 

any new standards. 

On June 29, 2004, EPA adopted a rule establishing a comprehensive national program to 

reduce emissions from nonroad diesel engines (69 FR 38958). The rule phased in 

requirements for reducing the sulfur content of diesel used in nonroad diesel engines. The 

reduction in fuel sulfur content prevents damage to the more advanced emission control 

systems needed to meet the engine standards; it will also reduce fine particulate emissions 

from diesel engines. In 2007, fuel sulfur levels were limited to 500 ppm for nonroad 

applications other than ocean-going marine vessels. In 2010, fuel sulfur levels were 

reduced to the same sulfur concentration as in highway fuel, 15 ppm; this requirement 

began applying in 2012 to locomotive and marine diesel fuel. EPA adopted technical 

amendments to the program in rules published in the Federal Register on 

November 22, 2005 (70 FR 70498), and May 1, 2006 (71 FR 25706). On April 30, 2010 

(75 FR 22896), EPA adopted changes to the nonroad diesel fuel program to allow for the 

production and sale of diesel fuel with up to 1000 ppm sulfur for use in Category 3 marine 
- 30 - 

vessels. This requirement does not impact the Reading Area because the Reading Area 

does not have emissions from commercial marine vessels. 

4. Stationary Area Sources 

Consumer Products. This regulation applies statewide to any person who sells, supplies, 

offers for sale, or manufactures certain consumer products on or after January 1, 2005, for 

use in the Commonwealth. The program is contained in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 130, 

Subchapter B. It was submitted to the EPA as a SIP revision on March 26, 2003, and 

approved on December 8, 2004 (69 FR 70895). Additional regulations were adopted on 

October 11, 2008, submitted to the EPA as a SIP revision on March 11, 2009, and 

approved on October 18, 2010 (75 FR 63717). 

Adhesives, Sealants, Primers and Solvents. The EQB adopted a regulation in 2010 to 

control VOC emissions from adhesives, sealants, primers and solvents. This regulation 

was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on December 25, 2010 (40 Pa.B. 7340), and 

approved by EPA as a SIP revision on September 26, 2012 (77 FR 59090). 
- 31 - 

IV. MAINTENANCE PLAN 

The Maintenance Plan for the Reading Area is being submitted to EPA for approval as a 

SIP revision concurrently with this Request for Redesignation. The Maintenance Plan 

shows that the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS will be maintained for at least 10 years after 

redesignation. Eight years following redesignation, the Commonwealth will submit a 

revised plan that ensures attainment through 2035. 

The Maintenance Plan shows that emission levels of PM2.5, SO2, NOX and VOC over the 

10 years following redesignation will remain below the emissions level in 2007, while 

allowing for growth in population and vehicle miles traveled. The small projected increase 

in NH3 emissions does not present a concern for maintaining the NAAQS because the NH3

emissions overall are small compared with the SO2, NOX and VOC emissions, which are 

all projected to decline. The following state and federal programs will ensure the 

continuing decline of SO2, NOX, direct PM2.5, and VOC emissions:

 CAIR; 

 Emission limits for large industrial boilers; 

 State regulation of cement kilns, large stationary internal combustion engines, and 

smaller sources of NOX; 

 State regulations incorporating by reference the federal Prevention of Significant 

Deterioration (PSD) regulations; 

 State requirements for Best Available Technology (BAT); 

 State regulation of the sulfur content of fuel oil; 

 State regulation of VOC emissions from adhesives, sealants, primers and solvents; 

 The Pennsylvania and federal new motor vehicle emission control programs for 

passenger and light-duty trucks; 

 The Pennsylvania and federal heavy-duty diesel emission control programs; 

 Federal fuel programs for highway vehicles and nonroad mobile equipment; and 

 Federal regulation of off-road diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. 

Emission reductions from Pennsylvania’s Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act, Act 

124 of 2008 (Idling Act) were not included in the 2017 and 2025 emission inventories, 

and, thus, were not relied upon for the demonstration of maintenance. The Idling Act was 

approved by EPA as a SIP revision on August 1, 2011 (76 FR 45705). Similarly, NOX and 
- 32 - 

VOC emission reductions from Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers regulation 

were not included in the 2017 and 2025 emission inventories, and, were not relied upon for 

the demonstration of maintenance. The Outdoor Wood-Fired Boiler regulation was 

published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 2, 2010 (40 Pa.B. 5571) and approved 

by EPA as a SIP revision on September 20, 2011 (76 FR 58114). However, emission 

reductions from these measures may nonetheless assist the Reading Area in maintaining air 

quality. 

DEP has provided in the Maintenance Plan assurances that it will continue to operate the 

ambient air quality monitoring network in order to track maintenance of the standard and 

to evaluate emissions inventories periodically compared to the projections provided in the 

plan. DEP has also provided in the Maintenance Plan a list of contingency measures that it 

would consider to correct any violation of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS that might occur after 

redesignation of the area. 
- 33 - 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AEO Annual Energy Outlook 

AQS EPA’s Air Quality System 

AQTAC DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee 

BACT Best Available Control Technology 

BAT Best Available Technology 

CAA Clean Air Act 

CAIR Clean Air Interstate Rule 

CA LEV California Low Emission Vehicle (program) 

CAMx Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extension 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CMV Commercial Marine Vessel 

DEP Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation 

EGU Electric Generating Unit 

EIA Energy Information Administration 

EIS Emission Inventory System 

EPA The United States Environmental Protection Agency 

EQB Environmental Quality Board 

ERC Emission Reduction Credit 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FIP Federal Implementation Plan 

FMVCP Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program 

FR Federal Register 

FRM Federal Reference Method 

GDP Gross Domestic Product 

GHCN Global Historical Climatology Network 

HAP Hazardous Air Pollutant 

I/M Inspection and Maintenance 

IRRC Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

LDGV Light Duty Gasoline Vehicles 

LDGT Light Duty Gasoline Trucks 

LRP Long Range Plan 

MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technology 

MARAMA Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association 

MM5 Mesoscale Model 

MOVES Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator 

MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization 

MY Model Year 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standard 

NAICS North American Industry Classification System 

NEI National Emissions Inventory 

NH3 Ammonia 

NLEV National Low Emission Vehicle (program) 

NMIM National Mobile Inventory Model 
- 34 - 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NONROAD Nonroad Model 

NOX Oxides of Nitrogen 

NSR New Source Review 

OTC Ozone Transport Commission 

OTR Ozone Transport Region 

OWB Outdoor Wood-fired Boiler 

PennDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 

PM Particulate Matter 

PM2.5 Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter or Fine Particulates 

PM10 Particulate Matter less than 10 microns in diameter 

ppm parts per million 

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

RWC Residential Wood Combustion 

SCC Source Classification Code 

SIP State Implementation Plan 

SO2 Sulfur Dioxide 

TAF Terminal Area Forecast 

TCM Transportation Control Measures 

TIP Transportation Improvement Program 

TSD Technical Support Document 

μg/m3 Microgram per cubic meter

μm Micrometer 

VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled 

VOC Volatile Organic Compound 

ZEV Zero Emissions Vehicle 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN REVISION: 

MAINTENANCE PLAN AND 

COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY 

READING NONATTAINMENT AREA

1997 FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

NOVEMBER 2013 

Bureau of Air Quality 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 

P.O. Box 8468 

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8468 

717-787-9495

www.dep.state.pa.us
[This page intentionally left blank.] 
Table of Contents 

I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ........................................................................... 1

A. Health and Environmental Effects of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) .............. 1

B. Sources of PM2.5 and Precursor Pollutants of Concern ........................................ 2

C. Purpose and Structure of this SIP Revision .......................................................... 4

D. Public Participation ................................................................................................. 7

II. EMISSION INVENTORIES.......................................................................................... 8

A. Emissions Inventory Methodology for Baseline Year (2002) and Attainment 

Year (2007) Emissions .......................................................................................... 9

B. Baseline Year (2002) Emissions ............................................................................ 13

C. Attainment Year (2007) Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) ............................. 13

D. Growth Projection Methodologies for 2017 and 2025 ........................................ 14

E. Interim Year (2017) Emissions.............................................................................. 17

F. Maintenance Year (2025) Emissions ..................................................................... 18

G. Maintenance Plan Emissions Test ........................................................................ 18

III. PERMANENT AND ENFORCEABLE CONTROL MEASURES .......................... 20

A. Permanent and Enforceable Control Measures .................................................. 20

1. Stationary Point Sources ....................................................................................... 22

2. Highway Vehicle Sources ..................................................................................... 25

3. Nonroad Sources ................................................................................................... 27

4. Stationary Area Sources ........................................................................................ 28

B. Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets for Transportation Conformity .................... 29

V. VERIFICATION OF CONTINUED ATTAINMENT ................................................ 33

VI. CONTINGENCY MEASURES ................................................................................. 33

Table of Tables 

Table II-1: Reading Area 2002 Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) .......................... 13

Table II-2: Reading Area 2007 Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) .......................... 14

Table II-3: Reading Area VMT (Miles) and Vehicle Emissions (Tons per Year) .... 17

Table II-4: Reading Area Projected 2017 Emissions (Tons per Year) ...................... 18

Table II-5: Reading Area Projected 2025 Emissions (Tons per Year) ...................... 18

Table III-1: Summary of Emission Reductions (Tons) from 2007 to 2025 ................ 21

from Control Measures .................................................................................................. 21

Table III-2: Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (Tons per Year) ................................. 30

Table III-3 Comparison of Safety Margin to Total Anticipated Emission Reductions 

in 2017 and 2025 ...................................................................................................... 30

Table III-4: Comparison of 2025 On-Road Mobile VOC, NH3, and SO2 Emissions to 

the Total Projected 2025 Inventory ....................................................................... 31
APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A: STATIONARY POINT SOURCES

A-1 Methodology – Preparation of Pennsylvania Point Source Inventories and Instructions 

for Completing the Annual Emissions Reporting Forms

A-2 Facility Annual Emissions – 2002

A-3 Facility Annual Emissions – 2007, 2017, 2025

A-4 Banked Emissions Reduction Credits

APPENDIX B: STATIONARY AREA SOURCES 

B-1 Pennsylvania 2002 Area Source Criteria Air Pollutant Emission Estimation Methods

(EH Pechan, Feb. 2004)

B-2 Pennsylvania 2007 Area Source Criteria Air Pollutant Emission Estimation Methods

(Dec. 2009)

B-3 Area Source Annual Emissions – 2002

B-4 Area Source Annual Emissions – 2007, 2017, 2025

APPENDIX C: REGIONAL EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND PROJECTION

METHODOLOGY

C-1 Technical Support Document for the Development of the 2007Emission Inventories for 

Regional Air Quality Modeling in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region Version 3.3

(AMEC Environment & Infrastructure and SRA International, Inc. for MARAMA, 

January 2012)

C-2 Technical Support Document for the Development of the 2017/2020 Emission 

Inventories for Regional Air Quality Modeling in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region 

Version 3.3 (AMEC Environment & Infrastructure and SRA International, Inc. for 

MARAMA, January 2012)

C-3 Technical Support Document for the Development of the 2025 Emission Inventory for 

PM Nonattainment Counties in the MANE-VU Region Version 3.3 Rev.1 (AMEC 

Environment & Infrastructure and SRA International, Inc. for MARAMA, January 

2012)

C-4 Technical Memo Emission Factors for Condensable PM

APPENDIX D: HIGHWAY VEHICLE SOURCES INVENTORY INFORMATION

D-1 Mobile Source Highway Emissions Inventory – An Explanation of Methodology

D-2 Highway Emissions Estimates – 2002, 2007, 2017, 2025

D-3 MOVES Input Parameter Summary

APPENDIX E: NONROAD SOURCES 

E-1 Emissions Estimation Methodology – 2002

E-2 Nonroad Source Emissions – 2002

E-3 Nonroad Source Emissions – 2007, 2017, 2025
- 1 - 

I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 

A. Health and Environmental Effects of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in 

air that include: acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust 

particles and allergens (such as fragments of pollen or mold spores). Fine particle 

pollution or PM2.5 describes particulate matter that is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers 

(μm) in diameter, approximately 1/30th the diameter of a human hair. Because of their 

small size, fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs. 

Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to fine particles and 

premature death from heart or lung disease. Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung 

diseases and have been linked to effects such as cardiovascular symptoms, cardiac 

arrhythmias, heart attacks, respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks, and bronchitis. These 

effects can result in increased hospital admissions, emergency room visits, absences from 

school or work, and restricted activity days. Individuals that may be particularly sensitive 

to fine particle exposure include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and 

children. The article, “Fine-Particulate Air Pollution and Life Expectancy in the United 

States” by C. Arden Pope, III, et al. published January 22, 2009, in the New England 

Journal of Medicine evaluated the role PM2.5 reductions occurring in the 1980s and 1990s 

had on the increased life expectancy observed over that period. The study found that a 

reduction of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) of PM2.5 was associated with an 

average increase in life expectancy of 7.3 months. 

PM2.5 has significant environmental impacts, including acid rain and stream 

eutrophication. PM2.5 also affects visibility (regional haze) through the scattering and 

absorption of light. Fine particles, similar in size to the wavelength of light, are most 

efficient, per unit of mass, at reducing visibility. Soiling and materials damage can also be 

caused by PM2.5 in the air. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued PM2.5 national ambient 

air quality standards (NAAQS) in 1997 after evaluating hundreds of health studies and 

conducting an extensive peer review process. The EPA established an annual primary 

(health-based) and secondary (welfare-based) standard of 15.0 μg/m3, based on the 3-year 

average of annual mean PM2.5 concentrations. The EPA also established a primary and 

secondary 24-hour standard of 65 μg/m3determined by the 3-year average of the 98th 

percentile of 24-hour concentrations. 

