State Implementation Plan Revision

Adoption of Regional Haze Strategies in Oregon

Oregon Regional Haze Plan

for Implementing

Section 308 (40CFR 51.308)

of the Regional Haze Rule

Proposed Rulemaking

For Adoption by the Environmental Quality Commission

April 2009

State of Oregon

Department of Environmental Quality

811 SW Sixth Avenue

Portland, OR 97204-1390
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND SUMMARY...........................................................................i

Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................i

Executive Summary....................................................................................................................i

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................7

1.1 Overview of Visibility and Regional Haze ........................................................................7

1.2 Oregon Class I Areas..........................................................................................................8

1.3 Background on the Regional Haze Rule ............................................................................8

1.4 Summary of the Regional Haze Rule .................................................................................9

1.5 Other Programs to Address Visibility Impairment...........................................................10

1.5.1 Prevention of Significant Deterioration for New Sources.......................................10

1.5.2 Phase I Visibility Rules – the Oregon Visibility Protection Plan............................10

1.5.3 Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART)..........................................................10

1.5.4 The Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission.............................................11

1.5.5 The Western Regional Air Partnership....................................................................12

1.6 Purpose of this Document ................................................................................................13

1.6.1 Mandatory Federal Class I Areas Addressed in this SIP.........................................13

1.6.2 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area .........................................................13

CHAPTER 2: OREGON REGIONAL HAZE SIP DEVELOPMENT AND 

CONSULTATION PROCESS .......................................................................................15

2.1 Federal Land Manager Consultation ................................................................................15

2.2 State Consultation.............................................................................................................15

2.3 Tribal Consultation...........................................................................................................15

CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCTION TO OREGON CLASS I AREAS.....................................16

3.1 Mt. Hood Wilderness Area...............................................................................................17

3.2 Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area .........................................................................................18

3.3 Mt. Washington Wilderness Area ....................................................................................19

3.4 Three Sisters Wilderness Area .........................................................................................20

3.5 Diamond Peak Wilderness Area.......................................................................................21

3.6 Crater Lake National Park ................................................................................................22

3.7 Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area ....................................................................................23

3.8 Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area................................................................................24

3.9 Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area ............................................................................................25

3.10 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area ..........................................................................26

3.11 Eagle Cap Wilderness Area............................................................................................27

3.12 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area ......................................................................................28

CHAPTER 4: TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND DATA RELIED UPON IN THIS 

PLAN ................................................................................................................................29

4.1 The WRAP and Technical Support ..................................................................................29
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

4.1.2 WRAP Committee’s and Workgroups.....................................................................29

4.1.2 WRAP TSS...............................................................................................................32

4.2 IMPROVE Monitoring.....................................................................................................32

4.1.1 Background on IMPROVE Monitoring ..................................................................32

4.1.2 Formula for Reconstructed Light Extinction...........................................................34

4.2 Oregon IMPROVE Monitoring Network.........................................................................35

4.2.1 MOHO1...................................................................................................................36

4.2.2 THSI1 ......................................................................................................................36

4.2.3 CRLA1 ....................................................................................................................36

4.2.4 KALM1 ...................................................................................................................37

4.2.5 STAR1.....................................................................................................................37

4.2.6 HECA1 ....................................................................................................................37

4.3 Oregon Regional Haze Monitoring Commitments...........................................................37

CHAPTER 5: BASIC PLAN ELEMENTS..............................................................................40

5.1 Natural Sources of Visibility Impairment ........................................................................40

5.2 Human-Caused Sources of Visibility Impairment ...........................................................40

5.3 Deciview Measurement....................................................................................................40

5.4 Baseline and Current Conditions......................................................................................41

5.5 Natural Conditions............................................................................................................41

5.6 Reasonable Progress Goals...............................................................................................41

5.7 Uniform Rate of Progress.................................................................................................42

5.8 Long-Term Strategy .........................................................................................................43

5.9 BART ...............................................................................................................................43

CHAPTER 6: BASELINE AND NATURAL VISIBILITY CONDITIONS, AND 

UNIFORM RATE OF PROGRESS ..............................................................................45

6.1 Northern Cascades - Mt. Hood Wilderness Area .............................................................46

6.2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness 

Areas..................................................................................................................................48

6.3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, and Diamond Peak, Mountain 

Lakes, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas.............................................................52

6.4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area ....................................................................56

6.5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness ............58

6.6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area....................................61

CHAPTER 7: POLLUTANTS CAUSING VISIBILITY IMPAIRMENT IN OREGON 

CLASS I AREAS .............................................................................................................64

7.1 Northern Cascades - Mt. Hood Wilderness Area .............................................................67

7.2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and Three 

Sisters Wilderness Areas...................................................................................................69

7.3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, and 

Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas ...............................................................................71

7.4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area ....................................................................73

7.5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness ............75

7.6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area....................................77
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

CHAPTER 8: EMISSION SOURCE INVENTORY ...............................................................80

8.1 Oregon Statewide Emissions............................................................................................80

8.1.1 SO2 Emissions.........................................................................................................81

8.1.2 NOx Emissions.........................................................................................................82

8.1.3 VOC Emissions.......................................................................................................83

8.1.4 Organic Carbon Emissions......................................................................................84

8.1.5 Elemental Carbon Emissions...................................................................................84

8.1.6 PM Fine Emissions..................................................................................................85

8.1.7 Ammonia Emissions................................................................................................86

8.2 Regional Emissions..........................................................................................................87

8.2.1 Regional Emissions Comparison to Neighboring States.........................................87

8.2.2 Regional Off-Shore Marine Emissions ...................................................................92

8.2.3 Role of Ammonia Emissions in Visibility Impairment...........................................95

CHAPTER 9: SOURCE APPORTIONMENT AND REGIONAL HAZE MODELING ...97

9.1 Overview ..........................................................................................................................97

9.1.1 Source Apportionment Analysis – PSAT and WEP................................................97

9.1.2 Regional Haze Modeling – CMAQ.........................................................................98

9.2 Major Source Categories Contributing to Haze in Oregon ............................................100

9.2.1 PSAT Regional Contribution to Sulfate on 20% Worst Days...............................101

9.2.2 PSAT Regional Contribution to Nitrate on 20% Worst Days...............................107

9.2.3 WEP Potential Contribution to OC on 20% Worst Days. .....................................113

9.2.4 WEP Potential Contribution to PM Fine on 20% Worst Days..............................117

9.2.5 WEP Potential Contribution to PM Coarse on 20% Worst Days..........................121

9.3 CAMQ 2018 Projected Visibility Conditions ................................................................124

9.3.1 CMAQ Modeling Breakdown by Pollutant for 20% Worst Days.........................125

CHAPTER 10: BEST AVAILABLE RETROFIT TECHNOLOGY (BART) 

EVALUATION..............................................................................................................133

10.1 Overview of BART Process in Oregon ........................................................................133

10.2 Determining Oregon’s BART-eligible Sources ...........................................................134

10.2.1 Extent of BART-eligible Source Emissions........................................................137

10.3 Summary of BART Modeling ......................................................................................138

10.3.1 Description of the Modeling Protocol .................................................................139

10.3.2 Summary of Oregon BART Modeling Results...................................................142

10.3.3 Summary of Interstate Modeling Results from BART-eligible sources .............145

10.3.4 BART Modeling in the Context of the Regional Haze Rule.....................................146

10.4 Summary of Oregon BART Control Determination Process.......................................147

10.4.1 Option to take a Federally Enforceable Permit Limit .........................................147

10.4.2 Summary of BART Control Determination for PGE Boardman plant ...............148

10.5 Emission Reductions and Visibility Improvements Achieved from BART Process...155

10.5.1 PGE Boardman Phase 1 and 2 Visbility Improvements......................................155

10.5.2 FEPL Source Visibility Improvements ...............................................................158

10.6 Oregon’s BART rule ....................................................................................................158
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

CHAPTER 11: REASONABLE PROGRESS GOAL DEMONSTRATION .....................159

11.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................159

11.2 Steps in Demonstrating Reasonable Progress ..............................................................159

11.3 Summary of Four-Factor Analysis...............................................................................161

11.3.1 Rationale and Scope of the Four-Factor Analysis...............................................162

11.3.2 Identification of Point and Area Sources for the Four-Factor Analysis..............163

11.3.3 The Four-Factor Analysis....................................................................................165

11.3.4 Conclusions from the Four-Factor Analysis........................................................171

11.3.5 Identification of Additional Emission Reductions ..............................................172

11.4 Determination of Reasonable Progress Goals for Oregon’s Class I Areas. .................172

11.4.1 Affirmative Demonstration the RPGs for 20% Worst Days ...............................173

11.4.2 20% Reduction in Emissions from Anthropogenic Sources ...............................175

11.4.3 Major Reductions in Mobile Source Emissions by 2018 ....................................178

11.4.4 Additional Emission Reductions Expected by 2018 due to the Long-Term 

Strategy......................................................................................................................180

11.4.5 Long-Term Strategy “Next Steps” in Analyzing Major Source Categories........180

CHAPTER 12: LONG-TERM STRATEGY..........................................................................181

12.1 Overview of the LTS....................................................................................................181

12.2 Overview of the LTS Development Process ................................................................181

12.3 Summary of all Anthropogenic Sources of Visibility Impairment Considered in 

Developing the LTS. .......................................................................................................182

12.3 Summary of Interstate Transport and Contribution......................................................183

12.3.1 Other State Class I Areas Affected by Oregon emissions...................................183

12.3.2 Oregon Class I Areas affected by Other States ...................................................184

12.3.3 Estimated International and Global Contribution to Oregon Class I Areas........186

12.4 Summary of Interstate Consultation.............................................................................186

12.5 Technical Documentation.............................................................................................187

12.5 Required Factors for the LTS .......................................................................................187

12.5.1 Emission Reductions Due to Ongoing Air Pollution Programs..........................187

12.5.2 Measures to Mitigate the Impacts of Construction Activities...........................192

12.5.3 Emission Limitations and Schedules of Compliance ........................................192

12.5.4 Source Retirement and Replacement Schedules ...............................................192

12.5.6 Enforceability of Oregon’s Measures................................................................199

12.6 Additional Measures in the LTS..................................................................................199

12.6.1 Evaluation of Non-BART Sources and BART-eligible Sources ......................199

12.6.2 Evaluation of Prescribed Burning Contribution to Haze and Possible 

Controls .....................................................................................................................201

12.6.3 Evaluation of the Contribution from General Outdoor Open Burning..............204

12.6.4 Evaluation of the Contribution from Rangeland Burning .................................205

12.6.5 Efforts to Address Offshore Shipping ...............................................................205

12.7 Projection of the Net Effect on Visibility....................................................................205

CHAPTER 13: CONSULTATION AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS.............................207

13.1 Federal Land Manager Consultation ...........................................................................207
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

13.2 State Consultation and Coordination...........................................................................208

13.2.1 Summary of State Consultation Process............................................................209

13.2.2 Consistency with Neighboring State SIPs.........................................................209

13.2.3 Oregon and Other State Emission Reductions Obligations...............................209

13.3 Tribal Consultation......................................................................................................210

13.4 Commitment to Future 308 Plan Revisions.................................................................210

13.4.1 Comprehensive 10-Year Plan Revisions...........................................................210

13.4.2 5-Year Progress Reports....................................................................................211

13.5 Determination of Plan Adequacy ................................................................................211

Table of Figures

Figure 1.1-1 Class I Areas in Pacific Northwest .......................................................................... 7

Figure 3-1 Map of Oregon Class I Areas ................................................................................... 16

Figure 3.1-1 Map of Mt. Hood Wilderness Area ....................................................................... 17

Figure 3.2-1 Map of Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area.................................................................. 18

Figure 3.3-1 Map of Mt. Washington Wilderness Area ............................................................. 19

Figure 3.4-1 Map of Three Sisters Wilderness Area .................................................................. 20

Figure 3.5-1 Map of Diamond Peak Wilderness Area ............................................................... 21

Figure 3.6-1 Map of Crater Lake NP......................................................................................... 22

Figure 3.7-1 Map of Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area............................................................. 23

Figure 3.8-1 Map of Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area ........................................................ 24

Figure 3.9-1 Map of Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area..................................................................... 25

Figure 3.10-1 Map of Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area................................................... 26

Figure 3.11-1 Map of Eagle Cap Wilderness Area .................................................................... 27

Figure 3.12-1 Map of Hells Canyon Wilderness Area ............................................................... 28

Figure 4.1.1-1 Picture of an IMPROVE Monitoring Site .......................................................... 33

Figure 4.1.1-2 IMPROVE Sampler Modules............................................................................. 33

Figure 4.2-1 Map of Oregon IMPROVE sites............................................................................ 36

Figure 5.7-1 Example of How Uniform Rate of Progress is Determined ................................. 42

Figure 6.1-1 MOHO1 Uniform Rate of Progress....................................................................... 47

Figure 6.1-2 Mt. Hood Wilderness Area (Hickman Butte vista) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions.............................................................................................................. 47

Figure 6.1-3 Mt. Hood Wilderness Area (Hickman Butte vista) Best Days Baseline Conditions

............................................................................................................................................ 48

Figure 6.2-1 THSI1 Uniform Rate of Progress .......................................................................... 49

Figure 6.2-2 Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area (Three Fingered Jack vista) Worst Days Baseline 

and Natural Conditions....................................................................................................... 49

Figure 6.2-3 Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area (Three Fingered Jack vista) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 50

Figure 6.2-4 Mt. Washington Wilderness Area (Black Butte vista) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions.............................................................................................................. 50

Figure 6.2-5 Mt. Washington Wilderness Area (Black Butte vista) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 51

Figure 6.2-6 Three Sisters Wilderness Area Worst Days Baseline and Natural Conditions ..... 51

Figure 6.2-7 Three Sisters Wilderness Area Best Days Baseline Conditions............................ 52
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Figure 6.3-1 CRLA1 Uniform Rate of Progress ........................................................................ 53

Figure 6.3-2 Crater Lake National Park Worst Days Baseline and Natural Conditions............ 53

Figure 6.3-3 Crater Lake National Park Best Days Baseline Conditions................................... 54

Figure 6.3-4 Diamond Peak Wilderness Area (Wolf Mountain Vista) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions.............................................................................................................. 54

Figure 6.3-5 Diamond Peak Wilderness Area (Wolf Mountain Vista) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 55

Figure 6.3-6 Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area Worst Days Baseline and Natural Conditions

............................................................................................................................................ 55

Figure 6.3-7 Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area Best Days Baseline Conditions .................. 56

Figure 6.4-1 KALM1 Uniform Rate of Progress ....................................................................... 57

Figure 6.4-2 Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area (Quail Prairie) Worst Days Baseline and Natural 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 57

Figure 6.4-3 Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area (Quail Prairie) Best Days Baseline Conditions ...... 58

Figure 6.5-1 STAR1 Uniform Rate of Progress......................................................................... 59

Figure 6.5-2 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area (Dixie Butte) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions.............................................................................................................. 59

Figure 6.5-3 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area (Dixie Butte) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 60

Figure 6.5-4 Eagle Cap Wilderness Area (Point Prominence) Worst Days Baseline and Natural 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 60

Figure 6.5-5 Eagle Cap Wilderness Area (Point Prominence) Best Days Baseline Conditions 61

Figure 6.6-1 HECA1 Uniform Rate of Progress........................................................................ 61

Figure 6.6-2 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area (Mt. Howard) Worst Days Baseline and Natural 

Conditions........................................................................................................................... 62

Figure 6.6-3 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area (Mt. Howard) Best Days Baseline Conditions.... 62

Figure 7-1 Map of Oregon IMPROVE sites............................................................................... 64

Figure 7-2 Light Extinction by Pollutant Species for Oregon Class I Areas 20% Best Days 

(2000-2004)........................................................................................................................ 65

Figure 7-3 Light Extinction by Pollutant Species for Oregon Class I Areas 20% Worst Days 

(2000-2004)........................................................................................................................ 66

Figure 7.1-1 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Average Pollutant Species Contribution to 20% Best 

and 20% Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004) ...................................................................... 67

Figure 7.1-2 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for All 

Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004) ................................................... 67

Figure 7.1-3 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled in 

2004 .................................................................................................................................... 68

Figure 7.1-4 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition Compared 

to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064 .......................................................... 68

Figure 7.2-1 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004).............................................................................. 69

Figure 7.2-2 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for 

All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004) ............................................. 69

Figure 7.2-3 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled 

in 2004................................................................................................................................ 70
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Figure 7.2-4 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition 

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064 ........................................ 70

Figure 7.3-1 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004).............................................................................. 71

Figure 7.3-2 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for 

All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004) ............................................. 71

Figure 7.3-3 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled 

in 2004................................................................................................................................ 72

Figure 7.3-4 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition 

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064 ........................................ 72

Figure 7.4-1 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004).............................................................................. 73

Figure 7.4-2 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for 

All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004) ............................................. 73

Figure 7.4-3 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled in 

2004 .................................................................................................................................... 74

Figure 7.4-4 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition 

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064 ........................................ 74

Figure 7.5-1 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004).............................................................................. 75

Figure 7.5-2 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for All 

Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004) ................................................... 76

Figure 7.5-3 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled in 

2004 .................................................................................................................................... 76

Figure 7.5-4 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition ................. 77

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064 ................................................ 77

Figure 7.6-1 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 20%Worst 

Days Baseline (2000-2004)................................................................................................ 78

Figure 7.6-2 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for 

all days sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)................................................ 78

Figure 7.6-3 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled 

in 2004................................................................................................................................ 79

Figure 7.6-4 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition 

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064 ........................................ 79

Figure 8.2.1-1 SO2 Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018 ........................................ 88

Figure 8.2.1-2 NOx Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018........................................ 89

Figure 8.2.1-3 VOC Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018 ...................................... 89

Figure 8.2.1-4 OC Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018 ......................................... 90

Figure 8.2.1-5 EC Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018.......................................... 90

Figure 8.2.1-6 PM Fine Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018................................. 91

Figure 8.2.1-7 Coarse PM Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018............................. 91

Figure 8.2.1-8 Ammonia Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018............................... 92

Figure 9.2.1-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area PSAT Sulfate...................... 102

Figure 9.2.1-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and 

Three Sisters Wilderness Areas PSAT Sulfate................................................................. 103
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Figure 9.2.1-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, 

and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas PSAT Sulfate ................................................ 104

Figure 9.2.1-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area PSAT Sulfate.............................. 105

Figure 9.2.1-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness 

PSAT Sulfate .................................................................................................................... 106

Figure 9.2.1-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area PSAT Sulfate

.......................................................................................................................................... 107

Figure 9.2.2-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area PSAT Nitrate...................... 108

Figure 9.2.2-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and 

Three Sisters Wilderness Areas PSAT Nitrate ................................................................. 109

Figure 9.2.2-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, 

and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas PSAT Nitrate................................................. 110

Figure 9.2.2-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area PSAT Nitrate.............................. 111

Figure 9.2.2-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness 

Figure PSAT Nitrate......................................................................................................... 112

Figure 9.2.2-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area PSAT Nitrate

.......................................................................................................................................... 113

Figure 9.2.3-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area............................................. 114

Figure 9.2.3-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and 

Three Sisters Wilderness Areas........................................................................................ 114

Figure 9.2.3-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, 

and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas ....................................................................... 115

Figure 9.2.3-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area..................................................... 116

Figure 9.2.3-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness

.......................................................................................................................................... 116

Figure 9.2.3-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area.................... 117

Figure 9.2.4-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area............................................. 118

Figure 9.2.4-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and 

Three Sisters Wilderness Areas........................................................................................ 118

Figure 9.2.4-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, 

and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas ....................................................................... 119

Figure 9.2.4-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area..................................................... 119

Figure 9.2.4-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness

.......................................................................................................................................... 120

Figure 9.2.4-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area.................... 120

Figure 9.2.5-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area............................................. 121

Figure 9.2.5-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and 

Three Sisters Wilderness Areas........................................................................................ 122

Figure 9.2.5-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes Wilderness, 

and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas ....................................................................... 122

Figure 9.2.5-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area..................................................... 123

Figure 9.2.5-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness

.......................................................................................................................................... 123

Figure 9.2.5-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area.................... 124

Figure 9.3.1-1 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood 

Wilderness Area ............................................................................................................... 127
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Figure 9.3.1-2 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson 

Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas.............. 128

Figure 9.3.1-3 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Southern Cascades Region.. 129

Figure 9.3.1-4 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Coast Range - Kalmiopsis 

Wilderness Area ............................................................................................................... 130

Figure 9.3.1-5 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon – Strawberry 

Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas.................................................. 131

Figure 9.3.1-6 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho -

Hells Canyon Wilderness Area ........................................................................................ 132

Figure 10.2-1 Map of Oregon BART-eligible Sources............................................................ 137

Figure 10.4.2-1 Map of 14 Class I Areas Impacted by PGE Boardman .................................. 150

Figure 10.5.1-1 Phase 1 and Phase 2 Emission Reductions for PGE Boardman ..................... 156

Figure 12.5.5-1 Oregon Anthropogenic Fire Sources ............................................................. 194

Figure 12.6.2-1 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days 

Sampled in 2004............................................................................................................... 202

Table of Tables

Table 1.2-1 Oregon Class I Areas ................................................................................................ 8

Table 4.2-1 Oregon IMPROVE Monitoring Network ............................................................... 35

Table 6-1 20% Best and Worst Days Baseline, Natural Conditions, and Uniform Rate of 

Progress Goal for Oregon Class I Areas............................................................................. 46

Table 7-1 IMPROVE Monitor Aerosol Composition ............................................................... 65

Table 8.1.1-1 Oregon SO2 Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018................................................. 81

Table 8.1.2-1 Oregon NOx Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018 ................................................ 82

Table 8.1.3-1 Oregon VOC Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018............................................... 83

Table 8.1.4-1 Oregon Organic Carbon Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018 ............................. 84

Table 8.1.5-1 Oregon Elemental Carbon (EC) Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018 ................. 85

Table 8.1.6-1 Oregon Fine Particulate Matter Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018 .................. 85

Table 8.1.6-2 Oregon Coarse Particulate Matter Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018 .............. 86

Table 8.1.7-1 Oregon Ammonia (NH3) Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018 ............................ 87

Table 8.2.2-1 Commercial Marine Vessel Types and Uses ....................................................... 93

Table 8.2.2-2 2002 Emissions for Ocean-going Shipping Emissions by State .......................... 93

Table 8.2.2-3 2002 Emissions for Columbia River Ocean-going Vessels by Port .................... 94

Table 9.3-1 CMAQ Modeling Results for 20% Worst Days and 20% Best Days for Oregon 

Class I Areas..................................................................................................................... 125

Table 9.3.1-1 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood 

Wilderness Area ............................................................................................................... 127

Table 9.3.1-2 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Central Cascades – ................... 128

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas 128

Table 9.3.1-3 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Southern Cascades Region ....... 129

Table 9.3.1-4 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Coast Range - Kalmiopsis 

Wilderness Area ............................................................................................................... 130

Table 9.3.1-5 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon – Strawberry 

Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas.................................................. 131
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Table 9.3.1-6 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho -

Hells Canyon Wilderness Area ........................................................................................ 132

Table 10.2-1 List of 10 BART-eligible Sources in Oregon ..................................................... 135

Table 10.2-2 List of Sources Determined not to be BART-eligible......................................... 136

Table 10.2.1-1 Oregon BART-eligible Source Emissions (2005 actual, tons/year) ................ 138

Table 10.3.2-1 BART-Eligible Source Modeling Results........................................................ 143

Table 10.3.2-2 BART-Eligible Sources with FEPLs ............................................................... 144

Table 10.3.3-1 BART source impacts in Oregon from other States ........................................ 145

Table 10.4.2-1 Overview of the PGE Boardman Plant ............................................................ 149

Table 10.4.2-2 Summary of Class I Area Visibility Impacts from PGE Boardman Plant ....... 151

Table 10.4.2-3 BART Proposal by PGE .................................................................................. 151

Table 10.4.2-4 Summary of Control Options Evaluated for PGE Boardman .......................... 152

Table 10.4.2-4 DEQ BART Control Determination for PGE Boardman................................. 153

Table 10.5.1-1 Emission Reductions and Visibility Benefits from Phase 1 and Phase 2 Controls 

for PGE Boardman ........................................................................................................... 156

Table 10.5.1-2 Summary of Class I Area Visibility Improvements from Phase 1 and Phase 2 

Controls for PGE Boardman ............................................................................................ 157

Table 11.3.2-1 Oregon Share of Modeled Sulfate and Nitrate in 2018 - 20% Worst Days..... 164

Table 11.3.2-2 Oregon Largest Source Categories .................................................................. 165

Table 11.3.3-1 Summary of NOx Control Options for External Combustion Boilers (Industrial 

Wood/Bark Waste)........................................................................................................... 167

Table 11.3.3-2 Summary of NOxControl Options for Cement Manufacturing ....................... 169

Table 11.4-1 Reasonable Progress Goals for 20% Worst Days and 20% Best Days for Oregon 

Class I Areas..................................................................................................................... 173

Table 11.4.2-1 WEP Projected Emission Contributions of Individual Pollutants by 2018 URP 

as an Indicator of “Reasonable” Progress. ....................................................................... 176

Table 11.4.2-2 CMAQ Projected Reduction in Ammonium Sulfate by 2018 URP as an 

Indicator of “Reasonable” Progress.................................................................................. 177

Table 11.4.2-3 CMAQ Projected Reduction in Ammonium Nitrate by 2018 URP as an 

Indicator of “Reasonable” Progress.................................................................................. 178

Table 11.4.3-1 Mobile Source Emission Reductions in Oregon from 2002 to 2018 ............... 178

Table 12.5.1-1 Proximity of Oregon Class I Areas to PM10 Nonattainment/Maintenance Areas

.......................................................................................................................................... 191
Oregon 308 Regional Haze Plan

Appendices

Appendix A: Oregon Emission Inventory by County 

Appendix B: Class I Area Visibility Impairment Supplemental Information

Appendix C: WRAP Technical Support Summary

Appendix D: Supplemental BART Information:

1. DEQ BART Report for the Boardman Power Plant

2. DEQ Modeling Analysis of Visibility and Acid Deposition Impacts and 

Benefits from DEQ’s Rule Concept for the PGE Boardman Power Plant

3. ERG Technical Memorandum #2

4. EPA’s BART Rule, Appendix Y - Guidelines for BART Determinations

5. Oregon BART Modeling Protocol

Appendix E: Oregon BART Rules

Appendix F: Oregon Visibility Protection Plan and Oregon Smoke Management Plan

Appendix G: Oregon Regional Haze SIP Consultation and Coordination

Appendix H: State of Oregon Clean Air Act Implementation Plan

Oregon Regional Haze Plan Reference Materials

Oregon DEQ Information and Documents

Available at the DEQ Regional Haze website:

http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/haze/index.htm

See other documentation in the Appendices Section of this document

Applicable Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP) Reports and 

Documents

Available at the WRAP website:

http://www.wrapair.org/

or at the WRAP TSS website:

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/tss/

Other Reference

1. EPA’s Regional Haze Regulations (64 Federal Register 35714), July 1, 1999.

2. EPA’s Regional Haze Regulations and Guidelines for Best Available Retrofit Technology 

(BART) Determinations: Final Rule (70 Federal Register 39104), July 6, 2005.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND SUMMARY

Acknowledgements

Major assistance in preparing this implementation plan was provided by the Western Regional 

Air Partnership (WRAP) and its forums and committees, who provided Oregon and other 

western states with much of the policy and technical support information needed to meet the 

requirements of Section 308 of the Regional Haze Rule. Special thanks to the following staff:

Pat Cummins, WRAP Co-Director

Tom Moore, Air Quality Program Manager, Western Governor’s Association

Lee Gribovicz, WRAP Air Quality Project Manager

Lee Alter, IOC Staff Support

Don Arkell, State Caucus Coordinator/Visibility Program Coordinator with 

WESTAR

Bob Lebens, WESTAR

Principal Author: Brian Finneran, DEQ Air Quality Division

Principal Contributors: Mark Fisher, DEQ Eastern Region

Phil Allen, DEQ Air Quality Division

Jeffrey Stocum, DEQ Air Quality Division

Chris Swab, DEQ Air Quality Division

Contractor Assistance: Cassie Archuleta

Joe Adlhoch

Air Resource Specialists, Inc. 

Fort Collins, CO

This document comprises the State of Oregon's State Implementation Plan submittal to EPA 

under Section 308 of the Regional Haze Rule (40 CFR 51.308). Adoption of the Oregon 

Section 308 Regional Haze Plan (herein referred to as the Oregon Regional Haze Plan) amends 

the State of Oregon Clean Air Act Implementation Plan, OAR 340-200-0040. See Appendix H 

for the complete citation of this rule. Other appendices at the end of this document provide 

additional information related to the strategies, including Oregon administrative rules 

associated with this plan, reference material (technical analysis and reports) prepared by the 

WRAP, and other documentation. 

Executive Summary

Regional haze is air pollution that travels long distances and reduces visibility in scenic areas. 

The haze that affects visibility in Oregon comes from motor vehicles, power plants, industrial 

and manufacturing processes, forestry, agricultural and other open burning, as well as natural 

sources such as wildfire and windblown dust. The federal Clean Air Act contains requirements 

to protect and improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas in the country. In 1977 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page ii

Congress designated certain national parks and wilderness areas as "Class 1 areas," where 

visibility was identified as an important value. Currently there are 156 Class 1 areas in the 

country. Oregon has 12 Class 1 areas, including Crater Lake National Park and 11 wilderness 

areas.

To address the problem of regional haze the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted 

the Regional Haze Rule in 1999. This rule requires states to adopt regional haze plans to 

incrementally improve visibility in all Class 1 areas, including Oregon, over the next 60 years. 

It focuses on improving Class 1 area visibility on the haziest days (the worst 20 percent) and 

ensuring no degradation on the clearest days (the best 20 percent). The first regional haze plan

must include “Reasonable Progress Goals” (RPG) for each Class I area, for the year 2018, also 

known as the “2018 milestone year”. RPGs are interim goals that represent incremental 

visibility improvements, based on a calculation of a “uniform rate of progress” (URP). The 

first regional haze plan describes the progress anticipated in reaching the 2018 URP milestone 

for each Class I area, for the 20 percent worst and best days, based on projections of emission 

reductions and visibility improvements from regional haze control strategies during this first 

planning period.

Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) is a key part of the federal Regional Haze Rule, and 

the central focus of regional haze plans that states are developing. It applies to certain older 

industrial facilities that began operating before 1977 when federal Prevention of Significant 

Deterioration (PSD) rules were adopted to protect visibility in Class I areas when permitting 

new industrial facilities. Under BART, these older facilities must now evaluate their visibility 

impact in Class I areas, and if found to be significant, conduct an evaluation of new pollution 

controls, and install them within five years. 

This document is Oregon’s Regional Haze Plan to meet this federal rule. The highlights of the 

plan are as follows:

• History and regulatory background of the Regional Haze Rule, and geographical 

description of each of Oregon’s 12 Class I Areas. See Chapters 1 through 5.

• A comprehensive review and technical assessment of visibility conditions in each of 

Oregon’s 12 Class I areas, showing major pollutants and source categories in Oregon 

and other states causing haze, and a projection of visibility by a required “milestone” 

date of 2018. See Chapters 6 through 9.

• DEQ’s evaluation of ten “BART-eligible” sources, and proposal to require retrofit 

controls on the PGE Boardman power plant, and reduce emissions at four other 

facilities to below the visibility impact level considered to be significant. See Chapter 

10. 

• “Reasonable Progress Goals” established by DEQ for Oregon’s 12 Class I area, which

show improvements in visibility for the haziest or worst days (but less than the first

URP milestone for 2018) and no visibility degradation for the clearest or best days. See 

Chapter 11. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page iii

• A “Long-Term Strategy” that describes what actions DEQ will take to address major 

sources of haze over the next 10 years, and commitments for future plan updates and 

revisions.

• Summary of the efforts by DEQ to consult and coordinate with other States, Tribes, and 

Federal Land Managers on the regional haze strategies contained in this plan. See 

Chapter 13.

The major elements of this plan are the BART evaluation, Reasonable Progress Goals, and the 

Long-Term Strategy.

Best Available Retrofit Technology evaluation

The primary outcome of the BART evaluation in Chapter 10 was a determination that the PGE 

Boardman power plant be required to install pollution controls. DEQ evaluated 10 BARTeligible sources, and found that the PGE Boardman plant had by far the greatest visibility 

impact in Oregon’s Class I areas, and in several of Washington’s Class I areas as well. DEQ 

identified a two-step process for installing controls at this facility. Phase one requires controls 

for sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) that would reduce these emissions by 

about 66 percent by 2014, at a cost of about $280 million. Phase one meets the minimum 

requirements for BART. Phase two requires more advanced controls for NOx that would 

reduce emissions by about 81 percent by 2017, at an additional cost of $191 million. Phase two 

goes “beyond BART” to achieve additional visibility improvement and to meet regional haze 

“reasonable progress” requirements (see below). The total emissions reduced from both phases 

is approximately 20,800 tons per year, which will provide significant visibility benefits in 14 

Class I areas in Oregon and Washington, as well as the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Also as part of the BART evaluation, DEQ found four other BART-eligible sources that had 

visibility impacts that we just over the “significance” level used for the modeling protocol for 

BART sources. DEQ determined these sources could take a federally enforceable permit limit 

to lower their emissions below the significance level. Sources that take an enforceable permit 

limit are not subject to further evaluation for BART controls, however as BART-eligible 

sources, they can be re-evaluated as part of a more comprehensive review of industrial 

emissions under the reasonable progress requirements for making visibility improvements. This 

re-evaluation of all BART-eligible sources is part of the Long-Term Strategy described below.

Reasonable Progress Goals

In establishing RPGs for each Class I area, DEQ relied upon emission projections and regional 

modeling work conducted by the Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP). The WRAP 

Technical Support System or TSS website provided considerable technical information in 

determining the RPGs, and is referenced in the Appendices section of the plan. The RPGs 

described in Chapter 11 represent future visibility conditions in Oregon’s Class I areas in 2018,

based on the URP calculated for each Class I area (see Chapter 6) that represents a 

“presumptive goal” for the first regional haze plan. In cases where the RPGs do not meet the 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page iv

URP goal for 2018, States are required to explain the reasons for the slower progress, 

additional controls that were considered for this first plan, and what future actions that will be 

taken to ensure the 60-year objective of the Regional Haze Rule will be met. 

While the RPGs for Oregon’s Class I areas meet the requirement for no degradation of the 

clearest or best days, they do show a slower rate of progress for the haziest or worst visibility 

days, and do not meet the 2018 URP milestones in most areas. The reasons for this, as 

described in Chapter 11, are summarized below:

• DEQ’s analysis of emissions data, source apportionment, and modeling results strongly 

supports the finding that the contribution of natural sources, such as wildfire and 

windblown dust, is the primary reason for slower progress in achieving the 2018 

milestone in Oregon’s Class I areas.

• Similar to the contribution of natural sources, DEQ believes marine vessel emissions are 

also affecting progress in making visibility improvements. These emissions are estimated 

to be currently half of the statewide SO2 emissions and one-third the statewide NOx

emissions. This contribution to visibility impairment is significant, especially in Western 

Oregon Class I areas. Current DEQ authority to regulate offshore shipping emissions is 

limited. The plan identifies future work that is needed to address this significant source of 

emissions.

