UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4

The Honorable Colley Billie Chairman ofthe Miccosukee Tribe

ofIndians in Florida P.O. Box 440021- Tamiami Station Miami, Florida 33144

Dear Chairman Billie: ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 

### FEB - 6 2013

I am writing todayto inform you about the process for designating areas under the 2010 revision to the primaryNational Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide**(S~)-** Reducing levels ofS02 pollution is an important part ofthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitment to a clean, healthy environment. Exposure to S02 can cause a range ofadverse health effects, including narrowing ofthe airways which can cause difficultybreathing and increased asthma symptoms. This letter is to notify you ofthe EPA's preliminaryintentions regarding yourrecommended designations.

On June 3, 2010, the EPA strengthened the health-based or ''primary'' standard for S02byestablishing a standard for 1-hour**averageS~** concentrations at a level of75 parts perbillion. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to complete the initial designations process within two years ofpromulgating a new or revised standard. Ifthe Administrator has insufficient information to make these designations, the EPA has the authority to extend the designation process byup to one year. On July 27, 2012, the EPA announced that ithad insufficient information to complete the designations for the 1-hour S02standard within two years and extended the designations deadline to June 3, 2013.

Atthis time, the EPA is proceeding with designating as nonattainment most areas in locations where existingmonitoring data from 2009-2011 indicate violations ofthe 1-hour S02 standard. The EPA intends to address the designations for all other areas in separate future actions. With input from a diverse group ofstakeholders, the EPA has developed a comprehensive implementation strategy for these future actions that focuses resources onidentifying and addressing unhealthy levels ofSOz. The strategy is available at: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. The EPA will continue to work closely with you and our otherpartners at the state, tribal and local levels to ensure health-protective, commonsense implementation ofthe 1-hour S02 standard.

The EPA's review ofthe most recent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02standard in any ofthe Miccosukee Tribe ofIndians trust lands. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action in the Miccosukee Tribe ofIndians trust lands and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas in the Miccosukee Tribe ofIndians trust lands. The EPA expects to beableto proceed with designation action in the Miccosukee Tribe ofIndians trust lands once additional data are gathered pursuant to our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofour intended designations for these areas,

Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed wfth Vegetable 00 Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer)

### and seek public comment on these actions, no later than 120 days prior to promulgating any final designations.

We look forward to a continued dialogue with you and your staffas we work together to implement the 2010 primary S02standard. For additional information regarding initial designations onthe S02 standard, please visit our website at www.epa.gov/so2designations. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 404-562-8357 orBeverly Banister ofmy staffat 404-562-9326.

cc: Kevin Donaldson Environmental Specialist Sincerely,

# ~~¢e-o'**Gwendol~eyes** Fleming Regional Administrator

Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for Airand Radiation
Stephen D. Page, Director, Office ofAir QualityPlanning and Standards