On December 17, 2004, the EPA issued air quality designations for the PM2.5 standard 

based on air quality monitoring data from 2001-2003. The final designations were 

published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 944). The designations 

became effective on April 5, 2005. On April 5, 2005, the EPA issued a supplemental 

notice changing the designation of certain areas from nonattainment to attainment based on 

newly available air quality data. The EPA supplemental notice was published in the
- 2 - 

Federal Register on April 14, 2005 (70 FR 19844). Mercer County was the only county in 

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth or Pennsylvania) affected by the 

April 5, 2005, supplemental notice. 

The Reading Area was one of eight areas in Pennsylvania designated by the EPA as 

nonattainment for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. The eight areas comprise all or parts of 21 

Pennsylvania counties. The EPA designated the Reading Area, consisting of Berks County 

in Pennsylvania, as nonattainment because the area violated the 1997 annual standard of 

15.0 μg/m3based on 2001-2003 monitoring data. The Reading Area did not violate the 

1997 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS of 65 μg/m3.

B. Sources of PM2.5 and Precursor Pollutants of Concern 

Fine particle pollution can be emitted directly or formed secondarily in the atmosphere. 

PM2.5 emitted directly into the air in a stable solid or liquid chemical form (including PM2.5

that is formed near its source by condensation) is referred to as “primary” PM2.5. PM2.5 

formed by chemical reactions of gases in the atmosphere is considered to be “secondary” 

PM2.5. The chemical composition of PM2.5 in an area depends on the mix of emissions, 

location, time of year, and weather. The chemical composition of PM2.5 can include 

sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, particle-bound water, black (elemental) carbon, a great variety 

of organic compounds, and miscellaneous inorganic material, such as dust and metals. 

Primary PM2.5 includes soot from diesel engines, condensed organic material from 

incomplete combustion and compounds from condensation during combustion or smelting. 

The atmospheric chemistry of PM2.5 formation is complex. Formation of secondary PM2.5

depends on numerous factors, including the relative concentration of precursors, 

atmospheric conditions and the interactions of precursors with each other and with other 

particles, clouds or fog. The contribution of different precursors will vary by location. 

The principal forms of secondary PM2.5 include:

 Sulfates, formed from emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from power plants and 

industrial facilities; 

 Nitrates, formed from emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) from power plants, 

vehicles, and other combustion sources; 

 Ammonium, formed primarily from emissions of ammonia (NH3) from animal 

operations; and 

 Secondary organic aerosol, formed from emissions of volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs) from incomplete combustion and evaporation from a wide diversity of 

sources. 

Because of the complexity and variability of the process of particulate matter formation, 

the EPA recognizes that effective control measures for PM2.5 will vary among 

nonattainment areas. In the EPA’s “Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule” 
- 3 - 

(72 FR 20586; April 25, 2007) (the implementation rule), the EPA established general 

presumptive policies for assessing which PM2.5 precursors should be evaluated for possible 

controls. 1 In the implementation rule, the EPA required states to evaluate control 

measures for SO2 and primary PM2.5 in all locations. The EPA required states to evaluate 

control measures for NOX unless a technical demonstration is made to show that NOX

emissions from sources in the state do not significantly contribute to PM2.5 concentrations 

in the nonattainment area. The EPA required states to evaluate measures for VOC and 

NH3 only if a technical demonstration is made to show VOC or NH3 emissions 

significantly contribute to PM2.5 in the nonattainment area. 

The Department recognizes the January 4, 2013, decision of the Court of Appeals for the 

D.C. Circuit, in Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, No. 08-1250, 706 F.3d 428 

(DC Cir. 2013). In its decision, the court granted petitions for review that challenged 

EPA’s implementation rule. After considering the petitions and EPA’s response to them, 

the court remanded the case to EPA to re-promulgate the rule pursuant to Subpart 4 of 

Part D of the Clean Air Act, rather than implementing it under Subpart 1, as EPA had done 

(706 F.3d at 437). Because the Court remanded rather than vacated the implementation 

rule, the implementation rule remains in effect unless and until EPA rescinds it or 

promulgates a replacement. In any event, this maintenance plan demonstrates maintenance 

of the standard consistent with the court’s ruling.

In general, the court’s decision could affect an area’s nonattainment classification, certain 

deadlines, and the impacts of failing to attain timely, and could impose a deadline for 

implementation of reasonably available and best available control measures 

(706 F.3d at 436, n. 6). Since the Reading Area is already attaining the NAAQS, however, 

those considerations are not relevant for this maintenance plan. The court noted that PM2.5

precursors, including ammonia and VOCs, are presumptively regulated in PM2.5

nonattainment areas under Subpart 4, pointing specifically to section 189(e), which applies 

to control of major stationary sources of PM10 [the court stated that PM10 includes PM2.5

throughout Subpart 4] (706 F.3d at 436, n. 7, and at 437, n. 10). According to 

CAA Section 189(e), control requirements applicable for major stationary sources of PM10

also apply to major stationary sources of PM10 precursors, except where the Administrator 

determines that major stationary sources do not contribute significantly to PM10 levels that 

exceed the standard in the area; Section 189(e) also requires EPA to issue guidelines 

regarding the application of Subsection (e). Pennsylvania assessed emissions of PM2.5, 

SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3 for the maintenance demonstration. Pennsylvania assessed 

emissions of NH3 although there are no major stationary sources of NH3 in the Reading 

Area. 

This State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision provides emissions information for all 

pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3), as required by EPA’s guidance 

entitled, “Emissions Inventory Guidance for Implementation of Ozone and Particulate 

 

1 The EPA’s definition of “PM2.5 attainment plan precursor” can be found in 40 CFR Section 51.1000, 

which reads: “PM2.5 attainment plan precursor means SO2 and those other PM2.5 precursors emitted by 

sources in the State which the State must evaluate for emission reduction measures to be included in its PM2.5

nonattainment area or maintenance area plan.” 
- 4 - 

Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Regional Haze. 

Regulations.”2

C. Purpose and Structure of this SIP Revision 

In December 2004, after consultation with states and receipt of public input, the EPA 

designated eight areas in Pennsylvania, comprising all or parts of 21 Pennsylvania 

counties, as PM2.5 nonattainment areas based on air quality monitoring data from 2001 –

2003. Under Section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), Pennsylvania is required to develop 

a revision to the SIP to demonstrate how the Reading Area will attain the standard by 

April 2010, meet emission reduction requirements in the CAA and ensure that in the event 

of a future violation or failure to meet emission reduction milestones, the area is brought 

back to attainment as quickly as possible. 

However, on September 25, 2009 (74 FR 48863), the EPA determined that the Reading 

Area had attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS based on quality assured, quality controlled and 

certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment based on 

2006-2008 data (“Clean Data Determination”). This final action suspended the 

requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably 

available control measures, reasonable further progress plans, contingency measures and 

other planning SIP revisions related to the attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS for so 

long as the area continues to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS.

3

The determination of attainment in the Clean Data Determination did not “redesignate” the 

area as “attainment.” The Reading Area remains a designated nonattainment area for the 

1997 PM2.5 NAAQS until the Commonwealth submits, and EPA approves, a Request for 

Redesignation and a Maintenance Plan showing the area can maintain the standard for at 

least 10 years. Nonattainment new source review continues to apply until EPA 

redesignates the area as attainment (72 FR 20603). 

Transportation conformity and general conformity also apply; they will continue to apply 

to the area even after redesignation by EPA as attainment. The Clean Data Determination 

does not suspend the CAA Sec 172(c)(3) requirement to establish a comprehensive 

inventory for all pollutants considered potential precursors to PM2.5 and for direct 

emissions of PM2.5. 

This SIP revision contains the Maintenance Plan for the Reading Area and the 2007 

comprehensive inventory required under Section 172(c)(3) of the CAA for point, area, 

highway and nonroad sources of direct PM2.5, PM10 (particles less than 10 microns in 

diameter), SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3. The 2007 comprehensive inventory also serves as 

 

2 Emissions Inventory Guidance for Implementation of Ozone and Particulate Matter National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Regional Haze Regulations – EPA-454/R-05-001, August, 2005, updated 

November, 2005. 

3 The EPA followed this action on July 29, 2011 (76 FR 45424) with a statutorily required determination 

under Section 179(c) of the CAA, that the Reading Area attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable 

attainment date of April 5, 2010. EPA based this determination on complete, quality assured, and certified 

ambient air monitoring data that show the area monitored attainment for the 2007-2009 monitoring period. 
- 5 - 

the attainment year inventory representing the emissions present during a period the 

Reading Area was attaining the PM2.5 NAAQS.

To demonstrate maintenance of the PM2.5 NAAQS for this area, Pennsylvania is showing 

that the future emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors will remain at levels that will provide 

for maintenance of the PM2.5 NAAQS for at least 10 years, taking economic, population 

and travel growth into account (See, EPA, “Procedures for Processing Requests to 

Redesignate Areas to Attainment,” John Calcagni (September 4, 1992) (1992 Calcagni 

Memo)). This Maintenance Plan contains an attainment year inventory for 2007 and 

demonstrates that emissions will not be greater in 2017 and 2025 than the attainment year, 

with the exception of NH3. The small projected increase in NH3 emissions does not 

present a concern for maintaining the NAAQS because the NH3 emissions overall are 

small compared with the SO2, NOX and VOC emissions, which are all projected to 

continue to decline in the Reading Area. The plan describes emission reduction measures 

that have been previously adopted; it neither changes existing measures nor adopts 

additional measures. The plan indicates how Maintenance Plan progress will be tracked 

and identifies measures that would be available to promptly correct any NAAQS violation. 

Section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA requires that a Maintenance Plan be fully approved by 

the EPA before an area can be redesignated as attainment. The Maintenance Plan is 

considered a SIP revision under Section 110 of the CAA. A state may submit the Request 

for Redesignation and the Maintenance Plan at the same time and federal rulemaking on 

both may proceed on a parallel track. 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA, the Request for 

Redesignation submitted concurrently with this Maintenance Plan indicates that the 

Reading Area has attained the NAAQS and that attainment was due to permanent and 

enforceable control measures. The Request for Redesignation also demonstrates that the 

Commonwealth has met all of the regulatory and planning requirements under the CAA for 

the Reading Area that were due before the date of the Request for Redesignation.

In Section 5 of the 1992 Calcagni Memo, EPA recommends the following to ensure 

maintenance of the NAAQS: 

 The state should continue to operate an appropriate air quality monitoring network 

in order to verify the area’s attainment status (addressed in Section IV of this Plan); 

 The state should develop an emissions inventory to identify the level of emissions 

sufficient to attain the NAAQS. This “attainment year inventory” was developed 

for 2007, the mid-year of the three-year monitoring period on which the 

September 25, 2009, Clean Data Determination was based showing that the 

NAAQS was met (addressed in Section II of this Plan and in the Request for 

Redesignation); 

 The state may demonstrate maintenance by showing that the future emissions of a 

pollutant or its precursors will not exceed the level of the attainment inventory over 
- 6 - 

at least 10 years following redesignation, taking economic growth into account. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP or Department) 

has developed emission inventories for 2025 and for 2017, an interim year between 

the attainment year and the maintenance year (addressed in Section II of this Plan); 

 The Commonwealth should ensure that it has the legal authority to implement and 

enforce all measures necessary to attain and maintain the NAAQS, and indicate 

how maintenance plan progress will be tracked (addressed in Sections III and V of 

this Plan and the Request for Redesignation); and 

 The Commonwealth should identify measures that would be available to promptly 

correct any NAAQS violation (addressed in Section VI of this Plan). 

This document describes how the Commonwealth will meet those criteria. 

This Maintenance Plan shows that the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS will be maintained for at least 

10 years after redesignation. The Maintenance Plan shows that emission levels of PM2.5

and its precursors over the 10 years following redesignation remain at levels that will 

provide for maintenance of the PM2.5 NAAQS, even considering growth in population and 

vehicle miles traveled. 

This Maintenance Plan shows that the following state and federal programs will ensure the 

continuing decline of PM2.5, SO2, NOX and VOC emissions: 

 The Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR); 

 Emission limits for large industrial boilers; 

 State regulation of cement kilns, large stationary internal combustion engines, and 

smaller sources of NOX;

 State regulations incorporating by reference the federal Prevention of Significant 

Deterioration (PSD) regulations; 

 State requirements for Best Available Technology (BAT); 

 State regulation of the sulfur content of fuel oil; 

 State regulation of VOC emissions from adhesives, sealants, primers and solvents; 

 The Pennsylvania and federal new motor vehicle emission control programs for 

passenger and light-duty trucks; 

 The Pennsylvania and federal heavy-duty diesel emission control programs; 

 Federal fuel programs for highway vehicles and nonroad mobile equipment; and 

 Federal regulation of offroad diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. 

Emission reductions from Pennsylvania’s Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act, 

Act 124 of 2008 (Idling Act) were not included in the 2017 and 2025 emission inventories, 

and, thus, were not relied upon for the demonstration of maintenance. The Idling Act was 

approved by EPA as a SIP revision on August 1, 2011 (76 FR 45705). Similarly, NOX and 

VOC emission reductions from Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers regulation 

were not included in the 2017 and 2025 emission inventories, and, were not relied upon for 

the demonstration of maintenance. The Outdoor Wood-Fired Boiler regulation was 
- 7 - 

published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 2, 2010 (40 Pa.B. 5571), and approved 

by EPA as a SIP revision on September 20, 2011 (76 FR 58114). Emission reductions 

from these measures may nonetheless assist the Reading Area in maintaining the PM2.5

NAAQS. 