• DEQ’s analysis of projected visibility improvements from sulfate and nitrate impacts in 

Oregon Class I areas shows about a 20 percent reduction in these pollutants by the 2018 

milestone. Given the strong association of these pollutant species to anthropogenic 

sources, DEQ believes this is a more realistic indicator of reasonable progress. If natural 

sources are excluded, this 20 percent reduction in sulfates and nitrates corresponds to the 

same percent reduction that is represented by the 2018 milestone.

• Mobile sources (mostly cars and trucks) are largest anthropogenic source of emissions in 

Oregon. By 2018 more than half of these emissions are projected to decrease due to

numerous federal emission standards that are already “on the books”, as well as programs 

in Oregon that will reduce these emissions. DEQ believes this major reduction supports 

the demonstration that RPGs are reasonable based on the considerable progress being 

made reducing this large source of emissions. 

• DEQ conducted a “Four-Factor Analysis” as required under the Regional Haze rule to 

evaluate other large sources of emissions that could be reduced or controlled to improve 

visibility by 2018. Using this analysis DEQ did not find any controls that were reasonable 

to pursue at this time. However, additional NOx controls required under the Phase 2 

requirements for the PGE Boardman Power Plant will result in an additional reduction of 

approximately 4,000 tons NOx, and significant visibility improvements, when installed in 

2017. Also, DEQ has proposed in the Long-Term Strategy of the plan to evaluate “nonBART” industrial sources for possible new controls in the next five years to make 

visibility improvements by 2018.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page v

Long-Term Strategy

Chapter 12 of this plan is the Long-Term Strategy, which describes on-going rules and 

programs that are expected to provide visibility improvements, and identifies new measures 

that DEQ has committed to evaluate by the next plan update in 2013. The two primary 

commitments are to evaluate possible visibility improvements from non-BART industrial 

sources not included in the BART review, and Class I area smoke impacts from forestry 

burning. These represent the two greatest areas where potentially significant visibility benefits 

could be realized.

The evaluation of non-BART sources will include a re-evaluation of the BART-eligible 

sources. Starting in 2009, DEQ will develop a comprehensive guidance document through a 

stakeholder process for evaluating visibility impacts from non-BART industrial sources. A 

DEQ report will be prepared by 2013 that summarizes (1) the development of this guidance; (2) 

results of applying the guidance to non-BART sources and BART-eligible sources; (3) any

potential new controls for sources, (4) proposed rulemaking needed and schedule for adopting 

new rules, (5) estimated timeline for installing any new controls; and (6) estimate of the 

expected visibility benefits.

The evaluation of forestry burning will consist of an analysis of smoke impacts from forestry 

burning on visibility, for the haziest or worst days at each Class I area in Oregon. Where this

burning it is found to cause significant visibility impacts, DEQ plans to work with state forestry 

and federal land managers to identify new smoke management controls to protect visibility.

Other new measures in the Long-Term Strategy included an evaluation of the contribution from 

residential open burning and rangeland burning, and further assessment on the contribution of 

marine vessels and possible regulatory actions that could be taken.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Visibility

The Columbia River Gorge is a national scenic area by Congress in 1986. While it was not 

designated as a Class I area, it will receive some secondary visibility benefits under the Oregon 

Regional Haze Plan, due to its’ proximity to nearby Class I areas, such as Mt. Hood Wilderness 

in Oregon. The Gorge was included with other Class I areas in the visibility modeling analysis 

of BART sources, and the requirement for five-year updates to Oregon Regional Haze Plan will 

include similar analysis and tracking of visibility improvements for the Gorge. 

The National Scenic Area Act of 1986 requires the protection and enhancement of the scenic, 

natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Gorge, while at the same time supporting the 

local economy. The Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) has responsibility to 

administer the National Scenic Area Act. In 2001, the CRGC determined that in order to 

protect air quality in the Gorge, the CRGC would rely on Oregon DEQ and the Washington 

Southwest Clean Air Agency to develop an air quality strategy for the Scenic Area. The state 

agencies studied air quality and visibility and the emission sources that contribute to haze in the 

Gorge. Because many of the same problems that affected haze in the Gorge are the same 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page vi

problems that affect haze across the western region, much of the visibility efforts under the 

regional haze program will ultimately benefit the Gorge. Therefore, as part of the federally 

mandated five-year regional haze plan update, DEQ will track visibility conditions in the area 

and provide a separate follow up with the CRGC to provide a progress report on conditions in 

the Gorge. See Section 1.6.2 of this plan for more information.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 7

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview of Visibility and Regional Haze

Good visibility is essential to the enjoyment of national parks and scenic areas. Visibility 

impairment occurs as a result of the scattering and absorption of light by particles and gases in 

the atmosphere. This affects the clarity and color of what we see. Without the effects of air 

pollution, natural visual range is approximately 140 miles in the West and 90 miles in the East.

However, over the years, air pollution in many parts of the United States has significantly 

reduced the range that people can see. In the West, the current range is 35-90 miles, and in the 

East, only 15-25 miles. 

Regional haze is air pollution that is transported long distances and reduces visibility in 

national parks and wilderness areas. The pollutants that create this haze are sulfates, nitrates, 

organic carbon, elemental carbon, and soil dust. Human-caused haze sources include industry, 

motor vehicles, agricultural and forestry burning, and windblown dust from roads and farming 

practices.

The federal Regional Raze Rule requires states to improve visibility over the next 60 years in 

156 national parks and wilderness areas in the country. In 1977, Congress designated all 

wilderness areas over 5,000 acres and all national parks over 6,000 acres as “mandatory federal 

Class I areas” (or “Class I areas” for short). These Class I areas receive special visibility 

protection under the Clean Air Act. Figure 1.1-1 shows the Class I areas located in Oregon and 

Northwest.

Figure 1.1-1 Class I Areas in Pacific Northwest
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 8

1.2 Oregon Class I Areas

Oregon has 12 specially designated Class I areas, including Crater Lake National Park and 11 

wilderness areas. These areas are listed in Table 1.2-1, and are the focus of this Regional Haze 

Plan. A description of each Class I area is provided in Chapter 3 of this report.

Table 1.2-1 Oregon Class I Areas

Class I Area Acreage

Mt. Hood Wilderness 47,160

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness 107,008

Mt. Washington Wilderness 52,516

Three Sisters Wilderness 285,202

Diamond Peak Wilderness 52,337

Crater Lake 183,315

Mountain Lakes Wilderness 23,071

Gearhart Mtn. Wilderness 22,809

Kalmiopsis Wilderness 179,700

Strawberry Mtn. Wilderness 69,350

Eagle Cap Wilderness 360,275

Hells Canyon Wilderness 131,133*

* Oregon portion only. Total acreage is 214,944

1.3 Background on the Regional Haze Rule

In 1977, Congress amended the Clean Air Act to include provisions to protect the scenic vistas 

of the nation’s national parks and wilderness areas. In these amendments, Congress declared as 

a national visibility goal:

The prevention of any future, and the remedying of any existing impairment of 

visibility in mandatory class I Federal areas which impairment results from manmade air pollution. (Section 169A)

To address this goal, in 1980 EPA adopted regulations to address “reasonably attributable 

visibility impairment”, or visibility impairment caused by one or a small group of man-made 

sources generally located in close proximity to a specific Class I area. These became known as 

EPA’s “Phase I” visibility rules. At that time, EPA deferred adopting provisions to specifically 

address regional haze, because they lacked the needed scientific information and research 

needed to understand the long-range transport and formation of regional haze.

In response to EPA’s Phase I visibility rules, the Department adopted the Oregon Visibility 

Protection Plan in October 1986 (see Section 1.5.2). The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air 

Act established requirements to study regional haze. They gave EPA the authority to establish 

visibility transport commissions and promulgate regulations to address regional haze. The 1990 

amendments also established a visibility transport commission to investigate and report on 

regional haze visibility impairment in the Grand Canyon National Park and nearby Class I 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 9

areas. A summary of the work of the Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission is 

provided in Section 1.5.4. 

1.4 Summary of the Regional Haze Rule

To address the problem of long range transport of regional haze and to meet the national goal 

of reducing man-made visibility impairment in all Class I areas, EPA adopted “Phase II” 

visibility rules in 1999, to be known as the Regional Haze Rules. These rules can be found in 

40 Code of Federal Regulations, Volume 64, July 1, 1999, pages 35714-35774.

The objective of the rules was to improve visibility over the next 60 years (by 2064) in all 156 

Class I areas in the country. The rules require States to adopt a regional haze State 

Implementation Plan (SIP) that focuses on improving the haziest days (the worst 20%) and 

protecting the clearest days (the best 20%). Each SIP will provide a comprehensive analysis of 

natural and human-caused sources of haze in each Class I area, and contain strategies to control 

sources and reduce emissions that contribute to haze. The SIP must also address the transport of 

haze across state boundaries.

The Regional Haze Rule provides two paths for adopting regional haze SIPs. The submittal of 

this regional haze SIP meets the “Section 308” requirements in 40 CFR 51.308. The other part 

of the rule is “Section 309” (40 CFR 51.309), and is an option for nine western states - Arizona, 

California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. These states 

can choose to follow Section 309 and adopt specific regional haze strategies related for the 16 

Class I areas of the Colorado Plateau, based on recommendations developed by the Grand 

Canyon Visibility Transport Commission (see Section 1.5.4 below). Section 309 applies only 

until 2018, after which Section 308. Since Oregon’s 12 Class I areas are not part of the 16 

Colorado Plateau Class I areas, Oregon choose not submit a Section 309 plan for this SIP 

submittal.1

Two of the primary components of the Regional Haze Rule are requirements to address Best 

Available Retrofit Technology (BART) and demonstrate “reasonable progress” in improving 

visibility by a 2018 milestone for each Class I area. The BART requirements address certain 

larger industrial sources that began operation before the adoption of the 1977 Prevention of 

Significant Deterioration Rules (see Section 1.5.1). Chapter 10 of this Plan describes the BART 

review and evaluation in detail. The demonstration of reasonable progress requires setting goals 

for the 20% worst and best days in each Class I area, based on an evaluation of how BART and 

other regional haze strategies will reduce emissions and improve or protect visibility. Chapter 

11 of this Plan describes the Reasonable Progress Demonstration in detail.

 

1

In 2003, Oregon did submit to EPA a Section 309 Regional Haze Plan, to primarily address the contribution of 

Oregon emissions to visibility impacts in the Colorado Plateau. This plan, along with other 4 other state plans

submitted under Section 309, were disapproved by EPA due to a lawsuit regarding the BART requirements in 

Section 309. [For more information see Center for Energy and Economic Development v. EPA, no. 03-1222, 

(D.C. Cir. Feb. 18, 2005)(“CEED v. EPA”).] The four states chose to resubmit their 309 plans. The Department 

decided not to resubmit the plan, due to the optional nature of Section 309, the fact that Oregon is only a minor 

contributor to visibility impacts in the Colorado Plateau, and that a Section 308 plan is required in 2008 regardless 

under the Regional Haze Rule. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 10

The Regional Haze Rule is in addition to “Phase I” visibility rules adopted by EPA in 1980.

The Department developed the Oregon Visibility Protection Plan in 1986, in response to EPA’s 

Phase I rules, as described in Section 1.5.2 below.

Additional information on the Regional Haze Rule can be found on the Department’s website, 

at http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/haze/index.htm.

1.5 Other Programs to Address Visibility Impairment

1.5.1 Prevention of Significant Deterioration for New Sources

The 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments established Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

(PSD) requirements, which protect air quality (and visibility) from air pollution from new 

major industrial sources, and major modifications of existing sources. Included in the PSD 

rules were requirements to protect visibility in national parks, national wilderness areas, 

national monuments and national seashores. The PSD program sets specific increments or 

limits on the maximum allowable increase in air pollution in certain airsheds, and a 

preconstruction permit review process for new or modifying major sources that allows for 

careful consideration of control technology, consultation with FLMs on visibility impacts and 

public participation in permitting decisions.

1.5.2 Phase I Visibility Rules – the Oregon Visibility Protection Plan

In response to EPA’s Phase I visibility rules, the Department adopted the Oregon Visibility 

Protection Plan in October 1986. This visibility plan contains short and long-term strategies for 

making reasonable progress toward the national goal, related to addressing reasonably 

attributable impairment in the state’s Class I areas through visibility monitoring and control 

strategies. This plan incorporates PSD requirements for visibility protection from new or 

modified major stationary sources, and if necessary, applying BART to existing stationary 

sources if certified as causing reasonably attributable visibility impairment. The plan includes 

(a) the mitigation of visibility impairment within the Mt. Hood and Central Oregon Cascade 

wilderness areas through short and long-term control strategies for forest prescribed burning 

and Willamette Valley agricultural field burning, and (b) mitigation of impairment in the Eagle 

Cap Wilderness and Central Oregon Cascades resulting from agricultural field burning.

1.5.3 Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART)

Under Section 169A(b)(A) of the Clean Air Act, Congress established Best Available Retrofit 

Technology (BART) requirements for major stationary sources in operation within a 15-year 

period before adoption of the 1977 PSD rules. Under EPA’s “Phase I” visibility rules, BART 

could be required for sources that were certified by the Federal Land Manager as causing 

reasonably attributable visibility impairment in a Class I area. Under EPA’s “Phase II” regional 

haze rules, new BART rules were included that automatically triggered a review process for all 

pre-1977 sources. The review process included criteria for determine BART eligibility, 

modeling of visibility impacts, and evaluating the need for controls. (The BART review 

process is described in detail in Chapter 10 of this Plan.) In evaluating controls, the BART rules 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 11

require taking into consideration the costs of compliance, the energy and non-air quality 

environmental impacts of compliance, any existing pollution control technology in use at the 

source, the remaining useful life of the source, and the degree of improvement in visibility 

which may reasonably be anticipated to result from the use of such technology.

1.5.4 The Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments created the Grand Canyon Visibility Transport 

Commission (GCVTC). The GCVTC was given the charge to assess the currently available 

scientific information pertaining to adverse impacts on visibility from potential growth in the 

region, identify clean air corridors, and recommend long-range strategies for addressing 

regional haze for Class I areas on the Colorado Plateau. The GCVTC completed significant 

technical analyses and developed recommendations to improve visibility in the 16 Class I areas 

on the Colorado Plateau. These 16 Class I areas are as follows: Arches National Park, Black 

Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, 

Capital Reef National Park, Flat Tops Wilderness, Grand Canyon National Park, Maroon Bells 

Wilderness, Mesa Verde National Park, Mt. Baldy Wilderness, Petrified Forest National Park, 

San Pedro Parks Wilderness, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Weminuche Wilderness, West Elk 

Wilderness, Zion National Park.

The GCVTC found that visibility impairment on the Colorado Plateau was caused by a wide 

variety of sources and pollutants. A comprehensive strategy was needed to address all of the 

causes of regional haze. The GCVTC submitted these recommendations to EPA in a report 

dated June 1996 for consideration in rule development. These recommendations were:

Air Pollution Prevention. Air pollution prevention and reduction of per capita pollution was a 

high priority for the Commission. The Commission recommended policies based on energy 

conservation, increased energy efficiency and promotion of the use of renewable resources for 

energy production.

Clean Air Corridors. Clean air corridors are geographic areas that provide a source of clean air 

to the 16 Class I areas of the Colorado Plateau. For these areas, the Commission primarily

recommended careful tracking of emissions growth that may affect air quality in these 

corridors, and ultimately the 16 Class I areas.

Stationary Sources. For stationary sources, the Commission recommended closely monitoring 

the impacts of current requirements under the Clean Air Act and ongoing studies. It also 

recommended regional targets for SO2 emissions from stationary sources, starting in 2000. If 

these targets are exceeded, a regional cap and market-based emission trading program should 

be implemented.

Areas In and Near Parks. The Commission's research and modeling showed that a host of 

sources adjacent to parks and wilderness areas, including large urban areas, have significant 

visibility impacts. However, the Commission lacked sufficient data regarding the visibility 

impacts of emissions from some areas in and near parks and wilderness areas. In general, the 

models used by the Commission were not readily applicable to such areas. Pending further 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 12

studies of these areas, the Commission recommended that local, state, tribal, federal, and 

private parties cooperatively develop strategies, expand data collection, and improve modeling 

for reducing or preventing visibility impairment in areas within and adjacent to parks and 

wilderness areas.

Mobile Sources. The Commission recognized that mobile source emissions are projected to 

decrease through about 2005 due to improved control technologies. The Commission 

recommended capping emissions at the lowest level achieved and establishing a regional 

emissions budget, and also endorsed national strategies aimed at further reducing tailpipe 

emissions, including the so-called 49-state low emission vehicle, or 49-state LEV.

Road Dust. The Commission's technical assessment indicated that road dust is a large 

contributor to visibility impairment on the Colorado Plateau. As such, it requires urgent 

attention. However, due to considerable skepticism regarding the modeled contribution of road 

dust to visibility impairment, the Commission recommended further study in order to resolve 

the uncertainties regarding both near-field and distant effects of road dust, prior to taking 

remedial action. Since this emissions source is potentially such a significant contributor, the 

Commission felt that it deserved high priority attention and, if warranted, additional emissions 

management actions.

Emissions from Mexico. Mexican sources are also shown to be significant contributors, 

particularly of SO2 emissions. However, data gaps and jurisdictional issues made this a difficult 

issue for the Commission to address directly. The Commission recommendations called for 

continued bi-national collaboration to work on this problem, as well as additional efforts to 

complete emissions inventories and increase monitoring capacities. These matters should 

receive high priority for regional and national action. 

Fire. The Commission recognized that fire plays a significant role in visibility on the Plateau. 

In fact, land managers propose aggressive prescribed fire programs aimed at correcting the 

buildup of biomass due to decades of fire suppression. Therefore, prescribed fire and wildfire 

levels are projected to increase significantly during the studied period. The Commission 

recommended the implementation of programs to minimize emissions and visibility impacts 

from prescribed fire, as well as to educate the public. 

Future Regional Coordinating Entity. Finally, the Commission believed there was a need for an 

entity like the Commission to oversee, promote, and support many of the recommendations in 

their report. To support that entity, the Commission developed a set of recommendations 

addressing the future administrative, technical and funding needs of the Commission or a new 

regional entity. The Commission strongly urged the EPA and Congress to provide funding for 

these vital functions and give them a priority reflective of the national importance of the Class I 

areas on the Colorado Plateau.

1.5.5 The Western Regional Air Partnership

The GCVTC recognized the need for a long-term organization to address the policy and 

technical studies needed to address regional haze. The Western Regional Air Partnership 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 13

(WRAP) was formed in September 1997 as the successor organization to the GCVTC. The 

WRAP is made up of western states, tribes and federal agencies. The states are Alaska, 

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South 

Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The WRAP is assisting these states by developing 

the policy and technical work products needed for their regional haze SIPs. The WRAP 

established stakeholder-based technical and policy oversight committees to assist in managing 

the development of regional haze work products. See Section 4.1 of this plan for more 

information on the WRAP. See also WRAP web site at http://www.wrapair.org.

1.6 Purpose of this Document 

The Oregon Regional Haze Plan has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Federal 

Regional Haze Rule, Section 40 CFR, Part 51, Section 308. It contains strategies and elements 

related to each requirement of this federal rule. The appendices (citation) at the end of this 

document provide additional information related to the strategies, including citations of new 

Oregon administrative rules associated with this plan, and the reference material (technical 

analysis and reports) prepared by the WRAP.

Relation to the WRAP’s Regional Technical Support System (TSS)

The WRAP’s Technical Support System (TSS) was the source for the majority of key technical 

information and data used in the Oregon Regional Haze Plan. The WRAP TSS can be found at

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/tss/. See Chapter 12, Section 12.2, for more information on 

specific WRAP reports and project. Appendix C has additional information on the WRAP 

TSS.

1.6.1 Mandatory Federal Class I Areas Addressed in this SIP

The Regional Haze Rule under 40 CFR 51.308 requires states to address visibility protection 

for regional haze in Oregon’s Class I Areas. These areas are listed under Section 1.2, and as 

depicted in Figure 1.2-1.

1.6.2 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

As mentioned earlier, the Regional Haze Rule is applicable to federal Class I areas only. While 

the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is not a Class I area, it was designated a 

National Scenic Area by Congress in 1986. The National Scenic Area Act of 1986 requires the 

protection and enhancement of the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the 

Gorge, while at the same time supporting the local economy.

The Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) has responsibility to administer the National 

Scenic Area Act. As part of an amendment to the National Scenic Area Management Plan, the 

CRGC recognized that a Class I designation is not appropriate for the Gorge. However, the 

CRGC did recognize that air quality degradation can jeopardize those resources, and that in 

order to protect air quality in the Gorge, the CRGC would rely on state air quality agencies to 

develop an air quality strategy for the Scenic Area.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 14

Oregon DEQ and the Washington Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) have been working 

with the CRGC since 2001 to study air quality and visibility in the Gorge, and the emission 

sources that contribute to haze in the Gorge. The study also included a projection of future 

visibility conditions in the Scenic Area. The study results identified that haze in the Gorge was 

caused by many different sources and haze reduction would need to result from the cumulative 

effect of numerous emission reduction activities.

Because many of the same problems that affected haze in the Gorge are the same problems that 

affect haze across the western region, much of the visibility efforts under the regional haze 

program will ultimately benefit the Gorge. The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is situated 

between two Class I areas (Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams) and the Gorge will benefit from Oregon 

and Washington’s long term regional haze process. Although the Gorge is not a Class I area 

and will not be expected to be on the same reasonable progress glide path as the Class I areas, 

visibility in the Gorge can be measured against the nearby Class I areas. This comparison will 

allow DEQ to track the Gorge’s progress for continued visibility improvement.

Additionally, as part of the federally mandated five-year regional haze plan update, DEQ will 

include in these updates a description of visibility benefits to the Gorge, as the result of the 

effort to make reasonable progress in improving Class I area visibility over the next 60 years.

Once this Regional Haze Plan SIP is submitted to EPA, DEQ will follow up with the CRGC to 

provide a progress report on conditions in the Gorge. DEQ will identify whether Gorge 

visibility conditions are showing continued improvement, similar to but not on the same glide 

path as conditions in the Class I areas. If visibility in the Gorge is not improving or showing a 

downward trend, then DEQ will reassess its Gorge strategy and potentially identify new 

strategies to ensure continued visibility improvement in the Gorge.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 15

CHAPTER 2: OREGON REGIONAL HAZE SIP DEVELOPMENT AND 

CONSULTATION PROCESS 

The Oregon Regional Haze Plan was developed through a process of consultation with other 

States, Tribes, state and federal natural resource agencies, EPA, and major stakeholders and the 

general public. The following is a brief summary of the consultation requirements under the 

Regional Haze Rule. Chapters 13 and Appendix G contains a full description of the 

consultation process identified below, in developing the Oregon Regional Haze Plan.

2.1 Federal Land Manager Consultation

The Regional Haze Rule requires consultation between the State and FLMs related to 

development and implementation of regional haze plans. States need to provide FLMs and 

opportunity to comment at least 60 days prior to holding a public hearing on a proposed plan or 

plan revision. This includes commenting on the State’s assessment of visibility impairment in 

each Class I area; and providing recommendations on the reasonable progress goals and 

visibility control strategies the State has proposed. States also need to provide the FLM an 

opportunity to comment on the five-year progress reports and other developing programs that 

may contribute to Class I visibility impairment.

2.2 State Consultation

Also required under the Regional Haze Rule is state-to-state consultation to develop 

coordinated regional haze strategies. Regional haze by definition is the long-range transport of 

air pollution, and as such includes identifying interstate transport issues. This requirement 

directs States to address emissions that are “reasonably anticipated to contribute to visibility 

impairment” and any Class I area in another State or States.

2.3 Tribal Consultation

Although tribal consultation is not required under the Regional Haze Rule, the Department 

views this as an important part of the consultation process, and actively pursued this during the 

development of the regional haze plan. Like the State consultation process above, consultation 

with Tribes involved reviewing major emission sources and regional haze strategies to address 

visibility issues.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 16

CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCTION TO OREGON CLASS I AREAS

This chapter provides a map and description of the size, elevation, location, and other features 

of Oregon’s 12 Class I areas.

Figure 3-1 Map of Oregon Class I Areas
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 17

3.1 Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

Figure 3.1-1 presents a map of the Mt Hood Wilderness, which spans 47,160 acres on the 

slopes of Mt Hood in the northern Oregon Cascades. Wilderness elevations range from 3,426 m 

(11,237 ft) on the summit of Mt Hood down to almost 600 m (2,000 ft) at the western 

boundary. It is almost adjacent to the Portland Oregon metropolitan area; the westernmost 

boundary is about 20 km east of the Portland Oregon suburb of Sandy and 40 km from the 

heavily populated metropolitan center, elevation 100 m (300 ft). Visitation to the Mt. Hood 

Wilderness Area is approximately 50,000 visitors a year, primarily between May and October.

Most visitors come from the Portland/Vancouver area that has a population of approximately 2 

million.

Figure 3.1-1 Map of Mt. Hood Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 18

3.2 Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area

Figure 3.2-1 presents a map of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area, which occupies 107,008

acres on the crest of the Cascade Range in central Oregon. Its southern boundary is a few km 

north of the northern boundary of the Mt Washington Wilderness and it extends 40 to 50 km 

north along the Cascade crest. West of the crest, it consists primarily of the eastern side of the 

North Santiam River headwaters basin that connects to the Willamette Valley source region 

near Salem Oregon, 100 km (60 mi) to the west. East of the crest it occupies the western slopes 

of the Metolius River drainage that connects eastern slopes with Deschutes River in eastern 

Oregon. The highest Wilderness elevation is 3,200 m (10,497 ft) at the summit of Mt Jefferson 

in the northern part of the Wilderness. Lowest Wilderness elevations are near 1,000 m (3,000 

ft) along the western boundary in the North Santiam headwaters basin and along the eastern 

boundary in the Metolius River basin.

Figure 3.2-1 Map of Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 19

3.3 Mt. Washington Wilderness Area

Figure 3.3-1 presents a map of the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area, which occupies 52,516 

acres on the crest of the Cascade Range in central Oregon. Like the Three Sisters Wilderness 

that it borders to the south, it includes headwaters tributaries of the McKenzie River that flow 

west into the Willamette Valley near Eugene and connect the Wilderness with that source 

region. On the east side eastern slopes of the Cascades descend to the Deschutes River near 

Bend. The highest Wilderness elevation is 2,376 m (7,794 ft) at the summit of Mt Washington. 

Lowest elevations are near 900 m (3,000 ft) in the upper headwaters basin of the McKenzie 

River.

Figure 3.3-1 Map of Mt. Washington Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 20

3.4 Three Sisters Wilderness Area

Figure 3.4-1 presents a map of the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, which consists of 285,202

acres abreast the crest of the Cascade Range in central Oregon. It includes headwaters 

tributaries of the McKenzie River that flow west into the Willamette Valley near Eugene and 

connect the Wilderness with that source region. On the east side streams flow east to the 

Deschutes River near Bend. The highest crest elevation is 3,158 m (10,358 ft) at the summit of 

the South Sister. Lowest elevations are near 600 m (2,000 ft) where the South Fork of the 

McKenzie River exits the Wilderness on the west boundary. This is about 500 m (1,600 ft) 

above the Willamette Valley at Eugene 70 km (40 mi) west.

Figure 3.4-1 Map of Three Sisters Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 21

3.5 Diamond Peak Wilderness Area

Figure 3.5-1 presents a map of the 52,337 acre Diamond Peak Wilderness Area, which

straddles the Cascade Range 50 km (30 mi) north of Crater Lake National Park. The highest 

crest elevation in the Wilderness is 2,666 m (8,744 ft) at Diamond Peak, which is also the 

highest summit in this region of the Cascade Range. Lowest elevations are near 1,450 m (5,000 

ft) where streams exit the Wilderness on the west side. On the east side the Wilderness is 

bordered by mountain lakes with elevations from 1,459 m to 1,693 m (4,786 to 5,553 ft). The 

area includes headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River that flows to the 

Willamette Valley near Eugene, elevation 100 m (300 ft) and 90 km (60 mi) distant. 

Wilderness elevations are thus some 1,400 m (4,600 ft) above the Willamette Valley floor. East 

of the Cascade crest, streams flow to the Deschutes River in eastern Oregon.

Figure 3.5-1 Map of Diamond Peak Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 22

3.6 Crater Lake National Park

Figure 3.6-1 presents a map of Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon.

The park was established on May 22, 1902, and now consists of 183,315 acres. It is located in

southwestern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles east of the Pacific 

Ocean. Rim elevations range from about 900 to 1,873 ft above lake level. The highest park 

elevation is 8,929 ft at the peak of Mt. Scott, in the eastern Park area. The National Park 

includes headwaters of the Rogue River that flows southwest towards the Medford/Grants Pass 

area, and Sun Creek/Wood River that flows southeast to the Klamath Falls area. 

Figure 3.6-1 Map of Crater Lake NP
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 23

3.7 Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area

Figure 3.7-1 presents a map of the Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area, which is a relatively 

small Class 1 Area in southern Oregon of 23,071 acres, 50 km (30 mi) south of Crater Lake 

National Park. It consists of several peaks with a highest elevation of 2,502 m (8,208 ft) at the 

crest of Aspen Butte. Lowest elevations are near 1,500 m (5,000 ft). Primary drainages are 

Varney Creek and Moss Creek that flow into the Upper Klamath Lake, 3 km northeast of the 

Wilderness boundary.

Figure 3.7-1 Map of Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 24

3.8 Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area

Figure 3.8-1 presents a map of the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area, which comprises 

22,809 acres on the flanks of Gearhart Mountain in south central Oregon, primarily the 

northern slope and eastern drainages of Gearhart Mountain, the dominant topographic feature.

Elevations range from near 5,900 ft at the North Fork of the Sprague River in the northern 

Wilderness to 8,364 ft at the summit of Gearhart Mountain.

Figure 3.8-1 Map of Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 25

3.9 Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

Figure 3.9-1 presents a map of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, which currently spans a total 

of 179,700 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The Kalmiopsis Wilderness is 

located in the Klamath Mountains of southwestern Oregon, part of the coastal temperate 

rainforest zone that lies between the Pacific Ocean and the east side of the coast ranges in 

northwestern U.S. and Canada. Its western boundary is 20 to 25 km (12 to 15 mi) from the 

coast. Its easternmost extent is about 40 km (25 mi) from the coast. Elevations range from 

about 300 m (900 ft) on the western boundary where the Chetco River exits the Wilderness 

towards the Pacific Ocean 25 to 30 miles further west, to 1,554 m (5,098 ft) on Pearsoll Peak 

on the eastern Wilderness boundary. Terrain is steep canyons and long broad ridges. The 

Wilderness is mostly west of the general crest of the coast range, thus exposed to precipitation 

caused by lifting of eastward moving maritime air, primarily during the winter. Precipitation 

ranges from 150 to 350 cm (60 to 140 in) annually, depending on elevation.

Figure 3.9-1 Map of Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 26

3.10 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area

Figure 3.10-1 presents a map of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area, which consists of 

69,350 acres in eastern Oregon, just east of John Day. The Wilderness comprises most of the 

Strawberry Mountain Range. Terrain is rugged, with elevations ranging from 1,220 m (4,000 

ft) to 2,755 m (9,038 ft) at the summit of Strawberry Mountain. It borders the upper John Day 

River valley to the north.

Figure 3.10-1 Map of Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 27

3.11 Eagle Cap Wilderness Area

Figure 3.11-1 presents a map of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, which comprises 360,275

acres in northeastern Oregon. Terrain is characterized by bare peaks and ridges and U-shaped 

glaciated valleys. Elevations range from 5,000 ft in lower valleys to near 10,000 ft at the 

highest mountain summits. The Lostine and Minam Rivers flow north from the center of the 

Wilderness towards Pendleton and the Columbia, 130 km northwest.

Figure 3.11-1 Map of Eagle Cap Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 28

3.12 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

Figure 3.12-1 a presents a map of the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area, which consists of 

214,944 acres, and is located on the Oregon-Idaho border. The Snake River divides the 

wilderness, with 131,133 acres in Oregon, and 83,811 acres are in Idaho. It is managed by the 

Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. The Snake River canyon is the deepest 

river gorge in North America. The higher terrain is located on the Oregon side. Popular 

Oregon-side viewpoints are McGraw, Hat Point, and Somers Point. 

Figure 3.12-1 Map of Hells Canyon Wilderness Area
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 29

CHAPTER 4: TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND DATA RELIED UPON 

IN THIS PLAN

This chapter describes the information relied upon by the Department in developing this 

regional haze plan. The first part of this chapter describes the Western Air Regional Partnership 

(WRAP) organization and work products relied upon by the Department. The second part 

describes the IMPROVE monitoring data and network that is used throughout the country by 

states in measuring Class I area visibility. 

4.1 The WRAP and Technical Support

As described in Section 1.5.5 of this plan, the WRAP is a voluntary organization of western 

states, tribes and federal agencies. It was formed in 1997 as the successor to the Grand Canyon 

Visibility Transport Commission. It is a regional planning organization that provides assistance 

to western states like Oregon in the preparation of regional haze plans. The WRAP is also 

implementing regional planning processes to improve visibility in all Western Class I areas by 

providing the technical and policy tools needed by states and tribes to implement the federal 

regional haze rule. The WRAP is administered jointly by the Western Governors' Association

(WGA) and the National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC).

The WRAP is made up of western states, tribes and federal agencies. The states are Alaska, 

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South 

Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Tribal board members include Campo Band of 

Kumeyaay Indians, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Cortina Indian Rancheria, Hopi 

Tribe, Hualapai Nation of the Grand Canyon, Native Village of Shungnak, Nez Perce Tribe, 

Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of San Felipe, and Shoshone-Bannock 

Tribes of Fort Hall. Representatives of other tribes participate on WRAP forums and 

committees. Participation is encouraged throughout the Western states and tribes. Federal 

participants are the Department of the Interior (National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife 

Service,) the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service), and the Environmental Protection 

Agency. 

4.1.2 WRAP Committee’s and Workgroups

1. Initiatives Oversight Committee

The Initiatives Oversight Committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing the work of 

forums that develop policies and programs to improve and protect our air quality. IOC forums 

are:

The Air Pollution Prevention Forum

The Air Pollution Prevention Forum is tasked with developing energy conservation 

initiatives and programs to expand the use of renewable energy sources. They are working 

to find, and encourage use of, energy sources that minimize air pollution.

The Economic Analysis Forum
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 30

This Forum assists with studies to evaluate the economic effects of air quality programs 

being developed by the WRAP to diminish haze throughout the West.

The Forum on Emissions In/Near Class 1 Areas

This Forum is looking at pollution sources in and near federally mandated Class 1 areas to 

determine their impact on visibility in those areas. The group also will address mitigation 

and outreach options.

The Mobile Sources Forum

This Forum addresses the impact of motor vehicles and other mobile sources of pollution. 

For example, the Forum developed a plan presented to the WRAP, suggesting a revision of 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules regarding the production of low-sulfur fuel by 

small refineries. The Forum also recommended reforms for off-road emissions and diesel 

fuel.

2. Technical Oversight Committee

The Technical Oversight Committee’s tasks are to identify and manage technical issues and to 

establish and oversee the work of forums and work groups that are developing and analyzing, 

scientific information related to air quality planning in the West. TOC forums and work groups

include:

The Air Quality Modeling Forum

This Forum identifies, evaluates the performance of, and applies mathematical air quality 

models, which can be used to quantify the benefits of various air quality programs for 

reducing haze in the western United States.