In this Maintenance Plan, the Department provides assurances that it will continue to 

operate the ambient air quality monitoring network in order to track maintenance of the 

standard and to evaluate emissions inventories periodically compared to the projections 

provided in the plan. The Department also provides a list of potential contingency 

measures that it would consider to correct any violation of the NAAQS that occurs after 

redesignation of the area. 

Eight years following redesignation, the Commonwealth will submit a revised plan that 

ensures attainment through 2035. 

D. Public Participation

Requirements for a public comment process are set forth in Section 110(a)(2) of the CAA, 

40 CFR Section 51.102(d) and 35 P.S. Section 4007.5. The Department provided notice of 

a public comment period and the opportunity for a hearing on the Maintenance Plan, 2007 

comprehensive inventory required by Section 172(c)(3) of the CAA, and the Request to 

Redesignate the Reading Area to attainment for the 1997 PM2.5 standard on 

September 21, 2013. The public comment period closed November 1, 2013. The 

Department scheduled the public hearing to occur on October 30, 2013, but no persons 

expressed interest in presenting testimony or attending. Therefore, the Department 

cancelled the hearing. No one submitted written comments. 
- 8 - 

II. EMISSION INVENTORIES 

To demonstrate maintenance of the PM2.5 NAAQS for the Reading Area, Pennsylvania is 

showing that the future emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors will remain at levels that will 

provide for maintenance of the PM2.5 NAAQS for at least 10 years, taking economic, 

population and travel growth into account. EPA’s Clean Data Determination for the 

Reading Area was based on 2006-2008 monitoring data. This Maintenance Plan contains 

an attainment year inventory for 2007 and demonstrates that emissions will not be greater 

than the attainment year in 2017 and 2025, with the exception of NH3, but the small 

projected increase in NH3 emissions does not present a concern for maintaining the 

NAAQS because the NH3 emissions overall are small compared with the SO2, NOX and 

VOC emissions, which are all projected to continue to decline in the Reading Area. This 

Maintenance Plan also contains a 2002 baseline inventory that represents the emissions 

present when the Reading Area did not meet the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. In addition, this SIP 

revision fulfills the requirement for a comprehensive inventory for the Reading Area under 

40 CFR Section 51.1008 to meet the requirements of Section 172(c)(3) of the CAA. As 

specified by the EPA, the pollutants inventoried by Pennsylvania include direct PM2.5, 

PM10, SO2, NOX, VOC, and NH3. Information on the manmade sources of these pollutants 

was compiled for: 

 “Stationary point sources” (or “point” sources), which are sources for which the 

Department collects individual emissions-related information. Generally, they 

represent major stationary sources but may be smaller. 

 “Stationary area sources,” which are industrial, commercial, and residential sources 

too small or too numerous to be handled individually. These include but are not 

limited to commercial and residential open burning, architectural and industrial 

maintenance coatings application and clean-up, consumer product use, and vehicle 

refueling at service stations. Where there is overlap between stationary point 

sources and stationary area sources, the area source values are adjusted to remove 

any double counting. 

 “Highway vehicles,” which include passenger cars and light-duty trucks, other 

trucks, buses and motorcycles. 

 “Nonroad sources,” which encompass a diverse collection of engines, including but 

not limited to outdoor power equipment, recreational vehicles, farm and 

construction machinery, lawn and garden equipment, industrial equipment, 

recreational marine vessels, commercial marine vessels, locomotives, ships, and 

aircraft. 

Pennsylvania and other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states participated in a regional 

effort to refine the emissions inventory and to compile a regional emissions inventory. The 

Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association (MARAMA) coordinated that 

regional effort, which allowed states to pool their resources to compile a regional 
- 9 - 

emissions inventory for the purpose of conducting the regional modeling analysis used in 

Pennsylvania’s air quality management planning efforts to attain the 8-hour ozone NAAQS 

and the PM2.5 NAAQS, and to prepare the regional haze plan. 

A. Emissions Inventory Methodology for Baseline Year (2002) and Attainment Year 

(2007) Emissions 

Stationary Point Sources. The 2002 and 2007 stationary point source inventories were 

based on emissions reported to the Department by facilities. The Department requires 

owners and operators of larger facilities to submit annual production figures and emission 

calculations each year. Throughput data are multiplied by emission factors from Factor 

Information Retrieval (FIRE) Data System and the EPA’s publication series AP-42 and are 

based on Source Classification Code (SCC). Each process has at least one SCC assigned 

to it. If the owners and operators of facilities provide more accurate emission data based 

upon other factors, these emission estimates supersede those calculated using SCC codes. 

Appendix A-1 includes information on stationary point source emission methodology, and 

Appendix A-2 is the data set for facility 2002 annual emissions. Appendix A-3 includes 

the data set for facility 2007 annual emissions, as well as projected facility emissions for 

2017 and 2025. Appendix A-4 is a table documenting the banked emissions reduction 

credits for the Reading Area in the 2017 and 2025 emission projections. 

Condensable PM is a vapor or gas at stack temperature that condenses to a liquid or solid 

at stack exit. Condensable emissions from electric generating units (EGUs) were not 

reported uniformly by all facilities. Because of the need to consider the effect of 

condensable emissions from EGUs on regional haze and fine particles, the 2007 inventory 

data was augmented, utilizing the condensable emission factors for EGUs developed for 

MARAMA in 2008 to calculate condensable PM emissions where that data was missing. 

[The 2002 inventory did not include condensable PM for many facilities and was not 

augmented.] Appendix C-4 contains the technical memorandum describing how the 

emission factors were developed. The general process is to use the emission factors and 

heat input to calculate the condensable PM (PM-CON) emissions, and then to perform the 

gap filling for compounds missing from the facility-reported emissions. 

Stationary Area Sources. Stationary area source emissions are generally estimated by 

multiplying an emission factor by some known indicator or collective activity for each area 

source category at the county level. Pennsylvania estimates emissions from stationary area 

sources using emission factors and SCC codes in a method similar to that used for 

stationary point sources. Emission factors may also be derived from research and guidance 

documents if those documents are more accurate than FIRE and AP-42 factors. 

Throughput estimates are derived from county-level activity data, by apportioning national 

or statewide activity data to counties, from census numbers, and from county employee 

numbers. County employee numbers are based upon North American Industry 

Classification System (NAICS) codes to establish that those numbers are specific to the 

industry covered. 
- 10 - 

Pennsylvania’s 2002 stationary area source emissions inventory was developed in 

accordance with EPA guidance4and was submitted to the National Emissions Inventory 

(NEI) to satisfy the requirements of the Consolidated Emissions Reporting Rule. 

EPA emissions inventories and emission estimation tools were used to create the 2007 area 

source inventory. For many area source categories, the most recent EPA data was used. 

These categories included ammonia emissions from livestock and fertilizers which came 

from a recent application of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) ammonia model to 

produce 2007 emissions; output from a version of the Residential Wood Combustion 

(RWC) model developed by EPA and run with updated 2007 data to produce emission 

estimates for that source category; and EPA data on wildfire emissions developed as part 

of EPA’s SMARTFIRE system. 

The EPA develops area source emission estimation methodologies and estimates for the 

NEI on a three-year cycle. Where 2008 NEI data were used to fill missing categories in 

the 2007 inventory, no growth adjustment was made to the emissions with the assumption 

that activity in 2008 and 2007 was similar. 

For fugitive dust area sources, the 2007 inventory was adjusted to apply the EPA PM 

“transport factors” to fugitive dust sources. 

More specific information on the procedure used for each industry type is contained in 

Pennsylvania 2002 Area Source Criteria Air Pollutant Emission Estimation Methods, 

(E.H. Pechan & Associates, Inc., February 2004), which is contained in Appendix B-1.

Appendix B-2 contains the methodology for the 2007 Pennsylvania area source inventory. 

Additional methodology information is available in the technical support document for the 

2007 regional inventory which is contained in Appendix C-1. Appendix B-3 is a table 

containing stationary area source emissions data for 2002 for the Reading Area. Appendix 

B-4 contains the stationary area source emissions data for 2007, 2017 and 2025 for the 

Reading Area. 

Highway Vehicle Sources. EPA’s MOVES2010 (Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator) is 

the official model for estimating air pollution emissions from onroad mobile sources 

including buses, cars, trucks and motorcycles. MOVES2010 replaces MOBILE6.2, the 

previous mobile source model. Therefore, the Department employed MOVES2010 to 

estimate the onroad emissions inventory for 2002, 2007, 2017 and 2025. 

Additional information on highway emission methodology is available in Appendix D. 

Appendix D-1 summarizes the methodology and data inputs used to produce the mobile 

emissions inventory. Appendix D-2 provides the 2002 base year, 2007 attainment year and 

2017 and 2025 projections of mobile (highway) vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and annual 

PM2.5 direct and precursor emissions. Appendix D-3 describes the model inputs used to 

generate emission factors for a specific area. Some examples of the inputs described in 

 

4 Emissions Inventory Guidance for Implementation of Ozone and Particulate Matter National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Regional Haze Regulations – EPA-454/R-05-001, August, 2005, updated 

November, 2005. 
- 11 - 

Appendix D-3 are the type and frequency of vehicle emission testing, the fuel types 

required in the area, temperatures by month, and fleet age. The summary in Appendix D-3 

indicates when default information contained in the model is used rather than specific area 

information. 

Nonroad Sources. 

The 2002 Emissions Inventory.

The 2002 emissions for the majority of nonroad emission source categories and pollutants 

were estimated using the EPA NONROAD 2005 model. The NONROAD model estimates 

emissions for diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and compressed natural gas-fueled 

nonroad equipment types and includes growth factors. The National Mobile Inventory 

Model (NMIM) was used to estimate emissions of ammonia from sources contained in the 

NONROAD model. The NONROAD model does not estimate emissions from aircraft, 

locomotives or commercial marine vessels. Emissions from aircraft, locomotives, and 

commercial marine vessels were estimated using EPA guidance and best available 

information. If specific local operational data was available, that data was used to estimate 

emissions. State and national data was used if local data was unavailable. The Reading 

Area does not have emissions from commercial marine vessels. 

Appendix E-1 is the technical document providing the methodology and description of the 

procedures used to generate 2002 county-level pollutant emission estimates for nonroad 

mobile engines included in the EPA’s NONROAD2005 model, locomotive engines, and 

aircraft operations. The table of 2002 nonroad emissions data sorted by source category is 

available as Appendix E-2. 

Aircraft Emissions in 2002. Emissions from commercial aircraft operations for 2002 were 

estimated using the EPA-approved Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System (EDMS) 

4.20, the latest version available at the time the inventory was developed. The Department 

estimated emissions using operations data obtained from the United States Department of 

Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) 

for commercial aircraft operations and the TAF and the Airnav.com website for military 

operations. Using this operations data, emissions were modeled directly using the EDMS. 

Emissions produced by aircraft at small airports were estimated by using airport operation 

statistics, which can be found at www.airnav.com and the Federal FAA’s TAF Detailed 

Report. An emissions factor for a typical general aviation single engine, multi-engine, and 

jet engine aircraft were derived by averaging the emissions factors from a basket of 

emission factors for common aircraft of each of the three types of aircraft. Emission 

factors and operational characteristics contained in EDMS were used. The proportion of 

operations among the three groups of aircraft was determined by examining the number of 

each aircraft type based at each airport. For military operations at small airports, the type 

of aircraft and its emission factors are sometimes identifiable. If not, emission factors 

calculated to represent an “average” military aircraft are used. Growth was estimated 

using estimates of future operations found in the FAA TAF Detailed Report. 
- 12 - 

Railroad Emissions. For 2002 locomotive emissions, the Department projected emissions 

from a 1999 survey when the Department obtained fuel use statistics from Class II and III 

railroads. For Class I railroads, which produce most of the emissions in the 

Commonwealth, the Department conducted a 2002 inventory of all railroads that operate in 

Pennsylvania because the 1999 fuel use data for Class I railroads was skewed by gridlock 

caused by the acquisition of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern. Both Conrail and 

Norfolk Southern suffered major gridlock in Pennsylvania and beyond during 1999. 

Consequently, fuel consumption and air emissions for these two railroads were greatly 

reduced in 1999. The Department requested and received 2002 fuel usage from these 

railroad companies and developed a 2002 emissions inventory for them. Emissions were 

generated using EPA emission factors.

The 2007 Emissions Inventory.

The 2007 inventory for the majority of nonroad categories was generated using 

NMIM2008 of which the NONROAD model is a part. The NONROAD model estimates 

emissions for diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and compressed natural gas-fueled 

nonroad equipment types and includes growth factors. For nonroad vehicle the NMIM 

does not estimate emissions from aircraft, locomotives or commercial marine vessels. 

Emissions from aircraft, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels were estimated using 

EPA guidance and best available information. If specific local operational data was 

available, that data was used to estimate emissions. State and national data was used if 

local data was unavailable. NMIM includes emissions from airport ground support 

equipment. However, emissions for airport ground support equipment calculated by 

NMIM were removed because EPA considers the emissions calculated by the EDMS to be 

better estimates of the emissions from airport ground support equipment. Growth 

estimates for source categories modeled by NMIM are included in the model. The EPA 

default values were used for most categories. 

Aircraft. For airport emissions, Pennsylvania used the database developed by EPA to 

support the 2008 NEI, as described in the technical support document for the development 

of the 2007 inventory in Appendix C-1. 

Railroad Emissions. The Department used the emissions inventory developed by the 

Eastern Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ERTAC). Emissions from 2007 and 

2008 were considered to be identical. ERTAC completed a nationwide inventory with the 

assistance of the railroad associations and submitted the inventory to the EPA. The 

ERTAC inventory was the accepted inventory for the 2008 NEI and was loaded into the 

EPA’s Emission Inventory System (EIS). The Department made slight modifications in 

cooperation with ERTAC that resulted in changes in emissions of smaller Class III 

railroads operating in Pennsylvania which included locomotive yard operations. The 

Department had developed its own inventory using information received from a statewide 

survey of railroad operational data. The Department determined that ERTAC’s 

methodology and inventory were similar to the Department’s method except in the cases of 

some smaller railroads mentioned above. 

ERTAC developed an emissions inventory for Class I, II, and III line haul activity based 

on fuel use, tonnage carried by the railroad using each individual rail link, current in-use 
- 13 - 

locomotive emission standards, and rail link use. Track grade and locomotive power 

settings were not considered. ERTAC based their yard locomotive emissions on (1) name 

and location of rail yards, (2) number of switchers operating per yard, (3) the tier/year of 

switchers, (4) annual fuel use (gallons/year) for switchers per yard, (5) approximate duty 

cycle or just percent of time in idle for operating switchers, and (6) temporal characteristics 

of the switcher’s use. 

B. Baseline Year (2002) Emissions 

An emission inventory is an estimate of the emissions from sources in a particular area. 

The Department developed an emission inventory for 2002 in accordance with EPA 

guidance.5

The 2002 emissions inventory represents the emissions present when the 

Reading Area did not meet the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. The 2002 baseline year inventory 

includes the pollutants PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC, and NH3. The inventory consists of 

sources in four sectors: stationary point sources, stationary area sources, highway vehicle 

sources and nonroad sources. The 2002 inventory is not directly comparable to the 2007, 

2017 and 2025 inventories because of changes in inventory methodology and the 

adjustment made to account for condensable PM emissions from EGUs in the 2007, 2017 

and 2025 emission inventories. Table II-1 summarizes the emissions for 2002. 

Table II-1: Reading Area 2002 Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Reading 2002 PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 577 1,265 14,834 5,363 1,740 9

Area Sources 2,608 14,299 2,131 1,502 8,819 4,284

Highway Vehicle Sources 459 530 306 14,922 5,237 180

Non-Road Sources 212 221 242 3,323 2,331 2

Totals 3,857 16,315 17,514 25,110 18,128 4,475

C. Attainment Year (2007) Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) 

An emissions inventory of 2007 emissions of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC, and NH3 for 

the Reading Area identifies PM and PM precursor emissions during the period when the 

Reading Area demonstrated it attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. Table II-2 summarizes the 

emissions for 2007. While, as noted above, the 2002 emissions inventory is not directly 

comparable to the 2007, 2017 and 2025 inventories due to changes in inventory 

methodology and the adjustment made to account for condensable PM emissions from 

EGUs in the 2007, 2017 and 2025 emission inventories, PM2.5 emissions decreased by 4%, 

SO2 emissions increased by 1%, and NOX emissions decreased by 20% from 2002 to 2007. 

 

5 Emissions Inventory Guidance for Implementation of Ozone and Particulate Matter National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Regional Haze Regulations – EPA-454/R-05-001, August, 2005. Updated 

November, 2005. 
- 14 - 

Table II-2: Reading Area 2007 Annual Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Reading 2007 PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 1,272 1,922 15,140 5,793 1,237 21

Area Sources 1,859 5,330 2,389 1,289 5,877 3,632

Highway Vehicle Sources 383 452 81 11,374 4,415 163

Non-Road Sources 191 205 106 2,532 2,096 2

Totals 3,704 7,908 17,716 20,988 13,625 3,818

Sulfur dioxide emissions in 2007 were 202 tons (1%) more than they were in 2002. The 

SO2 emissions from stationary point sources and area sources increased while the SO2

emissions from highway vehicle and non-road sources decreased in the Reading Area. The 

small increase in SO2 emissions from stationary point sources and area sources can be 

attributed to typical year-to-year fluctuation in emissions and is not considered significant 

by the Department. 

The emissions inventory shows an apparent increase in PM2.5 emissions from stationary 

sources from 2002 to 2007, 2017, and 2025, in part, because the 2002 inventory was based 

on emissions reported to the Department by the owners and operators of the facilities. The 

reports did not include condensable PM for many facilities. The 2007 EGU inventory was 

augmented utilizing condensable PM emission factors for EGUs developed for MARAMA 

in 2008 to calculate condensable PM emissions where that data was missing. The 

projected 2017 and 2025 PM2.5 emissions for EGUs also include condensable PM 

emissions because they were projected from the 2007 inventory. 

D. Growth Projection Methodologies for 2017 and 2025 

This section describes the data, methods, and assumptions utilized in developing estimates 

of emissions changes between 2007 and interim year 2017 and maintenance year 2025. 

Appendix C-2 contains the technical support document for the development of the 2017 

emissions inventory. Appendix C-3 contains the technical support document for the 

development of the 2025 emissions inventory. The documents provide details on the 

specific factors, control assumptions, and implementation schedules used in the emission 

projection calculations for each source category. MARAMA coordinated development of 

the projection inventories for the regional inventory, consisting of the states in the 

Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Visibility Union and Virginia (MANE-VU+VA). 

Significant infrastructure development to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale 

formation in some Pennsylvania counties has occurred. Point and area source emissions 

result from the placement of drilling equipment, gathering lines and compressor stations. 

The Reading Area has not experienced any Marcellus Shale development and is not 

expected to experience any of this development in the future. 
- 15 - 

EGUs. Annual 2007 EGU point emissions were grown to 2017 and 2025 using growth 

factors based on AEO2011 Table 96 - Electricity Generation by Electricity Market Module 

Region and Fuel Source. The appropriate AEO2011 growth factor was applied to the 2007 

emissions to calculate a “growth only” emission value for 2025. Post-2007 controls or 

shut downs were applied on a unit-by-unit basis. The control factors were applied to the 

grown emissions to calculate a “growth and control” emission value for 2025. A more 

detailed description of the methodology used to project emissions from EGUs is located in 

the technical support document for the development of the 2025 emissions inventory in 

Appendix C-3. 

The Department’s future year projection inventories for the EGU sector are conservative. 

In February 2012, GenOn Energy announced plans to shut down Titus Generating Station 

in 2015. The Titus Generating Station is a coal-fired generating station located near 

Birdsboro, Pennsylvania in the Reading Area. Reductions from the planned shutdown are 

not included in the future year inventories and are, therefore, surplus to the emission 

reduction estimates. 

Non-EGU Point Sources and Stationary Area Sources. For non-EGU point sources and 

stationary area sources, the emission projections for the 2017 and 2025 were based on 

Version 3.3 of the 2007 MANE-VU+VA inventory, which was adjusted to apply the EPA 

PM “transport factors” to fugitive dust area sources. 

The methodology for projecting emissions to 2017 and 2025 is documented in the 

technical support documents for the development of the 2017 and 2025 emissions 

inventories contained in Appendix C-2 and Appendix C-3, respectively. These documents 

were prepared for MARAMA as part of an effort to assist states in developing maintenance 

plans for fine particles. The documents describe the data sources, methods, and results for 

emission forecasts. 

NonEGU point source and stationary area source growth factors were developed using: 

 Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) fuel consumption forecasts; 

 State-level employment projections by NAICS code; and 

 Other state-specific emission projection data. 

Generally, AEO projection factors were used for fuel consumption sources and 

employment data for other source categories. The U.S. Energy Information 

Administration (EIA) publishes the AEO annually. The AEO contains long-term 

projections of energy supply, demand and prices. AEO2010 fuel-use forecasts were 

available during inventory development. After AEO2011 was published, MARAMA 

compared the AEO2010 and AEO2011 projections. Minor differences were found for 

most categories. Based on this analysis, the AEO2010 fuel-use forecasts were used for all 

residential, commercial and industrial sector fuel use, except for industrial natural gas 

usage, where AEO2011 projections were used. 
- 16 - 

Predicted declines in fuel use and employment resulted in negative growth factors for some 

non-EGU point source and stationary area source categories. Consequently, for some 

categories, emissions are lower for the projected future years than for the base year, even 

before the application of control assumptions. Because of the possibility that facilities 

could apply for and sell Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) at the level of the base year 

inventory, Pennsylvania opted for the conservative approach of assuming no growth 

(growth factor=1) for non-EGU point source categories with negative AEO or employment 

growth factors. 

As discussed previously, because the 2002 stationary point source inventory was based on 

emissions reported to the Department by facilities and did not include condensable PM for 

many facilities, the emissions inventory shows an apparent increase of direct PM2.5

emissions from stationary point sources in 2007, 2017 and 2025 compared with 2002. 

Highway Vehicle Sources. The EPA’s approved highway vehicle emission model, 

MOVES2010, projects highway vehicle average fleet emission factors. State specific 

information was used where available and appropriate. Traffic forecasts were 

compiled using information from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s 

(PennDOT) Traffic Information System and socioeconomic data. The Pennsylvania 

methodology for estimating highway vehicle emissions is consistent with the April 

2010 guidance published by the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality 

(OTAQ) entitled, Technical Guidance on the Use of MOVES2010 for Emissions 

Inventory Preparation in State Implementation Plans and Transportation Conformity. 

Appendices D-1 through D-3 of this Maintenance Plan include specific information on 

the highway emissions inventory methodology, data files of emissions estimates and 

MOVES input parameters.

As shown in Table II-3, VMT for the future analysis year increases 39% from 3.34 billion 

VMT in 2007 to 4.65 billion VMT in 2025 within the nonattainment area. Despite the 

growth in VMT, emissions of the most significant vehicle-related precursor, NOX, are 

significantly lower in the future analysis year. The emissions shown in Table II-3 do not 

include a transportation conformity safety margin, which will be discussed later in this 

document. See, Section III-B relating to motor vehicle emission budgets for transportation 

conformity. 
- 17 - 

Table II-3: Reading Area VMT (Miles) and Vehicle Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Year VMT PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

2002 3,145,640,748 459 530 306 14,922 5,237 180

2007 3,341,374,032 383 452 81 11,374 4,415 163

2017 3,962,853,705 174 246 29 5,218 2,386 118

2025 4,651,851,845 127 214 32 3,381 1,501 116

Nonroad Sources.

Nonroad Sources in NMIM. Projected emissions for the majority of nonroad emission 

source categories and pollutants were estimated using the NMIM, which contains default 

assumptions for projected years. The NMIM estimates emissions for diesel, gasoline, 

liquefied petroleum gas, and compressed natural gas-fueled nonroad equipment types and 

includes growth factors. Control measures due to finalized emission standards for nonroad 

vehicles and engines are also accounted for in NMIM. Baseline emissions are multiplied 

by growth and control factors to obtain projected emissions. 

Aircraft Emissions Growth. Aircraft operations were projected to future years by applying 

activity growth using data on itinerant (ITN) operations at airports as reported in the 

FAA’s Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) System for 2009-2030 (FAA 2010). The ITN 

operations are defined as aircraft take-offs or landings. This information is available for 

approximately 3300 individual airports. Actual LTOs are reported for 2007 and projected 

LTOs are provided for all years up to 2030. New aircraft emission controls that will be 

used in the future were also taken into account. 

Railroad Emissions Growth. MANE VU+VA inventory development relied on the 

AEO2010 growth projections published in May 2010. There are separate projections for 

passenger rail and freight rail energy use. Passenger rail data from AEO2010 Table A-7 

was used to calculate the growth factor for 2007-2017 and 2007-2025. These growth 

factors were applied to inter-city passenger train locomotives and independent commuter 

rail systems. For freight rail, the data from AEO2010 Table A-7 was used to calculate the 

growth factor for 2007-2017 and 2007-2025. Freight rail annual growth factors for Class I 

line haul, Class II/III line haul, and yard switch locomotives were used. 

Additional information about nonroad emission projection methodologies can also be 

found in Appendices C-2 and C-3, the technical support documents for the development of 

the 2017 and 2025 inventories, respectively. The table of nonroad emissions data sorted 

by source category is available as Appendix E-3.

E. Interim Year (2017) Emissions 

Table II-4 summarizes the emissions expected in 2017. These emissions take activity and 

emissions growth and/or controls from 2007 into account. Appendix C, relating to the 
- 18 - 

regional emissions inventory and projection methodology, contains the technical support 

documents that describe the methodologies used to project the 2007 emissions to 2017.

Table II-4: Reading Area Projected 2017 Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Reading 2017 PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 1,186 1,828 13,604 4,114 1,267 32

Area Sources 1,798 5,363 1,930 1,141 5,751 3,966

Highway Vehicle Sources* 200 246 29 5,739 2,386 118

Non-Road Sources 119 129 3 1,391 1,263 2

Emission Reduction Credits 4 25 0 0 30 0

Totals 3,307 7,591 15,567 12,386 10,697 4,119

*A portion of the difference between attainment year and maintenance year emissions of PM2.5 and NOX has 

been set aside as a transportation conformity safety margin to accommodate unanticipated growth in highway 

vehicles. The highway vehicle emissions in Table II-4 reflect inclusion of that safety margin. 

F. Maintenance Year (2025) Emissions 

Table II-5 summarizes the emissions expected in 2025. These emissions take activity and 

emissions growth and/or controls from 2007 into account. Appendix C, relating to the 

regional emissions inventory and projection methodology, contains the technical support 

documents that describe the methodologies used to project the 2007 emissions to 2025. 