The Ambient Monitoring and Reporting Forum

This Forum oversees the collection, use, and reporting of ambient air quality and 

meteorological monitoring data as needed to further the WRAP’s overall goals.

The Emissions Forum

This Forum is developing the first comprehensive inventory of haze-causing air emissions 

in the West, including a comprehensive emissions tracking and forecasting system. The 

forum also monitors trends in actual emissions and forecasts emissions reductions

anticipated from current regulations and alternative control strategies.

Attribution of Haze Work Group

This Work Group is preparing guidance for states and tribes regarding both the types of 

pollution emitters and the regions in which pollutants contribute to visibility impairment in 

national parks and other Class 1 wilderness areas. Three state and three tribal

representatives form the work group along with all members of the Technical Oversight 

Committee and one representative each from the Initiatives Oversight Committee, the 

technical and joint forums and the Tribal Data Development Work Group.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 31

The Tribal Data Development Work Group

This Work Group is identifying gaps in air quality data for tribal lands and working with 

tribes to collect that data. While some tribes have adequate staff and equipment for such an 

undertaking, many lack the manpower and technical resources to accomplish the work on 

their own. This Work Group is providing help by both enhancing the tribes’ ability to 

collect the necessary data and establishing an organized way to standardize and catalogue 

the information for subsequent analysis.

3. WRAP Working Committees and Forums

Implementation Work Group

The purpose of this work group is to bring together state and tribal staff involved in the 

development of regional haze plans, to meet the requirements of the Regional Haze Rule. This 

work group discusses the major strategies associated with state and tribal regional haze plans, 

issues associated with plan development and rule interpretation, and coordination and 

consultation between states, tribes, EPA, and the FLMs on these topics. State representatives 

on this work group are the primary regional haze plan writers. 

Joint Technical and Policy Forums

Joint Forums address both technical issues and policy. Both the TOC and the IOC have 

oversight.

The Dust Emissions Joint Forum

This Forum is seeking first to improve the methods for estimating dust emissions and their 

inputs in air quality models. The Forum also is examining the extent of dust impacts and 

strategies to reduce dust emissions.

The Fire Emissions Joint Forum (FEJF)

The Grand Canyon Commission confirmed that forest fires contribute significantly to 

visibility problems and that the use of prescribed fire is expected to increase as a forest 

management tool. The Fire Emissions Joint Forum is developing measures to reduce the 

effects of prescribed fires and is examining emissions from all kinds of fire, whether ignited 

naturally or by humans. The Forum is considering public health and nuisance effects as 

well as visibility impacts. It will develop a tracking system for fire emissions and 

management techniques to minimize emissions. This Forum is working to coordinate with 

and gain the full cooperation of federal, tribal, state, and local agencies as well as private 

landowners, forest managers, and the agriculture community.

The Stationary Sources Joint Forum

The Stationary Sources Joint Forum, formerly the Market Trading Forum, developed the 

details of an emissions trading program to achieve cost-effective reductions from industrial

sources of sulfur dioxide. The Forum first set emission milestones for sulfur dioxide 

between now and 2018 and then designed a trading program to be triggered if these 

emission targets are exceeded. The Forum is now examining other industrial source 

emissions, such as oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter, and is assisting WRAP

members in compliance with the stationary source provisions of the regional haze rule.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 32

4.1.2 WRAP TSS

The primary purpose of the TSS is to provide key summary analytical results and methods 

documentation for the required technical elements of the Regional Haze Rule, to support the 

preparation, completion, evaluation, and implementation of the regional haze implementation 

plans to improve visibility in Class I areas. The TSS provides technical results prepared using a 

regional approach, to include summaries and analysis of the comprehensive datasets used to 

identify the sources and regions contributing to regional haze in the Western Regional Air 

Partnership (WRAP) region. 

The secondary purpose of the TSS is to be the one-stop-shop for access, visualization, analysis, 

and retrieval of the technical data and regional analytical results prepared by WRAP Forums 

and Workgroups in support of regional haze planning in the West. The TSS specifically 

summarizes results and consolidates information about air quality monitoring, meteorological 

and receptor modeling data analyses, emissions inventories and models, and gridded air 

quality/visibility regional modeling simulations. These copious and diverse data are integrated 

for application to air quality planning purposes by prioritizing and refining key information and 

results into explanatory tools. 

Additional information on the TSS is provided in Appendix C.

4.2 IMPROVE Monitoring 

4.1.1 Background on IMPROVE Monitoring

In the mid-1980’s, the Interagency Monitoring of PROtected Visual Environments 

(IMPROVE) program was established to measure visibility impairment in mandatory Class I 

Federal areas throughout the United States. The monitoring sites are operated and maintained 

through a formal cooperative relationship between the EPA, National Park Service, U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service. In 1991, several 

additional organizations joined the effort: State and Territorial Air Pollution Program 

Administrators and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials, Western States Air 

Resources Council, Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association, and Northeast States 

for Coordinated Air Use Management.

The objectives of the IMPROVE program include establishing the current visibility and aerosol 

conditions in mandatory Class I federal areas; identifying the chemical species and emission 

sources responsible for existing human-made visibility impairment; documenting long-term 

trends for assessing progress towards the national visibility goals; and support the requirements 

of the Regional Haze Rule by providing regional haze monitoring representing all visibilityprotected federal Class I areas where practical.

Figure 4.1.1-1 shows a typical IMPROVE site, and Figure 4.1.1-2 shows the four separate 

modules used for sampling the different pollutant species.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 33

Figure 4.1.1-1 Picture of an IMPROVE Monitoring Site

The IMPROVE sampler consists of four separate modules for measuring regional haze.

Figure 4.1.1-2 IMPROVE Sampler Modules

The data collected at the IMPROVE monitoring sites are used by land managers, industry 

planners, scientists, public interest groups, and air quality regulators to better understand and 

protect the visual air quality resource in Class I areas. Most importantly, the IMPROVE 

Program scientifically documents the visual air quality of their wilderness areas and national 

parks.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 34

4.1.2 Formula for Reconstructed Light Extinction

The IMPROVE program has developed methods for estimating light extinction from speciated 

aerosol and relative humidity data. The three most common metrics used to describe visibility 

impairment are:

Extinction (bext) – Extinction is a measure of the fraction of light lost per unit 

length along a sight path due to scattering and absorption by gases and particles, 

expressed in inverse Megameters (Mm-1). This metric is useful for representing the 

contribution of each aerosol species to visibility impairment and can be practically 

thought of as the units of light lost in a million meter distance.

Visual Range (VR) – Visual range is the greatest distance a large black object can 

be seen on the horizon, expressed in kilometers (km) or miles (mi).

Deciview (dv) – This is the metric used for tracking regional haze in the RHR. The 

deciview index, was designed to be linear with respect to human perception of 

visibility. A one deciview change is approximately equivalent to a 10% change in 

extinction, whether visibility is good or poor. A one deciview change in visibility is 

generally considered to be the minimum change the average person can detect with 

the naked eye. See Section 5.3 for additional information.

The IMPROVE network estimates light extinction based upon the measured mass of various 

contributing aerosol species. EPA’s 2003 guidance for calculating light extinction is based on 

the original protocol defined by the IMPROVE program in 1988. (For further information, see 

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/Publications/GuidanceDocs/guidancedocs.htm.) In 

December 2005, the IMPROVE Steering Committee voted to adopt a revised algorithm for use

by IMPROVE as an alternative to the original approach.

The revised algorithm for estimating light extinction is calculated as recommended for use by 

the IMPROVE steering committee using the following equations:

Rayleigh Scattering(SiteSpecific)

0.33 NO (ppb)

0.6 CM

1.7 f (RH) Sea Salt

1 Soil

10 EC

2.8 Small POM 6.1 LargePOM

2.4 f (RH) SmallAmm.Nitrate 5.1 f (RH) LargeAmm.Nitrate

b 2.2 f (RH) Small Amm.Sulfate 4.8 f (RH) LargeAmm.Sulfate

2

ss

s L

ext s L

The revised algorithm splits ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and POM 

concentrations into small and large size fractions as follows:
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 35

For Total 20μg/m , Large Total

Small Total Large

Total

20

Total Large

For Total 20μg/m

3

3

4.2 Oregon IMPROVE Monitoring Network

In Oregon there are six IMPROVE monitors that are listed under the site name in Table 4-2-1.

Three are located in the Oregon Cascades, two in Eastern Oregon, and one in the Coast Range.

Since there are 12 Class I areas in Oregon, some monitors serve multiple Class I areas. While it 

is desirable to have one monitor per Class I area, in some cases one monitor can be 

“representative” of haze conditions in nearby Class I areas. Figure 4-2-1 shows the location of 

the IMPROVE monitors and the Class I areas covered by each monitor, as indicated by the 

yellow circles.

Table 4.2-1 Oregon IMPROVE Monitoring Network

Site Code Class I Area Sponsor Elevation MSL Start Date

MOHO1 Mt. Hood Wilderness USFS 1531 m (5022 ft) 3/7/2000

THSI1

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness 

Mt. Washington Wilderness

Three Sisters Wilderness

USFS 885 m (2903 ft) 7/24/1993

CRLA1

Crater Lake National Park;

Diamond Peak Wilderness 

Mountain Lakes Wilderness

Gearhart Mountain Wilderness

NPS 1996 m (6548 ft) 3/2/1988

KALM1 Kalmiopsis Wilderness USFS 80 m (262 ft) 3/7/2000

STAR1 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness

Eagle Cap Wilderness USFS 1259 m (4130 ft) 3/7/2000

HECA1 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area USFS 655 m (2148 ft) 8/1/2000
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 36

Figure 4.2-1 Map of Oregon IMPROVE Sites

4.2.1 MOHO1

The MOHO1 IMPROVE site is the monitor for the Mt. Hood Wilderness Area. It is located just 

south of the wilderness boundary near Government Camp, at an elevation of 5,022 feet.

4.2.2 THSI1

The THSI1 IMPROVE site is the monitor for the Mt Washington, Three Sisters, and Mt 

Jefferson Wilderness Areas. It is located 5 miles to the west of Mt Washington, 12 miles 

southwest of Mt Jefferson, and 10 miles northwest of Three Sisters, at an elevation of 2,903 

feet.

4.2.3 CRLA1

The CRLA1 IMPROVE site is the monitor for Crater Lake National Park, and is used as the 

representative site for Diamond Peak, Mountain Lakes, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 

Areas. It is located at the Park Headquarters in the park, to the south of the crater rim, at an 

elevation of 6,548 feet. The CRLA1 site is located 40 miles to the south of Diamond Peak, 35 

miles to the north of Mountain Lakes, and 70 miles to the northeast of Gearhart Mountain.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 37

4.2.4 KALM1

The KALM1 IMPROVE site is the monitor for the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area. It is located 6 

miles north of the wilderness boundary near where the Illinois River merges with the Rogue 

River, at an elevation of 262 feet. 

4.2.5 STAR1

The STAR1 IMPROVE site is the representative monitoring site for the Strawberry Mountain 

and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas. It is located 60 miles north of the Strawberry Mountain 

Wilderness, and 40 miles west of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, at an elevation of 4,130 feet.

4.2.6 HECA1

The HECA1 IMPROVE site is the monitor for the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. It is located 

10 miles south of the wilderness boundary, at an elevation of 2,148 feet.

4.3 Oregon Regional Haze Monitoring Commitments

Under Section 51.308(d)(4) of the Regional Haze Rule, the State must submit with the

implementation plan a monitoring strategy for measuring, characterizing, and reporting of 

regional haze visibility impairment that is representative of all mandatory Class I Federal areas 

within the State. This monitoring strategy must be coordinated with the monitoring strategy 

required in Section 51.305 for reasonably attributable visibility impairment.

The State of Oregon has committed to continue utilizing the IMPROVE monitoring program to 

track reasonable progress over time. Also, Oregon will continue to develop and update 

emission inventories sufficient to allow for the tracking of emission increases or decreases 

attributable to adopted strategies or other factors such as growth, economic downturn, or 

voluntary or permit related issues. These monitoring and emissions data will be available for 

electronic processing in future modeling or other emission tracking processes. Information 

collected from the monitoring system and emission inventory work will be made available to 

the public on a periodic basis. 

Oregon will rely upon WRAP technical support to meet its commitment to conduct the analyses 

necessary to meet the requirements of Section 51.308(d)(4).

Oregon will rely on the IMPROVE program to collect and report aerosol monitoring data for 

long-term reasonable progress tracking as specified in the Regional Haze Rule. Since this rule 

is a long-term tracking program with an implementation period over 60 years, Oregon expects 

that the IMPROVE program will provide data based on the following goals:

1) Maintain a stable configuration of the individual monitors and sampling sites, and 

stability in network operations for the purpose of continuity in tracking reasonable 

progress trends;

2) Assure sufficient data capture at each site of all visibility-impairing species;
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 38

3) Comply with EPA quality control and assurance requirements; and

4) Prepare and disseminate periodic reports on IMPROVE program operations.

Oregon is relying on the IMPROVE program to meet these monitoring operation and data 

collection goals, with the fundamental assumption that network data collection operations will 

not change, or if changed, will remain directly comparable to those operated by the IMPROVE 

program during the 2000-04 baseline period. Technical analyses and reasonable progress goals 

in this implementation plan for Regional Haze are based on data from these sites. As such, 

Oregon asks that the IMPROVE program identify potential issues affecting regional haze rule 

implementation trends and notify the State before changes in the IMPROVE program affecting 

a regional haze tracking site are made.

Further, Oregon notes that the human resources to operate these monitors are provided by 

Federal Land Management agencies. Beyond that in-kind contribution, resources for operation 

and sample analysis of a complete and representative monitoring network of these sites by the 

IMPROVE program in the WRAP region are a collaborative responsibility of members of the 

WRAP (EPA, states, tribes, and FLMs) and the IMPROVE program steering committee.

Oregon will collaborate with the EPA, FLMs, other states, tribes, and the IMPROVE 

committee to assure adequate and representative data collection and reporting by the 

IMPROVE program.

Oregon depends on the following IMPROVE program-operated monitors at the following sites 

for tracking RHR reasonable progress:

Oregon IMPROVE Monitoring Sites:

CRLA1, HECA1, KALM1, MOHO1, STAR1, THSI1

Oregon Class I 

Areas covered by 

this network

Crater Lake NP, OR: Diamond Peak W, OR: Gearhart Mountain W, 

OR: Mountain Lakes W, OR; Class I Area - Hells Canyon W, ID; Class 

I Area - Kalmiopsis W, OR; Class I Area - Mount Hood W, OR; Class I 

Areas - Eagle Cap W, OR: Strawberry Mountain W, OR; Class I Areas -

Mount Jefferson W, OR: Mount Washington W, OR: Three Sisters W, 

OR

Oregon will use data reported by the IMPROVE program as part of the regional technical 

support analysis tools found at the Visibility Information Exchange Web System (VIEWS) and 

the Technical Support System (TSS), as well as other analysis tools and efforts sponsored by 

the WRAP. Oregon will participate in the ongoing regional analysis activities of the WRAP to 

collectively assess and verify the progress toward reasonable progress goals, also supporting 

interstate consultation as the rule is implemented, and collaborate with WRAP members (EPA, 

states, tribes, and FLMs) to ensure the continued operation of these technical support analysis 

tools and systems. Oregon may conduct additional analyses as needed.

Oregon will depend on the routine timely reporting of haze monitoring data by the IMPROVE 

program for the reasonable progress tracking sites to the EPA air quality data system, VIEWS, 

and TSS. Oregon will collaborate with WRAP members (EPA, states, tribes, and FLMs) to 

ensure the continued operation of these technical support analysis tools and systems. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 39

Oregon has prepared a statewide inventory of emissions that can reasonably be expected to 

cause or contribute to visibility impairment in Federal Class I Areas. Chapter 8, Section 8.1 of 

this plan summarizes Oregon emissions by pollutant and source category.

Oregon commits to updating statewide emissions periodically. The updates will be used for 

state tracking of emission changes, trends, and input into the WRAP’s evaluation of whether 

reasonable progress goals are being achieved and other regional analyses. The inventories will 

be updated every three years on the same schedule as the every three-year reporting required by 

EPA’s Consolidated Emissions Reporting Rule.

As a member of the WRAP, the state will continue to use the WRAP-sponsored Emissions 

Data Management System (EDMS) and Fire Emissions Tracking System (FETS) to store and 

access emission inventory data for the region. Oregon will also depend upon and participate in 

additional periodic collective emissions inventory efforts by the WRAP. Further, Oregon will 

continue to depend on and use the capabilities of the WRAP sponsored Regional Modeling 

Center (RMC) to simulate the air quality impacts of emissions for haze and other related air 

quality planning purposes. Oregon will collaborate with WRAP members (EPA, states, tribes, 

and FLMs) to ensure the continued operation of these technical support analysis tools and 

systems. 

Oregon will track data related to regional haze plan implementation for sources for which the 

state has regulatory authority, and will depend on the IMPROVE program and WRAPsponsored collection and analysis efforts and data support systems for monitoring and 

emissions inventory data, respectively. To ensure the availability of data and analyses to report 

on visibility conditions and progress toward Class I area visibility goals, Oregon will 

collaborate with WRAP members (EPA, states, tribes, and FLMs) to ensure the continued 

operation of the IMPROVE program and the WRAP-sponsored technical support analysis tools 

and systems.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 40

CHAPTER 5: BASIC PLAN ELEMENTS

In order to better understand the information presented in the document, this chapter describes 

the basic plan elements and key concepts contained in the Oregon Regional Haze Plan.

5.1 Natural Sources of Visibility Impairment 

Natural sources of visibility impairment include anything not directly attributed to humancaused emissions of visibility-impairing pollutants. Natural events (e.g. windblown dust, 

wildfire, volcanic activity, biogenic emissions) also introduce pollutants that contribute to haze 

in the atmosphere. Specific natural events can lead to high short-term concentrations of 

visibility-impairing particulate matter and its precursors. Therefore, natural visibility 

conditions, for the purpose of the Oregon regional haze program, are represented by a longterm average of conditions expected to occur in the absence of emissions normally attributed to 

human activities. Natural visibility conditions reflect contemporary vegetated landscape, landuse patterns, and meteorological/climatic conditions.

Natural sources, particularly wildfire and windblown dust, can be major contributors to 

visibility impairment. However, these emissions cannot be realistically controlled or prevented 

by the states, and therefore the focus of the regional haze strategies in this document are on 

human-caused (anthropogenic) sources, as described below. While current methods of analysis 

of monitoring data do not provide a clear distinction between natural and anthropogenic 

emissions, certain pollutant species, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) are 

more representative of anthropogenic sources, while organic carbon (OC) and coarse 

particulate matter (PM10) are more representative of natural sources such as wildfire and dust, 

respectively.

5.2 Human-Caused Sources of Visibility Impairment 

Anthropogenic or human-caused sources of visibility impairment include anything directly 

attributable to human-caused activities that produce emissions of visibility-impairing 

pollutants. Some examples include industry, transportation, agriculture activities, home heating, 

and managed outdoor burning. Anthropogenic sources can be local, regional, or international.

Efforts to regulate anthropogenic emissions are mostly limited to inside the United States.

Emissions from Mexico & Canada, and off-shore marine shipping emissions in the Pacific 

Ocean, are examples of anthropogenic sources that contribute to visibility impairment in 

Oregon, but like natural sources, beyond the scope of this planning document.2

5.3 Deciview Measurement

Each IMPROVE monitor collects particulate concentration data which are converted into 

reconstructed light extinction through a complex calculation using the IMPROVE equation (see 

Technical Support Documents for any Class I area). Reconstructed light extinction (denoted as 

 

2 As described in Chapter 9 and elsewhere in this document, international emissions from Canada, as well as 

offshore marine vessels, are major contributors to regional haze in Oregon.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 41

bext) is expressed in units of inverse megameters (1/Mm or Mm-1). The Regional Haze Rule 

requires the tracking of visibility conditions in terms of the Haze Index (HI) metric expressed 

in the deciview (dv) unit (40 CFR 51.308(d)(2)). Generally, a one deciview change in the haze 

index is considered a humanly perceptible change under ideal conditions, regardless of 

background visibility conditions. The relationship between extinction (Mm-1), haze index (dv) 

and visual range (mi) are indicated by the following scale:

5.4 Baseline and Current Conditions

The Regional Haze Rule requires the calculation of baseline conditions for each Class I area.

Baseline conditions are defined as the five year average (annual values for 2000 - 2004) of 

IMPROVE monitoring data (expressed in deciviews) for the most-impaired (20% worst) days 

and the least-impaired (20% best) days. For this first regional haze plan submittal, the baseline 

conditions are the reference point against which visibility improvement is tracked. For future

plan progress reports and updates, baseline conditions are used to calculate progress from the 

beginning of the regional haze program. Current conditions for the best and worst days are 

calculated from a multiyear average, based on the most recent 5-years of monitored data 

available. This value will be revised at the time of each periodic plan revision, and will be used 

to illustrate: (1) The amount of progress made since the last plan revision, and (2) the amount 

of progress made from the baseline period of the program. 

5.5 Natural Conditions

The visibility that would exist under natural conditions (absent any man-made impairment) 

would vary based on the contribution of natural sources and meteorological conditions on a 

given day. For that reason, natural conditions, as defined in this document, consists of a level of 

visibility (in deciviews) for both the most-impaired (20% worst) days and the least-impaired 

(20 % best) days. Since no visibility monitoring data exists from the pre-manmade impairment 

period, these estimates of natural conditions are based on EPA guidance on how to estimate 

natural conditions (EPA Document: Guidance for Estimate Natural Visibility Conditions under 

the Regional Haze Rule).

5.6 Reasonable Progress Goals

For each Class I area the State must establish goals (measured in deciviews) that provide for 

reasonable progress towards achieving natural visibility conditions. The reasonable progress 

goals (RPG) are interim goals that represent incremental visibility improvement over time for 

the most-impaired (20% worst) days and no degradation in visibility for the least-impaired 

(20% best) days. The first regional haze plan that States must submit to EPA needs to include 

RPGs for the year 2018, also known as the “2018 milestone year”. The State has flexibility in 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 42

establishing different RPGs for each Class I area. In establishing the RPG, the State must 

consider four factors: the costs of compliance; the time necessary for compliance; the energy 

and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance; and the remaining useful life of any 

potentially affected sources. States must demonstrate how these factors were taken into 

consideration in selecting the goal for each Class I area.

5.7 Uniform Rate of Progress

The uniform rate of progress (URP) is the calculation of the slope of the line between baseline 

visibility conditions and natural visibility conditions over the 60-year period. For the first 

regional haze plan, the first benchmark is the deciview level that should be achieved in 2018, as 

indicated in blue below as the first planning period (Figure 5.7-1). This is 2018 Milestone, and 

applies to both the 20% worst days and the 20% best days.

Figure 5.7-1 Example of How Uniform Rate of Progress is Determined

Compare baseline conditions to natural conditions. The difference between these two

represents the amount of progress needed to reach natural visibility conditions. In this

example, the State has determined that the baseline for the 20 percent worst days for the

Class I area is 29 dv and estimated that natural background is 11 dv, a difference of 18 dv.

Calculate the annual average visibility improvement needed to reach natural conditions by 

2064 by dividing the total amount of improvement needed by 60 years (the period between 

2004 and 2064). In this example, this value is 0.3 dv/yr.

Multiply the annual average visibility improvement needed by the number of years in the

first planning period (the period from 2004 until 2018). In this example, this value is 4.2 dv. 

This is the uniform rate of progress that would be needed during the first planning period to 

attain natural visibility conditions by 2064.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 43

The URP is not a presumptive target. When establishing RPGs, the State may determine RPGs 

at greater, lesser or equivalent visibility improvement than the URP. In cases where the RPG 

results in less improvement in 2018 than the URP, the State must demonstrate why the URP is 

not achievable, and why the RPGs are “reasonable”.

For the 20% worst days, the URP is expressed in deciviews per year (i.e. slope of the glide 

path) is determined by the following equation:

URP = [Baseline Condition - Natural Condition] / 60 years

The 2018 Progress Goal (i.e. the amount of reduction necessary for the 1st planning period) is 

determined by multiplying the URP by the number of years in the 1st planning period.

2018 Progress Goal = [Uniform ROP] x [14 years]

The 14 years comprising the 1st planning period includes the 4 years between the baseline and 

the SIP submittal date plus the standard 10-year planning period.

5.8 Long-Term Strategy

The Regional Haze Rule also requires States to submit a long-term strategy that includes 

enforceable measures to achieve reasonable progress goals. The long-term strategy must 

identify all anthropogenic sources inside the State that are affecting Class I areas both inside 

and outside the State. The first long-term strategy will cover 10 to 15 years, with reassessment 

and revision of those goals and strategies in 2018 and every 10 years thereafter. At a minimum, 

the following factors must be considered in developing the long-term strategy:

Measures to mitigate the impact of construction activities;

Emission limitations and schedules for compliance to achieve the RPG;

Source retirement and replacement schedules;

Smoke management techniques for agricultural and forestry burning, including plans to 

reduce smoke impacts;

Enforceability of emission limitations and control measures; and

The anticipated net affect on visibility due to projected changes in point, area, and mobile 

source emissions over the period addressed of the long term strategy.

5.9 BART

The RPGs, the long-term strategy, and BART are the three main elements of a Regional Haze 

Plan. Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirements apply to certain older 

industrial facilities that began operating before national rules were adopted in 1977 to prevent 

new facilities from causing visibility impairment. BART applies to facilities built between 

1962 and 1977, have potential emissions greater than 250 tons per year, and which fall into one 

of 26 specific source categories. These facilities must be evaluated to see how much they 

contribute to regional haze and if retrofitting with controls is feasible and cost effective.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 44

The BART process consists of three-steps: (1) determining BART-eligibility; (2) determining 

is a source is “subject to BART” by conducting modeling of Class I visibility impacts; and (3) 

conducting an analysis of BART controls (retrofitting) for those sources subject to BART that 

contribute to regional haze.

In determining BART controls, the State must take into account several factors, including the 

existing control technology in place at the source, the costs of compliance, energy and nonair 

environmental impacts of compliance, remaining useful life of the source, and the degree of 

visibility improvement that is reasonably anticipated from the use of such technology.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 45

CHAPTER 6: BASELINE AND NATURAL VISIBILITY CONDITIONS, 

AND UNIFORM RATE OF PROGRESS

States and tribes are required to establish “reasonable progress goals” for each Class I area to 

improve visibility on the 20% haziest days and to prevent visibility degradation on the 20% 

clearest days. States are to evaluate their contributions to visibility impairment at Class I areas 

both within and outside the State and to develop long-term control strategies to reduce 

emissions of air pollutants that impair visibility. The national goal is to return visibility to 

natural background levels by 2064. Using the period 2000 to 2004 as the baseline period, the 

Uniform Rate of Progress (URP) is a linear rate of progress or “glide path” towards natural 

conditions in 2064. States are to evaluate progress in improving visibility to the 2018 URP 

planning goal, and every 10 years thereafter.

This chapter describes the URP for each of Oregon’s 12 Class I areas. Chapter 7 provides 

information on monitoring data, sources of visibility impairment, and the emission reductions 

that will be needed to demonstrate reasonable progress for the 2018 planning goals. Chapter 8 

provides information on state and regional emissions sources, and Chapter 9 presents an 

analysis of significant source contributions and improvements expected by 2018.

Table 6-1 below is a summary of the 20% worst and best days for Oregon’s 12 Class I areas, 

comparing baseline conditions (2000-04) to estimated natural conditions in 2064. For the 20% 

worst days, the 2018 URP is indicated, and the reduction needed (in deciview) to achieve the 

URP. Class I areas are grouped by the IMPROVE monitoring site that represents each area.

Sections 6-1 through 6-6 show figures of the URP for each Class I area. Following these 

figures are photographs of haze conditions for each Class I area. Each photograph lists the 

deciview level, light extinction measurement, and the viewing distance (standard visual range) 

in kilometers/miles at the bottom. No images were available for Mountain Lakes Class I area. 

The photographs visually show the 20% worst and best days for baseline and natural 

conditions. Where available, these haze conditions were simulated using ARS’ WinHaze 

Visual Air Quality Modeler (Ver. 2.9.6). If images were not available in the WinHaze program, 

images were assembled using photographs and associated haze condition estimates from 

archives from the US Forest Service Air Monitoring Program.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 46

Table 6-1 20% Best and Worst Days Baseline, Natural Conditions, and Uniform Rate of 

Progress Goal for Oregon Class I Areas

Region Oregon

Class I Area

20% Worst Days 20% Best Days

2000-04 

Baseline 

(dv)

2018

URP Goal 

(dv)

2018 

Reduction 

Needed (dv)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(dv)

2000-04 

Baseline 

(dv)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(dv)

Northern 

Cascades

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area 14.9 13.4 1.5 8.4 2.2 0.9

Central 

Cascades

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, 

and Three Sisters 

Wilderness Areas

15.3 13.8 1.5 8.8 3.0 1.9

Southern 

Cascades

Crater Lake

National Park;

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart 

Mountain

Wilderness Areas

13.7 12.3 1.4 7.6 1.7 0.1

Coast 

Range 

Kalmiopsis

Wilderness Area 15.5 14.1 1.4 9.4 6.3 3.7

Eastern 

Oregon 

Strawberry Mountain 

and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness Areas

18.6 16.3 2.3 8.9 4.5 1.5

Eastern 

Oregon/ 

Western 

Idaho

Hells Canyon 

Wilderness Area 18.6 16.2 2.4 8.3 5.5 2.5

6.1 Northern Cascades - Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

The Mt. Hood (MOHO1) monitoring site represents the Mt. Hood Wilderness Class I Area in 

the northern cascades region of Oregon. Figure 6.1-1 shows baseline visibility conditions, the 

uniform rate of progress, the 2018 planning goal, and estimated 2064 natural conditions for the 

MOHO1 site.

Figure 6.1-2 is a split image which represents the current worst-day and estimated natural 

conditions for the Mt. Hood Wilderness Area, and Figure 6.1-3 is an image representing the 

current best-day visibility conditions for Mt. Hood.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 47

Figure 6.1-1 MOHO1 Uniform Rate of Progress

Figure 6.1-2 Mt. Hood Wilderness Area (Hickman Butte vista) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 14.9 dV

bext = 47.5 Mm-1

SVR = 82 km/51 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.4 dV

bext = 23.9 Mm-1

SVR = 163 km/101 mi

Composite of U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program images
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 48

Figure 6.1-3 Mt. Hood Wilderness Area (Hickman Butte vista) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 2.2 dV

bext = 12.5 Mm-1

SVR = 313 km/194 mi

U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program image

6.2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters 

Wilderness Areas

The Three Sisters (THSI1) monitoring site represents three Class I areas in the Central 

Cascades, which include the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness 

Areas. Figure 6.2-1 shows the baseline visibility conditions, the uniform rate of progress, the 

2018 planning goal, and estimated 2064 natural conditions for the THSI1 site.

Figure 6.2-2 is a split image which represents the current worst-day and estimated natural 

conditions for the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area, and Figure 6.2-3 is an image representing the 

current best-day visibility conditions for Mt. Jefferson. Figures 6.2-4 and 6.2-5 are similar 

images for the Mt. Washington Wilderness area, and Figures 6.2-6 and 6.2-7 are images from 

the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 49

Figure 6.2-1 THSI1 Uniform Rate of Progress

Figure 6.2-2 Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area (Three Fingered Jack vista) Worst Days 

Baseline and Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 15.3 dV

bext = 49.4 Mm-1

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.8 dV

bext = 24.7 Mm-1

SVR = 165 km/103 mi
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 50

SVR = 81 km/50 mi

Composite of U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program images

Figure 6.2-3 Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area (Three Fingered Jack vista) Best Days 

Baseline Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 3 dV

bext = 13.6 Mm-1

SVR = 310 km/192 mi

U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program image

Figure 6.2-4 Mt. Washington Wilderness Area (Black Butte vista) Worst Days Baseline 

and Natural Conditions
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 51

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 15.3 dV

bext = 49.4 Mm-1

SVR = 81 km/50 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.8 dV

bext = 24.7 Mm-1

SVR = 165 km/103 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.2-5 Mt. Washington Wilderness Area (Black Butte vista) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 3 dV

bext = 13.6 Mm-1

SVR = 310 km/192 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.2-6 Three Sisters Wilderness Area Worst Days Baseline and Natural Conditions
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 52

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 15.3 dV

bext = 49.4 Mm-1

SVR = 81 km/50 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.8 dV

bext = 24.7 Mm-1

SVR = 165 km/103 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.2-7 Three Sisters Wilderness Area Best Days Baseline Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 3 dV

bext = 13.6 Mm-1

SVR = 310 km/192 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

6.3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, and Diamond Peak, 

Mountain Lakes, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas

The Crater Lake (CRLA1) monitoring site represents four Class I areas in the southern part of 

Oregon, which include Crater Lake National Park, and Diamond Peak, Mountain Lakes, and 

Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas. Figure 6.3-1 shows the baseline visibility conditions, the 

uniform rate of progress, the 2018 planning goal, and estimated 2064 natural conditions for the 

CRLA1 site.

Figure 6.3-2 is a split image which represents the current worst-day and estimated natural 

conditions for Crater Lake National Park, and Figure 6.3-3 is an image representing the current 

best-day visibility conditions for Crater Lake. Figures 6.3-4 and 6.3-5 are similar images for the 

Diamond Peak Wilderness area, and Figures 6.3-6 and 6.3-7 are images from the Gearhart 

Mountain Wilderness Area. Images for the Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area were not 

available.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 53

Figure 6.3-1 CRLA1 Uniform Rate of Progress

Figure 6.3-2 Crater Lake National Park Worst Days Baseline and Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 13.7 dV

bext = 47.9 Mm-1

SVR = 80 km/50 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index =7.6 dV

bext = 23.3 Mm-1

SVR = 161 km/100 mi

Composite of U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program images
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 54

Figure 6.3-3 Crater Lake National Park Best Days Baseline Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 1.7 dV

bext = 11.9 Mm-1

SVR = 303 km/188 mi

U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program image

Figure 6.3-4 Diamond Peak Wilderness Area (Wolf Mountain Vista) Worst Days Baseline 

and Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 13.7 dV

bext = 47.9 Mm-1

SVR = 80 km/50 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index =7.6 dV

bext = 23.3 Mm-1

SVR = 161 km/100 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 55

Figure 6.3-5 Diamond Peak Wilderness Area (Wolf Mountain Vista) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 1.7 dV

bext = 11.9 Mm-1

SVR = 303 km/188 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.3-6 Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area Worst Days Baseline and Natural 

Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 13.7 dV

bext = 47.9 Mm-1

SVR = 80 km/50 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index =7.6 dV

bext = 23.3 Mm-1

SVR = 161 km/100 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 56

Figure 6.3-7 Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area Best Days Baseline Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 1.7 dV

bext = 11.9 Mm-1

SVR = 303 km/188 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

6.4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

The Kalmiopsis (KALM1) monitoring site represents the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Class I Area 

in the coastal range of Oregon. Figure 6.4-1 shows baseline visibility conditions, the uniform 

rate of progress, the 2018 planning goal, and estimated 2064 natural conditions for the KALM1 

site.