Table II-5: Reading Area Projected 2025 Emissions (Tons per Year) 

Reading 2025 PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources 1,251 1,905 14,650 4,350 1,283 28

Area Sources 1,727 5,397 1,223 1,114 5,753 4,221

Highway Vehicle Sources* 146 214 32 3,719 1,501 116

Non-Road Sources 87 96 3 1,003 1,125 3

Emission Reduction Credits 4 25 0 0 30 0

Totals 3,215 7,636 15,908 10,186 9,692 4,368

*A portion of the difference between attainment year and maintenance year emissions of PM2.5 and NOX has 

been set aside as a transportation conformity safety margin to accommodate unanticipated growth in highway 

vehicles. The highway vehicle emissions in Table II-5 reflect inclusion of that safety margin. 

G. Maintenance Plan Emissions Test 

To demonstrate maintenance of the PM2.5 NAAQS for this area, Pennsylvania must show 

that the future emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors will not exceed the level of the 2007 
- 19 - 

attainment year inventory for at least 10 years, taking economic, population and travel 

growth into account. 

While EPA established presumptions related to PM2.5 precursors in the PM2.5

implementation rule, Pennsylvania recognizes the court decision in Natural Resources 

Defense Council v. EPA, No. 08-1250, 706 F.3d 428 (DC Cir. 2013). The court noted that 

PM2.5 precursors, including ammonia and VOCs, are presumptively regulated in PM2.5

nonattainment areas under Subpart 4, pointing specifically to section 189(e), which applies 

to control of major stationary sources of PM10 [the court stated that PM10 includes PM2.5

throughout Subpart 4] (706 F.3d at 436, n. 7, and at 437, n. 10). According to CAA 

Section 189(e), control requirements applicable for major stationary sources of PM10 also 

apply to major stationary sources of PM10 precursors, except where the Administrator 

determines that major stationary sources do not contribute significantly to PM10 levels that 

exceed the standard in the area; section 189(e) also requires EPA to issue guidelines 

regarding the application of subsection (e). Pennsylvania assessed emissions of PM2.5, 

SO2, NOX,VOC and NH3 for the maintenance demonstration. Pennsylvania assessed 

emissions of NH3, although there are no major stationary sources of NH3 in the Reading 

Area. 

This Maintenance Plan contains an attainment year inventory for 2007 and demonstrates 

that emissions of PM2.5, SO2, NOX and VOC, including emissions in the transportation 

conformity safety margin for PM2.5 and NOX, will not be greater in 2017 and 2025 than in 

the attainment year, as shown in Table II-6. The small projected increase in NH3

emissions does not present a concern for maintaining the NAAQS because the NH3

emissions overall are small compared with the SO2, NOX and VOC emissions, which are 

all projected to decline in the Reading Area. 

Emissions of PM2.5 decrease from 2007 to 2025 by 508 tons (14%). Emissions of SO2, 

NOX and VOC also decrease from 2007 to 2025 by 1808 tons (10%), 11,140 tons (53%), 

and 3933 tons (29%), respectively. Over the same time period, emissions of NH3 are 

projected to increase 550 tons (14%). The increase in NH3 emissions is due to anticipated 

growth reflected by activity factors (such as population and employment, for instance) in 

the absence of any anticipated control requirements to reduce NH3 emissions. The increase 

in NH3 emissions from 2007 to 2025 does not present a concern for maintaining the 

NAAQS in the Reading Area because the NH3 emissions overall are small compared with 

the SO2, NOX and VOC emissions, which are all projected to decline in the area. In 

addition, the Reading Area currently has an annual design value based on 2010-2012 

monitoring data of 10.9 μg/m3, which is significantly lower than the 1997 NAAQS of 15 

μg/m3. 
- 20 - 

Table II-6: Reading Area Maintenance Emissions Test 

Reading PM2.5 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

2007 3,704 17,716 20,988 13,625 3,818

2017* 3,307 15,567 12,386 10,697 4,119

2025* 3,215 15,908 10,186 9,692 4,368

*A portion of the difference between attainment year and maintenance year emissions of PM2.5 and 

NOX has been set aside as a transportation conformity safety margin to accommodate unanticipated 

growth in highway vehicles. The emissions in Table II-6 reflect inclusion of that safety margin. 

III. PERMANENT AND ENFORCEABLE CONTROL MEASURES 

A. Permanent and Enforceable Control Measures 

Because of the complexity and variability of the process of particulate matter formation, 

the EPA recognizes that effective control measures for PM2.5 will vary among 

nonattainment areas. In the EPA’s implementation rule, the EPA established general 

presumptive policies for assessing which PM2.5 precursors should be evaluated for possible 

controls. In the implementation rule, the EPA required states to evaluate control measures 

for SO2 and primary PM2.5 in all locations. The EPA required states to evaluate control 

measures for NOX unless a technical demonstration is made to show that NOX emissions 

from sources in the state do not significantly contribute to PM2.5 concentrations in the 

nonattainment area. The EPA required states to evaluate measures for VOC and NH3 only 

if a technical demonstration is made to show VOC or NH3 emissions significantly 

contribute to PM2.5 in the nonattainment area. 

The Department recognizes the January 4, 2013, decision of the Court of Appeals for the 

D.C. Circuit, in Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, No. 08-1250, 706 F.3d 428 

(DC Cir. 2013). In its decision, the court granted petitions for review that challenged 

EPA’s implementation rule. After considering the petitions and EPA’s response to them, 

the court remanded the case to EPA to re-promulgate the rule pursuant to Subpart 4 of 

Part D of the Clean Air Act, rather than implementing it under Subpart 1, as EPA had done 

(706 F.3d at 437). Because the Court remanded rather than vacated the implementation 

rule, the implementation rule remains in effect unless and until EPA rescinds it or 

promulgates a replacement. In any event, this maintenance plan demonstrates maintenance 

of the standard consistent with the court’s ruling. 

In general, the court’s decision could affect an area’s nonattainment classification, certain 

deadlines, and the impacts of failing to attain timely, and could impose a deadline for 

implementation of reasonably available and best available control measures 

(706 F.3d at 436, n. 6). Since the Reading Area is already attaining the NAAQS, however, 

those considerations are not relevant for this maintenance plan. The court noted that PM2.5

precursors are presumptively regulated in PM2.5 nonattainment areas under Subpart 4, 

pointing specifically to section 189(e), which applies to control of major stationary sources 
- 21 - 

of PM10 [the court stated that PM10 includes PM2.5 throughout Subpart 4] 

(706 F.3d at 436, n. 7, and at 437, n. 10). 

According to Section 189(e) of the CAA, control requirements applicable for major 

stationary sources of PM10 also apply to major stationary sources of PM10 precursors, 

except where the Administrator determines that major stationary sources do not contribute 

significantly to PM10 levels that exceed the standard in the area; Section 189(e) also 

requires EPA to issue guidelines regarding the application of Subsection (e). Pennsylvania 

assessed emissions of PM2.5, SO2, NOX, VOC and NH3 for the maintenance demonstration. 

Pennsylvania assessed emissions of NH3 although there are no major stationary sources of 

NH3 in the Reading Area. 

This section describes the federal and state measures that will provide direct PM2.5, SO2,

NOX, and VOC emission reductions ensuring maintenance of the standard. 

A summary of the quantity of emission reductions expected from 2007 to 2025 is included 

in Table III-1 (Negative values indicate emission reductions.). The emission reduction 

estimates account for any anticipated growth in the activity of sources regulated by the 

strategy and include emissions in the transportation conformity safety margin. Direct 

PM2.5, SO2, NOX and VOC emissions in 2025 in the Reading Area are anticipated to be 

lower than they were in 2007. This means that the projected growth in emissions is 

smaller than anticipated emission reductions from control measures for all pollutants in the 

nonattainment area. Each control measure is explained in greater detail in the following 

sections. Ammonia emissions, as discussed in Section II-G relating to the maintenance 

emissions test, are anticipated to increase from 2007 to 2025, but the increase does not 

present a concern for maintaining the NAAQS in the Reading Area because the NH3

emissions overall are small compared with the SO2, NOX and VOC emissions, which are 

all projected to decline in the area. 

Table III-1: Summary of Emission Reductions (Tons) from 2007 to 2025 

from Control Measures 

2007 to 2025 Difference PM2.5 SO2 NOX VOC NH3

Stationary Point Sources -16 -490 -1,443 76 7

Area Sources -132 -1,166 -175 -124 588

Highway Vehicle 

Sources* -237 -49 -7,656 -2,913 -47

Nonroad Sources -104 -103 -1,529 -971 1

TOTAL -489 -1,808 -10,802 -3,933 549

*A portion of the difference between attainment year and maintenance year emissions of PM2.5 and 

NOX has been set aside as a transportation conformity safety margin to accommodate unanticipated 

growth in highway vehicles. The highway vehicle emissions in Table III-1 reflect inclusion of that 

safety margin. 
- 22 - 

Pursuant to 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart K (relating to source surveillance), the SIP revision is 

required to provide for monitoring of the status of compliance with any rules and 

regulations that set forth any portion of the control strategy. These include provisions, as 

applicable, for: 

 Emissions reports and recordkeeping for stationary sources; 

 Periodic testing and inspection of stationary sources; 

 Enforcement and complaint investigation of visible emission limitations; 

 Enforceable test methods for emission limits; and 

 Continuous emission monitoring for stationary sources. 

Subpart K also requires monitoring of the implementation of transportation control 

measures (TCMs). There are no TCMs in this SIP revision. 

The rules and regulations for stationary sources, which are part of the control strategy for 

attaining and maintaining the PM2.5 standard, as well as the Department’s comprehensive 

permitting program requirements in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 127 and the Commonwealth’s 

SIP in 40 CFR 52.2020, meet the requirements of Subpart K. EPA has approved the 

Department’s permitting program as part of the State Implementation Plan. 

There are many examples in the Pa. Code of provisions for monitoring the status of 

compliance with the Department’s rules and regulations. For example, § 127.12(a) 

(relating to the content of applications) contain requirements for reporting and 

recordkeeping for plan approval applications. Similar requirements are found in 

§ 127.411(a) (relating to content of applications) for permit applications. Sections 145.145 

and 145.146 contain the compliance demonstration, reporting and recordkeeping 

requirements for cement kilns that enable the Department to monitor the status of 

compliance with the regulations in Chapter 145 Subpart C. The Department also monitors 

the status of compliance by conducting complaint investigations. The Department does 

visible emission inspections at regulated facilities and reports the results to the EPA AFS 

system as required under the Department’s grant. The Department conducts inspections of 

air contamination sources in accordance with the Compliance Monitoring Schedule which 

is approved by EPA. 

1. Stationary Point Sources 

Background. In 1998, EPA promulgated the NOX SIP Call as the EPA’s principal effort 

to reduce interstate transport of air pollution (63 FR 57356; October 27, 1998). In 

response to the federal NOX SIP call rule, Pennsylvania adopted the NOX Budget Trading 

Program regulations for EGUs and large industrial boilers, with emission reductions to 

commence May 1, 2003. The regulations were approved by EPA as a revision to the 

Commonwealth’s SIP on August 21, 2001 (66 FR 43795). Additionally, in response to the 

NOX SIP Call, Pennsylvania adopted additional NOX control regulations covering cement 

plants and internal combustion engines, with emission reductions to commence 

May 1, 2005. These regulations were approved by EPA as a SIP revision on 

September 29, 2006 (71 FR 57428). 
- 23 - 

Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). In 2005, EPA adopted CAIR (70 FR 25162; 

May 12, 2005, as amended) to address interstate transport of NOX and SO2. CAIR is now 

being implemented in Pennsylvania through the Department’s CAIR regulation, codified in 

25 Pa. Code Chapter 145, Subchapter D, with related amendments in Chapters 121, 129 

and 145. EPA approved Pennsylvania’s CAIR SIP revision on December 10, 2009, 

codified at 40 CFR §52.2020(c)(1) (74 FR 65446). In the CAIR SIP revision, 

Pennsylvania terminated the NOX Budget Trading Program and transitioned to the federal 

CAIR for large electric generating units (EGU). 

The market-based CAIR is designed to reduce EGU emissions of NOX and SO2 below 

2002 levels throughout the eastern United States. Pennsylvania and the other CAIR states 

were required to adopt a regulation implementing the requirements of the CAIR or an 

equivalent program. The large EGUs in Pennsylvania were initially regulated under CAIR 

FIPs promulgated by EPA, but have been regulated under the SIP since EPA approved 

Pennsylvania’s CAIR SIP revision. Under the SIP revision, Pennsylvania participates in 

the EPA-administered cap-and-trade programs for NOX annual, NOX ozone season, and 

SO2 annual emissions. 

EPA’s CAIR was remanded to EPA for revisions by the United States Court of Appeals for 

the District of Columbia on December 23, 2008 (See, North Carolina v. EPA, 

531 F.3d 896, modified, 550 F.3d 1176 (D.C. Cir. 2008)). Following remand, EPA 

replaced CAIR with the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), but in a separate legal 

challenge the court vacated CSAPR. In that ruling, the court ordered EPA to continue 

administering CAIR pending the promulgation of a valid replacement (See, EME Homer 

City Generation L.P. v. EPA, 696 F.3d 7 (D.C. Cir. 2012, rehearing denied, 2013 U.S. 

App. LEXIS 1623 and 1624 (D.C. Cir. Jan. 24, 2013)). On June 24, 2013, the Supreme 

Court of the United States accepted review of the case. Following the Circuit Court’s 

direction, CAIR remains in place pending the Supreme Court’s review. 