Figure 6.4-2 is a split image which represents the current worst-day and estimated natural 

conditions for the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, and Figure 6.4-3 is an image representing the 

current best-day visibility conditions for Kalmiopsis.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 57

Figure 6.4-1 KALM1 Uniform Rate of Progress

Figure 6.4-2 Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area (Quail Prairie) Worst Days Baseline and

Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 15.5 dV

bext = 48.1 Mm-1

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 9.4 dV

bext = 26.0 Mm-1

SVR = 163 km/101 mi
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 58

SVR = 85 km/53 mi

Composite of U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program images

Figure 6.4-3 Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area (Quail Prairie) Best Days Baseline Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 6.3 dV

bext = 18.8 Mm-1

SVR = 232 km/144 mi

U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program image

6.5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness

The Starkey (STAR1) monitoring site represents two Class I areas in the eastern part of 

Oregon, which include the Strawberry Mountain and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas. Figure 6.5-1 

shows the baseline visibility conditions, the uniform rate of progress, the 2018 planning goal, 

and estimated 2064 natural conditions for the STAR1 site.

Figure 6.5-2 is a split image which represents the current worst-day and estimated natural 

conditions for the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area, and Figure 6.5-3 is an image 

representing the current best-day visibility conditions for Strawberry Mountain. Figures 6.5-4 

and 6.5-5 are similar images for the Eagle Cap Wilderness area.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 59

Figure 6.5-1 STAR1 Uniform Rate of Progress

Figure 6.5-2 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area (Dixie Butte) Worst Days Baseline 

and Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 18.6 dV

bext = 68.1 Mm-1

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.9 dV

bext = 24.8 Mm-1

SVR = 158 km/98 mi
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 60

SVR = 57 km/36 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.5-3 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area (Dixie Butte) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 4.5 dV

bext = 15.9 Mm-1

SVR = 247 km/153 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.5-4 Eagle Cap Wilderness Area (Point Prominence) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 61

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 18.6 dV

bext = 68.1 Mm-1

SVR = 57 km/36 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.9 dV

bext = 24.8 Mm-1

SVR = 158 km/98 mi

Composite of U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program images

Figure 6.5-5 Eagle Cap Wilderness Area (Point Prominence) Best Days Baseline 

Conditions

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 4.5 dV

bext = 15.9 Mm-1

SVR = 247 km/153 mi

U.S. Forest Service Air Monitoring Program image

6.6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

The Hells Canyon (HECA1) monitoring site represents the Hells Canyon Wilderness Class I 

Area. Figure 6.6-1 shows baseline visibility conditions, the uniform rate of progress, the 2018 

planning goal, and estimated 2064 natural conditions for the MOHO1 site.

Figure 6.6-2 is a split image which represents the current worst-day and estimated natural 

conditions for the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area, and Figure 6.6-3 is an image representing the 

current best-day visibility conditions for Mt. Hood.

Figure 6.6-1 HECA1 Uniform Rate of Progress
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 62

Figure 6.6-2 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area (Mt. Howard) Worst Days Baseline and 

Natural Conditions

2000-04 Worst Days 

Baseline

Haze Index = 18.6 dV

bext = 69.1 Mm-1

SVR = 57 km/36 mi

2064 Natural Conditions

Haze Index = 8.3 dV

bext = 23.2 Mm-1

SVR = 176 km/109 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6

Figure 6.6-3 Hells Canyon Wilderness Area (Mt. Howard) Best Days Baseline Conditions
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 63

2000-04 Best Days Baseline

Haze Index = 5.5 dV

bext = 17.5 Mm-1

SVR = 238 km/148 mi

WinHAZE v2.9.6
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 64

CHAPTER 7: POLLUTANTS CAUSING VISIBILITY IMPAIRMENT IN 

OREGON CLASS I AREAS

This chapter provides a summary of regional haze monitoring data from the IMPROVE 

monitoring sites in Oregon, and the pollutants that are causing visibility impairment in each of 

Oregon’s Class I Areas. Also provided is a summary of the visibility improvement needed from 

baseline (2000-2004) to the 2018 uniform rate of progress milestone, and to the 2064 natural 

condition goal.

Figure 7-1 shows Oregon IMPROVE monitoring sites that will be described in this chapter.

This map and a description of the IMPROVE network was provided in Chapter 4.

Figure 7-1 Map of Oregon IMPROVE sites

Table 7-1 identifies the different pollutant species that contribute to haze, and their 

abbreviations, as they appear in the figures in this chapter. References to sulfate and nitrate in 

this chapter are intended to reflect ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, respectively.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 65

Table 7-1 IMPROVE Monitor Aerosol Composition

Pollutant IMPROVE Abbreviation

Ammonium Nitrate ammno3f_bext

Ammonium Sulfate ammso4f_bext

EC (Elemental Carbon) ecf_bext

OMC (Organic Mass Carbon) omcf_bext

CM (Coarse Mass) cm_bext

Soil (fine Soil) soilf_bext

Sea Salt seasalt_bext

The figures which follow in this chapter provide information for each Class I area (based on 

representative IMPROVE monitoring site) for the 20% best and 20% worst days during the 

baseline period, monthly averages of all monitored days, and the improvement needed by 2018 

and 2064.

Figures 7-2 and 7-3 summarize the distribution of pollutant species in Oregon’s Class I areas, 

for the current (2000-04 baseline) 20% best and 20% worst days.

Figure 7-2 Light Extinction by Pollutant Species for Oregon Class I Areas 20% Best 

Days (2000-2004)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

MOHO1 THSI1 CRLA1 KALM1 STAR1 HECA1

Mount Hood Mt. Jefferson 

Mt. Washington 

Three Sisters 

Crater Lake 

Diamond Peak 

Mtn. Lakes 

Gearhart Mtn. 

Kalmiopsis Strawberry Mtn. 

Eagle Cap 

Hells Canyon Extinction (Mm-1

)

Amm. Sulfate Amm. Nitrate OMC EC Soil CM Sea Salt
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 66

Figure 7-3 Light Extinction by Pollutant Species for Oregon Class I Areas 20% Worst 

Days (2000-2004)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

MOHO1 THSI1 CRLA1 KALM1 STAR1 HECA1

Mount Hood Mt. Jefferson 

Mt. Washington 

Three Sisters 

Crater Lake 

Diamond Peak 

Mtn. Lakes 

Gearhart Mtn. 

Kalmiopsis Strawberry Mtn. 

Eagle Cap 

Hells Canyon Extinction (Mm-1

)

Amm. Sulfate Amm. Nitrate OMC EC Soil CM Sea Salt

As Figures 7-2 and 7-3 indicate, Oregon’s Class I areas are dominated by organic carbon and 

sulfate on the 20% best days and worst days. On the 20% best days, organic carbon is 

significant in both the coast range (Kalmiopsis Wilderness) and Eastern Oregon Class I areas.

Much of this can be attributed to fire sources. On the 20% worst days, nitrate is significant in 

Eastern Oregon Class I areas, which accounts for the total extinction levels being higher there 

than the other Class I areas. Much of this can be attributed to industrial sources, such as the 

PGE Boardman power plant, which is a major NOx emissions source in Eastern Oregon. See 

Sections 7.5 and 7.6 below. 

The following sections provide an additional breakdown of the pollutant species that contribute

to each Class I area. The first figure in each section shows a simple pie chart of the 20% best 

and 20% worst days, similar to the bar chart figures above. The second figure in each section 

shows the pollutant species based on monthly averages for all days (including best or worst) 

during the baseline period, as an example of the seasonal variation in Class I areas. The third 

figure in each section takes a closer look at the daily variation during a given year - in this case 

2004. The fourth figure in each section shows the improvement needed (shown by reduction in 

deciview) for each Class I area, from the baseline year to the 2018 milestone, and to 2064 

natural conditions. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 67

7.1 Northern Cascades - Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

As Figure 7.1-1 shows, Mt. Hood Wilderness, like other Class I areas in the Cascades, is 

dominated by sulfate on the best days, and mostly organic carbon on the worst days. In looking 

at the pollutant species variations, the sulfate levels fluctuate during the year, while the 

contribution of nitrate is generally more consistent. The sources of sulfate and nitrate vary, and 

are described further in Chapters 8 and 9. Significant impacts or “spikes” can be seen during 

the year from organic carbon. These impacts are an indicator of fire sources. During the 

summer, it is likely these impacts are from wildfire, while during the spring and fall, they are 

most likely from controlled (anthropogenic) burning. Figure 7.1-4 shows a 1.5 dv reduction is 

needed to meet the 2018 URP, and 6.5 dv needed by 2064.

Figure 7.1-1 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Average Pollutant Species Contribution to 20% 

Best and 20% Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004)

Figure 7.1-2 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for 

All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 68

Figure 7.1-3 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days

Sampled in 2004

Figure 7.1-4 Mt. Hood IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064

Mount Hood Wilderness Area

MOHO1 IMPROVE Site (new IMPROVE algorithm) 

Reduction

Needed =

6.5 dV

Reduction

Needed =

1.5 dV

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2000-04 Baseline

Conditions

2018 Uniform Rate

of Progress Target

2064 Natural

Conditions

Extinction (Mm-1

)

Sea Salt

CM

Soil

EC

OMC

Amm. Nitrate

Amm. Sulfate
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 69

7.2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington 

Wilderness, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas

As Figure 7.2-1 shows, the three Class I areas in the Central Cascades - Mt. Jefferson, Mt. 

Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas - are dominated by sulfate on the best days, 

and organic carbon on the worst days, similar to other Cascade Oregon Class I areas. In looking 

at the pollutant species variations, the sulfate levels fluctuate during the year, while the 

contribution of nitrate is generally more consistent. The sources of sulfate and nitrate are 

described further in Chapters 8 and 9. Figure 7.2-2 shows major spikes or impacts in organic 

carbon, particularly during the summer. These impacts are an indicator of fire sources. Figure 

7.2-3 shows that during 2004, the largest impact from this pollutant species was during the 

spring, presumably from a controlled, single fire event. Figure 7.2-4 shows a 1.5 dv reduction is 

needed to meet the 2018 URP, and 6.5 dv needed by 2064.

Figure 7.2-1 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004)

Figure 7.2-2 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation 

for All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 70

Figure 7.2-3 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days 

Sampled in 2004

Figure 7.2-4 Three Sisters IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064

Reduction

Needed =

6.5 dV

Reduction

Needed =

1.5 dV

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2000-04 Baseline

Conditions

2018 Uniform Rate

of Progress Target

2064 Natural

Conditions

Extinction (Mm-1

)

Sea Salt

CM

Soil

EC

OMC

Amm. Nitrate

Amm. Sulfate

Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas 

THSI1 IMPROVE Site (new IMPROVE algorithm) 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 71

7.3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes 

Wilderness, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas

As Figure 7.3-1 shows, the four Class I areas in the Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National 

Park, and Diamond Peak, Mountain Lakes, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas - are 

dominated by sulfate on the best days, and organic carbon on the worst days, similar to other 

Cascade Class I areas – however organic carbon is higher than other Cascade Class I areas. 

This is an indicator of a higher contribution of fire sources. It should be noted that 2002 was 

one of the highest wildfire years in recent history, as shown by the high impact in Figure 7.3-2.

Figure 7.3-3 also shows that for 2004, wildfires were a significant contributor, and that impacts 

in spring and fall suggest anthropogenic burning. In looking at other pollutants, sulfate levels 

fluctuate considerably during the year, while the contribution of nitrate is generally consistent. 

The sources of sulfate and nitrate are described further in Chapters 8 and 9. Figure 7.3-4 shows 

a 1.4 dv reduction is needed to meet the 2018 URP, and 6.1 dv needed by 2064.

Figure 7.3-1 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004)

Figure 7.3-2 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation 

for All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 72

Figure 7.3-3 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days

Sampled in 2004

Figure 7.3-4 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064

Reduction

Needed =

6.1 dV

Reduction

Needed =

1.4 dV

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2000-04 Baseline

Conditions

2018 Uniform Rate

of Progress Target

2064 Natural

Conditions

Extinction (Mm-1

)

Sea Salt

CM

Soil

EC

OMC

Amm. Nitrate

Amm. Sulfate

Crater Lake National Park

and Diamond Peak, Mountain Lakes and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas

CRLA1 IMPROVE Site (new IMPROVE algorithm) 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 73

7.4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

As Figure 7.4-1 shows, the Kalmiopsis Wilderness is dominated by organic carbon on both the 

best and worst days. Sulfate also is a significant contributor on both days. The organic carbon is 

an indicator of fire sources. The extreme spike or impact shown in Figure 7.4-2 for 2002 

reflects one of the worst wildfire years in recent history. Figure 7.4-3 also shows impacts in 

organic carbon outside of the summer months in 2004, indicating that anthropogenic burning is 

a contributor year-round. While sulfate is significant, nitrate levels are lower than other Oregon 

Class I areas. The sources of sulfate and nitrate are described further in Chapters 8 and 9.

Figure 7.4-4 shows a 1.4 dv reduction is needed to meet the 2018 URP, and 6.1 dv needed by 

2064.

Figure 7.4-1 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004)

Figure 7.4-2 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation 

for All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 74

Figure 7.4-3 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days 

Sampled in 2004

Figure 7.4-4 Kalmiopsis IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064

Kalmiopsis Wilderness Areas

KALM1 IMPROVE Site (new IMPROVE algorithm) 

Reduction

Needed =

6.1 dV

Reduction

Needed =

1.4 dV

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2000-04 Baseline

Conditions

2018 Uniform Rate

of Progress Target

2064 Natural

Conditions

Extinction (Mm-1

)

Sea Salt

CM

Soil

EC

OMC

Amm. Nitrate

Amm. Sulfate
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 75

7.5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness

As Figure 7.5-1 shows, two Class I areas in Eastern Oregon – the Strawberry Mountain and 

Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas - are dominated by sulfate on the best days, and organic carbon on 

the worst days. However, on the best days, organic carbon is also significant, while on the 

worst days, the contribution of nitrate is much higher than Western Oregon Class I areas. In 

looking at the pollutant species variations, the organic carbon impacts during the year suggests 

the same pattern of summer wildfire and anthropogenic burning in spring and fall as other 

Oregon Class I areas. There is also a pattern of high nitrate impacts during the winter months, 

which is particularly evident in Figure 7.5-3. Much of this can be attributed to industrial 

sources, primarily the PGE Boardman power plant, which is a large NOx emissions source, and 

has been identified through BART modeling to be a significant contributor to regional haze, as 

described in Chapter 10.3Since these impacts occur in wintertime, this suggests that 

meteorological conditions play a major role. Cold temperatures and low level inversions likely 

intensify these impacts, and account for the high impacts noted in early 2004. Figure 7.5-4 

shows a 2.3 dv reduction is needed to meet the 2018 URP, and 9.7 dv needed by 2064. The 

reductions needed here are notably greater than Western Oregon Class I areas.

Figure 7.5-1 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Average Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004)

 

3 Also described in Chapter 10 is a significant reduction in these nitrate impacts (and sulfate as well) that is 

expected from the installation of BART controls for the PGE Boardman power plant. See Chapter 10, Section 

10.4.2, for further details. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 76

Figure 7.5-2 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species Variation for 

All Days Sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)

Figure 7.5-3 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days Sampled

in 2004
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 77

Figure 7.5-4 Starkey IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064

Strawberry Mountain and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas

STAR1 IMPROVE Site (new IMPROVE algorithm) 

Reduction

Needed =

9.7 dV

Reduction

Needed =

2.3 dV

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2000-04 Baseline

Conditions

2018 Uniform Rate

of Progress Target

2064 Natural

Conditions

Extinction (Mm-1

)

Sea Salt

CM

Soil

EC

OMC

Amm. Nitrate

Amm. Sulfate

7.6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

As Figure 7.6-1 shows, the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area in Eastern Oregon has a different 

mix of pollutant species than Western Oregon Class I areas. It is dominated by both organic 

carbon and sulfate on the best days, and a significant contribution of nitrate (rather than organic 

carbon) on the worst days. This nitrate contribution is even more pronounced than at 

Strawberry Mountain and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas. As Figure 7.6-3 and 7.6-4 show, most 

of the nitrate impacts appear during the winter months, suggesting meteorological conditions 

are playing a major role here. It is likely that the topographic features of Hells Canyon, 

combined with cold temperatures and low level inversions, greatly intensify these impacts

during the winter. Again, the PGE Boardman power plant is believed to be the largest 

contributor, as indicated by the BART modeling and impacts described in Chapter 10.

4

Figure 

7.6-4 shows a 2.4 dv reduction is needed to meet the 2018 URP, and 10.3 dv needed by 2064.

The reductions needed here are notably greater than Western Oregon Class I areas. 

 

4 As noted above in Section 7.5, a significant reduction in these nitrate impacts is expected from the installation of 

BART controls on the PGE Boardman power plant. See Chapter 10, Section 10.4.2, for further details. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 78

Figure 7.6-1 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Aerosol Composition 20% Best and 

20%Worst Days Baseline (2000-2004)

Figure 7.6-2 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Monthly Average Pollutant Species 

Variation for all days sampled During the Baseline Period (2000-2004)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 79

Figure 7.6-3 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days 

Sampled in 2004

Figure 7.6-4 Hells Canyon IMPROVE Site – Baseline Worst Day Aerosol Composition

Compared to Visibility Improvement Needed by 2018 & 2064

Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

HECA1 IMPROVE Site (new IMPROVE algorithm) 

Reduction

Needed =

10.3 dV

Reduction

Needed =

2.4 dV

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2000-04 Baseline

Conditions

2018 Uniform Rate

of Progress Target

2064 Natural

Conditions

Extinction (Mm-1

)

Sea Salt

CM

Soil

EC

OMC

Amm. Nitrate

Amm. Sulfate
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 80

CHAPTER 8: EMISSION SOURCE INVENTORY

Regional haze in Oregon’s Class I areas is caused by emission sources both inside and outside 

the state. Emission inventories are one part of the analysis to evaluate sources that impact 

visibility. This chapter identifies emission sources in Oregon, and regionally in neighboring 

States that could be affecting visibility in Oregon’s Class I areas. This emissions information 

focuses on changes between the current 2002 baseline and projected 2018 emission scenarios.

Chapter 9 provides a description of the significant emission sources that contribute to visibility 

impairment in Oregon, based on source apportionment analysis.

Section 8.1 of this chapter describes in-state emissions. Section 8.2 compares Oregon 

emissions to regional emissions.5 Appendix A provides a breakdown of Oregon emissions by 

county. All emissions information is described by pollutant, source category, and 2002 vs. 

2018 scenarios. 

8.1 Oregon Statewide Emissions

EPA’s Regional Haze rules (40 CFR 51.308(d)(4)(v)) requires a statewide emission inventory 

of pollutants that are reasonably anticipated to cause or contribute to visibility impairment in 

any mandatory Class I area. The pollutants in this chapter are sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen 

oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon 

(EC), fine particulate (PM2.5), coarse particulate (PM10), and ammonia (NH3).

It is important to note that each of these pollutants have characteristics that differ in terms of 

ability to affect visibility. Assuming “one emission unit” of fine particulate (PM2.5), for 

example, the same unit of SO2 and NOx (sulfate and nitrate particles) would be about 3 times 

more effective at impairing visibility, while OC is about 4 times more effective, and EC about 

10 times. Conversely, coarse particulate (PM10) is about half as effective as fine. Both VOC 

and NH3 affect visibility only after certain chemical reactions occur, and therefore cannot be 

compared in this manner.

This emissions inventory was obtained from the WRAP Technical Support System (TSS)

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/TSS/Results/Emissions.aspx. The TSS emission scenarios used in 

this chapter were the “plan 02d” and the “2018 PRP”. The plan 02d are emissions from an 

average of 2000-2004, and reflect the most recent inventory of all the pollutants in the West. 

This inventory provides a basis for comparison with the future year 2018 projected emissions, 

as well as to gauge reasonable progress with respect to future year visibility. In the following 

tables, these emissions are referred to as 2002 emissions. The 2018 PRP represents projected 

emissions in the year 2018, taking into account growth, “on-the-books” controls and 

regulations, and the application of regional haze strategies. The year 2018 was selected as it 

represents the first milestone date for demonstrating reasonable progress (see Chapter 11).

 

5 The county level emissions in Appendix A has been provided for reference purposes, as a further breakdown of 

the in-state emissions described in Section 8.1 of this chapter. However, no analysis of the county by county trend 

in emissions was conducted as part of this plan. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 81

The emission tables show the primary source categories for each visibility impairing pollutant.

The source categories vary by the type of pollutant. Categories include: point, area, on-road 

mobile, off-road mobile, oil and gas, anthropogenic fire, natural fire, biogenic, road dust, 

fugitive dust and windblown dust.

6 Not included as an “in-state” emission source category is 

offshore marine vessel emissions, which are considered “regional” emissions and discussed in 

Section 8.2. It should also be noted the projected 2018 emissions for natural fire (wildfires) is 

based on historical rates of burning and does not take into account increased burning that may 

occur due to climate change or natural causes.

8.1.1 SO2 Emissions

The following table shows Oregon SO2 emissions for baseline and future years.

Table 8.1.1-1 Oregon SO2 Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide SO2 Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 18,493 7,952 -10,541 (-57%)

Area 9,932 8,422 -1,510 (-15%)

On-Road Mobile 3,446 461 -2,985 (-87%)

Off-Road Mobile 6,535 152 -6,383 (-98%)

Anthro Fire 1,586 1,322 -264 (-17%)

Natural Fire 7,328 7,329 0 (0%)

Total 47,320 25,638 -21,683 (-46%)

Sulfur emissions produce sulfate particles in the atmosphere. Ammonium sulfate particles have 

a significantly greater impact on visibility than other pollutants like dust from unpaved roads 

due to the physical characteristics causing greater light scattering from the particles. SO2

emissions come primarily from coal combustion at electrical generation facilities but smaller 

amounts come from natural gas combustion, mobile sources and even wood combustion. There 

are no biogenic SO2 emissions of significance in Oregon. A 46% statewide reduction in SO2

 

6

The number and types of sources is identified by various methods. For example, major stationary sources report 

actual annual emission rates to the EPA national emissions database. Oregon collects annual emission data from 

both major and minor sources and this information is used as input into the emissions inventory. In other cases, 

such as mobile sources, an EPA mobile source emissions model is used to develop emission projections. Oregon 

vehicle registration, vehicle miles traveled information and other vehicle data are used to tailor the mobile source 

data to best represent statewide and area specific emissions. Population, employment and household data are used 

in other parts of the emissions modeling to characterize emissions from area sources such as home heating. Thus, 

for each source type, emissions are calculated based on an emission rate and the amount of time the source is 

operating. Emission rates can be based on actual measurements from the source, or EPA emission factors based on 

data from tests of similar types of emission sources. In essence all sources go through the same process. The 

number of sources is identified, emission rates are determined by measurements of those types of sources and the 

time of operation is determined. By multiplying the emission rate times the hours of operation in a day, a daily 

emission rate can be calculated. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 82

emissions are expected by 2018 due to planned controls on existing sources, especially on-thebooks rules for mobile sources (see Section 11.4.3). This includes emission reductions of 

approximately 12,000 tons from the PGE Boardman plant are expected in the next 5 years from 

the installation of controls to meet the BART requirements (see Section 10.4.2). Area sources 

of SO2 are linked to population growth as the activity factor, which accounts for only a 15% 

reduction by 2018. A typical area source for SO2 would be home heating. 

8.1.2 NOx Emissions

The following table shows Oregon NOx emissions for 2002 and 2018.

Table 8.1.2-1 Oregon NOx Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide NOX Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 26,160 24,947 -1,213 (-5%)

Area 14,740 16,979 2,238 (15%)

On-Road Mobile 111,646 42,143 -69,502 (-62%)

Off-Road Mobile 53,896 32,418 -21,478 (-40%)

Anthro Fire 6,292 5,150 -1,142 (-18%)

Natural Fire 27,397 27,400 3 (0%)

Biogenic 16,527 16,527 0 (0%)

WRAP Area O&G 85 44 -41 (-48%)

Total 256,744 165,609 -91,134 (-35%)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are generated during any combustion process where nitrogen and 

oxygen from the atmosphere combine together under high temperature to form nitric oxide, and 

to a lesser nitrogen dioxide and in much smaller amounts other odd oxides of nitrogen. 

Nitrogen oxides, like sulfur dioxide, react in the atmosphere to form nitrate particles. These 

particles have a slightly greater impact on visibility than do sulfate particles and are four to 

eight times more effective at scattering light than mineral dust particles. NOx emissions in 

Oregon are expected to decline 35% by 2018, primarily due to significant improvements in 

mobile sources. This includes emission reductions of 4,800 tons from the PGE Boardman plant 

are expected in the next 5 years from the installation of controls to meet the BART 

requirements (see Chapter 10). Off-road and on-road vehicles NOx emissions are estimated to 

decline by more than 90,000 tons per year from the base case emissions total of 257,000 tons 

per year. Increases in area sources are related to population growth, with an expected 15%

increase by 2018.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 83

8.1.3 VOC Emissions

The following table shows Oregon VOC emissions for 2002 and 2018.

Table 8.1.3-1 Oregon VOC Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide VOC Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 28,762 40,639 11,876 (41%)

Area 245,649 334,846 89,197 (36%)

On-Road Mobile 88,784 36,395 -52,389 (-59%)

Off-Road Mobile 39,516 24,963 -14,553 (-37%)

Anthro Fire 9,939 7,354 -2,586 (-26%)

Natural Fire 60,336 60,344 7 (0%)

Biogenic 1,148,266 1,148,266 0 (0%)

WRAP Area O&G 34 14 -20 (-59%)

Total 1,621,287 1,652,820 31,533 (2%)

The dominant source of VOC emissions is biogenic emissions. These emissions comprise 70% 

of total Oregon VOC emissions. These are natural emissions mostly from forests, but also 

agricultural crops and urban vegetation. Biogenic emissions are the largest single source of 

VOCs in the country. Among other sources, automobiles, industrial and commercial facilities, 

solvent use, and refueling automobiles all contribute to VOC loading in the atmosphere. From a 

regional haze perspective, there is less concern with VOCs emitted directly to the atmosphere 

and more with the secondary organic aerosol that VOCs form after condensation and oxidation.

Of more significance is the role VOCs play in the photochemical production of ozone in the 

troposphere. Volatile organic compounds react with NOx to produce nitrated organic particles 

that impact visibility in the same series of chemical events that lead to ozone. Thus, strategies 

to reduce ozone in the atmosphere often lead to visibility improvements. Note that significant 

VOC reductions from mobile sources are more than offset by increases in area sources, due to 

primarily population growth. Use of solvents such as in painting, dry cleaning fluid, charcoal 

lighter fuel, windshield washer fluids, and many home use products show up in the area source 

category, and are linked to population growth. Overall, total VOC emissions are estimated to 

increase by 2% in 2018.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 84

8.1.4 Organic Carbon Emissions

The following table shows Oregon Organic Carbon (OC) emissions for 2002 and 2018.

Table 8.1.4-1 Oregon Organic Carbon Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide Organic Carbon Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 1,445 283 -1,163 (-80%)

Area 22,281 23,762 1,481 (7%)

On-Road Mobile 1,009 967 -42 (-4%)

Off-Road Mobile 1,323 844 -479 (-36%)

Anthro Fire 10,937 7,863 -3,074 (-28%)

Natural Fire 81,047 81,054 7 (0%)

Road Dust 95 132 37 (38%)

Fugitive Dust 202 341 138 (68%)

Total 118,340 115,245 -3,094 (-3%)

Organic carbon is primarily the end product of combustion of organic material. Most of these 

emissions in Oregon are from natural (nonanthropogenic) wildfire, which can fluctuate greatly 

from year to year. 2002 was an unusually high year for wildfires in Oregon. Another sizable 

source is anthropogenic fire (human-caused), such as forestry prescribed burning, agricultural 

field burning, and outdoor residential burning. A variety of area sources contribute, although 

woodstoves are a significant source. Area sources increase slightly (7%) by 2018, due mostly to 

population increases. Overall, OC emissions are estimated to decline by 3% by 2018.

8.1.5 Elemental Carbon Emissions

The following table shows Oregon Elemental Carbon (EC) emissions for 2002 and 2018.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 85

Table 8.1.5-1 Oregon Elemental Carbon (EC) Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide Elemental Carbon Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 45 61 17 (38%)

Area 4,121 4,355 234 (6%)

On-Road Mobile 1,166 320 -846 (-73%)

Off-Road Mobile 3,038 1,164 -1,874 (-62%)

Anthro Fire 1,935 1,416 -519 (-27%)

Natural Fire 16,403 16,403 0 (0%)

Road Dust 7 10 3 (38%)

Fugitive Dust 14 23 9 (68%)

Total 26,728 23,752 -2,975 (-11%)

Elemental carbon is the carbon black, or soot, which is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

It is similar to OC, but represents more combustion of fuel producing carbon particulate matter 

as the end product. Like OC, the primary source is natural fire, and to a lesser degree, 

anthropogenic fire. Other emissions of note are area and mobile sources. Area EC emissions are 

estimated to increase by 6% due mostly to population growth, while mobile is estimated to 

decrease significantly (62-73%) by 2018, as new federal mobile source regulations are being 

implemented.

8.1.6 PM Fine Emissions

The following table shows Oregon PM fine emissions for 2002 and 2018.

Table 8.1.6-1 Oregon Fine Particulate Matter Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide Fine Particulate Matter Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 5,728 462 -5,266 (-92%)

Area 15,295 17,082 1,787 (12%)

Anthro Fire 1,483 1,007 -475 (-32%)

Natural Fire 6,090 6,093 3 (0%)

Road Dust 1,379 1,909 530 (38%)

Fugitive Dust 3,642 6,157 2,515 (69%)

WB Dust 11,586 11,586 0 (0%)

Total 45,203 44,296 -906 (-2%)

PM fine in the emissions inventory includes soil materials and other non-carbon, non-sulfate 

and non-nitrate particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size. The primary sources are area 

sources (woodstoves), and a variety of sources of dust (agriculture, mining, construction, and 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 86

unpaved and paved roads.) Here again, like OC and EC, natural fire is a significant source of 

PM fine. In terms of mobile sources, direct PM tailpipe emissions are relatively small, and are 

account for in the next table under PM coarse. Overall, PM fine shows a decrease of 2% by 

2018. Monitoring at all sites in Oregon indicates PM fine is relatively small part of the 

visibility problem compared to other pollutants.

Table 8.1.6-2 Oregon Coarse Particulate Matter Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide Coarse Particulate Matter Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 10,211 12,088 1,877 (18%)

Area 3,546 4,206 660 (19%)

On-Road Mobile 618 692 74 (12%)

Anthro Fire 1,282 737 -546 (-43%)

Natural Fire 17,036 17,036 0 (0%)

Road Dust 12,630 17,485 4,855 (38%)

Fugitive Dust 21,369 43,989 22,620 (106%)

WB Dust 104,272 104,272 0 (0%)

Total 170,964 200,505 29,541 (17%)

PM coarse is particulate matter larger than PM fine, generally between 2.5-10 microns in size.

Emission sources are similar to PM fine, but involve activities like rock crushing and 

processing, material transfer, open pit mining and unpaved road emissions. Windblown dust is 

the dominant source of PM coarse emissions. Coarse mass particles travel shorter distances in 

the atmosphere than other smaller particles, but can remain in the atmosphere long enough to 

contribute to regional haze. PM coarse emissions are significantly greater than PM fine in 

Oregon. Substantial increases in PM coarse are seen in the fugitive dust category. This is due to 

the fact that construction and emissions from paved and unpaved roads are tied to population

growth and vehicle miles traveled. Overall, PM coarse emissions are estimated to increase by 

17% in 2018. 

8.1.7 Ammonia Emissions

The following table shows Oregon Ammonia (NH3) emissions for 2002 and 2018.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 87

Table 8.1.7-1 Oregon Ammonia (NH3) Emission Inventory – 2002 & 2018

Oregon Statewide Coarse Particulate Matter Emissions (tons/year)

Source Category

Plan02d Prp18a

Net Change

2002 2018

Point 919 832 -87 (-9%)

Area 45,591 45,614 23 (0%)

On-Road Mobile 3,263 4,725 1,463 (45%)

Off-Road Mobile 39 51 13 (33%)

Anthro Fire 1,211 849 -361 (-30%)

Natural Fire 6,132 6,133 2 (0%)

Total 57,154 58,206 1,052 (2%)

Emission estimates for NH3 have a high degree of uncertainty associated with them, based on a 

high variability in emission factors, wide range of activities, and lack of a uniform emission 

methodology.7 However, NH3 emissions are important in that they react with SO2 and NOx to 

form ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate particles, which are very effective in impairing 

visibility. NH3 emissions come from agricultural related activities, primarily livestock 

operations and farming fertilizer applications. These fall under the category of area source 

emissions, which dominate NH3 emissions in Oregon. Both area source and natural fire 

emissions are expected to be unchanged by 2018. As a result, total NH3 emissions in Oregon 

are only projected to change by 2%. However, improvements in developing ammonia 

inventories will be needed in the near future to develop more effective regional haze strategies.

As described in Section 8.2.3, improved emission inventory and better understanding of the 

chemistry in forming ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate in areas such as Eastern 

Oregon is needed.

8.2 Regional Emissions

In order to better understand the relative contribution of in-state vs. out-of-state emissions to 

regional haze, a comparison of Oregon emissions to regional emissions is provided in the 

following figures. Section 8.2.1 is a comparison of Oregon to the neighboring states of 

Washington, Idaho, California and Nevada. Section 8.2.2 is a summary of off-shore emissions 

from marine vessels, which have been separated from other source categories due to the unique 

nature of these emissions, their magnitude, and the relatively recent effort to quantify these 

emissions.

8.2.1 Regional Emissions Comparison to Neighboring States.

The following figures show Oregon emissions in comparison the states which border Oregon.

The figures compare baseline to future year emissions (2002 and 2018, respectively) in tons per 

year. There are eight source categories for each visibility impairing pollutant: point, area, on-

 

7 A separate 2005 NH3 emission inventory prepared by the Department showed a statewide total of approximately 

39,000 tons per year. This highlights the uncertainty associated with estimating NH3 emissions. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 88

road mobile, off-road mobile, oil and gas, anthropogenic fire, natural fire, biogenic, road dust, 

fugitive dust and windblown dust.8These regional emissions can be found on the WRAP TSS 

under Emissions Review Tool http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/TSS/Results/HazePlanning.aspx.

Figure 8.2.1-1 SO2 Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-1, Oregon SO2 emissions are mostly from point sources, followed 

by area sources and natural fire. Projected emission levels for 2018 show almost a 50% 

reduction in Oregon, due primarily to large point source and mobile source reductions.

Compared to neighboring states, Oregon total SO2 emissions are considerably less than 

Washington, Nevada, and California, but more than Idaho. 

 

8 The figures in this section are from the WRAP TSS, which include the source category of “Off-Shore” emissions 

on the right margin. These emissions are not included here, but instead are described separately in Section 8.2.2. 

WRAP TSS combines all of the off-shore emissions from marine vessels from the Pacific Ocean. Section 8.2.2

provides a breakdown of these off-shore emissions by State (Oregon, Washington, and California). Included is a 

discussion of how these emissions are estimated, and a general assessment of their potential contribution to 

regional haze in Oregon Class I areas. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 89

Figure 8.2.1-2 NOx Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-2, Oregon NOx emissions are primarily from mobile sources, 

which show about a 50% reduction by 2018. Compared to neighboring states, California NOx

emissions are considerably greater than Oregon and the other states. 