NOX Budget Trading Program limits on non-EGUs. The CAIR SIP revision also 

established emission limits for the non-EGUs and other units that were subject to the 

Commonwealth’s NOX Budget Trading Program but are not subject to the CAIR NOX

Ozone Season Trading Program. These units must continue monitoring NOX emissions 

and must meet an emissions cap. Each unit has an allowable emission rate, calculated by 

January 31 of each year, based on the previous ozone season’s heat input. If the combined 

NOX ozone season emissions from all of these units exceed the statewide ozone season 

emission cap of 3,438 tons, each unit that exceeds its individual allowable emissions limit 

for that ozone season must surrender to the Department one CAIR NOX ozone season 

allowance and one CAIR NOX annual allowance for each ton of emissions over its 

allowable limit. In addition, the Commonwealth has set aside 181 tons of NOX, including 

tons that will be retired each year to compensate for sources that were exempted under the 

‘‘twenty-five ton exemption’’ in section 145.4(b) 3. The balance of tons remaining in the 

set aside is available to the Department annually for accounting corrections. The 

Commonwealth retires any unused amount from this set aside each year. 
- 24 - 

It is unlikely that the 3,438-ton statewide NOX ozone season emission limitation will be 

exceeded. Pennsylvania’s non-EGU sources’ total emissions during each of the years they 

were trading under the NOX Budget Trading Program never exceeded the statewide cap of 

3,438 tons. 

The Department’s regulation, codified in 25 Pa. Code §145.8(d), was approved by EPA as 

a SIP revision on December 10, 2009, and codified at 40 CFR §52.2020(c)(1). 

Cement kilns and large stationary internal combustion engines. The CAIR SIP 

revision also included regulations updating the the cement manufacturing and large 

stationary internal combustion engine regulations that were adopted pursuant to the NOX

SIP Call. Until 2009, cement kilns and large stationary internal combustion engines that 

were subject to the NOX SIP Call were required to surrender NOX SIP Call allowances if 

they exceeded their NOX emission limits set forth in Department regulations. Because the 

Department discontinued the NOX Budget Trading Program beginning 2009, at which 

point NOX SIP Call allowances were replaced by CAIR NOX ozone season allowances, the 

Department modified the regulations to require surrender of CAIR NOX ozone season and 

CAIR NOX annual allowances for emission limit exceedances. 

The Department’s regulations for large stationary internal combustion engines and cement 

kilns, codified in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 145, Subchapters B and C, respectively, were 

approved by EPA as a SIP revision on December 10, 2009, and codified at 

40 CFR § 51.2020(c)(1). An amendment to the Department’s regulation for cement kilns 

to reduce NOX emissions effective April 15, 2011, codified in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 145, 

Subchapter C, was subsequently approved by EPA as as SIP revision on July 19, 2011, and 

codified at 40 CFR §51.2020(c)(1). 

Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD). The PSD program is a preconstruction 

review and permitting program applicable to new or modified major stationary sources 

subject to Title I, Parts C and D of the federal CAA. The PSD requirements are applicable 

in areas attaining the NAAQS. The Department’s PSD regulations, codified in 25 Pa.Code 

Chapter 127, Subchapter D, were approved by the EPA on August 21, 1984 and codified at 

40 CFR § 52.2058 (49 FR 33128). The federal PSD regulations codified in 40 CFR Part 

52 are incorporated by reference in their entirety in 25 Pa. Code § 127.83 (relating to 

adoption by reference). The PSD program requires any new source to implement Best 

Available Control Technology (BACT) and limits a new source's allowable impact on the 

environment.

Best Available Technology (BAT) Program. Pennsylvania regulations require, in 

25 Pa. Code § 127.1, that new sources in Pennsylvania must control the emission of air 

pollutants to the maximum extent, consistent with the best available technology as 

determined by the Department as of the date of issuance of the plan approval for the new 

source. Under 25 Pa. Code §127.12(a)(5), an application for a plan approval must show 

that the emissions from a new source will be the minimum attainable through the use of the 

best available technology. Pennsylvania regulations define “best available technology” in 

25 Pa. Code § 121.1 as, “Equipment, devices, methods or techniques as determined by the 
- 25 - 

Department which will prevent, reduce or control emissions of air contaminants to the 

maximum degree possible and which are available or may be made available.” The 

Department’s BAT regulations, codified in 25 Pa. Code §§ 127.1 and 127.12(a)(5), were 

approved by EPA on July 30, 1996, and codified in the SIP at 40 CFR §52.2020(c)(1).

The following federally enforceable programs, already incorporated in the 

Commonwealth’s SIP, will also reduce emissions.

Federal Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Federal standards to control 

hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) require Maximum Achievable Control Technology 

(MACT) at units located at major sources of HAPs. The EPA has issued a series of 

regulations that are applicable to sources in Pennsylvania. These MACT standards are 

adopted and incorporated by reference in Section 6.6 of Pennsylvania’s Air Pollution 

Control Act and implementing regulations in 25 Pa. Code § 127.35 (relating to maximum 

achievable control technology standards for hazardous air pollutants) and are also included 

in federally enforceable permits issued by the Department for affected sources.

2. Highway Vehicle Sources 

Even with increases in VMT that occur from 2007 through 2025, highway vehicle 

emissions will continue to decrease. As more vehicles subject to cleaner new car standards 

replace older vehicles subject to less stringent new vehicle standards, the fleet as a whole 

emits fewer emissions, compensating for the increase in vehicle miles traveled. These 

decreases can be attributed to the programs described below. 

Federal Motor Vehicle Control Programs (FMVCP) and Pennsylvania Clean Vehicle 

Program for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks and cleaner gasoline. Tier 1 

tailpipe standards established by the CAA Amendments of 1990 include NOX and VOC 

limits for light-duty gasoline vehicles (LDGVs) and light-duty gasoline trucks (LDGTs). 

The phase in of these standards began in 1994. Evaporative VOC emissions were reduced 

in gasoline-powered cars starting with Model Year (MY) 1998. 

In 1998, under the authority of section 177 of the CAA, the Department adopted the 

Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program (28 Pa.B. 5973; Dec. 5, 1998). The Pennsylvania 

Clean Vehicles Program incorporates by reference certain California Low Emission 

Vehicle (CA LEV) emission standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. As 

required under Section 177 of the CAA, these provisions are identical to the low emission 

standards adopted by California. The regulation does not incorporate by reference the 

California zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) or emissions control warranty systems statement 

provisions. 

In the same rulemaking, the Department adopted the National Low Emission Vehicle 

(NLEV) program as a compliance alternative to the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program. 

The NLEV program became effective in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) in 1999. 

Pennsylvania’s New Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Program regulations in 

25 Pa. Code Sections 126.401-126.441, in addition to including the Clean Vehicles 
- 26 - 

Program, allowed automobile manufacturers to comply with NLEV instead of the CA LEV 

program through MY 2005. These regulations affected vehicles 6,000 pounds and less and 

were the regulations in effect for new motor vehicles in the baseline year, 2002. 

In 1999, the EPA promulgated regulations more stringent than NLEV (Tier 2), starting 

with MY 2004 (65 FR 6698; Feb.10, 2000). The NLEV program was replaced for 

MY 2004 and later by the more stringent Tier 2 regulations, and vehicle manufacturers 

operating under the NLEV program became subject to the Tier 2 requirements.

Pennsylvania amended the former New Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Program in 

2006. The Clean Vehicles Program continues to incorporate the California Low Emission 

Vehicle Program by reference. As amended, the program affects MY 2008 and newer 

passenger cars and light-duty trucks vehicles (36 Pa.B. 7424; Dec. 9, 2006), corrected 

37 Pa.B. 209 (Jan. 12, 2007, eff. Dec. 9, 2006). EPA approved Pennsylvania’s Clean 

Vehicle Program as a revision to the Commonwealth’s SIP on January 24, 2012 

(77 FR 3386).

Heavy-Duty Diesel Control Programs. The EPA promulgated more stringent national 

regulations for heavy-duty engines and vehicles (over 14,000 pounds) starting with 

MY 2004. In addition, federal consent decrees with seven of the largest heavy-duty engine 

manufacturers required, among other terms, that diesel engines made by these companies 

comply with these 2004 standards two model years early, in MY 2002. The emission 

reductions from these programs are reflected in the future year emission inventories, as 

provided in the MOVES model. 

In 2002, the Department adopted the Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program for 

model years starting after May 2004. The program incorporates California standards by 

reference and requires MY 2005 and subsequent new heavy-duty diesel highway engines 

to be those certified by California. California standards were more stringent than federal 

standards for the two model years between expiration of the consent decrees discussed 

above (MYs 2005 and 2006) and the implementation of more stringent federal standards 

affecting MY 2007 and beyond. However, EPA’s MOVES model already assumed that 

the engines would comply with consent decree standards, even without an enforcement 

mechanism. The Department has used MOVES defaults to calculate emissions from 

MY 2005 and 2006 highway engines. 

The EPA adopted new emission standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles for 

MY 2007 and subsequent. For diesel engines, the standards were phased in from 2007 to 

2010 for NOX and VOCs. For gasoline engines, the standards were phased in during 

MY 2008 and 2009. Federal and California standards were virtually identical for 

MY 2007. For MY 2008, California adopted requirements for idling restriction engine 

programming and an optional “clean NOX idle” standard. However, there is no EPAapproved methodology to estimate emission reductions from this requirement. Therefore, 

the emission estimates use assumptions of the federal rule for MY 2007 through 2010. 
- 27 - 

Because the new engine standards are adversely affected by sulfur in fuel, the EPA also 

required most highway diesel fuel to contain no more than 15 parts per million (ppm) of 

sulfur, beginning in the fall of 2006. There was a temporary compliance option allowing 

refiners to continue to produce up to 20 percent of their highway diesel fuel at 500 ppm 

fuel until 2010. The Department used MOVES defaults to estimate the effects of the 

phase-in provision. 

Vehicle Emission Inspection/Maintenance Program. In early 2004, Pennsylvania 

expanded its Vehicle Emission Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Program into the Reading 

Area. The program applies to gasoline-powered vehicles 9,000 pounds and under, model 

years 1975 and newer. For vehicles 1996 and newer, the program consists of an annual 

on-board diagnostics test and a gas cap pressure test. For subject vehicles 1995 and older, 

the program consists of an annual visual inspection of pollution control devices to ensure 

they are present, connected and the proper type for the vehicle and a gas cap pressure test. 

These regulations can be found in 67 Pa. Code Chapter 177. The Department submitted 

the expanded emissions program as a SIP revision on December 1, 2003. EPA approved 

the SIP revision on October 6, 2005 (70 FR 58313).

Low Sulfur Gasoline. Sulfur is a natural component in crude oil that ends up in gasoline 

and diesel unless removed. Sulfur in gasoline impairs the effectiveness of emission control 

systems and contributes to air pollution. By removing most sulfur from gasoline, new 

advanced emission controls will work longer and more efficiently, and air pollution will be 

reduced.

The 1999 federal Tier 2 regulations (65 FR 6698; Feb.10, 2000) reduced the sulfur content 

of gasoline by up to 90 percent, enabling the use of new emission control technologies in 

cars and trucks that reduce harmful air pollution. The emission inventory analysis in this 

Maintenance Plan uses the default assumptions provided in MOVES2010 to account for 

the implementation of the federal standards for low sulfur gasoline. Requirements for use 

of low-sulfur gasoline enabled use of advanced emission control systems in light-duty 

vehicles beginning in MY 2004. Vehicles meeting Tier 2 emission standards are 77 to 95 

percent cleaner than earlier models.

Currently, EPA has proposed a rulemaking reducing sulfur limits in gasoline further with a 

Tier 3 Low Sulfur Gasoline program. (78 FR 29816; May 21, 2013). The Tier 3 program 

would reduce sulfur levels in gasoline to 10 parts per million or lower. When 

implemented, this program, by 2030, would increase the effectiveness of vehicle emission 

controls even further and reduce tailpipe emissions of NOX by 29 percent and VOC by 26 

percent.

3. Nonroad Sources 

The EPA has adopted a series of regulations affecting new diesel-powered (“compression 

ignition”) and gasoline-powered (“spark ignition”) nonroad engines of various sizes 

(horsepower) and applications. Information on these federal rules, including their 

implementation dates, can be found at www.epa.gov/nonroad. The Department used the 
- 28 - 

assumptions built into the nonroad model (NONROAD2005) and NMIM to estimate 

emissions for all milestone years. 

While the EPA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking for more stringent standards 

for locomotives and large commercial marine diesel engines, the agency has not finalized 

any new standards. 

On June 29, 2004, EPA adopted a rule establishing a comprehensive national program to 

reduce emissions from nonroad diesel engines (69 FR 38958). The rule phased in 

requirements for reducing the sulfur content of diesel used in nonroad diesel engines. The 

reduction in fuel sulfur content prevents damage to the more advanced emission control 

systems needed to meet the engine standards; it will also reduce fine particulate emissions 

from diesel engines. In 2007, fuel sulfur levels were limited to 500 ppm for nonroad 

applications other than ocean-going marine vessels. In 2010, fuel sulfur levels were 

reduced to the same sulfur concentration as in highway fuel, 15 ppm; this requirement 

began applying in 2012 to locomotive and marine diesel fuel. EPA adopted technical 

amendments to the program in rules published in the Federal Register on 

November 22, 2005 (70 FR 70498), and May 1, 2006 (71 FR 25706). On April 30, 2010 

(75 FR 22896), EPA adopted changes to the nonroad diesel fuel program to allow for the 

production and sale of diesel fuel with up to 1000 ppm sulfur for use in Category 3 marine 

vessels. This requirement does not impact the Reading Area because the Reading Area 

does not have emissions from commercial marine vessels.