Figure 8.2.1-3 VOC Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-3, VOC emissions are largely from biogenic sources. California’s 

total VOC emissions are about twice that of Oregon.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 90

Figure 8.2.1-4 OC Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-4, Oregon OC emissions are primarily associated with fire sources.

Oregon fire emissions are slightly lower than California’s fire emissions, but considerably 

higher than neighboring states. 2002 was a much higher than normal year for wildfires in 

Oregon.

Figure 8.2.1-5 EC Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-5, Oregon EC emissions are mostly fire related, similar to OC.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 91

Figure 8.2.1-6 PM Fine Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-6, Oregon PM Fine emissions are mostly dust and area sources, 

similar to Washington’s. California’s total Fine PM emissions are significantly higher.

Figure 8.2.1-7 Coarse PM Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-7, Oregon PM coarse emissions are almost exclusively dust 

related. Again, California’s emissions for this pollutant are significantly higher.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 92

Figure 8.2.1-8 Ammonia Emissions – Oregon vs. Regional, 2002 & 2018

As indicated in Figure 8.2.1-8, Oregon ammonia emissions are almost exclusively from area 

sources, such as agricultural related activities involving livestock operations and farming

fertilizer applications. California ammonia emissions dominate the regional total.

8.2.2 Regional Off-Shore Marine Emissions

Commercial marine shipping (tankers, container and cargo ships, bulk carriers, etc.) is a large 

source of emissions that is believed to have a significant contribution to regional haze in states 

like Oregon.9 Until recently, emission estimates for marine vessels were limited. As part of the

CMAQ regional haze modeling work conducted by the Regional Modeling Center (RMC) for 

the WRAP, efforts were made to update emission estimates for this source category. The RMC 

compiled information for this purpose through various means, including previous WRAP 

emission estimates, CARB estimates, EPA emission factors, and other sources.10 2002

emissions were estimated for vessels near shore and near ports using port call data, and 

offshore emissions were generated from ship location data. For purposes of identifying state 

emissions for marine shipping, the states were defined using latitudes where state borders meet 

the shore. Table 8.3-1 shows the different types of commercial marine vessels and uses.

 

9 As stated in Section 11.4.1, the contribution of this large emissions source to visibility impairment in Oregon 

Class I areas, particularly those located in Western Oregon, is believed to be a significant factor in affecting the 

ability to meet the 2018 URP goal.

10 See WRAP TSS website under “Resources”, “Emissions”, and “Offshore Emissions” for summary, or go to 

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/docs/wrap/emissions/OffshoreEmissions.doc
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 93

Table 8.2.2-1 Commercial Marine Vessel Types and Uses

Type Purpose Activity Area

Deep draft Ocean-going large vessels Ocean Traffic

Near port

Tow or Push Boats Barge Freight River Traffic

Ocean Traffic

Tugs Vessel assist and support 

functions Near port

Ferries River or lake ferrying Regular routes

Other Commercial 

Vessels

Smaller support or excursion 

boats Near dock

Dredges Dredging projects Varies

Commercial Fishing Market fishing Ocean

Military Coast Guard and Navy Ocean & Port

Emissions were estimated for each of these vessel types by the RMC, using methodology that 

included revising emission factors for different marine engines, updates on port activity, 

offshore traffic levels, and other factors. Table 8.2.2-2 shows the 2002 emissions for large 

ocean-going shipping by State and pollutant. Table 8.2.2-3 shows the 2002 emissions for 

Columbia River vessels, by port. 

Table 8.2.2-2 2002 Emissions for Ocean-going Shipping Emissions by State

State

VOC

(tons/year)

NOx

(tons/year)

PM10

(tons/year)

SO2

(tons/year)

Oregon (offshore) 1,331 41,113 2,986 23,119

Oregon (near port) 22 736 72 532

Oregon (within shore) 23 1,415 42 212

Washington (offshore) 1,451 44,692 3,247 25,130

Washington (within shore) 277 10,764 763 5,352

Washington (near port) 103 3,467 335 2,483

California (offshore) 4,269 131,930 9,587 74,181

California (coastal zone)* 5,387 111,550 6,042 46,059

Total 12,863 345,667 23,074 177,068

* includes near port
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 94

Table 8.2.2-3 2002 Emissions for Columbia River Ocean-going Vessels by Port

Port

VOC

(tons/year)

NOx

(tons/year)

PM10

(tons/year)

SO2

(tons/year)

Port of Astoria, OR 3 146 7 44

Port of Kalama, WA 11 512 31 212

Port of Longview, WA 18 862 51 344

Port of Portland, OR 72 2935 209 1470

Port of Vancouver, WA 21 920 61 423

These emission estimates for both tables show that total emissions for Oregon are 79,955 

tons/year, with the majority being NOx at 48,639 tons/year (61%) and SO2 emissions at 26,356 

tons/year (33%).

Future increases in marine vessel emissions by 2018 are difficult to estimate. The RMC study 

estimated a possible doubling in emissions by 2018. Other estimates of future growth suggest a 

more modest 5-6% increase by 2020.11

Chapter 9 PSAT and WEP results show offshore marine vessel emissions as a major

contributor to Oregon Class I areas, especially for SO2 and NOx, in the Kalmiopsis Class I area 

in the Coast Range, and the seven Class I areas located in the Cascade Mountains. The impact 

is less for Class I areas in eastern Oregon, based on distance from this source. If compared to 

emission inventory data in Chapter 8, marine vessel emissions are 56% for SO2 and 31% for 

NOx of the total 2002 statewide emission inventory for these pollutants.

The Department views these emission estimates as having a higher than average level of 

uncertainty, based on the description by the RMC of revisions made to emission factors, 

estimates of traffic and activity levels, and other aspects of methodology used for this 

estimation. The Department expects that further refinement of marine vessel emissions will 

occur in the future, through efforts by the WRAP, CARB, and other organizations.

Currently, the Department has limited authority in Oregon to regulate offshore shipping 

emissions. Current state regulations on shipping (340-208-0570) apply only to vessels on the 

Willamette River and Columbia River in three counties - Clackamas, Columbia, and 

Multnomah. The rules require each ship meet “visible emissions” standards for particulate 

matter, and must minimize soot emissions. 

On July 24, 2008, the State of California adopted new strict regulations for marine vessels 

within 24 miles of shore. These regulations, Adoption of a Proposed Regulation for Fuel Sulfur 

and Other Operational Requirements for Ocean-Going Vessels Within California Waters and 

24 Nautical Miles of the California Baseline (13 CCR, section 2299.1.), will require the use of 

low sulfur marine distillate fuel in auxiliary diesel engines and diesel-electric engines, for both 

 

11 West coast growth rate for 2020, from “Regional Commercial Marine Vessel Inventories and Forecasts” 

presentation, made to California Air Resources Board, Sacramento CA, 26 July 2007, by James Corbett, 

University of Delaware, and Chengfeng Wang, Air Resources Board.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 95

U.S. and foreign vessels. The regulation will be implemented in two steps. Starting in 2009 

with low sulfur fuel, and then in 2012, ultra low sulfur fuel. Using the cleaner fuels required in 

2009 will result in immediate emission reductions from ocean-going vessels. Reductions will 

increase as the fuel sulfur content is progressively lowered through the regulation's phase-in. In 

2009 about a 75% percent of the diesel PM, over 80% of SO2, and 6% of NOx will be 

eliminated. In 2012, when the very low sulfur fuel requirement will result in reductions of 

diesel PM of 15 tons daily, an 83% reduction compared to uncontrolled emissions. SO2 will be 

reduced by 140 tons daily, or a 95% reduction, and NOx will be reduced by 11 tons per day, a 6 

percent reduction.

The Department expects that implementation of California’s new regulations for marine vessels 

will have benefits in Oregon, and will include in the next regional haze plan update in 2013 any 

information on possible visibility benefits in Oregon Class I areas. See Section 12.6.5 of the 

LTS for future efforts planned by the Department to address marine vessel emissions.

8.2.3 Role of Ammonia Emissions in Visibility Impairment

It is believed that in many areas of the country, ammonia plays a key role in the formation of 

haze. NH3 reacts chemically with SO2 and NOx to form ammonium sulfates and nitrates, which 

are very effective in impairing visibility. Sources typically associated with ammonia emissions 

include livestock farming, application of fertilizer, and the decomposition of manure. The 

contribution of ammonia to regional haze in Oregon is difficult to estimate. As pointed out in 

Section 8.1.7, NH3 emission estimates have a high degree of uncertainty associated with them, 

based on high variability in emission factors and lack of a uniform emission methodology.

A 2007 visibility study conducted on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area by the 

Department and the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) evaluated several haze-causing 

pollutants, including NH3. This study used modeling to simulate the chemical formation and 

transport, and evaluated a 2004 wintertime episode with some of the highest visibility 

impairment days. The NH3 emissions included in the modeling was limited to just regional 

estimates from dairy farms in Oregon and Washington, as other NH3 emission information was 

not available. The study found that the contribution of NH3 on some days was negligible, and 

on other days contributed to a 12%-30% reduction in visibility. The study was the first to 

provide an indication of the role NH3 can play in contributing to haze impacts in Oregon. It also 

illustrated the current technical complexity and uncertainties of evaluating NH3, due in part to 

limited NH3 emission inventories. Further information on this study can be found at 

http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/gorgeair/.

As mentioned above, one of the sources of NH3 is animal feeding operations. In January 2008, 

an Oregon Task Force on Dairies and Air Quality was convened to study emissions from dairy 

operations and explore options for reducing those emissions. Currently there are 370 permitted 

dairy operations in Oregon. Of those, 331 of them were milking operations with 116,335 

milking cows. Of the 331 permitted dairy operations, 39 were registered as large federal 

concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), meaning that they had 700 or more dairy 

milking cows. The Task Force reviewed efforts in other parts of the West to improve NH3

emission estimates, and reviewed best management practices (BMP) being used. In Idaho, for 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 96

example, some BMPs being employed include solid separation of manure, corral harrowing, 

low pressure irrigation, composting and rapid manure removal from outdoor lots. The Task 

Force concluded its work in July 2008, providing recommendations that included encouraging 

voluntary programs to reduce emissions from CAFO, and additional research to identify 

appropriate BMPs for Oregon. For additional information on the Oregon Dairy Task Force, see 

http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/dairy/index.htm.

As described in Chapter 7, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate are major contributors to 

regional haze throughout Oregon’s 12 Class I areas. In addition, Eastern Oregon Class I areas 

(Strawberry Mountain, Eagle Cap, and Hells Canyon) there is a noticeably high contribution of 

ammonium nitrate to visibility impairment during the winter months. Cold temperatures and 

low level inversions likely intensify these impacts. See Sections 7.5 and 7.6. Much of this can 

be attributed to industrial sources, but primarily the PGE Boardman power plant, a large source 

of NOx, and identified through BART modeling as a significant contributor to regional haze.

The installation of BART controls for this plant (as described in Chapter 10) is expected to 

reduce NOx emissions by about 8,000 tons per year, and SO2 by about 11,000 tons per year. 

This should result in significant visibility benefits, and reduce these wintertime nitrate levels, as 

well as sulfate levels year-round in Eastern Oregon.

The Department recognizes that any reduction in NOx and SO2 also needs to include reductions 

in NH3, due to the role that chemistry plays in secondary aerosol formation. Any effective 

strategy in Eastern Oregon, or any region of the state, will need to address the chemical 

formation and transport, as noted in the 2007 Columbia Gorge study summarized above, and 

identify measures such as the BMPs for large NH3 sources like CAFOs, as noted in the work of 

the Oregon Dairy Task Force. 

The Department intends to continue to explore ways to improve NH3 emission estimates, and 

options for reducing these emissions in the future, as a part of Oregon’s on-going participation 

in the WRAP, and state efforts such as the Oregon Dairy Task Force. As part of the next 

progress report in 2013, the Department will provide an update on any new information on NH3

emissions, BMPs, and related programs. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 97

CHAPTER 9: SOURCE APPORTIONMENT AND REGIONAL HAZE 

MODELING 

9.1 Overview

Visibility impairment occurs when pollutants emitted into the atmosphere scatter and absorb 

light, thereby creating haze. These pollutants can remain suspended in the atmosphere for long 

periods and be transported long distances, thereby contributing to regional-scale impacts on 

visibility in Class I areas. Air quality models offer the opportunity to better understand how 

these impacts occur, by identifying the sources that contribute to haze, and helping to select the 

most effective emissions reduction strategies to improve visibility. 

Oregon Class I area visibility is affected by a combination of local and regional transport of air 

pollutants. Chapter 8 provided information on emission inventories, as the first step in 

identifying significant source categories causing visibility impairment. This chapter describes 

the results of (1) source apportionment analysis showing the in-state and regional contribution 

of haze sources, emphasizing the 20% worst visibility days, and (2) regional modeling 

projections of visibility conditions by the 2018 benchmark or milestone, based on application 

of the regional haze strategies outlined in this Plan, including BART. The source 

apportionment information and regional modeling results are the basis for the demonstration of 

reasonable progress for the 20% worst and best days, described in Chapter 11.

9.1.1 Source Apportionment Analysis – PSAT and WEP 

In order to determine the significant sources contributing to haze in Oregon’s Class I areas, the 

Department has relied upon source apportionment analysis techniques provided by the WRAP 

for this regional haze plan. This information can be found on the WRAP TSS website at 

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/TSS/Results/HazePlanning.aspx. There were two techniques used 

for source apportionment of regional haze. One was the PM Source Apportionment Technology 

(PSAT) tool, used for the attribution of sulfate and nitrate sources only. The other was the 

Weighted Emissions Potential (WEP) tool, used for attribution of sources of sulfate, nitrate, 

organic carbon, elemental carbon, fine PM, and coarse PM.

PSAT uses the CAMx air quality model to show nitrate-sulfate-ammonia chemistry and apply 

this chemistry to a system of tracers or “tags” to track the chemical transformations, transport 

and removal of NOx and SO2. Emissions scenarios used for PSAT analysis were the plan02c 

and base18b. PSAT results were not regenerated for using the more recently updated plan02d 

and prp18a emissions scenarios because of the time and resources that would have been 

required. These two pollutants are important because they tend to originate from anthropogenic 

(human-caused) sources. Therefore the results from this analysis can be useful in determining 

contributing sources that may be controllable, both in-state and in neighboring states. The 

PSAT results show contributions or impacts in mass (μg/m3), but do not directly represent 

actual sulfate and nitrate measurements, nor can they accurately be transformed into extinction 

values.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 98

WEP is a screening tool that helps to identify source regions that have the potential to 

contribute to haze formation at specific Class I areas. Unlike PSAT, this method does not 

account for chemistry or deposition. The WEP combines emissions inventories, wind patterns, 

and residence time of air mass over each area where emissions occur, to estimate the percent 

contribution of different pollutants. Like PSAT, the WEP tool compares baseline (2000-04) to 

2018, to show the improvement expected by the 2018 URP, for sulfate, nitrate, organic carbon, 

elemental carbon, fine PM, and coarse PM.

Appendix B of this plan provides additional WEP information in the form of maps which show 

the location and transport of each haze-causing pollutant and its potential contribution to the 

20% worst days at each Class I area. Each map shows a 100 km and 200 km radius circle 

around the Class I area, with shaded colors representing areas that potentially contribute to the 

Class I area. For the sake of brevity these maps were made part of the appendix section. 

As described in Section 9.2, the Department believes PSAT is a better tool than WEP for 

identifying the contribution of sulfates and nitrates to Oregon Class I areas, because PSAT does 

account for chemistry and deposition, and is better at identifying regional contribution of 

sources from outside the WRAP region (see discussion in Section 9.2). For these reasons, the 

Department has relied upon the PSAT results as the primary source apportionment tool for 

sulfates and nitrates, and thus the better tool for identifying anthropogenic sources. The results 

from the WEP analysis were used by the Department primarily to identify the pollutants more 

commonly associated with non-anthropogenic (natural) sources. Even though these sources are 

mostly uncontrollable, it is still important to consider their relative contribution to haze. 

As described in Section 9.2 below, the review of PSAT results in this chapter focus on the 

contribution on sulfates and nitrates, while the WEP results focus on the contribution of organic 

carbon, elemental carbon, fine PM, and coarse PM. 

9.1.2 Regional Haze Modeling – CMAQ

The primary tool relied upon by the Department for modeling regional haze improvements by 

2018, and for determining Oregon’s Reasonable Progress Goals (see Chapter 11), was the 

Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. The CMAQ model was used to estimate 

2018 visibility conditions in Oregon and all Western Class I areas, based on application of the 

regional haze strategies included in this plan, including assumptive controls on BART 

sources.

12 For a complete description on the CMAQ model operation and the emission inputs 

used to project 2018 visibility conditions, see Appendix C of this plan.

The modeling was conducted by the Regional Modeling Center (RMC) at the University of 

California Riverside, under the oversight of the WRAP Modeling Forum. Results can be found 

on the WRAP TSS website at http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/TSS/Results/HazePlanning.aspx.

 

12 The CMAQ modeling was conducted by the WRAP prior to the completion of Oregon’s and other state BART 

reviews. However, the modeling did include assumptions of BART controls for known BART sources across the 

West. See Appendix C for more information. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 99

The CMAQ model was designed as a “one atmosphere” modeling system to encompass 

modeling of multiple pollutants and issues, including ozone, PM, visibility, and air toxics. This 

is in contrast to many earlier air quality models that focused on single-pollutants. CMAQ takes 

into account emissions, advection and dispersion, photochemical transformation, aerosol 

thermodynamics and phase transfer, aqueous chemistry, and wet and dry deposition of trace 

species. The model requires inputs of three-dimensional gridded wind, temperature, humidity, 

cloud/precipitation, and boundary layer parameters. The current version of CMAQ can only 

utilize output fields from the MM5 meteorological model. MM5 is a state-of-the-science 

atmosphere model that has proven useful for air quality applications and has been used 

extensively in past local, state, regional, and national modeling efforts. MM5 has undergone 

extensive peer-review, with all of its components continually undergoing development and 

scrutiny by the modeling community.

The RMC developed air quality modeling inputs including annual meteorology and emissions 

inventories for a 2002 actual emissions base case, a planning case to represent the 2000-04 

regional haze baseline period using averages for key emissions categories, and a 2018 base case 

of projected emissions determined using factors known at the end of 2005. All emission 

inventories were developed using the Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions (SMOKE) 

modeling system. Each of these inventories underwent a number of revisions throughout the 

development process to arrive at the final versions used in CMAQ modeling. The development 

of each of these emission scenarios is documented under the emissions inventory sections of 

the TSS.

The 2018 visibility projections were made using the Plan02c and Base18b CMAQ 36-km 

modeling results. Projections were made using relative response factors (RRFs), which are 

defined as the ratio of the future-year modeling results to the current-year modeling results. The 

calculated RRFs are applied to the baseline observed visibility conditions to project future-year 

observed visibility. 

The CMAQ modeling included emission inputs for the following sources:

Smoke Management Programs accounted for using Emissions Reduction Techniques 

applied to 2000-04 average Fire emissions

New permits and state/EPA consent agreements since 2002 reviewed with each state –

through Spring 2007

Ozone and PM10 SIPs in place in the WRAP region

State Oil and Gas Emissions control programs

Mobile sources

o Heavy Duty Diesel (2007) Engine Standard

o Tier 2 Tailpipe

o Large Spark Ignition and Recreational Vehicle Rule

o Nonroad Diesel Rule

Combustion Turbine and Industrial Boiler/Process Heater/RICE MACT

Known BART controls in the WRAP region

Presumptive SO2 BART for EGU’s in the WRAP region
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 100

Generally, emissions inputs were prepared by individual states and tribes for point, area, and 

most dust emissions categories. The following WRAP Forums were relied upon to summarize 

this data and provide it to the RMC:

• Point Source emissions were obtained from projects commissioned by the Stationary 

Sources Joint Forum and the Emissions Forum.

• Area Source emissions were obtained from projects commissioned by the Stationary 

Sources Joint Forum and the Emissions Forum.

• Mobile Source emissions were from projects commissioned by the Emissions Forum.

• Fire (natural and anthropogenic) emissions were from projects commissioned by the 

Fire Emissions Joint Forum.

• Ammonia, Dust, & Biogenic emissions were from projects were commissioned by the 

Dust Emissions Joint Forum and the Modeling Forum.

• Emissions from Pacific offshore shipping were from a project conducted by the RMC, 

as described in Section 8.2.2 of this plan.

• Other emissions from North America were from projects commissioned by the 

Emissions Forum and the Modeling Forum. The Mexico emissions are from 1999, and 

were held constant for 2018. Canada emissions are from for 2000 and were held 

constant for 2018.

• Boundary conditions reaching North America from the rest of the world were from a

project commissioned by the VISTAS Regional Planning Organization, on behalf of the 

five regional planning organizations working on regional haze.

The results from the CMAQ regional modeling analysis is provided and discussed in Section 

9.3 of this chapter, and are also discussed determination of Reasonable Progress Goals in 

Section 11.4.

9.2 Major Source Categories Contributing to Haze in Oregon

Figures in this section show profiles of the relative contribution of in-state vs. out-of-state 

sources contributing to Oregon’s Class I areas, for the 20% worst days, for the baseline (2000-

2004) and future year (2018) scenarios, using the PSAT and WEP techniques. This chapter 

emphasizes the worst-case days, since this is the primary focus and challenge for demonstrating 

reasonable progress by 2018.13 The Oregon Class I areas are grouped by general location 

(based on representative IMPROVE monitoring sites), as in Chapter 6.

As described above, there are several differences between the PSAT and WEP techniques. 

PSAT focuses on sulfate and nitrate contribution only, taking into account chemistry and 

deposition. PSAT also estimates the contribution from all regions – the WRAP states, 

CENRAP states14 , Canada, Mexico, Pacific offshore (shipping), and “outside the domain” 

 

13 The reasonable progress requirement also requires setting goals for the 20% best days, which at a minimum, 

must show no degradation of visibility from baseline year (2000-2004). Further discussion of the 20% best days 

is in the reasonable progress demonstration in Chapter 11.

14 CENRAP is a regional planning organization similar to the WRAP that is comprised of Nebraska, Kansas, 

Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 101

(global transport). The WEP does not address sulfate and nitrate chemistry and deposition, and 

while it does estimate the contribution from Canada and Pacific offshore regions, it does not 

include other regional contributions. 

Based on these differences, the figures provided in this section focus on PSAT results for 

identifying the contribution of sulfates and nitrates (the primary anthropogenic source 

pollutants) and WEP results for identifying the contribution of organic carbon, elemental 

carbon, fine PM, and coarse PM (commonly associated with non-anthropogenic sources).

Sections 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 show 20% worst-day PSAT profiles on the contribution of sulfate and 

nitrate at each IMPROVE monitoring site representing the Class I Areas in Oregon. The pie 

charts display relative regional contributions to total annual modeled sulfate and nitrate mass at 

the respective sites. The WRAP contribution is separated from the rest of the pie for easy 

identification. The remaining pie slices are outside the Western US, for the regions described

above.

The PSAT bar charts below the pie charts display source region and source category 

contributions of sulfate and nitrate mass. There are five source categories listed – point, area, 

mobile, anthropogenic fires (controlled burning), and natural and biogenic sources (wildfire 

and windblown dust, mostly). Also included are the estimated contributions outside the 

modeling domain “OD”, and Mexico, Canada, and Pacific offshore “PO” emissions.

Sections 9.2.3 through 9.2.5 present WEP profiles for organic carbon, fine PM, and coarse PM,

at Class I Areas in Oregon. It should be noted that WEP information on elemental carbon were 

not included here, as these profiles show no appreciable differences from organic carbon in 

terms of source category and general origin.

15

Unlike the PSAT figures, the WEP figures are bar charts only, and summarize weighted 

emissions by state and region for 12 source categories – windblown dust, fugitive dust, road 

dust, off-road mobile, on-road mobile, off-shore, oil and gas, area, biogenic, natural fire, 

anthropogenic fire, and point. This analysis used more source categories than the PSAT 

analysis to account for the additional pollutants types, and the more natural origins contributing 

to these pollutants, including dust and fire sources.

9.2.1 PSAT Regional Contribution to Sulfate on 20% Worst Days. 

Figures 9.2.1-1 through 9.2.1-6 in this section show the state and regional contribution of 

sulfate to the 20% worst days in Oregon Class I areas, for 2002 and 2018, based on PSAT 

profiles for each IMPROVE monitoring site representing the nearest Class I Areas. The figures 

below consist of a pie chart that shows the estimated contribution of the major regions - WRAP 

states, Pacific Offshore, CENRAP, Eastern US, Canada, Mexico, and Outside Domain (global).

The bar chart is the WRAP portion (in white), showing Oregon and other Western States. 

 

15 Both organic and elemental carbon are a result of combustion, and therefore a strong indicator of fire, both 

wildfire and anthropogenic. To a lesser extent, area and mobile sources are also contributors. The WEP elemental 

carbon results for Oregon Class I areas were very similar to organic carbon, and thus not included in this analysis. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 102

It should be noted that in all the figures in this section, the majority of sulfate originates outside 

the WRAP region. (This is different than the nitrate contribution, which is much higher within 

the WRAP region – as seen in Section 9.2.2.) The WRAP sulfate contribution is in most cases 

about one-third of the total. The largest contributor is outside the domain, or “global”. Two 

other sizable contributors of sulfate are Canada and Pacific offshore. Other regions, such as 

Mexico, Eastern US, and CENRAP states, are negligible.

Also indicated in these figures, the largest contributor of sulfate is generally from point sources.

The variation in sulfate contribution is based on the location in the state. For instance, in the 

most northern Class I area (Mt. Hood), the contribution of sulfate from Canada and Washington 

is the highest. Similarly, the contribution of Pacific offshore shipping is much higher in 

Western Oregon than Eastern Oregon. 

In terms of comparison of 2002 and 2018, it can be seen that the WRAP portion of the pie chart 

has a noticeable reduction by 2018. The source categories that account for this reduction are 

primarily point source and mobile. Implementation of BART requirements, ongoing and new 

industrial control requirements, source retirements and shutdowns, are all contributing factors 

to this decrease. To a lesser extent, numerous federal and state “on-the-books” requirements for 

mobile sources also account for this decrease (see Section 11.4.3). 

Figure 9.2.1-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area PSAT Sulfate
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 103

For the 20% of worst days at Mt. Hood, it should be noted that point source sulfate contribution 

is higher from Washington than Oregon. This is likely due to the proximity of industrial 

sources across the border in that state. There is also a noticeable contribution from point 

sources in Canada, and a sizable contribution from Pacific offshore shipping. Area and mobile 

sources from Oregon and Washington are much less. The mobile source portion is projected to 

decline significantly by 2018. Roughly one third of the sulfate comes from the area outside the 

domain.

Figure 9.2.1-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, 

and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas PSAT Sulfate

For the 20% of worst days in the Central Cascades, there is a noticeable sulfate contribution 

from point sources in Oregon and Washington, but much less than Mt. Hood. There is also 

smaller contribution from Canadian point, but a sizable contribution from Pacific offshore 

shipping. Mobile sources from Oregon and Washington are smaller contributors. Roughly one

half of the sulfate comes from the area outside the domain.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 104

Figure 9.2.1-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes 

Wilderness, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas PSAT Sulfate

For the 20% of worst days in the Southern Cascades, overall sulfate levels are lower compared 

to the northern Cascade Oregon Class I areas. Most of the sulfate is from point sources in 

Oregon, Washington, California, and Canada. Pacific offshore shipping is again a sizeable 

contributor. Area and mobile sources in Oregon are a small contributor. More than half of the 

sulfate comes from the area outside the domain.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 105

Figure 9.2.1-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area PSAT Sulfate

For the 20% of worst days in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, the point source contribution that is 

evident in other Oregon Class I areas is much smaller here. There a sizeable sulfate 

contribution from both natural fire and Pacific offshore shipping. Roughly one half of the 

sulfate comes from the area outside the domain.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 106

Figure 9.2.1-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness PSAT Sulfate

For the 20% of worst days in Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness, 

overall sulfate levels low, with the largest contribution being point sources from Canada, 

Washington, and Oregon. Mobile sources have a small impact, as do Pacific offshore shipping.

Roughly one half of the sulfate comes from the area outside the domain.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 107

Figure 9.2.1-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area PSAT 

Sulfate

For the 20% of worst days at Hells Canyon Wilderness Area, overall sulfate levels are very 

low, dominated primary from point sources in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Canada. More 

than half of the sulfate comes from the area outside the domain.

9.2.2 PSAT Regional Contribution to Nitrate on 20% Worst Days.

Figures 9.2.2-1 through 9.2.2-6 in this section show the state and regional contribution of 

nitrate to the 20% worst days in Oregon Class I areas, for 2002 and 2018, based on PSAT 

profiles for each IMPROVE monitoring site representing the nearest Class I Areas.

It should be noted that in all the figures in this section, most of the nitrate comes from within 

the WRAP region. (This is different than the sulfate contribution, which originates outside the 

WRAP – as seen in Section 9.2.1.) The WRAP nitrate contribution ranges from half to twothirds of the total. Similar to sulfate, sizable contributions of nitrate are from Pacific offshore

(mostly Western Oregon), and to a lesser extent Canada and outside the domain. Other regions, 

such as Mexico, Eastern US, and CENRAP states, are negligible.

As these figures show, the vast majority of nitrate comes from mobile sources. Unlike sulfate, 

the contribution from Washington and Canada is much less than the contribution from inside 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 108

Oregon. Mobile emissions tend to be more urban-based, and have less long-range transport 

than sulfate point source emissions. Some contribution from California and Idaho is also 

evident in the figures below.

In terms of comparison of 2002 and 2018, it can be seen that the WRAP portion of the pie chart 

has a significant drop in nitrate by 2018 (greater than the sulfate reduction by 2018). Most of 

this can be attributed to the numerous federal and state “on-the-books” requirements for mobile 

sources (see the description in Section 11.4.3). 

Figure 9.2.2-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area PSAT Nitrate

For the 20% of worst days at Mt. Hood, there are sizable nitrate contributions from Oregon and 

Washington mobile sources. The extent of this contribution from Washington is higher at Mt. 

Hood than the other Oregon Class I areas. These contributions are projected to decline 

significantly by 2018. Smaller contributions of nitrate come from Oregon and Washington 

point sources, Canadian mobile sources, and Pacific offshore emissions.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 109

Figure 9.2.2-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, 

and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas PSAT Nitrate

Similar to Mt. Hood, for the 20% of worst days, there are sizable nitrate contributions from 

Oregon mobile sources, with the Washington contribution much less here than at Mt. Hood.

Both of these contributions are projected to decline significantly by 2018. Much smaller nitrate 

contributions come from Oregon and Washington point sources, Canadian mobile sources, and 

Pacific offshore emissions.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 110

Figure 9.2.2-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes 

Wilderness, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas PSAT Nitrate

For the 20% of worst days in the Southern Cascades, there are sizable nitrate contributions 

from Oregon mobile sources, while even less from Washington. However, a sizeable

contribution from California mobile sources can now be seen. These contributions are all 

projected to decline significantly by 2018. Point source contributions from California and 

Washington are relatively small.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 111

Figure 9.2.2-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area PSAT Nitrate

For the 20% of worst days in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, the vast majority of nitrate

comes from Oregon mobile sources, and much less from Washington and California. All are 

projected to decline significantly by 2018. There is a sizable nitrate contribution from Pacific 

offshore shipping, due primarily to the close proximity of the Kalmiopsis to the ocean. Other 

contributions from point sources are relatively small.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 112

Figure 9.2.2-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness Figure PSAT Nitrate

For the 20% of worst days in Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness, 

there are sizable nitrate contributions from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho mobile sources. All 

are projected to decline significantly by 2018. The Idaho area source contribution is sizeable.16

Oregon point source contribution here is slightly higher than other Oregon Class I areas. This 

may be due to the emissions from the PGE Boardman power plant.17

 

16 The Department is unsure on the cause of this, and suspects this relatively high contribution may be due to 

emission inventory overestimation of area source emissions in Western Idaho.

17 The projection for 2108 does not reflect the application of BART controls for PGE Boardman. This information 

was not available at the time these projections were made. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 113

Figure 9.2.2-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area PSAT 

Nitrate

For the 20% of worst days in Hells Canyon Wilderness, there are significant nitrate 

contributions from Idaho mobile and area sources.18 Oregon, Washington, and California 

mobile source contributions can be seen, and to a much smaller extent, Nevada, Utah and 

Canada. All mobile sources emissions are projected to decline significantly by 2018.

9.2.3 WEP Potential Contribution to OC on 20% Worst Days.

Figures 9.2.3-1 through 9.2.3-6 in this section show the contribution of organic carbon to the 

20% worst days in Oregon Class I areas, for 2002 and 2018, based on WEP profile for each 

IMPROVE monitoring site representing the nearest Class I Areas.

In general, the figures below primarily reflect the contribution of fire sources – mostly natural 

fire (wildfire) and to a lesser degree, anthropogenic or controlled burning (forestry, agricultural, 

and residential burning). Area source organic carbon is from woodstoves and other urban 

 

18 On the area source contribution, as noted in the previous figure for Strawberry and Eagle Cap, the Department 

suspects this may be attributable to emission inventory overestimation. Also, the exact cause of relatively high 

mobile source contribution from Idaho is uncertain. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 114

related sources. Area source contributions of organic carbon are the highest at Mt. Hood Class I 

area, due to the proximity and size of the Portland-Vancouver urban area.

In terms of comparison of 2002 and 2018, the figures do not show any reduction in future 

years. For fire sources, future wildfire emissions are generally held constant. For area sources, 

this is primarily a function of population growth.

Figure 9.2.3-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days at Mt. Hood, there is a sizable organic carbon contribution 

from Oregon area sources, and to a smaller extent, fire sources. A much small contribution 

from these sources in Washington can be seen.

Figure 9.2.3-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness,

and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 115

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Central Cascades, there are sizable organic carbon 

contributions from Oregon area and fire sources. Washington is negligible. 

Figure 9.2.3-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes 

Wilderness, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Southern Cascades, this figure shows a sizable

organic carbon contribution from natural fire (see Figure 9.2.3-4 also). Although wildfire is a 

major contributor in Southern Cascade Class I areas, the year 2002 was an abnormally high

wildfire year in this part of the state, and therefore an extreme case.19

 

19 See Figure 9.2.3-4 description also, and footnote. Note that the projection for 2018 is shown as being equal to 

2002. This is believed to be a function of the WEP forecasting technique of holding future wildfire levels 

constant. In this case it is very unlikely 2018 wildfire levels will be as high as 2002. 

 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 116

Figure 9.2.3-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this figure is similar to the 

Southern Cascades above in showing a major contribution from natural fire. Although wildfire 

is a major contributor in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, the year 2002 was an abnormally high 

wildfire year in this part of the state, and is therefore an extreme case.20

Figure 9.2.3-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness

 

20 The primary contributor in 2002 was the Biscuit Fire, which was mostly centered in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness 

Area. This wildfire was the largest in Oregon history, and burned for many weeks. Note that the projection for 

2018 is shown as being equal to 2002. This is believed to be a function of the WEP forecasting technique of 

holding future wildfire levels constant. In this case it is very unlikely 2018 wildfire will be as high as 2002. 

 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 117

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness, there is a large organic carbon contribution from fire, and smaller amount from 

area sources, in Oregon. Most of the fire contribution is from wildfire. To a much lesser extent, 

there is a similar contribution from Washington fire and area sources. 

Figure 9.2.3-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Hells Canyon Wilderness, there is a sizable organic 

carbon contribution from Idaho fire sources, and to a lesser extent, Oregon. Most of this is 

wildfire. The location of the Hells Canyon Wilderness on the Idaho-Oregon border accounts for 

the high contribution from Idaho, which can vary year to year from each state. 

9.2.4 WEP Potential Contribution to PM Fine on 20% Worst Days.

Figures 9.2.4-1 through 9.2.4-6 in this section show the contribution of PM fine to the 20% 

worst days in Oregon Class I areas, for 2002 and 2018, based on WEP profile for each 

IMPROVE monitoring site representing the nearest Class I Areas.

In general, the figures below primarily reflect the contribution of mostly area sources

(woodstoves and other urban activities) and a variety of dust sources (agriculture, mining, 

construction, and unpaved and paved roads.) Like organic carbon, fire is a significant source of 

PM fine. However, as noted in the prior section, the fire contribution in the Southern Cascade 

and the Kalmiopsis Class I areas is a result of abnormally high wildfire year in 2002. 

In terms of comparison of 2002 and 2018, the figures do not show any reduction in future 

years, and in some cases show an increase. For both area and dust sources, this is primarily a 

function of population growth and holding natural dust levels constant.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 118

Figure 9.2.4-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days at Mt. Hood, there are sizable fine PM contributions from 

area and dust sources in Oregon, and to a lesser extent Washington. There is also a noticeable 

contribution from Washington point sources, however these are projected to decline 

significantly by 2018 due to on-going implementation of industrial rules. 

Figure 9.2.4-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, 

and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Central Cascades, the contribution from fine PM is 

very similar to Mt. Hood Wilderness above, in terms of area sources and dust, but a much 

smaller contribution from Washington.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 119

Figure 9.2.4-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes 

Wilderness, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Southern Cascades, most of the fine PM contribution

in Oregon is from area sources and fire, and to a lesser extent, dust. However, as noted 

previously, 2002 was an abnormally high wildfire year.

Figure 9.2.4-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Coast Range, the fine PM contribution is dominated 

by wildfire, which as noted previously, was abnormally high in 2002.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 120

Figure 9.2.4-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness, there dominant fine PM contribution in Oregon from dust - mostly windblown

dust, and some fugitive and road dust Area and fire sources are also evident in Oregon. The 

contribution of this mix of source from Washington is about half of the Oregon level. 

Figure 9.2.4-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Hells Canyon Wilderness, there is a large 

contribution of fine PM from Idaho area and dust sources, including some fire sources. This 

mix of sources is evident in Oregon, and to a lesser extent from Washington.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 121

9.2.5 WEP Potential Contribution to PM Coarse on 20% Worst Days.

Figures 9.2.5-1 through 9.2.5-6 in this section show the contribution of PM coarse to the 20% 

worst days in Oregon Class I areas, for 2002 and 2018, based on WEP profiles for each

IMPROVE monitoring site representing the nearest Class I Areas.

The figures below show that compared to PM fine, the profile for PM coarse is dominated by 

windblown and fugitive dust generated in Oregon. These dust sources are a combination of 

natural and human activity, such as agriculture, mining, construction, and unpaved and paved 

roads. Fire is does appear in the figures for Southern Oregon and Kalmiopsis Class I areas, but 

this is due to abnormally high wildfire for 2002. In terms of comparison of 2002 and 2018, the 

figures generally show an increase in fugitive dust, which is influence by population growth 

and holding natural dust levels constant. 

Figure 9.2.5-1 Northern Cascades – Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days at Mt. Hood, there are sizable course PM contributions

from Oregon dust source, with considerable less from Washington.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 122

Figure 9.2.5-2 Central Cascades – Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, 

and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Central Cascades, there are sizable course PM 

contributions from Oregon dust sources, and including some small contribution from Oregon 

point sources. The contribution from Washington is minimal. 

Figure 9.2.5-3 Southern Cascades - Crater Lake National Park, Mountain Lakes 

Wilderness, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Areas

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Southern Cascades, this profile is heavily influenced 

by Oregon wildfire in 2002, which was abnormally high. Typically dust would be the primary 

contributor. This is some small contribution from Oregon point sources evident.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 123

Figure 9.2.5-4 Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Coast Range, this profile is heavily influenced by 

Oregon wildfire in 2002, which was abnormally high. Typically, dust would be the primary 

contributor.

Figure 9.2.5-5 Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness, windblown dust in Oregon is the dominant contributor of PM coarse. Some dust 

contribution from Washington is evident.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 124

Figure 9.2.5-6 Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

For the 20% of worst visibility days in the Hells Canyon Wilderness, there is a large 

contribution of coarse PM from Idaho and dust sources – windblown, fugitive, and road. The

contribution of windblown dust in Oregon is also considerable. Washington is a small 

contributor of dust sources.

9.3 CAMQ 2018 Projected Visibility Conditions

This section summarizes the regional haze improvements projected using CMAQ model for 

Oregon’s Class I areas. The CMAQ model was used to estimate 2018 visibility conditions in 

Oregon and all Western Class I areas, based on emission inputs described in Section 9.1.2 of 

this chapter. The Department relied upon the results of the CAMQ modeling in establishing the 

Reasonable Progress Goals described in Section 11.4. 

These visibility projections were calculated from modeled results by multiplying a speciesspecific relative response factor (RRF) with the baseline monitored result, and then converting 

to extinction and deciview. The RRF is defined as the ratio of future-to-current modeled mass.

Chapter 11 details how the 2018 projected visibility conditions were used in selecting the 

Reasonable Progress Goals. Appendix C contains a detailed summary of the CMAQ modeling 

conducted by the Regional Modeling Center for the WRAP.

Table 9.3-1 shows the 2018 visibility projections for the 20% worst and best days, compared to 

the 2018 Uniform Rate of Progress (URP), for Oregon Class I areas (grouped by IMPROVE 

monitoring site). These 2018 projections are shown in deciview, and in the percent of the URP 

achieved by 2018 for the 20% worst days (first shaded column). Also indicated is whether the 

20% best days for 2018 are projected to be under the 2000-04 baseline (second shaded 

column).

While the table shows none of Class I areas meet the 2018 URP for the 20% worst days, 

several are close to this goal (range of 19% to 83%). Section 9.3.1 provides a breakdown by 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 125

pollutant species to analyze the cause of this. For the 20% best days, all Class I areas are under 

the baseline, and thus show no visibility degradation by 2018.

Table 9.3-1 CMAQ Modeling Results for 20% Worst Days and 20% Best Days for 

Oregon Class I Areas

Region Oregon Class I 

Area

20% Worst Days 20% Best Days

2000-04 

Baseline 

(dv)

2018 

URP 

Goal (dv)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(dv)

% of 

2018 

URP 

Goal

2000-04 

Baseline 

(dv)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(dv)

2018 

Under 

Baseline?

Northern 

Cascades

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area 14.9 13.4 13.8 74% 2.2 2.0 Yes

Central 

Cascades

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, and

Three Sisters 

Wilderness Areas

15.3 13.8 14.3 67% 3.0 2.9 Yes

Southern 

Cascades

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart 

Mountain

Wilderness Areas

and Crater Lake 

National Park

13.7 12.3 13.4 19% 1.8 1.5 Yes

Coast 

Range

Kalmiospis

Wilderness Area 15.5 14.1 15.1 31% 6.3 6.1 Yes

Eastern 

Oregon

Strawberry Mountain 

and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness Areas

18.6 16.3 17.5 50% 4.5 4.1 Yes

Eastern 

Oregon/ 

Western 

Idaho

Hells Canyon 

Wilderness Area 18.6 16.2 16.6 83% 5.5 4.7 Yes

9.3.1 CMAQ Modeling Breakdown by Pollutant for 20% Worst Days. 

As indicated by the 2018 visibility projections using CMAQ modeling, none of the Class I 

areas meet the URP goal for 2018 for the 20% worst days. In order to determine the cause it is 

necessary to breakdown these results to identify individual pollutants. The information 

provided below shows the contribution of each pollutant in extinction (Mm-1) to the deciview 

level for each Class I areas. As pointed out earlier in this chapter on source apportionment, it is 

important to note whether the pollutants affecting the modeling are anthropogenic, such as 

sulfates or nitrates, or the other pollutants that are mostly non-anthropogenic (natural) in origin 

(OC, EC, and PM). This assessment is important in the determination of reasonable progress, as 

described in Section 11.4.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 126

Figures 9.3.1-1 to 9.3.1-6 provide a breakdown of individual pollutant contribution (in 

extinction) by showing the glideslope of each pollutant in each Class I area, from the baseline 

to 2018, and beyond, for the 20% worst days. Below each figure is a table that shows the 2018 

projections for each pollutant, and whether the projection is under the 2018 URP goal, and the 

percent improvement.

 

The results of this breakdown by pollutant for each Class I area shows that in general there is 

much greater improvement in nitrate and sulfate (the more anthropogenic pollutants) than the 

other pollutants. In all Class I areas except Hells Canyon, nitrate meets or exceeds the 2018 

URP goal (Hells Canyon is 90% of the URP). For sulfate, while none of the Class I areas show 

the 2018 URP being met for this pollutant, the improvement is as high as 74% in the Mt. Hood 

Class I area, and significant in other Class I areas as well. Conversely, these figures show that 

organic carbon is the highest contributor to extinction, and projection for 2018 show very little 

improvement. Much of the organic carbon can be attributed to fire, of which the majority is

wildfire, and thus non-anthropogenic in origin. Fine soil and coarse mass are also mostly 

natural origin (dust), and although relatively small contributors at each Class I area, the 2018 

projections for these pollutants also shows little improvement. Overall, the combination of OC, 

EC, and PM play a significant role in offsetting the improvements from nitrate and sulfate.

Further discussion of this is provided in Chapter 11 related to Reasonable Progress Goal 

demonstration. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 127

Figure 9.3.1-1 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Northern Cascades – Mt. 

Hood Wilderness Area

Table 9.3.1-1 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Northern Cascades – Mt. 

Hood Wilderness Area

Pollutant

Northern Cascades - Mt. Hood Wilderness Area

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 

URP 

Goal 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(Mm-1)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Under 

URP 

Goal?

% of 

URP 

Goal

Sulfate 11.3 8.6 9.3 1.9 No 74%

Nitrate 5.5 4.7 3.6 2.3 Yes >100%

Organic 

Carbon 14.6 12.1 14.4 5.6 No 6%

Elemental 

Carbon 2.9 2.3 2.1 0.5 Yes >100%

Fine Soil 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.8 No None**

Coarse 

Material 2.5 2.5 N/A* 2.7 N/A N/A

Sea Salt 0.1 0.1 N/A* 0.2 N/A N/A

*Visibility projections are not available due to poor model performance for coarse material and sea salt.

**No progress towards URP goal because projected 2018 values are higher than baseline conditions 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 128

Figure 9.3.1-2 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Central Cascades – Mt. 

Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas

Table 9.3.1-2 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Central Cascades –

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness, and Three Sisters Wilderness 

Areas

Pollutant

Central Cascades - Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three 

Sisters Wilderness Areas

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 

URP 

Goal 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(Mm-1)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Under 

URP 

Goal?

% of 

URP 

Goal

Sulfate 11.8 9.0 10.1 2.0 No 60%

Nitrate 2.7 2.6 1.6 2.3 Yes >100%

Organic 

Carbon

17.1 13.6 15.8 5.0 No 38%

Elemental 

Carbon 3.2 2.5 2.3 0.4 Yes >100%

Fine Soil 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 No None**

Coarse 

Material 2.7 2.8 N/A* 2.8 N/A N/A

Sea Salt 0.2 0.3 N/A* 0.5 N/A N/A

*Visibility projections are not available due to poor model performance for coarse material and sea salt.

**No progress towards URP goal because projected 2018 values are higher than baseline conditions 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 129

Figure 9.3.1-3 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Southern Cascades Region

Table 9.3.1-3 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Southern Cascades Region

Pollutant

Southern Cascades – Crater Lake National Park 

and Diamond Peak, Mountain Lakes and Gearhart Mountain 

Wilderness Areas

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 

URP 

Goal 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(Mm-1)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Under 

URP 

Goal?

% of 

URP 

Goal

Sulfate 7.3 5.9 7.0 1.9 No 20%

Nitrate 2.6 2.5 1.1 2.3 Yes >100%

Organic 

Carbon 21.4 16.9 21.2 6.2 No 5%

Elemental 

Carbon 4.3 3.3 4.9 0.5 No None**

Fine Soil 0.8 0.8 1.1 0.9 No None**

Coarse 

Material 2.3 2.4 N/A* 2.5 N/A N/A

Sea Salt 0.1 0.1 N/A* 0.2 N/A N/A

*Visibility projections are not available due to poor model performance for coarse material and sea salt.

**No progress towards URP goal because projected 2018 values are higher than baseline conditions 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 130

Figure 9.3.1-4 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Coast Range - Kalmiopsis 

Wilderness Area

Table 9.3.1-4 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Coast Range - Kalmiopsis 

Wilderness Area

Pollutant

Coast Range - Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 

URP 

Goal 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(Mm-1)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Under 

URP 

Goal?

% of 

URP 

Goal

Sulfate 10.3 7.9 9.7 1.6 No 25%

Nitrate 3.2 2.9 2.1 1.9 Yes >100%

Organic 

Carbon 14.6 11.2 14.2 2.9 No 11%

Elemental 

Carbon 2.5 1.9 2.5 0.2 No 9%

Fine Soil 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Yes 100%

Coarse 

Material 2.1 2.2 N/A* 2.2 N/A N/A

Sea Salt 2.9 3.3 N/A* 4.7 N/A N/A

*Visibility projections are not available due to poor model performance for coarse material and sea salt.

**No progress towards URP goal because projected 2018 values are higher than baseline conditions 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 131

Figure 9.3.1-5 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon –

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas

Table 9.3.1-5 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon – Strawberry 

Mountain Wilderness and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas

Pollutant

Eastern Oregon – Strawberry Mountain and Eagle Cap 

Wilderness Areas

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 

URP 

Goal 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(Mm-1)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Under 

URP 

Goal?

% of 

URP 

Goal

Sulfate 7.8 6.0 7.0 1.3 No 40%

Nitrate 15.8 12.0 11.5 2.9 Yes >100%

Organic 

Carbon 24.1 17.7 22.6 4.0 No 25%

Elemental 

Carbon 4.2 3.2 3.1 0.4 Yes >100%

Fine Soil 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 Yes 100%

Coarse 

Material 4.8 4.7 N/A* 4.3 N/A N/A

Sea Salt 0.1 0.3 N/A* 0.7 N/A N/A

*Visibility projections are not available due to poor model performance for coarse material and sea salt.

**No progress towards URP goal because projected 2018 values are higher than baseline conditions.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 132

Figure 9.3.1-6 Glideslope by Pollutant on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon/Western 

Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

Table 9.3.1-6 Pollutant Breakdown on 20% Worst Days for Eastern Oregon/Western 

Idaho - Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

Pollutant

Eastern Oregon/Western Idaho – Hells Canyon Wilderness Area

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 

URP 

Goal 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility

(Mm-1)

2064 

Natural 

Conditions 

(Mm-1)

2018 

Under 

URP 

Goal?

% of 

URP 

Goal

Sulfate 8.4 6.4 7.4 1.1 No 48%

Nitrate 28.5 19.7 20.6 2.7 No 90%

Organic 

Carbon 15.6 12.1 11.6 3.7 Yes >100%

Elemental 

Carbon 3.1 2.4 2.7 0.4 No 54%

Fine Soil 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 No None**

Coarse 

Material 1.9 2.3 N/A* 3.4 N/A N/A

Sea Salt 0.1 0.1 N/A* 0.1 N/A N/A

*Visibility projections are not available due to poor model performance for coarse material and sea salt.

**No progress towards URP goal because projected 2018 values are higher than baseline conditions
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 133

CHAPTER 10: BEST AVAILABLE RETROFIT TECHNOLOGY 

(BART) EVALUATION

10.1 Overview of BART Process in Oregon

One of the primary requirements of the Regional Haze rule is Section 308(e) on the installation 

of Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART). The federal definition of BART in 40 CFR 

51.301 is as follows:

“Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) means an emission limitation based on the 

degree of reduction achievable through the application of the best system of continuous 

emission reduction for each pollutant which is emitted by an existing stationary facility. The 

emission limitation must be established, on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the 

technology available, the costs of compliance, the energy and nonair quality environmental 

impacts of compliance, any pollution control equipment in use or in existence at the source, 

the remaining useful life of the source, and the degree of improvement in visibility which 

may reasonably be anticipated to result from the use of such technology.”

The BART requirements apply to certain older industrial sources that began operating before 

federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) rules were adopted in 1977 to protect

visibility in Class I areas. Both the PSD and BART and rules represent the two primary 

regulatory tools for protecting visibility and addressing regional haze from industrial sources.

The PSD rules apply to new sources and major modifications of existing sources, and require 

visibility in Class I areas to be protected.21 The BART rules are essentially a retroactive version 

of PSD (prior to 1977) for visibility purposes. Under BART, the following sources are subject 

to review and potential controls if they meet the following criteria: (1) built between 1962 and 

1977; (2) have the potential to emit more than 250 tons per year, and (3) fall into one of 26 

specific source categories. These sources must be evaluated to see how much they contribute to 

regional haze and if retrofitting with controls is feasible and cost effective. 

The BART process consists of three-steps: (1) determining BART-eligibility; (2) determining 

is a source is “subject to BART” by conducting modeling of Class I visibility impacts; and (3) 

conducting an analysis of BART controls (retrofitting) for those sources subject to BART that 

contribute to regional haze.

 

21 The PSD rules are part of the New Source Review rules, which apply to major new sources and major 

modifications to existing sources, to protect both visibility and air quality in general. See further description in 

Section 12.5.1. Both PSD and BART rules require modeling to determine visibility impact, and use similar 

modeling techniques and a similar threshold for what constitutes is a “significant” visibility impact. Since BART 

addresses existing sources, the evaluation of controls considers the effectiveness and remaining life of the existing 

controls, and the cost of replacing them. While both rules may end up evaluating similar types of controls, the 

criteria and selection of controls for BART is different due to the retrofit factors and visibility improvement that 

would result. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 134

10.2 Determining Oregon’s BART-eligible Sources

In determining BART-eligible sources, Oregon followed Appendix Y of EPA’s BART rule,

Guidelines for BART Determinations Under the Regional Haze Rule, Part II, How to Identify 

BART-Eligible Sources (70 FR 39158 to 39161). This guidance consisted of the following 

criteria:

1. Does the facility contain emissions units22 which fall into one or more of 26 source 

categories:

• Fossil-fuel fired steam electric plants of more than 250 million British thermal

units (BTU) per hour heat input

• Coal cleaning plants (thermal dryers)

• Kraft pulp mills

• Portland cement plants

• Primary zinc smelters

• Iron and steel mill plants

• Primary aluminum ore reduction plants

• Primary copper smelters

• Municipal incinerators capable of charging more than 250 tons of refuse per day

• Hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and nitric acid plants

• Petroleum refineries

• Lime plants

• Phosphate rock processing plants

• Coke oven batteries

• Sulfur recovery plants

• Carbon black plants (furnace process)

• Primary lead smelters

• Fuel conversion plants

• Sintering plants

• Secondary metal production facilities

• Chemical process plants

• Fossil-fuel boilers of more than 250 million BTUs per hour heat input.

• Petroleum storage and transfer facilities with a capacity exceeding 300,000 barrels

• Taconite ore processing facilities

• Glass fiber processing plants

• Charcoal production facilities

2. Did the units “began operation” after August 7, 1962 (defined as “engaged in activity 

related to the primary design function of the facility”).

3. Were the units “in existence” on August 7, 1977 (defined as “the owner or operator has 

obtained all necessary pre-construction approvals or permits required by Federal, State, or 

local air pollution emissions and air quality laws or regulations and either has (1) begun, or 

caused to begin, a continuous program of physical on-site construction of the facility or (2) 

entered into binding agreements or contractual obligations, which cannot be canceled or 

modified without substantial loss to the owner or operator, to undertake a program of 

construction of the facility to be completed in a reasonable time”).

 

22 EPA rules (40 CFR 51.166) define emissions unit as “any part of a stationary source that emits or has the 

potential to emit any pollutant”.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 135

[Note: Sources that were in operation before August 7, 1962, but were reconstructed during 

the August 7, 1962 to August 7, 1977 time period are also subject to BART if “the fixed 

capital cost of the new component exceeds 50 percent of the fixed capital cost of a 

comparable entirely new source”.]

4. Are the potential emissions from these units 250 tons per year or more for sulfur dioxide

(SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM10), volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs), or ammonia (NH4).

23

The identification of Oregon BART-eligible sources was initiated by a comprehensive study 

conducted by the WRAP in 2005. This study, called “Identification of BART-Eligible Sources 

in the WRAP Region”, identified 101 Oregon sources with actual emissions over 100 tpy of 

any visibility-impairing pollutant, which could be potential BART sources.24 In this study the 

WRAP worked with Oregon DEQ staff familiar with Oregon’s sources, to review them for the

three BART-eligibility criteria, by categorizing as “likely”, “potentially” eligible, or “do not 

know.” All of these sources were reviewed by each permit engineer to confirm BARTeligibility. Out of this review 26 sources were identified as needing more in-depth review to 

determine BART-eligibility. Out of the 26, a total of 10 were found to be eligible. These 

sources are listed below in Table 10.2-1. The 16 sources found not to be eligible are described 

in Table 10.2-2.

Table 10.2-1 List of 10 BART-eligible Sources in Oregon

BART-eligible 

Source Location BART Source Category Nearest Class I Area

1. Amalgamated 

Sugar 

Nyssa, eastern 

Oregon

SC 22 - fossil fuel boilers >250 

MMBtu/hr heat input.

Eagle Cap 80 mi

2. PGE 

Boardman

Boardman, 

eastern Oregon

SC 1 - fossil fuel steam fired electric 

plants.

Mt. Hood 90 mi.

3. Boise Paper 

Solutions

St. Helens, NW 

Oregon

SC 3 - kraft pulp mills & 22 ff boilers 

>250 MMBtu/hr.

Mt. Hood 55 mi.

4. Georgia 

Pacific, Wauna 

Clatskanie, NW 

Oregon

SC 3 - kraft pulp mills. Mt. Hood 80 mi.

5. PGE Beaver Clatskanie, NW 

Oregon

SC 1 - fossil fuel steam fired electric 

plants.

Mt. Hood 80 mi.

6. GeorgiaPacific, ToledoToledo, western 

Oregon

SC 3 - kraft pulp mills. Three Sisters 90 mi.

7. Pope & Talbot Halsey, western 

Oregon

SC 3 - kraft pulp mills. Three Sisters 50 mi.

 

23 EPA’s Guidance for Determining BART Eligibility allows states the option of excluding VOC and NH4 

emissions from the BART process, due to the inability to model these pollutants. Oregon did identify sources for 

these pollutants, and found one source that did exceed 250 tons for VOC. This source, SFPP Terminals in Eugene, 

was evaluated, as described in Table 10.3-2, #16, below.

24 This study can be found on the WRAP website at http://www.wrapair.org/forums/ssjf/bartsources.html.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 136

8. SP Newsprint Newberg, NW 

Oregon

SC 22 - fossil fuel boilers >250 

MMBtu/hr heat input. 

Mt. Hood 50 mi.

9. International 

Paper (formally 

Weyerhaeuser)

Springfield, 

western Oregon

SC 3 - kraft pulp mills & 22 ff boilers 

>250 MMBtu/hr.

Three Sisters 40 mi.

10. Kingsford Springfield, 

western Oregon

SC 26 - charcoal production facility Three Sisters 40 mi.

Table 10.2-2 List of Sources Determined not to be BART-eligible

Source Reasons not BART-eligible

1. Collins Products, 

Klamath Falls.

Initially thought to have three fossil-fuel boilers. Upon further review found 

all boilers had been dismantled and scrapped.

2. Northwest Aluminum, 

The Dalles.

Initial analysis found applicable emission units went into operation prior to 

August 7, 1962. There was a reconstruction of these units, but this came 

after 1977, and went through PSD review. The primary aluminum 

production plant has been permanently shutdown.

3. ESCO, Portland. Source did not fall under any of the 26 source categories list by EPA for 

BART. Additionally, no pollutant >250 tpy.

4. Chevron, Portland. Source thought to meet two of 26 source categories. One category applies 

to fossil-fuel boilers >250 million BTUs/hr. The other applies to petroleum 

storage facilities over 300,000 barrels. Upon further review found boilers 

and storage facilities were far below the applicable capacity. Additionally, 

no pollutant >250 tpy.

5. Kinder Morgan, Portland. This source similar to Chevron Portland. Had boilers and storage facilities 

far below the applicable capacity, and no pollutant >250 tpy.

6. Shore Terminals LLC 

(Mobil Oil), Portland. .

Upon further review found began operation before 1962, and PTE well 

below 250 tpy.

7. Oregon Steel Mills, 

Portland.

Source met source category for Iron and Steel mills. Largest emission unit 

in existence prior to 1977, but reconstructed after this date. Under EPA 

guidance on BART-eligibility, a “reconstructed source” after 1977 is not 

subject to BART if “the fixed capital cost of the new component exceeds 

50% of the fixed capital cost of a comparable new source.” DEQ review 

determined the reconstruction of the emission unit exceeded the 50% 

criteria. Other emission units at the source well under 250 tpy.

8. Wah Chang, Albany. Primary production activity at this facility did not fall under any of the 26 

source categories for BART. Other production activity under 250 tpy.

9. Weyerhaeuser, Albany 

Paper Mill.

Most of the emission units at this facility started up after 1977. Two 

emission units that started between 1962-1977 were determined to have 

emissions under 250 tpy. 

10. Roseburg Forest 

Products, Roseburg.

Source met source category for fossil-fuel boilers. Two boilers had been 

“derated” to address other regulatory requirements, which reduced boiler 

capacity to under 250 million BTUs/hr through a federally enforceable 

permit limit. Source requested similar permit condition for a third boiler.

Permit was modified August 8, 2006. Source no longer BART-eligible. 

11. Bear Mountain Forest 

Products, Cascade Locks.

Source does not fall under any of the 26 source categories for BART.

Additionally, emissions under 250 tpy.

12. City of Eugene Water 

Pollution Control 

Facility.

Boiler under 250 million BTUs/hr, and emissions under 250 tpy. 

13. University of Oregon 

Central Power Station, 

Boiler under 250 million BTUs/hr, and emissions under 250 tpy. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 137

Eugene.

14. International Paper, 

Gardiner.

This facility is shutdown and permit is no longer active.

15. Reynolds Metals, The 

Dalles.

This facility is shutdown and permit is no longer active.

16. SFPP Eugene Gasoline 

Bulk Terminal.

Source met source category for petroleum storage facilities and had 

emissions >250 tpy for one pollutant - VOC. Other pollutants were well 

under 250 tpy. EPA’s guidance allows VOC emissions to be excluded from 

BART due to the difficulty to model visibility impacts from VOCs. DEQ 

used screening model that conservatively assumed that 50% of the VOC 

emissions were greater than six carbon atoms and equivalent to organic 

carbon (OC) for visibility modeling purposes. Results showed visibility 

impact well under 0.5 deciview. Facility removed from the BART-eligible 

list.

Figure 10.2-1 below is a map showing the location of the 10 BART-eligible sources in Oregon, 

indicated in red. The visibility impacts of Oregon’s BART-eligible sources and those in 

neighboring States are described in Section 10.3 below.

Figure 10.2-1 Map of Oregon BART-eligible Sources

10.2.1 Extent of BART-eligible Source Emissions

The first step in the BART process was the identification of the BART-eligible sources. Table 

10.2.1-1 shows the actual emissions of these sources compared to all other non-BART sources, 

and compared to total emissions in Oregon (for SO2, NOx, and PM2.5, which are the primary 

haze-causing pollutants of concern). The 10 BART-eligible sources represent about 56% of the 

industrial emissions, and 4% of all sources in the state (2005 actual emissions). If the PGE 

Boardman plant is removed from this total, the remaining BART sources represent 18% of the 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 138

industry, and 1.3% of the statewide total. The significance of the comparison of BART vs. nonBART source emissions is discussed further in Chapter 12, as part of the Long-Term Strategy 

to evaluate non-BART sources to identify additional emission reductions from these sources in 

the future.

Table 10.2.1-1 Oregon BART-eligible Source Emissions (2005 actual, 

tons/year)

Pollutant 

10 BARTeligible sources

9 BART eligible 

sources, w/o 

PGE Boardman

Total 

Industry

(non-BART)

Total 

Statewide

(all sources)

SO2 16,223 4,206 3,054 47,447

NOx 12,287 3,974 13,358 233,633

PM10 2,339 1,643 7,639 455,666

PM2.5* 878 697 1,264 166,593

* PM2.5 is included in PM10

10.3 Summary of BART Modeling

The next step after determining BART eligibility was to conduct modeling of the 10 Oregon 

BART sources in order to evaluate Class I area visibility impacts. The results are given in 

Section 10.3.2, which describes source impacts on Class I areas in Oregon and neighboring 

States. Section 10.3.3 describes the impacts on Oregon Class I areas from BART sources 

located outside of Oregon.

Ideally, a full assessment of visibility impacts on Class I areas from any source would show its 

contribution to total impacts from all sources, and on all days, including the 20% best and worst 

days as described in the Regional Haze Rule. However, such modeling would be extremely 

complex, in terms separating out each individual source from the hundreds of emission sources 

affecting each Class I area at a given time. In constructing the BART program, the Rule and 

EPA guidance simplified the evaluation of visibility impairment from BART-eligible sources 

by patterning it after New Source Review, where source impacts are modeled individually 

relative to an estimated natural background on the 20% best days. Consequently, the BART 

modeling of the 20% best days is very different from, and serves a different purpose than, the 

use of monitoring data to determine the 20% best and worst days under the Regional Haze 

Rule. As a result, the BART modeling is based on individual BART source impacts in order to 

identify the greatest potential for making visibility improvements. This is consistent with EPA 

BART modeling guidance and BART modeling conducted by all other states in the country.

 

The BART modeling was conducted for all BART-eligible emission units, collectively, at each 

facility. Although EPA’s BART guidance does not require the inclusion of non-BART 

emissions in the BART modeling, for most facilities in Oregon the BART emission units 

represent most of the plant emissions.

As mentioned above, the visibility impacts identified in the modeling are estimates of the 

highest impacts from each BART source. This is similar to the approach used for new and 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 139

major modified sources under the PSD New Source Review rules, in which the maximum 

impacts of new major sources are modeled for affected Class I areas. As noted in the 

description of the regional BART Modeling Protocol below, the Department used the highest 

plant-wide daily emissions from all BART emission units for each source for the modeling 

period of 2003-2005.

10.3.1 Description of the Modeling Protocol

The visibility impacts described in the modeling results section use the same deciview (dv)

metric as used elsewhere in this plan. The deciview is a measure of visibility, and is equivalent 

on a logarithmic scale to light extinction. For the BART analysis, sources are evaluated on their 

contribution to increases in impairment at Class I areas above an estimated natural background.

This increase in impairment, or delta dv, can also be expressed as a change in light extinction.

For example, a delta dv of 0.5 is equivalent to a 5% increase in light extinction. For the sake of 

brevity, only “dv” is used here.

As stated in Chapter 5, a 1 dv change is equal to a generally perceptible change in visibility to

most people. In EPA’s BART modeling guidance, they note that “changes in light extinction of 

5 percent [0.5 dv] will evoke a just noticeable change in most landscapes.” As a result, EPA

identified two thresholds for evaluating individual BART sources: (1) 0.5 dv, which is the limit 

of perceptible change, and what EPA suggests States can use to identify sources that 

“contribute” to visibility impairment; and (2) 1.0 dv, which is a perceptible change to most 

people, and what EPA suggests be used to identify sources that “cause” visibility impairment 

(see EPA’s BART rule, pages 70 FR 39120-21).

For the BART modeling conducted in Oregon, the Department chose 0.5 dv as the visibility 

threshold. This decision was based on several factors: (1) it equates to the 5% extinction 

threshold for new sources under the PSD New Source Review rules, (2) it is consistent with the 

threshold selected by other States in the West (all selected 0.5 dv), (3) it represents the limit of 

perceptible change, and (4) there was no clear rationale or justification for selecting a lower 

level.25

1. Cumulative Impact Modeling

As suggested by EPA’s BART guidance, if multiple BART-eligible sources impact a given 

Class I area on the same day, then a lower, individual, contribution threshold could be 

considered. Oregon, in concert with Washington and Idaho, could make an evaluation of 

multiple-source or cumulative impacts on Class I areas of BART-eligible sources in three 

states. After a multi-source evaluation, a determination would be made as to which sources, if 

 

25 The Department considered lower levels but concluded there was not sufficient justification for selecting a lower 

level than 0.5 dv. Using a similar threshold to the NSR rules was a significant factor. Also, as a participant in the 

WRAP, it was important that Oregon use an approach consistent with the other Western states, especially 

neighboring states of Washington and Idaho, with whom Oregon developed the regional three-state BART 

Modeling Protocol. Western states (as compared to the Midwest and East) have a similar mix of contributing 

pollutant species, contributing source categories, BART sources, worst-case days and natural background 

conditions, and other factors, which support using the same threshold level. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 140

any, are considered to contribute to visibility impairment and subject to BART, and if a lower 

visibility threshold than 0.5 dv is warranted.

While consideration was given to the option of evaluating cumulative impacts from multiple 

BART sources, the Department decided not to pursue this path. The Department conferred with 

other WRAP states to determine if any were considering cumulative impacts for BART 

purposes, and found no state pursuing this option at the present time. This included the 

neighboring states of Washington, Idaho, Nevada and California. Not only was consistency 

with other states a major consideration for the Department, but the lack of any definitive 

guidance for addressing cumulative impacts from multiple BART sources was also a factor.

The Department believes the WRAP regional planning process is the appropriate vehicle for

developing the necessary policy and technical guidance for this type of analysis. The 

Department will continue its participation in the WRAP, and as part of the next Regional Haze 

Plan update in 2013, will report on any efforts to study and evaluate cumulative impacts, as it 

relates to BART-eligible sources, and the LTS commitment to evaluate non-BART sources for 

additional emission reductions and visibility improvements by the 2018 milestone.

2. Oregon-Washington-Idaho BART Modeling Protocol

The modeling conducted was based on the BART Modeling Protocol developed jointly by 

Oregon DEQ, Idaho DEQ, and Washington Department of Ecology, Federal Land Managers 

(National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service), and EPA Region 10. It was based on EPA 

Guidelines for BART Determinations under the Regional Haze Rule (Appendix Y).26 The 

CALPUFF model was used to estimate daily visibility impacts above estimated natural 

conditions at each Class I area from the BART-eligible emission units at each source, based on 

actual emission over a three year period (2003-2005). This evaluation looked at both the 98th

percentile of the three-year period (which is the 22nd highest day), and the 98th percentile of 

each individual year (which is the 8th highest day). The highest of these 98th percentile values 

was then compared to the visibility threshold of 0.5 deciview. 