4. Stationary Area Sources 

Low Sulfur Fuel Oil. The Environmental Quality Board has adopted a rule to reduce the 

sulfur content of fuel oil in Pennsylvania. This final rule, published in the Pennsylvania 

Bulletin February 9, 2013 (43 Pa.B. 806), corrected April 20, 2013 (43 Pa.B. 2140), will 

limit the sulfur content of No. 2 fuel oil to 500 ppm, No. 4 fuel oil to 2,500 ppm and Nos. 5 

and 6 fuel oils to 5,000 ppm. Compliance with the lower sulfur content limits will be 

required beginning July 1, 2016. The Department estimates statewide SO2 emission 

reductions of approximately 25,000 tons per year from this rule. 

Consumer Products. This regulation applies statewide to any person who sells, supplies, 

offers for sale, or manufactures certain consumer products on or after January 1, 2005, for 

use in the Commonwealth. The program is contained in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 130, 

Subchapter B. It was submitted to the EPA as a SIP revision on March 26, 2003, and 

approved on December 8, 2004 (69 FR 70895). Additional regulations were adopted on 

October 11, 2008, submitted to the EPA for approval as a SIP revision on March 11, 2009,

and approved by EPA as a SIP revision on October 18, 2010 (75 FR 63717).

Adhesives, Sealants, Primers and Solvents. Pennsylvania adopted a regulation in 2010 

to control VOC emissions from Adhesives, Sealants, Primers and Solvents. This 

regulation was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on December 25, 2010 

(40 Pa.B. 7340), and approved by EPA as a SIP revision on September 26, 2012 

(77 FR 59090). 
- 29 - 

B. Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets for Transportation Conformity 

Section 176 of the CAA provides a mechanism by which federally funded or approved 

highway and transit plans, programs, and projects are determined not to produce new air 

quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of the NAAQS. 

EPA regulations issued to implement transportation conformity provide that motor vehicle 

emission “budgets” establish caps of these emissions that cannot be exceeded by the 

predicted transportation system emissions in the future. Transportation agencies in 

Pennsylvania are responsible for making timely transportation conformity determinations. 

The responsible agency in the Reading Area is the Reading Area Transportation Study, the 

designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) under federal transportation 

planning requirements. 

In this Maintenance Plan, Pennsylvania establishes budgets for highway emissions for 

direct PM2.5 and NOX in order to ensure that transportation emissions do not impede clean 

air goals in the next decade and beyond. The highway emission budgets include a safety 

margin, which was created by setting aside a portion of the difference between attainment 

year and maintenance year emissions of PM2.5 and NOX to accommodate unanticipated 

growth in highway vehicles. 

Amendments to the 40 CFR part 93 transportation conformity regulations to address the 

1997 PM2.5 standard were published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2005 

(70 FR 24280), to account for PM2.5 and its precursors.6The implementation rule did not 

amend these regulations. Section 93.102 requires conformity determinations to be 

applicable to direct emissions of PM2.5 and NOX (unless a determination is made that 

transportation-related emissions are not significant contributors to PM2.5), but to emissions 

of SO2, VOC, and NH3 only if a finding is made that transportation-related emissions of 

these pollutants are significant contributors to PM2.5. EPA approved Pennsylvania’s SIP 

revision establishing transportation conformity requirements in the Commonwealth on 

April 29, 2009 (74 FR 19451). 

This SIP revision establishes motor vehicle emission budgets for PM2.5 and NOX. The 

information in Table III-2, once the EPA approves it for purposes of conformity, will 

establish transportation conformity budgets for the Reading Area. For informational 

purposes, DEP analyzed the projected 2025 inventory and found that highway emissions of 

VOC, NH3, and SO2 account for 14.36 %, 2.67 %, and 0.20 % of the total projected 2025 

inventory, respectively, as shown in Table III-3. 

 

6 The regulations were again amended on March 14, 2012 (77 CFR 14979) to restructure several sections so 

that they apply to any new or revised NAAQS and make several clarifications to improve implementation. 
- 30 - 

Table III-2: Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (Tons per Year) 

Reading PM2.5 NOX

2007 383 11,374

2017 Predicted 174 5,218

Safety Margin 26 522

2017 Budget 200 5,739

2025 Predicted 127 3,381

Safety Margin 19 338

2025 Budget 146 3,719

Table III-3 shows that the amount of emission reductions anticipated between 2007 and 

2017 and between 2007 and 2025 easily accommodates the safety margins granted. 

Table III-3 Comparison of Safety Margin to Total Anticipated Emission Reductions 

in 2017 and 2025 

Berks PM2.5 NOx

2007 3,704 20,988

2017 3,307 11,864

2025 3,196 9,848

2007 - 2017 397 9,124

Margin Granted 26 522

2007 - 2025 508 11,140

Margin Granted 19 338
- 31 - 

Table III-4: Comparison of 2025 On-Road Mobile VOC, NH3, and SO2 Emissions to 

the Total Projected 2025 Inventory 

Reading VOC NH3 SO2

On-Road Mobile Source 

2025 Inventory (Tons)

1,501 116 32

Total 2025 Inventory 

(Tons) 9,692 4,368 15,908

Percent of Total 2025 

Inventory (%)

15.49 2.67 0.20

The motor vehicle emission budgets include PM from vehicle exhaust, brake wear, and tire 

wear, which are estimated by the MOVES model. The Department has included direct 

PM2.5 re-entrained road dust emissions from paved and unpaved roads in the area source 

inventory, not in the motor vehicle emission budgets. Appendices B-3 and B-4, relating to 

area source annual emissions, contain estimates of the PM2.5 emissions attributable to 

paved and unpaved roads. 

The Reading monitoring site includes a monitor that measures PM2.5 mass and a speciation 

monitor that collects data on the chemical constituents of PM2.5 in the Reading Area. 

Transportation construction-related fugitive dust emissions are not a significant contributor 

to the PM2.5 concentrations observed at the Reading monitor. At the Reading monitor, the 

crustal component was found to be small compared to other components of PM2.5 

(See, Figure 1). Given that construction-related fugitive dust is one of many source 

categories contributing to the crustal material observed at the monitor, and transportation 

construction is a small subset of all construction, it is reasonable to conclude that 

transportation construction-related fugitive emissions are insignificant. 
- 32 - 

Figure 1: Pie Chart of 2007 Reading Speciation Data 
- 33 - 

IV. AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK 

The Commonwealth will continue to operate the air monitoring network in accordance 

with 40 CFR Part 58 to verify the attainment status of the area, with no reductions in the 

number of sites from those in the existing network unless pre-approved by EPA. The 

Commonwealth has concurrently submitted a request for redesignation of the Reading 

Area that contains analysis of ambient air quality data and related factors. 

V. VERIFICATION OF CONTINUED ATTAINMENT 

The Commonwealth will track the attainment status of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS in the area 

by reviewing air quality and emissions data during the maintenance period. The 

Commonwealth will perform an annual evaluation of two key factors, VMT data and 

emissions reported from stationary sources, and compare them to the assumptions about 

these factors used in this plan. The Commonwealth will also evaluate the periodic (every 

three years) emission inventories prepared under EPA’s Air Emission Reporting 

Requirements (40 CFR 51, Subpart A) to see if they exceed the attainment year inventory 

(2007) by more than 10 percent. Based on these evaluations, the Commonwealth will 

consider whether any further emission control measures should be implemented. 

VI. CONTINGENCY MEASURES 

The Commonwealth will adopt and expeditiously implement corrective actions, as 

necessary and appropriate, in the following circumstances: 

A first level response will be prompted if the annual mean PM2.5 concentration exceeds 

15.5 μg/m3in a single calendar year within the maintenance area or if the periodic 

emissions inventory for the Reading Area exceeds the attainment year inventory (2007) by 

more than 10 percent. The first level response will consist of a study to determine whether 

the PM2.5 value indicates a trend toward higher PM2.5 values and whether emissions appear 

to be increasing. If there appears to be an increasing trend, the study will evaluate whether 

the trend is likely to continue and, if so, the necessary and appropriate control measures to 

reverse the trend. Implementation of necessary and appropriate controls would take place 

as expeditiously as possible. 

A second level response will be prompted if the 2-year average of the annual mean PM2.5

concentrations exceeds 15.0 μg/m3 within the maintenance area. If this trigger point 

occurs, the Commonwealth will evaluate whether additional emission control measures 

should be implemented in order to prevent a violation of the air quality standard. The 

Department will analyze the conditions leading to the PM2.5 levels and evaluate what 

measures might be most effective in correcting the PM2.5 levels. The Department will also 

analyze the potential emissions effect of federal, state and local measures that have been 

adopted but not yet implemented at the time the second level response is triggered. The 

Department will then begin the process of adopting any selected measures that are 
- 34 - 

necessary and appropriate so that in the event of a violation, the measures can be 

implemented as expeditiously as practicable. 

If a violation of the NAAQS occurs, the Commonwealth will propose and adopt additional 

emission reduction measures, as necessary and appropriate, as expeditiously as practicable 

in accordance with the implementation schedule in this section, the CAA, the Pennsylvania 

Air Pollution Control Act, other Pennsylvania statutory requirements, and the 

Department’s Policy for Development, Approval and Availability of Regulations in order 

to return the area to attainment with the standard. 

Additional emission reduction measures to be considered for adoption if a violation of the 

NAAQS occurs in the Reading Area would be based on criteria including the following: 

 Air quality analysis indicating nature of violation [cause, location, source]; 

 Emission reduction potential, including extent to which emission generating 

sources occur in the nonattainment area; 

 Timeliness of implementation in terms of the potential to return the area to 

attainment as expeditiously as practicable; and 

 Costs, equity and cost-effectiveness. 

Additional emission reduction measures the Department would consider pursuing for 

promulgation if a violation of the NAAQS occurs in the Reading Area include the 

following: 

Regulatory measures: 

 A regulation based on the OTC Model Rule to update requirements for consumer 

products; 

 A regulation based on the Control Techniques Guidelines (CTG) for industrial 

cleaning solvents; and 

 Other regulatory measures identified based on the above-listed criteria. 

Non-regulatory measures: 

 Voluntary diesel projects: 

o Diesel retrofit (including replacement, repowering or alternative fuel use) for 

public or private local onroad or offroad fleets; 

o Idling reduction technology for Class 2 yard locomotives; and

o Idling reduction technologies or strategies for truck stops, warehouses and 

other freight-handling facilities. 

 Promotion of accelerated turnover of lawn and garden equipment, especially 

commercial equipment. 

 Additional promotion of alternative fuels for fleets, home heating and agricultural 

use.
- 35 - 

Once the Department’s Bureau of Air Quality has obtained an approved request to initiate 

a rulemaking, the rulemaking may proceed as follows: 

Within 2 months: Review by Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee 

(AQTAC), Citizens Advisory Council and other advisory committees,7 as 

appropriate. 

Within 5 months: Environmental Quality Board (EQB) meeting/action. 

Within 7 months: Publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin for comment as 

proposed rulemaking. 

Within 9 months: Public hearing takes place and comment period on proposed rule 

closes.

Within 10 months: Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) comment 

on proposed rule. 

Within 12 months: AQTAC, Citizens Advisory Council and other advisory 

committees, as appropriate, review responses to comments and draft final 

rulemaking. 

Within 15 months: EQB meeting/action. 

Within 16 months: IRRC action on final rulemaking. 

Within 17 months: Attorney General review/action. 

Within 18 months: Publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as final rulemaking and 

submission to the EPA as a SIP revision. The regulation would become 

effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

 

7 Other committees could include the Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee and Agriculture 

Advisory Committee. 
- 36 - 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AEO Annual Energy Outlook 

AQTAC Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee 

BACT Best Available Control Technology 

BAT Best Available Technology 

CAA Clean Air Act 

CAIR Clean Air Interstate Rule 

CA LEV California Low Emission Vehicle (program) 

CF Control Factor 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CMU Carnegie Mellon University 

CMV Commercial Marine Vessel 

DEP Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 

EDMS Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System 

EGAS Economic Growth Analysis System 

EGU Electric Generating Unit 

EIA Energy Information Administration 

EIS Emission Inventory System 

EPA The United States Environmental Protection Agency 

EQB Environmental Quality Board 

ERC Emission Reduction Credit 

ERTAC Eastern Regional Technical Advisory Committee 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FIP Federal Implementation Plan 

FIRE Factor Information Retrieval 

FMVCP Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program 

FR Federal Register 

FRM Federal Reference Method 

HAP Hazardous Air Pollutant 

I/M Inspection and Maintenance 

IRRC Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

ITN Itinerant 

LDGV Light Duty Gasoline Vehicles 

LDGT Light Duty Gasoline Trucks 

MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technology 

MANE-VU Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Visibility Union 

MARAMA Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association 

MOVES Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator 

MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization 

MY Model Year 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standard 

NAICS North American Industry Classification System 

NEI National Emissions Inventory 

NH3 Ammonia 

NLEV National Low Emission Vehicle (program) 
- 37 - 

NMIM National Mobile Inventory Model 

NOX Oxides of Nitrogen 

NSR New Source Review 

OTAQ Office of Transportation and Air Quality 

OTC Ozone Transport Commission 

OTR Ozone Transport Region 

OWB Outdoor Wood-fired Boiler 

PennDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 

PM Particulate Matter 

PM2.5 Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter or Fine Particulates 

PM10 Particulate Matter less than 10 microns in diameter 

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

RWC Residential Wood Combustion 

SCC Source Classification Code 

SIP State Implementation Plan 

SO2 Sulfur Dioxide 

TAF Terminal Area Forecast 

TCM Transportation Control Measures 

TSD Technical Support Document 

μg/m3 Microgram per cubic meter

μm Micrometer 

VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled 

VOC Volatile Organic Compound 

WOE Weight of Evidence 

ZEV Zero Emissions Vehicle 
NOTICES

Proposed Revision to the State Implementation Plan for the Reading Fine 

Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area; Public Hearing 

[43 Pa.B. 6064] 

[Saturday, October 12, 2013] 

 Particulate matter (PM) includes both solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Fine 

particle pollution describes particulate matter that is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in 

diameter (PM2.5). PM2.5 concentrations above the Federal health-based standard pose a serious 

human health threat. Air quality in the Reading PM2.5 Nonattainment Area, consisting of Berks 

County, has improved and now meets the 1997 PM2.5 health-based standards. Therefore, the 

Department of Environmental Protection (Department) plans to submit a request to the United 

States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate this area to attainment. 