The 98th percentile is a frequently used cutoff in modeling where there are measurement 

limitations, and certain model assumptions and uncertainties involved. The use of the 98th

percentile follows EPA’s recommended approach for modeling BART sources (see EPA’s 

BART rule, page 70 FR 39121).27 According to EPA, the use of the 98th percentile is “a more 

robust approach that does not give undue weight to the extreme tail of the distribution”, and 

that “will effectively capture the sources that contribute to visibility impairment in a Class I 

area, while minimizing the likelihood that the highest modeled visibility impacts might be 

caused by unusual meteorology or conservative assumptions in the model”. EPA concludes that 

"if the 98th percentile value from your modeling is less than your contribution threshold, then 

you may conclude that the source does not contribute to visibility impairment and is not subject 

to BART."

 

26 See Appendix D-4 for this guidance.

27 It should also be noted that Federal Land Managers requested that the 98th percentile be used and incorporated 

into the three-state regional BART protocol.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 141

The BART Modeling Protocol incorporated the use of the 98th percentile, as did the modeling 

protocols for other states conducting BART modeling across the country. It is important that 

the same metrics be used for the BART analysis over a wide area, especially for Class I impacts 

that cross state and regional boundaries.

The emissions used in the modeling reflected the highest emitting day for each facility within 

the modeling period (2003-2005). They also reflected the facility’s steady-state operating 

conditions during periods of high capacity utilization, which did not include start-up, shutdown, 

or malfunction emissions.

A copy of the BART Modeling Protocol is provided in Appendix D-5.

Oregon DEQ contacted each BART-eligible source directly to obtain actual emissions and 

stack parameter information on each BART-eligible emission unit for the modeling. This 

information was obtained with the assistance of the DEQ permit engineer already assigned to 

the particular facility. The following is a list of information obtained:

1. Emission Unit Name

2. Geo-location of the Emissions Unit (Latitude - Longitude, or UTM with Zone and Datum)

3. Emission rate - highest 24-hour average actual emissions in the years 2003-2005 (lbs/hour)

4. Stack Base Elevation (meters)

5. Stack Height (meters)

6. Stack Inside Diameter (meters)

7. Exit Velocity (meters/second)

8. Stack Gas Temperature (degrees F, C, or K)

9. Emissions should be quantified for:

 SO2

 H2SO4 (sulfuric acid mist) if available

 NOx

 PM10

 VOC

10. Speciated PM10 (where available):

Filterable fraction

 Elemental carbon (EC)

 PM Fine (PM2.5)

 PM Course

Condensable fraction

 Secondary Organic Aerosol (OC)

 Inorganic Aerosol (SO4)

 Non-SO4 Inorganic Aerosol

Modeling was conducted for SO2, NOx, and PM emissions (PM2.5 and/or PM10). EPA guidance 

allows states the option of excluding VOC emissions from the BART process, due to the 

inability to easily model this pollutant.

28

 

28 The Department found a single source that met the BART eligibility criteria for VOC emissions, as indicated in 

Table 10.2-2. This source (#16 SFPP) was evaluated using a screening model, and found to have impacts well 

under the 0.5 dv threshold. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 142

Oregon provided each source the opportunity, including the participation in two workshops, to 

provide feedback on the modeling protocol, participate in the modeling effort, and discuss the 

results. For some facilities, multiple model runs were conducted either by DEQ or by the 

consultant to the facility using refined emission rates and stack parameters, and other data,

These refined model inputs were based on the availability of recent source test results, 

continuous emission monitoring (CEMs) data, and other information. 

10.3.2 Summary of Oregon BART Modeling Results

Table 10.3.2-1 below shows the results of the CALPUFF modeling conducted on the 10 

BART-eligible sources. The far left column of the table shows the Class I areas that were 

modeled.29 These are Class I areas in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho that are within 300 

kilometers of the individual 10 Oregon BART-eligible sources, in accordance with the distance 

criteria specified in the BART Modeling Protocol.

The table shows that out of 10 sources that were modeled, five had impacts below the 0.5 dv 

threshold, and five were over the threshold. The visibility impacts from PGE Boardman facility 

were considerably higher than any of the other four BART sources over the 0.5 dv threshold.

The extent of these impacts is described further in Section 10.4.2, along with the BART control 

determination for PGE Boardman.

As indicated in Table 10.3.2-1, the five sources under the 0.5 dv threshold are listed as

“Exempt”, and are shown in the first group. In the next group are four sources listed as 

“Exempt with FEPL”. These are sources that were over the threshold that chose the option of a 

federally enforceable permit condition (FEPL), as described in Section 10.4.1 below. The last 

column shows PGE Boardman that was far over the threshold and underwent a BART control 

determination. The impacts for PGE Boardman in the table reflect the BART controls that have 

been identified for this facility in Section 10.4.2.

Table 10.3.2-2 shows the modeled impacts for the four BART sources before and after the 

FEPL. A description of emissions reductions and the FEPL at each source is provided below in 

Section 10.4.1.

 

29 Note the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is listed, however it is not a Class I area. It was added to 

the modeling runs as a receptor point, for information purposes only, based on current interest in visibility 

conditions in the Gorge. Non-Class I areas are not part of BART process, as they are not addressed under EPA's 

Regional Haze Rule. However, it should be noted that on non-Class I areas like the Gorge that are in close 

proximity to Class I areas (such as Mt. Hood) receive visibility benefits from the strategies adopted for Class I 

areas. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 143

Table 10.3.2-1 BART-Eligible Source Modeling Results

22 Best day per three year period (2003-2005)

Subject

Boise GP Pope & SP GP PGE Intern'l Paper Amalgamated PGE 

Class I Area Paper Toledo Kingsford Talbot Newsprint Wauna Beaver Springfield Sugar Boardman

Alpine Lakes 0.159 0.037 0.263 0.282 2.237

Columbia Gorge 0.478 0.114 0.014 0.221 0.166 0.333 0.359 0.122 3.709

Crater Lake 0.107 0.019 0.199 0.036 0.208

Craters of the Moon 0.047

Diamond Peak 0.115 0.125 0.030 0.247 0.061 0.154 0.123 0.278 1.025

Eagle Cap 0.437 2.225

Gearhardt Mt 0.005 0.076 0.059

Glacier Peak 0.097 0.155 0.158 1.396

Goat Rocks 0.177 0.064 0.006 0.114 0.052 0.236 0.272 0.062 2.420

Hells Canyon 0.282 1.951

Jarbridge 0.059

Kalmiopsis 0.190 0.023 0.304 0.218

Lava Beds 0.006 0.076

Marble Mt 0.012 0.172 0.143

Mt Adams 0.192 0.083 0.009 0.133 0.062 0.240 0.258 0.085 2.684

Mt Hood 0.367 0.156 0.020 0.299 0.125 0.344 0.357 0.189 4.604

Mt Jefferson 0.234 0.143 0.028 0.296 0.092 0.244 0.243 0.239 3.119

Mountain Lakes 0.080 0.011 0.137 0.125

Mt Rainier 0.246 0.083 0.007 0.095 0.061 0.356 0.414 0.062 2.020

Mt Washington 0.172 0.136 0.032 0.303 0.075 0.217 0.176 0.279 2.334

North Cascades 0.121 0.136 1.056

Olympic NP 0.224 0.058 0.450 0.412

Redwood 0.016 0.243 0.176

Sawtooth 0.078

Selway-Bitteroot 0.082

Strawberry Peak 0.349 1.717

Three Sisters 0.185 0.163 0.049 0.396 0.091 0.234 0.195 0.444 2.288

Max dv 0.367 0.190 0.049 0.396 0.125 0.450 0.414 0.444 0.437 4.604

Exempt Exempt with FEPL

A summary of the results of the BART-eligible source modeling is provided below.

1. Exempt Oregon BART-eligible sources based on 2003-2005 Actual Emissions:

• Boise Paper Solutions, St. Helens OR

• Georgia Pacific, Toledo Pulp & Paper Operations, Toledo OR

• Kingsford Manufacturing, Springfield OR

• Pope and Talbot, Halsey OR

• SP Newsprint, Newberg OR

For these sources, the BART modeling showed impacts at all Class I areas less than 0.5 dv, and 

the facilities are not subject to further BART review. However, as BART-eligible sources, they

will be included in the evaluation of non-BART sources described in Section 12.6.1 of the 

Long-Term Strategy.

2. Exempt BART-eligible sources based on emissions reduced through an FEPL

• Portland General Electric, Beaver Power Plant, Clatskanie OR 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 144

• International Paper (formally Weyerhaeuser), Springfield OR

• Georgia Pacific, Wauna Mill, Clatskanie OR

• Amalgamated Sugar, Nyssa OR

BART modeling showed these four sources had impacts over 0.5 dv in at least one Class I area.

Table 10.3.2-2 below shows the initial modeling results. By accepting a FEPL, these sources 

have reduced their visibility impact to below 0.5 dv. See Section 10.4.1 for more details.

Table 10.3.2-2 BART-Eligible Sources with FEPLs

22 Best day per three year period (2003-2005)

Actual Actual Actual Actual

Class I Area 2003-2005 FEPL 2003-2005 FEPL 2003-2005 FEPL 2003-2005 FEPL

Alpine Lakes 0.400 0.282 0.340 0.263

Columbia Gorge 0.630 0.359 0.436 0.122 0.518 0.333

Crater Lake 0.802 0.208

Craters of the Moon 0.049 0.047

Diamond Peak 0.182 0.123 1.002 0.278 0.170 0.154

Eagle Cap 0.457 0.437

Gearhardt Mt 0.224 0.059

Glacier Peak 0.234 0.158 0.172 0.155

Goat Rocks 0.433 0.272 0.249 0.062 0.288 0.236

Hells Canyon 0.295 0.282

Jarbridge 0.062 0.059

Kalmiopsis 0.731 0.218

Lava Beds 0.298 0.076

Marble Mt 0.568 0.143

Mt Adams 0.416 0.258 0.296 0.085 0.279 0.240

Mt Hood 0.582 0.357 0.656 0.189 0.434 0.344

Mt Jefferson 0.338 0.243 0.855 0.239 0.272 0.244

Mountain Lakes 0.455 0.125

Mt Rainier 0.655 0.414 0.238 0.062 0.443 0.356

Mt Washington 0.265 0.176 0.981 0.279 0.244 0.217

North Cascades 0.190 0.136 0.138 0.121

Olympic NP 0.679 0.412 0.568 0.450

Redwood 0.676 0.176

Sawtooth 0.081 0.078

Selway-Bitteroot 0.086 0.082

Strawberry Peak 0.365 0.349

Three Sisters 0.263 0.195 1.457 0.444 0.267 0.234

Max dv 0.679 0.414 1.457 0.444 0.457 0.437 0.568 0.450

8th Best day per single year

Eagle Cap 0.514 0.492

GP Wauna

Visibility Change with FEPL

PGE Beaver Intern'l Paper Springfld Amalgamated Sugar

3. BART-eligible sources subject to BART

• PGE Boardman Power Plant, Boardman OR

BART modeling showed that impacts from this facility were well above 0.5 dv, and the 

Boardman is considered Subject to BART. This source underwent a BART control 

determination, which is described Section 10.4.2.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 145

10.3.3 Summary of Interstate Modeling Results from BART-eligible sources

As shown in Table 10.3.2-1, PGE Boardman showed impacts in six Class I areas in 

Washington (Alpine, Glacier Peak, Goat Rocks, Mt. Adams, Mt. Ranier, and North Cascades), 

and one in the portion of the Hells Canyon Class I area in Western Idaho. Although PGE 

Beaver and GP Wauna did showed impacts over 0.5 dv in two Washington Class I areas 

(Olympic and Mt. Ranier), those impacts ended up being under 0.5 dv with the FEPL.

Table 10.3.3-1 below shows the visibility impacts over 0.5 dv in Oregon Class I areas from outof-state BART-eligible sources. Three BART sources in Washington and one in Idaho had 

impacts in six Oregon Class I areas (Mt. Hood, Mt. Washington, Mt Jefferson, Three Sisters, 

Strawberry Mountain, Eagle Cap, and Hells Canyon). The largest impact was from the Trans 

Alta power plant in Centralia Washington. There were no interstate impacts from BART 

sources in the states of California and Nevada.

• Washington BART sources impacting Oregon:

1. Weyerhaeuser plant, Longview. This facility is a kraft pulp and paper mill located on the 

banks of the Columbia River in Longview, Washington. The current mill was constructed 

in 1948 and expanded in 1956-1957, but it has had many modernizations and upgrades

since then. This facility is undergoing a BART control evaluation. As indicated in Table 

10.3.3-1, this facility impacts the Mt. Hood Wilderness Area.

2. La Farge, Seattle. This is a cement plant located in the Duwamish Valley in Seattle 

Washington. The plant produces portland cement using the wet process. 16 of the 18 

emission units at the plant are subject to BART. This facility is undergoing a BART control 

evaluation. As indicated in Table 10.3.3-1, this facility impacts the Mt. Hood Wilderness 

Area.

3. Trans Alta, Centralia. This is a 702 MW coal-fired power plant located near Centralia 

Washington. It has 2 tangentially fired pulverized coal units using Powder River subbituminous coal for fuel. Controls for SO2 and PM were recently installed in 2003, and 

have been determined by EPA to represent a BART level of control. As a result, it is 

currently undergoing a BART control evaluation only for the NOx emissions from the 

plant. As indicated in Table 10.3.3-1, this facility impacts four Oregon Class I areas – Mt. 

Hood, Mt. Jefferson. Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters.

• Idaho BART sources impacting Oregon:

1. Amalgamated Sugar, Nampa. This is a sugar plant located in SW Idaho. It consists of a 

boiler rated at 350 million BTUs per hour, classified as a fossil-fuel boiler of more than 250 

million BTUs per hour heat input. It was installed in 1969, and was put into service 

between August 7, 1962 and August 7, 1977. As indicated in Table 10.3.3-1, this facility 

impacts three Oregon Class I areas – Hells Canyon, Eagle Cap, and Strawberry Mtn.

Table 10.3.3-1 BART source impacts in Oregon from other States
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 146

State

BART source impacting 

Oregon

Oregon Class I Area 

highest impacted deciview*

Washington Weyerhaeuser, Longview Mt. Hood Wilderness 0.67

La Farge Mt. Hood Wilderness 0.62

Trans Alta, Centralia Mt. Hood Wilderness

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

Mt Washington Wilderness

Three Sisters Wilderness

2.83

1.88

1.41

1.53

Idaho Amalgamated Sugar,

Nampa 

Hells Canyon Wilderness

Eagle Cap Wilderness

Strawberry Mtn Wilderness

0.79

1.08

0.94

California None

Nevada None

*98th percentile of 3-year baseline (2003-05)

Under BART and Regional Haze Rule, the State where the BART source is located has the 

responsibility for evaluating BART that source. For this section of the plan, the Department is 

only providing the preliminary modeling results of neighboring state BART sources. Results of 

the BART evaluation for the BART sources in Table 10.3.3-1 are not available at this time, but 

can be obtained by contacting the Washington Department of Ecology and Idaho Department 

of Environmental Quality.

10.3.4 BART Modeling in the Context of the Regional Haze Rule

The visibility modeling in the BART program is patterned after the type of analysis required of 

a new or major modified source subject to NSR rules, and following EPA modeling guidelines 

and FLM FLAG guidance. This analysis is prescriptive on methods, standards, and baseline 

data, including the definition and determination of natural background. In this context, natural 

background is defined as the 20% best days as described in “Guidance for Estimating Natural 

Visibility Conditions under the Regional Haze Rule” (EPA 2003). This natural background is a 

calculation based on relative humidity and presumed concentration and speciation of particulate 

at each Class I area. It is not a measured value of visibility impairment as used to determine 

Reasonable Further Progress. As a result, the BART modeling results cannot be compared 

directly to visibility conditions on the 20% worst days or 20% best days, as typically used when 

describing visibility under the Regional Haze Rule.

Also, BART modeling is carried out individually for each source. Including all other 

contributing sources in the modeling (i.e., non-BART permitted industrial sources, mobile 

sources (such as motor vehicles, rail, boat traffic), area sources (non-permitted small sources 

including outdoor burning, etc.) would mask the contribution to visibility impairment from a 

single BART source. The primary purpose of BART in its regulatory context is to assess the 

individual contribution, and to determine the level of emission controls that may be necessary 

to reduce impacts. Although the broad goal is to reduce haze, the end result of BART is a 

source-specific analysis with possible source-specific permit conditions and controls to reduce 

emissions.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 147

This means that the visibility improvements from the BART process, as described in Section 

10.5, are based on the improvement from an individual BART source. However, the results of 

the CMAQ modeling undertaken by WRAP, as discussed in Chapter 9, provides a regional 

picture that incorporates not only the estimated emissions reductions from BART sources in 

Oregon, and regionally across the West, but also includes emissions from non-BART permitted 

sources, mobile sources, and area sources including fires. 

10.4 Summary of Oregon BART Control Determination Process

10.4.1 Option to take a Federally Enforceable Permit Limit

EPA guidance allows BART-eligible sources to adopt a federally enforceable permit limit

(FEPL) to permanently lower emissions to below the 0.5 dv threshold level.

30 A modeling 

analysis is needed to demonstrate that the permit limit will achieve this level. Sources that take 

a FEPL remain BART-eligible, but are no longer “subject to BART”, which removes the 

source from having to conduct a BART control determination.

Sources that pursue this option tend to be sources which modeled just over the 0.5 dv threshold,

and are willing to make a permanent reduction to lower their visibility impact to under this 

level. There are several advantages to the FEPL option, when compared to the BART control 

determination. First, this option requires making actual emission reductions to lower visibility 

impacts below the 0.5 dv threshold. The BART determination process does not guarantee 

emission reductions, as it is possible the determination could result in no controls (for technical 

or economic reasons). Second, by reducing visibility impairment below the 0.5 dv threshold, 

the impact is below the human “perceptibility” level. The BART determination process has no 

requirement to achieve this level (although greater reductions and more visibility improvement 

could be an outcome). Third, this option in most cases will result in visibility improvement in a 

shorter period of time than the 5 years allowed under BART.

The FEPL applies to the BART-eligible emission units, and must be quantifiable and 

enforceable, such that compliance can be determined by the State in the same manner as any 

other enforceable permit condition. BART-eligible sources that take a FEPL must have their air 

quality permit modified by the time the regional haze SIP is submitted to EPA. 

In Oregon there were four BART-eligible sources that chose to adopt a FEPL. Table 10.3.2-2 

shows the visibility impacts of these sources with and without the FEPL. As explained above, 

each of these sources will be undergoing a permit modification to include the conditions of the 

FEPL. These permit modifications go through a separate public review and adoption process, 

and will completed prior to submittal of the Oregon Regional Haze Plan to EPA in 2009. 

The following is a summary of each source FEPL:

 

30 EPA Guidance document entitled “BART Exemption Q&A” from August 24, 2006.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 148

1. PGE Beaver Power Plant

This is a 558 megawatt electrical generating plant located in Clatskanie Oregon. The BART

visibility modeling conducted for this facility showed an impact on three Class I areas over the 

0.5 dv contribution threshold, with the highest impact 0.68 dv at Olympic National Park in 

Washington. As a result of this FEPL, the facility will reduce its emissions by using ultra-low 

sulfur diesel fuel blend to fuel is steam turbine. DEQ will also impose a limit in the quantity of 

diesel fuel that can be burned in any given day. The result will ensure the visibility impact

remains under the 0.5 dv level.

2. Georgia Pacific Wauna Mill

This is a pulp and paper manufacturing plant located in Clatskanie Oregon. The BART

visibility modeling conducted for this facility showed an impact at one Class I area over the 0.5 

dv contribution threshold, Olympic National Park in Washington, at 0.57 dv. As a result of this 

FEPL, the mill will reduce its emissions by using a low sulfur fuel to meet a lower emission 

limit for SO2 when operating its power boiler, which will ensure the visibility impact remains 

under the 0.5 dv level. 

3. International Paper (formally Weyerhaeuser) Plant

This is a containerboard plant located in Springfield Oregon. The BART visibility modeling 

conducted for this facility showed an impact on nine Class I areas over the 0.5 dv contribution 

threshold, with the highest impact 1.45 dv at the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. As a result of 

this FEPL, the plant will reduce its emissions by accepting limits on fuel usage and operation, 

and meeting a combined SO2 and NOx emission limit formula. The plant is also making repairs 

to one of its’ BART units that will result in even lower emission levels and thus ensure the 

visibility impact is well under the 0.5 dv level.

4. Amalgamated Sugar Plant

This is a sugar beet processing plant located in Nyssa, in eastern Oregon, near the Idaho border.

This plant is currently shutdown, and has no identified date to resume operations. However, 

since their air quality permit is still valid, BART modeling was conducted for the plant, and an 

impact of 0.514 dv was identified at one Class I area, the Eagle Cap Wilderness (based on 

single year, 8th highest day, as indicated in Table 10.3.2-2). The facility is taking an FEPL in

the event it resumes operation in the future. The FEPL will consist of an emission limit on a

boiler, which will ensure this visibility impact is under the 0.5 dv level.

 

10.4.2 Summary of BART Control Determination for PGE Boardman plant

Under EPA’s BART rules and guidance, BART-eligible sources that are determined to 

contribute to visibility impairment, and do not take the FEPL option, must undergo a BART 

control determination analysis. In conducting this analysis, Oregon followed Appendix Y of 

EPA’s BART rule, Guidelines for BART Determinations Under the Regional Haze Rule - Part 

IV. The BART Determination: Analysis of BART Options (70 FR 39164 to 39172). This 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 149

guidance can be found in Appendix D-4. The guidance describes a five-step process for 

determining the appropriate control technology for BART-eligible sources. The five criteria are 

as follows:

Cost of compliance;

Energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance;

Any existing pollution control technology in use at the source;

The remaining useful life of the source, and

The degree of improvement in visibility which may reasonably be anticipated to result 

from the use of such technology

Upon completion of this evaluation, the controls determined to represent BART must be 

installed and in operation as expeditiously as possible, but no later than 5 years after EPA 

approval of the State’s regional haze plan. 

The summary below is from the report DEQ’s BART Report for the Boardman Power Plant, 

which can be found in Appendix D-1 of this plan. Additional information on the visibility 

improvements from BART is from the report DEQ Modeling Analysis of Visibility and Acid 

Deposition Impacts and Benefits – PGE Boardman, also provided in Appendix D-2.

1. PGE Boardman BART Background

As a result of the BART process conducted by Oregon, one BART-eligible source was found to 

be subject to the BART control determination process. This facility is the PGE Boardman 

electric generating plant located in northeastern Oregon, about 150 miles east of Portland.

Table 10.4.2-1 provides an overview of this facility. This facility is Oregon’s largest electrical 

generating facility that serves approximately 814,000 industrial, commercial and residential 

customers in 52 Oregon cities.

Table 10.4.2-1 Overview of the PGE Boardman Plant

Item Description

Plant description Permitted in 1977, began operation 1980, 617 Megawatt

electric steam plant, coal burning, Foster-Wheeler dry 

bottom, opposed-wall firing boiler

Emissions (tons per year) Permitted - SO2: 30,450, NOx: 12,687, PM: 1,056

Actual (2007) - SO2: 14,037, NOx: 10,656, PM: 853 

BART-eligibility SC1 fossil fuel steam electric plant >250 MMBtu/hr, went 

into operation 1962-1977, emissions over 250 tpy, 

Existing Emission 

Controls

SO2: low-sulfur, sub-bituminous coal (~0.3% by weight) 

NOx: Low NOx burner, overfire air (1st generation) 

PM: cold-side electrostatic precipitator.

BART Modeling

summary

Highest impact 4.60 dv (22nd highest day). A total of 14 

Class I areas impacted over 0.5 dv threshold. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 150

2. PGE Boardman BART Modeling Summary

As shown in Table 10.3.2-1 above, the PGE Boardman power plant had considerably higher 

visibility impacts than any other BART-eligible source, impacting 14 Class I areas over the 0.5 

dv threshold, with the highest impact of 4.6 dv at the Mt. Hood Wilderness Area. Compared to 

the other four sources that initially modeled over the threshold, PGE Boardman accounted for 

52% of the Class I impacts over 0.5 dv, with an average impact of 2.2 dv, compared to the 

combined average of the other four sources of 0.78 dv. 

Figure 10.4.2-1 shows a map of the 14 Class I areas impacted by PGE Boardman, within the 

300 km radius used in the modeling, in accordance with the BART Modeling Protocol 

described in 10.3.1. 

Figure 10.4.2-1 Map of 14 Class I Areas Impacted by PGE Boardman

Table 10.4.2-2 identifies each of the 14 Class I areas impacted in Oregon, Washington, and

Idaho, and the highest impact (in deciview) based on the 98th percentile during the 2003-05 

baseline. Included in the modeling was the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and 

Crater Lake National Park. The Columbia Gorge was added to the modeling as a receptor point, 

for information purposes only, based on current interest in visibility conditions in the Gorge.

Crater Lake National Park was outside the 300 km radius identified in the modeling protocol, 

but was also included for information purposes. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 151

Table 10.4.2-2 Summary of Class I Area Visibility Impacts from PGE Boardman Plant

Class I Areas Affected 

Highest 

Impact (dv)*

Oregon Class I Area

Mt. Hood Wilderness 4.60

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness 3.12

Three Sisters Wilderness 2.29

Mt. Washington Wilderness 2.33

Eagle Cap Wilderness 2.23

Hells Canyon Wilderness 1.95

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 1.72

Diamond Peak Wilderness 1.03

Washington Class I Area

Mt. Adams Wilderness 2.68

Goat Rocks Wilderness 2.42

Alpine Lakes Wilderness 2.24

Mt. Rainer National Park 2.02

Glacier Peak Wilderness 1.40

North Cascades National Park 1.06

Idaho Class I Area

Hells Canyon (Idaho portion) 1.95

National Scenic Areas (non-Class I)

Columbia River Gorge (NSA) 3.71

Beyond 300 km (outside blue circle)

Crater Lake National Park 1.06 

*in deciview, 98th percentile of 3-year baseline (2003-05)

3. PGE Boardman’s BART Analysis Report 

After completion of the modeling results, DEQ informed PGE Boardman that the facility was 

“subject to BART”. As required under the BART rule, PGE Boardman prepared a BART 

control analysis report which was submitted to DEQ on November 2, 2007, and identified the 

controls in Table 10.4.2-3 below as BART.31

Table 10.4.2-3 BART Proposal by PGE

Pollutant Control Technology Emission Rate

Sulfur dioxide Semi-dry flue gas desulfurization 0.12 lb/mmBtu

Nitrogen oxides New low-NOx burners with modified overfire 

air system and selective non-catalytic reduction

0.23 lb/mmBtu

Particulate matter Pulse jet fabric filter 0.012 lb/mmBtu

 

31 “Portland General Electric Boardman Plant, Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) Analysis, November 

2, 2007”. See DEQ Regional Haze website at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/haze/docs/pgeAnalysisReport.pdf
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 152

4. DEQ’s BART Control Determination for PGE Boardman

DEQ followed EPA’s Appendix Y guidance for BART control determinations, in selecting 

BART on a pollutant by pollutant basis, taking into consideration the cost, the energy and nonair environmental impacts, the remaining useful life, and the modeled visibility impacts. Table 

10.4.2-4 shows the range of controls that were evaluated for the PGE Boardman plant. 

Table 10.4.2-4 Summary of Control Options Evaluated for PGE Boardman

Pollutant Controls Evaluated

SO2 • Semi-dry flue gas desulfurization (SDFGD)

• Wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD)

NOx • Overfire air system operation

• Upgraded low NOx burners

• Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR)

• Upgraded Low NOx Burners (LNB) with Overfire Air (OFA)

• Upgraded LNB with OFA and SNCR

• New LNB with Modified OFA

• SNCR/SCR hybrid (cascade)

• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

PM (co-benefit of SO2 controls):

• Pulse jet fabric filter (PJFF)

• Wet ESP

To assist in the review of these control options, the Department engaged an independent 

contractor, Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG). ERG conducted an independent feasibility and 

cost assessment of select options, primarily focusing on NOx controls. ERG evaluated control 

options and performance information from power plants like PGE Boardman from around the 

country. ERG employed several methods to estimate the likely costs of different control 

options, including using industry-standard cost estimation models, literature searches of costs 

incurred in similar projects across the country, and discussions with PGE’s contractor (Black & 

Veatch) to explore “real-world” costs for these types of projects. ERG prepared a report for the 

Department, which is included as Appendix D-3 of this plan.

Based on a review of the above costs and control options, the Department decided to require a 

two-phased approach to reduce haze pollution from PGE Boardman. Phase 1 would require the 

installation of new low NOx burners with modified over fire air system for NOx controls, semidry gas flue gas desulfurization for SO2 controls, and pulse jet fabric filter for PM controls.

Phase 2 would add more stringent controls for NOx by requiring selective catalytic reduction 

(SCR). Table 10.4.2-4 summarizes the Phase 1 and Phase 2 controls. Phase 1 is the 

Department’s case-by-case determination of BART for the Boardman Power Plant; whereas, 

Phase 2 is in addition to BART, to provide greater visibility improvements and address 

reasonable progress in Oregon’s Class I areas, and address visibility and acid deposition 

concerns in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (not a Class I area). Table 10.4.2-

4 and the following summary describe the Phase 1 and Phase 2 control requirements for PGE 

Boardman.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 153

Table 10.4.2-4 DEQ BART Control Determination for PGE Boardman

Pollutant

Control 

Technology

Emission 

Limit

Averaging 

Time

Installation 

Date

Compliance 

Date

Phase 1 Controls

Nitrogen 

oxides 

(NOx)

New low NOx

burners with 

modified overfire 

air system 

(NLNB/MOFA)

0.28 

lb/mmBtu 

heat input

30-day 

rolling 

average

7/1/11 1/1/12

0.23 

lb/mmBtu 

heat input

12-month 

rolling 

average

7/1/11 7/1/12

Selective NonCatalytic 

Reduction 

(SNCR) 

contingency*

0.23 

lb/mmBtu 

heat input

30-day 

rolling 

average

7/1/14 1/1/15

Sulfur 

dioxide 

(SO2)

Semi-dry flue gas 

desulfurization 

(SDFGD)

0.12 

lb/mmBtu 

heat input

30-day 

rolling 

average

7/1/14 1/1/15

Particulate 

Matter 

(PM)

Pulse jet fabric 

filter (PJFF) as 

part of the 

SDFGD system 

and in addition to 

the existing 

electrostatic 

precipitator

0.012 

lb/mmBtu 

heat input

3-hour 

average based 

on the results 

of 

compliance 

source testing

7/1/14 1/1/15

Phase 2 Controls

Nitrogen 

oxides 

(NOx)

Selective 

Catalytic 

Reduction (SCR) 

0.07 

lb/mmBtu 

heat input

30-day 

rolling 

average

7/1/17 1/1/18

*

SNCR is included as a contingency, in the event that new low NOx burners with modified overfire air cannot 

achieve 0.23 lb/mmBtu heat input.

Phase 1 Controls (2011-2014):

NOx Control: New Low NOx Burners, with modified over fire air control system. This 

level of control meets minimum federal requirements for Best Available Retrofit 

Technology (BART) for NOx. This level of control would reduce NOx emissions about 

46%.

SO2 Control: Semi-dry flue gas desulfurization (SDFGD). This level of control meets 

federal requirements for Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART). This control 

technology is also most compatible with mercury reduction controls previously required 

by DEQ, and would reduce SO2 emissions by about 80%. SDFGD was selected as 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 154

BART because it provides slightly more visibility improvement than wet flue gas 

desulfurization, and the cost is $135 million dollars less.

Particulate Matter (PM) Control. Particulate emissions from the Boardman Plant do 

not have a significant impact on visibility in Class I areas32. Therefore, a rigorous 

analysis of BART for particulate matter was not conducted. . However, particulate 

matter emissions will be reduced about 29% as a side benefit of installing BART 

emission controls for SO2 that include a pulse jet fabric filter. In addition, no other 

controls were identified that would achieve a lower emission rate than the fabric filter.

Phase 2 Additional NOx Controls (2017):

Phase1 NOx controls would only reduce NOx emissions from the Boardman facility by 

about 46%, as compared to about 80% for SO2. Therefore, DEQ has proposed a second 

tier of NOx controls in order to minimize the Boardman facility’s air quality impacts in 

the affected wilderness areas as well as in the Columbia River Gorge. The Phase 2 NOx

controls would reduce NOx emissions from the Boardman power plant by about 84%. 

The Department believes Phase 2 SCR is necessary for the following reasons:

Nitrates contribute significantly to haze in the Class I areas, especially at Strawberry 

Mountain, Eagle Cap, and Hells Canyon. Under Phase 1, the Boardman plant would 

still be a significant source of NOx. The modeling conducted for BART shows that 

further reductions of NOx will reduce the impacts of the Boardman plant below 1.0 dv 

for all Class I areas, and less than 0.5 dv for the majority of them. This improvement 

will help demonstrate reasonable progress by 2018 and beyond.

In addition to providing more visibility improvement and addressing reasonable 

progress for Oregon Class I areas, Phase 2 will help improve the air quality in the 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and reduce risks to ecosystems and 

Native American cultural resources. Modeling results show that controls put in place by 

2014 will reduce the visibility impacts from 3.7 to 2.8 dv and the addition of SCR by 

2017 will reduce the impacts from the Boardman Plant to 0.8 dv.

SCR will reduce or eliminate the yellow or brown plume that is currently present during 

some meteorological conditions. This plume is caused when nitrogen oxide (NO) is 

converted to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the presence of free oxygen.

The Department established an installation date of 2017 for Phase 2 SCR for the following 

reasons:

Significant modifications to the boiler will be required to reduce the exhaust 

temperature to the level required for an SCR system. As a result, more time is required 

for project engineering and planning.

 

32 Or in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 155

A longer than normal outage will be necessary to complete the boiler modifications. 

The extended schedule will allow more time to plan the project to ensure that the 

modifications are completed as quickly as possible and that electricity will be available 

from other sources during the outage.

An extended schedule will also allow PGE to evaluate innovative control technologies 

that may be superior to SCR in that they don’t require ammonia or generate hazardous 

waste. 

It typically takes 3 to 5 years to design and install an SCR system. The Department 

believes that it will take twice as long for the Boardman plant due the complexity of the 

project and competition with current projects throughout the country. 

It is estimated that the capital cost of Phase 1 will be 280 million dollars with an annualized 

cost of 40.3 million dollars per year (2007 dollars). Phase 2 for NOx will add an additional 

capital cost of 191 million dollars with an annualized cost of 23.1 million dollars (2007 

dollars).

The Phase 1 controls are timed to align with the installation of mercury controls previously 

required by the Department for the Boardman power plant in 2007.

10.5 Emission Reductions and Visibility Improvements Achieved from 

BART Process 

As described in Section 10.3.4, the modeling conducted for BART sources cannot be compared 

directly to visibility conditions on the 20% worst days or 20% best days, as contained in this 

regional haze plan. The visibility improvements from the BART process can only be shown by 

each individual source. The CMAQ modeling, described in Section 9.3.1, is a large regional 

scale model for showing visibility improvements expected under this regional haze plan. This 

modeling included assumptions of BART reductions for known BART sources across the 

West. However, it does not contain the results of the BART process, due to this modeling work 

being conducted prior to the completion of Oregon’s and other states’ BART reviews. 