 The Department published notice at 43 Pa.B. 5661 (September 21, 2013) of a public comment 

period and public hearing on the request and on a proposed State Implementation Plan revision 

containing the 2007 comprehensive inventory and a maintenance plan demonstrating that the 

area can maintain the standard for the next 10 years as required under section 175A(a) of the 

Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.A. § 7505a(a)). The notice explained that the maintenance plan 

will also establish new motor vehicle emission budgets for purposes of transportation 

conformity, upon EPA approval. 

 The Department is postponing the public hearing by 1 week and extending the public 

comment period. Public notice of the new public hearing date and extension of the public 

comment period has been provided by local newspaper advertisement in the affected area. 

 The Department will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposal on 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Department's Reading District Office, 1005 

Crossroads Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605. Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearing 

should contact Alex Haas, P. O. Box 8468, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 787-9495, 

alehaas@pa.gov to reserve a time. Witnesses should keep testimony to 10 minutes and should 

provide two written copies of their statement at the hearing. 

 If by October 28, 2013, no person has expressed an interest in testifying at the hearing, the 

hearing will be cancelled. The Department will notify the public if the hearing is cancelled on the 

Bureau of Air Quality web page at 

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/default.htm. 
 Persons may also contact the Department to find out if the hearing is cancelled by contacting 

Alex Haas at (717) 787-9495 or alehaas@pa.gov. 

 The request to redesignate the area to attainment and the proposed State Implementation Plan 

revision are available on the Department's web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us (choose ''Air,'' 

choose ''Bureau of Air Quality,'' choose ''Regs/Plans,'' choose ''Clean Air Plans'') or through the 

contact persons listed as follows. 

 Persons with a disability who wish to attend the hearing and require an auxiliary aid, service 

or other accommodation to participate in the proceeding should contact Alex Haas at (717) 787-

9495 or alehaas@pa.gov. TDD users may contact the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 

(800) 654-5984 to discuss how the Department can best accommodate their needs. 

 The Department must receive comments no later than November 1, 2013. Written comments 

should be sent to the attention of Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality, P. O. Box 8468, 

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8468, nherb@pa.gov. Use ''Reading PM2.5 Redesignation'' as the subject 

line in written communication. 

E. CHRISTOPHER ABRUZZO, 

Acting Secretary 

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 13-1905. Filed for public inspection October 11, 2013, 9:00 a.m.] 

No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit. 

This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. 

Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this 

version may differ slightly from the official printed version. 

webmaster@PaBulletin.com 
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA 

ST0-521 REV. 06-2010 INVOICE NO. 

PUBLICATIONS AUTHORIZATION AND INVOICE 

PUBLICATIONS AUTHORIZATION (To be completed by agency): 

TO: (~AND ADDFt£SS Of: NEWSPAPEA.\ 

Reading Eagle 

Attn: Legal Ads 

PO Box 5B2 

Readinq, PA 19603-0SB2 n 

i FEDERAL I,D. NO.iSOC. SEC. NO. 

i 24"0676050 

'._'M'_""M .. "_M." •• " .• ·M"M .... M" ___ M_ .•. __ .... _. ___ ,~ .... "_" 

FROM: (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENCY) AGENCY I TELEPHONE NO. 

Alex Haas 717-787-9495 

PA DEP- BAQ 

400 Market 5t 

H;ur\c;hllrn PA 1710~ D 

HEREWITH IS ENCLOSED coPY FOR PUBLICATION OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS TO IlYPE OF AD 

o EMPLOY 0 PURCHASE 0 CONTRACT 0 SELL 0 CLAssiFIED IZJ LEGAL NOTICE 

PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT (No. OF TIMES) jMAXlMUM NO. OF LINES DATE '. I ORDER NO. 

lx Only September 25, 2013 

DATES OF INSERTION SIGNATUl'o:"'}ORAGENCY (:" J I (}J fi 

On or Before September 30, 2013 JL.Zd~,,· C.~ L/O---1..L L\:Z--t".#t-<,t-t--.......... You. as vendor, are authorized to publish this advertisement in your newspaper, subject to the tenms of this order, as follows: 

Advertisement to be published in regular advertising columns, no position specified; caption of two lines and signature to be in 

capitals and subject matter and title of officer to be set solid in type regularly used by your newspaper for public (legal) notice 

advertising; charge to be made at the rate charged to and paid by commercial advertisers for matter similarly set and occupying 

similar space; advertisement to be run in the editions specified above, Vendor agrees that, in the performance of any contract 

awarded to it hereunder, said vendor will not discriminate against any employee or other persons on account of race, color, sex, 

religious creed, ancestry, age or national origin and that the Commonwealth, upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of such discrimination, shall have the right to cancel said contract Return this copy at once if you will not accept this advertisement under 

the terms set forth, 

Return original and two copies (signed by the editor or publisher) to the agency listed above. Proof of advertising 

in the form of a tear sheet must be stapled to original and copies. Original must be notarized. 

Commonwealth to be billed only for actual number of printed lines published. 

SAP FUND COST CENTER GENERAL LEDGER ACCOUNT CODE % 

INVOICE (To be completed by publisher)' 

DATE OF INSERTION ACTUAl NO. OF PRINTED LINES COST PER LINE TOTAL AMOUNT 

1stAd 9/30/13 209 1. 65 344. 5 

2nd Ad 

3rd Ad Affidavit Char e 5. 0 

? ", 

GRAND TOTAL ~ $351. 5 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

Counlyof Berks 

Before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally came __ ....!L"y"n"'n!.....;S"'c"'h"'l,,· t"'t"l"e"r"-____ _ 

who being duly sworn, doth depose and say that he is' .,.."-,'A",s,:,s",l,,,· s"-t"'a"'n"'t~"'S-"e"'c-7r-=e-=t-=a-=r.Ly _____________ _ 

the Reading Eagle a general newspaper published at -::--:-.:oR"'e"'a"'d"'i"'n"g'---:--_-:--::---:--_-,-__ -:----:-:-__ _ 

that the advertisement, of which learsheet is attached herelo, was published in the regular advertising columns of said newspapl 

in the editions of said newspaper, in all respects as ordered and invoiced above; and that the Commonwealth is not charg' 

therefor at a rate higher than is charged any ordinary advertiser for a similar amount of matter occupying similar space and set ir 

similar matter, in said newspaper, 

Sworn a 

dayof-,~~~~Lk~~Fr~~ __ -r 

My commission expires COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYlVANIA 

NOTARIAL SEAL . 

*This affidavit must be made by the wne'>.Ii~!:ii.sl!ll'>r9.~r~Sffillljill<iSlliUll!:"t of he owner or publrsher. 

C!TY OF READING, BERKS COUNTY 

MY COMMISSION EXPIRES OCT. 2, 2016 
Rec;o!:"j [':)1<-

P<.obJ:sheoi M 0,., "'">" Seph""ber 3D, Z-OJJ 

Proposed Revision to the State 

Implementation Plan 

for the Reading Fine 

Particulate Matter 

Nonatlainment Area; 

Public Hearing 

Particulate matter (PM) 

includes both solid and 

liquid particles suspended in the air, Fine partide pollution describes 

particulate matter that is 

less than or equal to 2.5 

micrometers in diameter 

(PM2.5), PM2.S concentrations above the federal health-based standard 

pose a serious human 

health threat, Air quality in the Reading PM2.5 

Nonattainment Area, (onsfsting of Berks County in 

Pennsylvania, has improved and now meets 

the 1997 PM2.S healthbased standards. Therefore, the Department of 

Environmental Protection (Department) plans to submit a request to the Us. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate this area to attainment. 

The Department is seeking public comment on this request and on a proposed State Implementation Plan revision 

containing the 2007 

comprehensive inventory and a maintenance 

plan demonstra~ing .that 

the area can malntarn 

the standard for the next 10 years as required 

under section 175A{a) of 

the federal Clean Air Act 

(42 U.s.C.A § 7505a). 

Upon EPA approval, ~he 

maintenance plan will 

also establish new motor vehicle emission budgets 

for purposes of transportation conformity. 

The request to redesignate the area to attainment and the proposed State Implementation Plan revision are available on the Department's website at www.depweb.state.pa.u 

s (choose" Air, n choose 

"Bureau of Air Quality, " 

choose "Regs/Plans, n 

choose "Clean Air Plans") or through the contact persons listed below. 

The Department will 

hold. a public hearing to receIve comments on the 

proposal on Wednesday, 

October 30, 2013, at 11 :00 a.m., at the Department's Reading District Office, 1005 Crossroads Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605. Persons 

wishing to present testimony at the hearing 

should contact Alex 

Haas, P.O. Box 8468, 

Harrisburg, PA 17105, 

(717) 787-9495 Or 

alehaas@pa.govto re- serve a time. Witnesses 

should keep testimony to ten minutes and 

should pr'ovide'two writ- ten copies of their state- ment at the hearing. 

If by October 28, 2013, no person has expressed an interest in testifying at the hearing, the hearing will be cancelled. 

The Department will no- tify the public if the 

hearing is cancelled on the Bureau of Air QuaHwebpage: 

Persons may also contact the Department to find out if the hearing is can- celfed by contacting Alex 

Haas: at (717) 787-9495 or alehaas@pa.gov: 

Persons with a disability 

who wish to attend the 

hearing and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to participate in the prO' 

ceeding should contact Alex Haas at (717) 787~ 

9495 or alehaas@pa.gov. 

TDD users may contact the AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 to dis- cuss how the Depart- ment can best accommo- date their needs. 

The Department must receive comments no lat- er than November 1, 

2013. Written com- ments should be sent to the attention of Nancy 

Herb, Bureau of Air 

Quality, P.O. Box 8468, 

Harrisburg, PA 17105-

8468, or nherb@pa.gov. 

Use "Reading PM2.5 

Redesignation" as the 

subject line in written 

communication. 

CHRISTOPHER E. 

ABRUZZO, 

Acting Secretary 
NOTICES

Proposed Revision to the State Implementation Plan for the Reading Fine 

Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area; Public Hearing 

[43 Pa.B. 5661] 

[Saturday, September 21, 2013] 

 Particulate matter (PM) includes both solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Fine 

particle pollution describes particulate matter that is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in 

diameter (PM2.5). PM2.5 concentrations above the Federal health-based standard pose a serious 

human health threat. Air quality in the Reading PM2.5 Nonattainment Area, consisting of Berks 

County, has improved and now meets the 1997 PM2.5 health-based standards. Therefore, the 

Department of Environmental Protection (Department) plans to submit a request to the United 

States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate this area to attainment. 

 The Department is seeking public comment on this request and on a proposed State 

Implementation Plan revision containing the 2007 comprehensive inventory and a maintenance 

plan demonstrating that the area can maintain the standard for the next 10 years as required under 

section 175A(a) of the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.A. § 7505a(a)). Upon EPA approval, 

the maintenance plan will also establish new motor vehicle emission budgets for purposes of 

transportation conformity. 

 The request to redesignate the area to attainment and the proposed State Implementation Plan 

revision are available on the Department's web site at www.dep.state.pa.us (choose ''Air,'' choose 

''Bureau of Air Quality,'' choose ''Regs/Plan,'' choose ''Clean Air Plans'') or through the contact 

persons listed as follows. 

 The Department will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposal on 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Department's Reading District Office, 1005 

Crossroads Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605. Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearing 

should contact Alex Haas, P. O. Box 8468, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 787-9495, 

alehaas@pa.gov to reserve a time. Witnesses should keep testimony to 10 minutes and should 

provide two written copies of their statement at the hearing. 

 If by October 21, 2013, no person has expressed an interest in testifying at the hearing, the 

hearing will be cancelled. The Department will notify the public if the hearing is cancelled on the 

Bureau of Air Quality web page at 

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/default.htm. Persons may also contact the 

Department to find out if the hearing is cancelled by contacting Alex Haas at (717) 787-9495 or 

alehaas@pa.gov. 
 Persons with a disability who wish to attend the hearing and require an auxiliary aid, service 

or other accommodation to participate in the proceeding should contact Alex Haas at the 

previously listed phone number and e-mail address. TDD users may contact the Pennsylvania 

AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 to discuss how the Department can best accommodate 

their needs. 

 The Department must receive comments no later than October 25, 2013. Written comments 

should be sent to the attention of Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality, P. O. Box 8468, 

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8468, nherb@pa.gov. Use ''Reading PM2.5 Redesignation'' as the subject 

line in written communication. 

E. CHRISTOPHER ABRUZZO, 

Secretary 

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 13-1730. Filed for public inspection September 20, 2013, 9:00 a.m.] 

No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit. 

This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. 

Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this 

version may differ slightly from the official printed version. 

webmaster@PaBulletin.com