The visibility improvements described below reflect the controls identified for PGE Boardman 

in Section 10.4.2. For further information, see the report DEQ Modeling Analysis of Visibility 

and Acid Deposition Impacts and Benefits – PGE Boardman, provided in Appendix D-2.

10.5.1 PGE Boardman Phase 1 and 2 Visbility Improvements 

Figure 10.5.1-1 shows the emission reductions from Phase 1 and Phase 2 controls at PGE 

Boardman, described in the previous section. Overall, the total emission reductions of SO2, NOx, 

and PM will be about 17,000 tons/year under Phase 1, and result in an overall total of 21,000 

tons/year under Phase 2. This represents a 66 percent reduction in Boardman’s emissions by 

2011-2014, and an 81 percent by 2017.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 156

Figure 10.5.1-1 Phase 1 and Phase 2 Emission Reductions for PGE Boardman

Table 10.5.1-1 Emission Reductions and Visibility Benefits from Phase 1 and Phase 2 

Controls for PGE Boardman 

Reduction/Improvement

Measure

Phase 1 Phase 2 

7/1/2014 1/1/2017

Total emission reductions (NOx, SO2, PM

tons/yr)33

16,900

(66% reduction)

20,800

(81% reduction)

Mt. Hood visibility impact34 35 2.5 dv

(45% improvement)

1.0 dv

(78% improvement)

Number Class I Areas >1.0 dv36 6 0

Average Class I Area visibility impact 1.1 dv 0.4 dv

Total visibility impacts (sum of 98th

percentile for all Class I areas)

56%

improvement

82%

improvement

Columbia River Gorge visibility impact 2.1 dv

(44% improvement)

0.8 dv

(78% improvement)

Columbia River Gorge days/year >1.0 dv 

impact37

34

(41% improvement)

3

(94% improvement)

 

33 Rounded to the nearest 100 tons. Current PGE Boardman total emissions 25,700 tons/yr

34 98th percentile, which is the 22nd highest daily value for the 2003-05 modeling period.

35 Current impact equals 4.6 dv

36 Current Class I areas >1 dv is 14 (within 300 km modeling distance).

37 Current impact is 63 days/year over 1 dv.

Total Emission Reductions & Percent Reduction

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Current Emissions

66%

81%

Phase 2 

2017

Phase 1

2011-2014

Phase 2 (add’l 

NOx Controls)

Phase 1 (NOx, SO2,

PM Controls)

Tons/year 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 157

Table 10.5.1-1 summarizes both the emission reductions and visibility benefits from Phase 1 and 

2 controls. The highest impacted Class I area (Mt. Hood) would see a 45% and 78% 

improvement under Phase 1 and Phase 2 controls, respectively. This table shows that there is a 

significant decrease in the number of days of visibility impact and the magnitude of those 

impacts, in all 14 Class I wilderness affected by the Boardman power plant, as well as the 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Of note is the reduction in the number of Class I 

areas with impacts over 1 dv. Of the 14 Class I areas with impacts over 1 dv, only five would be 

over this level under Phase 1 and none would be over under Phase 2. Other visibility benefits 

would be achieved in the Columbia River Gorge, as noted in the table. 

Table 10.5.1-2 shows the individual visibility improvement at each of the 14 Class I areas under 

Phase 1 and Phase 2 controls. As noted in the previous table on the Class I area impacts over 1 

dv, there are only 4 Class I areas with impacts over 0.5 dv under Phase 2 controls. This is 

significant in terms of 0.5 dv being the visibility impact threshold, and the level that BARTeligible sources taking a FEPL need to be under (see Section 10.4.1). 

Table 10.5.1-2 Summary of Class I Area Visibility Improvements from Phase 1 and Phase 

2 Controls for PGE Boardman 

Class I Areas Affected 

Highest 

Impact 

(dv)*

Phase 1 

NOx, SO2, 

PM (dv)*

Phase 2 

NOx (dv)*

Oregon Class I Area

Mt. Hood Wilderness 4.60 2.51 0.99

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness 3.12 1.50 0.59

Three Sisters Wilderness 2.29 0.96 0.40

Mt. Washington Wilderness 2.33 1.01 0.40

Eagle Cap Wilderness 2.23 0.95 0.36

Hells Canyon Wilderness 1.95 0.80 0.33

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 1.72 0.66 0.28

Diamond Peak Wilderness 1.03 0.38 0.15

Washington Class I Area

Mt. Adams Wilderness 2.68 1.29 0.52

Goat Rocks Wilderness 2.42 1.00 0.44

Alpine Lakes Wilderness 2.24 0.91 0.36

Mt. Rainer National Park 2.02 0.88 0.35

Glacier Peak Wilderness 1.40 0.57 0.21

North Cascades National Park 1.06 0.42 0.16

Idaho Class I Area

Hells Canyon (Idaho portion) 1.95 0.80 0.33

National Scenic Areas (non-Class I)

Columbia River Gorge (NSA) 3.71 2.09 0.81

Beyond 300 km (outside blue circle)

Crater Lake National Park 1.06 0.30 n/a

*in deciview, 98th percentile of 3-year baseline (2003-05)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 158

10.5.2 FEPL Source Visibility Improvements

The four BART-eligible sources described in Section 10.4.1 are taking a federally enforceable 

permit limit to reduce their visibility impact to below the 0.5 dv level that represents a 

significant visibility impact. Most of the FEPL sources had modeled impacts just over the 0.5 

dv contribution threshold, and therefore needed relatively small reductions to get under that

threshold. While modeling was used to determine the emission level needed to get under the 

threshold, no additional modeling was conducted to estimate the total visibility improvement

from the FEPL sources. Overall, it is believed to be very small. 

 

10.6 Oregon’s BART rule

Included in the adoption of this Regional Haze Plan is Oregon’s BART rule, OAR 340-223-

0010 through 340-223-0060. This rule is based largely on EPA’s BART rule and related 

Appendix Y, which includes requirements for BART-eligible sources in the state, including 

PGE Boardman, and FEPL sources. In addition to BART rules, OAR 340-223-0100 through 

340-223-0130 address Reasonable Progress requirements, which includes Phase 2 controls for 

PGE Boardman. The Oregon BART and Reasonable Progress rules can be found in Appendix 

E.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 159

CHAPTER 11: REASONABLE PROGRESS GOAL DEMONSTRATION

11.1 Overview

The Regional Haze Rule sets a 60 year timeline for states to improve visibility within Class I

areas from the baseline (2000-2004) conditions to natural conditions (2064). Additionally, 

States are required to show “reasonable progress” over this time period in making incremental 

improvements, with 2018 as the first benchmark or milestone year.

The rule requires the State establish a Reasonable Progress Goal (RPG) for each Class I area 

that identifies the visibility improvement for the most-impaired (20% worst) days, and ensures

no degradation in visibility for the least-impaired (20% best) days. The State has flexibility in 

establishing different RPGs for each Class I area. 

As described in Chapter 5, in order to set the RPG, the State first calculates the Uniform Rate 

of Progress (URP) for each Class I area. The URP is simply a straight line (also known as the 

“glide slope”) between current (baseline) conditions and natural conditions over the 60-year 

period. Along the glide slope, the URP for 2018 needs to be identified, as this is the first 

planning period (2018 milestone year) that needs to be met when establishing the RPG. The 

URP for each Oregon Class I area is shown in Chapter 6.

In selecting RPGs, the State must consider the 2018 URP and the emission reductions projected 

from all regional haze control strategies. The 2018 URP is not a presumptive target. When 

establishing RPGs, the State may determine RPGs at greater, lesser or equivalent visibility 

improvement than the URP. In cases where the RPG results in less improvement in 2018 than 

the URP, the State must demonstrate why the URP is not achievable, and why the RPGs are 

“reasonable”.

A key step in establishing the RPGs is the four-factor analysis: the costs of compliance; the 

time necessary for compliance; the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of 

compliance; and the remaining useful life of any potentially affected sources. States must 

demonstrate how these factors were taken into consideration in selecting the goal for each Class 

I area.

38 In cases where the RPGs show a slower rate of visibility improvement than the 2018 

URP milestone, the State can still demonstrate reasonable progress, by showing it evaluated 

additional measures using the four-factor analysis, and other justification and documentation.

11.2 Steps in Demonstrating Reasonable Progress

The following steps were followed in setting the RPGs for each of Oregon’s Class I areas: 

 

38 In addition to these four factors, other factors can be used, as appropriate, to evaluate the need to control source 

categories which are not well characterized by the four factors.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 160

1. Compare Baseline to Natural conditions

For each Class I area, identify baseline (2000-2004) visibility and natural conditions in 2064, 

for the 20% worst and best days. See Chapter 6.

2. Identify the Uniform Rate of Progress (URP)

For each Class I area, calculate the URP glide path from baseline to 2064, including the 2018 

planning milestone, for the 20% worst days. Show the URP glide path in both total deciview 

and by pollutant in deciview. Next, identify the improvement needed by 2018 and 2064, 

respectively. See Chapter 6.

3. Identify contributing pollutant species 

For each Class I area, identify the pollutant species that are contributing to visibility 

impairment on the current (baseline) 20% worst and 20% best days. See Chapter 7.

4. Identify major emission sources within the State and trends

Using the WRAP Emission Inventory for 2002 and 2018, describe statewide emissions by 

source category and pollutant, and identify projected emission trends from current (2002) to the 

2018 planning milestone. See Chapter 8.

5. Analyze the larger source categories contributing to impairment

For each Class I area, determine the relative contribution of anthropogenic and 

nonanthropogenic sources in Oregon and neighboring states to the 20% worst and best days, 

using monitoring data, source apportionment and modeling results, comparing baseline (2000-

04) to 2018 “on-the-books” emissions reductions expected. Review these results by pollutant.

See Chapter 9.

6. Document the emission reductions from BART

Describe the results of the BART process, and identify the emission reductions that will be 

achieved from BART and other mechanisms. See Chapter 10, Section 10.5.

7. Identify projected visibility change in 2018 from “on-the-books” controls and BART

For each Class I area, determine the visibility improvement expected in 2018 from on-thebooks controls and BART, using the WRAP CMAQ modeling results, for the 20% worst and 

best days. Identify the extent of visibility improvement related to the 2018 URP milestone, in 

total deciview and in extinction by pollutant. See Chapter 9.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 161

8. Identify sources or source categories that are major contributors and apply the 4-

statutory factor analysis

As a result of the analysis under step 5 above, for each Class I area, determine key pollutant 

species and source categories that have the greatest impact on visibility in Oregon Class I areas, 

to be analyzed using the 4-factor analysis. See Section 11.3 below.

9. Describe the results of the 4-factor analysis.

Section 11.3 below describes the results of the 4-factor analysis.

10. Set the Reasonable Progress Goals (RPG) based on steps 7, 8, and 9

Set the RPG for each Class I area in deciview, based on the improvement in 2018 for the 20% 

worst and best days, from on-the-books controls, BART, and the results of the 4-factor analysis 

on major source categories. See Section 11.4 below.

11. Compare RPG to the 2018 URP milestone. Provide an affirmative demonstration that 

reasonable progress is being made based on pollutant trends, emission reductions, and 

improvements expected under the Long-Term Strategy.

For each Class I area, compare the RPG developed in step 10 to the 2018 URP milestone.

Provide an affirmative demonstration that reasonable progress is being made based on pollutant 

trends, emission reductions from major anthropogenic source categories, and on-the-books 

controls. Describe the results of the 4-factor analysis in step 9 above, and how future actions 

identified in the Long-Term Strategy are expected to improve visibility in the next 10 years to 

the 2018 milestone, and beyond.

11.3 Summary of Four-Factor Analysis

Section 308(d)(1)(i)(A) of the Regional Haze Rule requires that states consider the following 

factors and demonstrate how they were taken into consideration in selecting the reasonable 

progress goals:

• costs of compliance

• time necessary for compliance

• energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance, and

• remaining useful life of any potentially affected sources.

In conducting this four-factor analysis, EPA guidance indicates that States have “considerable 

flexibility” in how these factors are taken into consideration, in terms of what sources or source 

categories should be included in the analysis, and what additional control measures are 

reasonable.39

 

39 EPA “Guidance for Setting Reasonable Progress Goals Under the Regional Haze Program”, June 2007.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 162

11.3.1 Rationale and Scope of the Four-Factor Analysis

The Department looked at key pollutants and certain source categories and the magnitude of 

their emissions in applying the four factors. Based on the flexibility in how to apply the 

statutory factors, the following rationale was used in defining the scope of this analysis:

1. Focus on 20% worst days

Since the Regional Haze rule primarily focuses on demonstrating reasonable progress for the 

20% worst days, the four-factor analysis in this section addresses only the worst days. It is a 

reasonable assumption that emission reductions benefiting the worst days also benefits the best 

days. Moreover, the CMAQ modeling projections in Chapter 9 and reasonable progress 

demonstration in this chapter both indicate that the 20% best days are maintained for all 

Oregon Class I areas, and in most cases are under the 2018 URP (see Table 9.3-1 and 11.4-1).

2. Focus on anthropogenic sources

Since the purpose of this analysis is to evaluate certain sources or source categories for 

potential controls, the four-factor analysis in this section addresses only anthropogenic sources, 

on the assumption that the focus should be on sources that are “controllable”. Although 

nonanthropogenic sources such as wildfire and dust are major contributors to regional haze, the 

Department does not believe this analysis is applicable to these sources.

40 In considering which 

anthropogenic sources or source categories to apply the statutory factors, Department 

considered point, area, mobile, and fire (controlled burning).

For mobile sources, there are major emissions reductions projected by 2018, based on 

numerous “on-the-books” federal and state regulations, as described in detail in Section 11.4.3, 

and in Section 12.5.1 as part of on-going implementation under the LTS. There are also 

significant visibility improvements projected by 2018 due to these reductions, as Chapter 9 

PSAT results indicate. Based on the above findings, the Department did not believe applying 

the four-factor analysis to mobile sources was needed.41 

For fire sources, forestry and agricultural burning are large anthropogenic sources. As 

described in detail in Section 12.5.5, both of these activities are controlled under state-run 

smoke management programs which meet most of the Enhanced Smoke Management Program 

(ESMP) requirements, and as such represent an advanced level of smoke management. Both of 

these activities are also addressed under the Oregon Phase I Visibility program. In Section 

12.6.2 of the LTS, the Department has identified future efforts to evaluate new methods of 

protecting Class I areas from forestry burning. Based on current controls and future efforts, the 

 

40 This reference to dust is to “natural” sources of dust, and not road dust, agricultural farming practices, and other 

anthropogenic activities.

41 As noted in Section 12.5.1, Oregon has adopted state programs to reduce mobile source emissions, in addition to 

the federal regulations, and will be implementing these programs in upcoming years. It is possible new programs 

may be adopted as well. Given this state level effort, the Department did not believe applying the four statutory 

factors would be productive or necessary. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 163

Department did not believe applying the four-factor analysis to forestry and agricultural 

burning was needed.42 

As a result of the above consideration, the Department elected to focus the four-factor analysis 

on point and area sources only. Further refinement of this approach is provided below.

3. Focus on SO2 and NOx pollutants 

Although there are six visibility-impairing pollutants, SO2 and NOx (i.e., sulfate and nitrate) are 

typically associated with anthropogenic sources. As noted in Chapter 8, sulfates and nitrates are 

about three times more effective at impairing visibility than PM2.5. Since a large component of 

particulate (both fine and course) is associated with nonanthropogenic sources, such as wildfire 

and natural windblown dust, this pollutant was not included in the analysis.

43

11.3.2 Identification of Point and Area Sources for the Four-Factor Analysis 

The Department believes the focus on point and area sources of SO2 and NOx for applying the 

four-factor analysis is consistent with EPA guidance, in terms of flexibility to consider which 

major source categories are “reasonable” to evaluate for the first planning period of the regional 

haze plan. 

As described in Chapter 8 and 9, it is important to note that there are significant reductions 

projected in 2018 in SO2 and NOx emissions and impacts from point and area sources. This 

trend was a consideration in the four-factor analysis, in terms of what source categories the 

Department considered for this analysis. Large reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions were also 

used as supporting evidence in the demonstration that the reasonable progress goals selected for 

Oregon were “reasonable”, as described in Section 11.4.2. 

The first step in the four-factor analysis is to identify the sulfate and nitrate contribution within

Oregon. Table 11.3.2-1 below shows the modeled sulfate and nitrate impacts on the 20% worst 

days in 2018, based on PSAT modeling results, at each Oregon Class I area. This table shows 

that the range of the Oregon portion on the worst days is from 4-20% for sulfate, and 10-30% 

for nitrate, which is relatively small compared to sources outside the state. The year 2018 is 

used here to show projected contribution, in order to assess what further emission reductions 

would be beneficial in achieving reasonable progress.

 

42 The Department also questioned the appropriateness or usefulness of applying the four-factor analysis to sources 

such as prescribed burning, as the factors do not lend themselves well to this type of source. 

43 The Department recognizes that by focusing on source categories of SO2 and NOx, this is excluding some point 

and area sources of PM. The Department does not intend to evaluate all pollutants and all anthropogenic sources 

in this first Regional Haze Plan. However, it should be noted that under the evaluation of non-BART sources in 

the LTS of this plan, PM point sources will be included, along with SO2 and NOx. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 164

Table 11.3.2-1 Oregon Share of Modeled Sulfate and Nitrate in 2018 - 20% Worst Days

Region Oregon Class I 

Area

Sulfate Nitrate

2018 

Total 

Sulfate 

(μg/m3)

2018 

Oregon 

Sulfate 

(μg/m3)

2018 

Oregon 

Sulfate 

Share 

(%)

2018 

Total 

Nitrate 

(μg/m3)

2018 

Oregon 

Nitrate 

(μg/m3)

2018 

Oregon 

Nitrate 

Share (%)

Northern 

Cascades

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area 1.02 0.16 16% 0.83 0.30 30%

Central 

Cascades

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, 

and

Three Sisters 

Wilderness Areas

0.75 0.12 12% 0.66 0.25 25%

Southern 

Cascades

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart 

Mountain

Wilderness Areas

and Crater Lake 

National Park

0.53 0.07 7% 0.51 0.13 13%

Coast 

Range

Kalmiospis

Wilderness Area 0.84 0.20 20% 0.81 0.22 22%

Eastern 

Oregon

Strawberry 

Mountain and 

Eagle Cap 

Wilderness Areas

0.68 0.06 6% 0.88 0.21 21%

Eastern 

Oregon/ 

Western 

Idaho

Hells Canyon 

Wilderness Area 0.53 0.04 4% 0.88 0.10 10%

The next step in the analysis is to identify the larger point and area source categories in Oregon.

Table 11.3.2-2 below identifies SO2 and NOx point and area source categories in Oregon, based 

on their projected emissions in 2018, as identified in Chapter 8 (the PRP18a emission 

inventory). These categories are External Combustion Boilers, Industrial Processes, Internal 

Combustion Engines, Stationary Fuel Combustion, and Waste Disposal. The table shows the 

tons per year of each, as the extent of the contribution. Excluded from these sources categories 

are Oregon sources already evaluated under BART (see Chapter 10).

 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 165

Table 11.3.2-2 Oregon Largest Source Categories

Pollutant Type Source Category 

Extent of 

Contribution

SO2 Point External Combustion Boilers 858 tons/year

Point Industrial Processes 377 tons/year

Area Stationary Source Fuel Combustion 5,699 tons/year

Area Misc. (Agriculture Orchard Heaters) 2,243 tons/year

NOx

Point External Combustion Boilers 4,995 tons/year

Point Industrial Processes 3,639 tons/year

Point Internal Combustion Engines 3,688 tons/year

Area Stationary Source Fuel Combustion 13,454 tons/year

Area Waste Disposal, Treatment, and Recovery 2,881 tons/year

11.3.3 The Four-Factor Analysis 

Starting with the larger source categories (SSC1), the Department identified the applicable 

subcategories (SCC3 and SCC6), and the list of individual sources (SCC8) that fall under these 

categories. The Department included all sources over 50 tons per year. BART-eligible sources 

were not included. The individual sources listed are only for illustrative purposes, and do not 

represent sources determined to be “significant” contributors to Class I visibility impairment.

Only the source categories (SCC1) are being evaluated here.44

In conducting the four-factor analysis, the Department relied on information from EPA’s 

AirControlNET website, which is a control technology analysis tool EPA developed to support 

its analyses of air pollution policies and regulations. The tool provides data on emission 

sources, potential pollution control measures and emission reductions, and the costs of 

implementing those controls. AirControlNET is a relational database system in which control 

technologies are linked to sources in EPA’s emissions inventories.45 The system contains a 

database of control measure applicability, efficiency, and cost information for reducing the 

emissions contributing to ambient concentrations of ozone, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, as well as 

visibility impairment (regional haze) from point, area, and mobile sources. 

Following the discussion below are conclusions from the four-factor analysis in Section 11.3.4. 

1. External Combustion Boilers

This source category consists of point sources with emissions totaling 858 tpy of SO2 and 4,995 

of NOx. Included here are mostly industrial boilers that burn wood waste, oil, and natural gas.

The largest subcategory of sources is industrial boilers burning wood/bark waste (SCC6). The 

 

44 It should also be noted that the individual sources listed do not necessary represent those which will be part of 

the non-BART source evaluation described in the LTS section. The official list of non-BART sources will be 

identified at a future time, after a review and updated inventory of these sources and their emissions is completed. 

45 For the purpose of this four-factor analysis, the Department relied upon the accuracy of EPA’s emission 

inventory in AirControlNET, and did not compare it to our own emissions inventory. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 166

two tables below list the individual SO2 and NOx sources that comprise this category, and are 

provided for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to identify sources subject to additional 

controls.

Based on the review of the above SO2 and NOx subcategories, the Department is focusing the 

four-factor analysis on the NOx industrial boilers of wood waste, as this represents the majority 

of sources (16), and a total 3,672 tpy, or 63% of the External Combustion Boiler source 

category for both pollutants. 

Cost of Compliance

NOx controls for industrial boilers of wood or bark waste consist of the following. Over-fire Air 

Systems involve air that is introduced high in the boiler in order to achieve staged combustion.

Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction is an add-on control technology that allows ammonia to 

react with NOx without the need for a catalyst to form water and molecular hydrogen. Selective 

Catalytic Reduction is similar an add-on control technology that allows ammonia to react with 

NOx and form N2 and water. The SCR catalyst enables this reaction to occur at lower 

temperatures than SNCR. However, SCR controls for wood burning can be problematic, as 

trace elements such as Na and K in the wood has been shown to foul catalysts. So this option is 

likely infeasible. The cost and other information on these control options are listed below. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 167

Table 11.3.3-1 Summary of NOx Control Options for External Combustion Boilers

(Industrial Wood/Bark Waste)

Control Option Control Efficiency Cost Effectiveness ($/ton)

Overfire Air (OFA) Systems 30% or more $500-$1,500

Selective Non-catalytic 

reduction (SNCR) 20-30% $1,500-$10,000

Selective Catalytic Reduction 

(SCR) 80-90% not cost effective*

* based on information above of catalyst failure from wood combustion

Time Necessary for Compliance

Overall time for compliance is expected to be 4-5 years. Up to 2 years would be required to 

develop and adopt rules necessary to require these controls. Typical timeframe for installing 

these NOx controls would be 2-3 years after rule adoption. 

Energy and Non-Air Quality Environmental Impacts of Compliance

These controls do not have significant energy impacts. There are environmental impacts 

associated with SNCR and SCR in terms of ammonia emissions, also known as “ammonia 

slip”. Ammonia slip can be greater with SNCR than SCR, due to the former being less efficient 

in removing NOx. With SCR there is the need for disposal of spent catalyst. The catalysts used 

in SCR must be replaced every 2-5 years. Catalysts contain heavy metals that are hazardous 

wastes.

Remaining Useful Life of Affected Sources

It is difficult to estimate the remaining life of any potentially affected sources. Remaining 

useful life is specific to the facility for which controls are considered.

2. Stationary Source Fuel Combustion 

This source category consists of area sources, with emissions totaling 5,699 tpy of SO2 and 

13,354 tpy of NOx. Included here are industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn 

distillate and residual oil, natural gas, and other fuels. The two tables below list the SO2 and 

NOx emissions.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 168

The largest subcategory listed above is residential wood and natural gas combustion (6,642 tpy 

of NOx, combined). These represent the woodstoves and home heating devices found 

throughout Oregon. The Department’s residential woodheating rules in OAR 340, Division 

262, require that only certified woodstoves can be sold in the state. Certified woodstoves can 

reduce emissions by 70%. These rules also authorize woodstove curtailment programs in any 

city that is designated in nonattainment with the PM national ambient air quality standard. The 

woodstove curtailment programs in these communities have been very effective in reducing 

pollution levels during the winter months. As a result of current state requirements and 

programs for residential wood heating, the Department is not including this subcategory in the 

four-factor analysis. Similarly, the low emissions generated by natural gas home heating 

devices do not warrant this analysis either.

The remaining sizeable subcategories above are industrial and commercial/institutional 

combustion, involving mostly natural gas and distillate oil. These emissions are believed to 

come from smaller generators and engines. As such, these emission estimates are somewhat 

uncertain. The control options available for those burning natural gas are very limited, since 

this fuel already produces very low emissions, and any post-combustion controls are not 

realistic from a cost standpoint. For those burning distillate oil, fuel switching to lower sulfur 

fuel (<1%) is an option, but not likely to produce any significant reduction in emissions, and 

any post-combustion controls are not cost realistic.

As a result of close review of this source category, the Department does not believe the fourfactor analysis is appropriate, and would not yield any useful results.

3. Industrial Processes

This source category consists of SO2 and NOx point sources, with emissions totaling 377 tpy of 

SO2 and 3,639 tpy of NOx. Included here are kraft pulping, glass and cement plants, and steel 

manufacturing sources. The two tables below list the individual SO2 and NOx sources that 

comprise this category, and are provided for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to 

identify sources subject to additional controls.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 169

The only sizable subcategory above is SCC6 for cement manufacturing, which represents 2,290 

tpy of NOx, or 57% of the Industrial Processes category. These emissions will be focus of the 

four-factor analysis for this source category. The SO2 emissions from cement manufacturing 

are low (63 tpy) and therefore not included in the analysis. 

Cost of Compliance

There are several options for NOx controls for dry process cement manufacturing plants. Low

NOx Burners reduce the amount of NOx formed in the flame. Mid-Kiln Firing is a form of 

secondary combustion where a portion of the fuel is fired in a location other than the burning 

zone. This reduces thermal NOx generation because the temperature in the secondary 

combustion zone is lower. Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction is an add-on control technology 

that allows ammonia to react with NOx without the need for a catalyst to form water and 

molecular hydrogen. Selective Catalytic Reduction is an add-on control technology that allows 

ammonia to react with NOx and form N2 and water. The SCR catalyst enables this reaction to 

occur at lower temperatures than SNCR. Cost and other information on these control options 

are listed below. 

Table 11.3.3-2 Summary of NOx Control Options for Cement Manufacturing

Control Option Control Efficiency Cost Effectiveness ($/ton)

Mid-Kiln Firing 25% $500-$750

Low NOx Burners 25% $300-$600 

Selective Non-Catalytic 

Reduction (SNCR)

50% $700-$1,000 

Selective Catalytic Reduction 

(SCR)

80% $2,000-$5,000 

Time Necessary for Compliance

Overall time for compliance is expected to be 4-5 years. Up to 2 years would be required to 

develop and adopt rules necessary to require these controls. Typical timeframe for installing 

these NOx controls would be 2-3 years after the rule was adopted. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 170

Energy and Non-Air Quality Environmental Impacts of Compliance

These controls do not have significant energy impacts. There are environmental impacts 

associated with SNCR and SCR in terms of ammonia emissions, also known as “ammonia 

slip”. Ammonia slip can be greater with SNCR than SCR, due to the former being less efficient 

in removing NOx. With SCR there is the need for disposal of spent catalyst. The catalysts used 

in SCR must be replaced every 2-5 years. Catalysts contain heavy metals that are hazardous 

wastes.

Remaining Useful Life of the Source

It is difficult to estimate the remaining life of any potentially affected sources. Remaining 

useful life is specific to the facility for which controls are considered.

4. Waste Disposal, Treatment, and Recovery

This source category consists of NOx area sources with emissions totaling 2,881 tpy. Included 

here are residential open burning, municipal landfills, and on-site incineration at commercial 

and industrial facilities.

The largest source within this category is residential open burning, which like agricultural and 

forestry burning, is not suitable for applying the four-factor analysis. Instead, as described in 

Chapter 12, Section 12.6.3, the Department will conduct an evaluation of residential open 

burning to determine the extent of the contribution to visibility impairment, and the need for 

emission reductions, as part of the LTS of this plan. For the remainder of the emissions in this 

source category, the Department does not consider them to be sizeable enough to warrant the 

four-factor analysis. 

5. Misc. (Agriculture Orchard Heaters) 

This source category consists of SO2 area sources with emissions totaling 2,243 tpy. This 

category represents agricultural orchard heaters, burning diesel fuel.

While the emissions in this source category (2,243 of SO2) are not insignificant, the 

Department does not believe this type of source – orchard heaters – is appropriate for a fourfactor analysis for several reasons. First, the Department’s confidence in the emissions estimate
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 171

from orchard heaters is very low. Second, these heaters are used intermittently, during period of 

cold temperatures, to prevent frost damage, and for selected crops in diverse regions of the 

state. The probability that the intermittent use and spatial distribution of this source is a sizeable

contributor to Class I area impairment is extremely low. Third, few control options are 

available. The Department was unable to find any information from EPA’s AirControlNET nor 

other sources that could provide relevant information for completing a four-factor analysis. 

6. Internal Combustion Engines

This source category consists of NOx point sources with emissions totaling 3,688 tpy. Included 

here are electric generation and industrial engines burning natural gas. The table below lists the 

individual NOx sources that comprise this category, and is provided for illustrative purposes, 

and is not intended to identify sources subject to additional controls. 

This source category consists of two types of engines: 1) natural gas fired reciprocating internal 

combustion engines, and 2) natural gas fires turbines that are either compressor, combustor, or 

power turbine. Emissions vary from engine to engine, model to model, and mode of operation.

EPA’s AirControlNET had no information on controls for this source category. Other 

information on this source category could not be found that would allow a four-factor analysis 

without a major investment of resources, and an exhaustive facility by facility review to 

evaluate each unit, which is beyond the scope and effort required in this first Regional Haze 

SIP. Given the relative low emissions represented by this source category, and the unknown 

level of contribution to visibility impairment, no further analysis was conducted. 

11.3.4 Conclusions from the Four-Factor Analysis 

Based on the four-factor analysis above, the Department concluded it is not reasonable to 

require controls for these source categories at this time. This analysis did provide useful 

information on possible control options and general costs, which will be included in a more indepth analysis of additional control measures as described in Section 12.6.1 for the LTS. The 

Department will be developing guidance for conducting a comprehensive review of individual 

non-BART stationary sources over the next five years, to identify any additional emission 

reductions that could improve Class I area visibility by the 2018 milestone. Included in this 

review will be possible controls identified for non-BART sources, and schedule for 

implementation.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 172

11.3.5 Identification of Additional Emission Reductions

Although the Department is not requiring any additional emission reductions based on the fourfactor analysis, it should be noted that the additional NOx controls required under the Phase 2 

requirements for the PGE Boardman Power Plant, as described in Section 10.4.2, will result in 

an additional reduction of approximately 4,000 tons NOx, and significant visibility 

improvements, when installed in 2017. The extent of the visibility improvements from Phase 2 

controls in Oregon Class I areas impacted by PGE Boardman are described in Section 10.5.1. 

11.4 Determination of Reasonable Progress Goals for Oregon’s Class I 

Areas.

Under Section 308(d)(1) of the Regional Haze Rule, States must “establish goals (expressed in 

deciviews) that provide for reasonable progress towards achieving natural visibility conditions” 

for each Class I area of the State. These RPGs are interim goals that must provide for 

incremental visibility improvement for the most impaired visibility days, and ensure no 

degradation for the least impaired visibility days. The RPGs for the first planning period are 

goals for the year 2018. Based on the steps outlined in Section 11.2, the Department has 

established RPGs for each of Oregon’s 12 Class I areas, as described below.

The RPGs identified in Table 11.4-1 are based on the Department’s evaluation and 

consideration of: (1) the results of the CMAQ modeling described in Section 9.3, which 

includes on-the-books controls and other emission inputs (see Appendix C for list of CMAQ 

model emission inputs), (2) the results of the 4-factor analysis described in Section 11.3.3, (3) 

the BART review described in Chapter 10, and (4) the additional emission reductions from the 

“beyond BART” Phase 2 NOx controls for PGE Boardman.

As shown in Table 11.4-1, the RPGs for the 20% best days not only show no degradation of 

visibility, but in all cases show a slight improvement over baseline conditions by 2018. The 

Department attributes this to a combination of factors: (1) the numerous “on-the-books” 

controls accounted for in the CMAQ modeling, (2) significant reductions in mobile sources 

emissions, as described in Section 11.4.3, and (3) the “beyond BART” Phase 2 controls for 

PGE Boardman. The Department believes the list of measures it has included in the LongTerm Strategy of this plan will continue to ensure no degradation is achieved in the future.

For the 20% worst days, Table 11.4-1 shows that the RPGs are short of the 2018 URP goal for 

each Class I area (grouped according to region). Section 11.4.1 provides an affirmative 

demonstration why the RPGs for the 20% worst days is justified. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 173

Table 11.4-1 Reasonable Progress Goals for 20% Worst Days and 20% Best Days for 

Oregon Class I Areas

Region Oregon Class I Area

20% Worst Days 20% Best Days

Baseline

Condition 

(dv)

2018 

Uniform 

Progress 

Goal (dv)

2018 

Reasonable

Progress 

Goal (dv)

Baseline 

Condition 

(dv)

2018 

Reasonable

Progress 

Goal (dv)

Northern 

Cascades

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area 14.9 13.4 13.8 2.2 2.0

Central 

Cascades

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, 

and

Three Sisters 

Wilderness Areas

15.3 13.8 14.3 3.0 2.9

Southern 

Cascades

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart 

Mountain

Wilderness Areas

and Crater Lake 

National Park

13.7 12.3 13.4 1.8 1.5

Coast 

Range

Kalmiospis

Wilderness Area 15.5 14.1 15.1 6.3 6.1

Eastern 

Oregon

Strawberry 

Mountain and Eagle 

Cap Wilderness 

Areas

18.6 16.3 17.5 4.5 4.1

Eastern 

Oregon/ 

Western 

Idaho

Hells Canyon 

Wilderness Area 18.6 16.2 16.6 5.5 4.7

11.4.1 Affirmative Demonstration the RPGs for 20% Worst Days

EPA guidance indicates that “States may establish a RPG that provides for greater, lesser, or 

equivalent visibility improvement as that described by the glidepath”.46 The 2018 RPGs 

identified in Table 11.4-1 for 20% worst days show an improvement in visibility, although less 

than the 2018 URP goal. However, under the Regional Haze Rule, a State can still demonstrate 

reasonable progress, using the four-factor analysis in Section 11.3, and other evidence and 

documentation. As a result, the Department believes the RPGs are justified and “reasonable”, 

based on the following factors that support of this demonstration:

1. Findings from the four-factor analysis. This analysis was conducted as required under 

Section 308 (d)(1)(i)(A). Based on the general level of this review of major source 

categories, the Department determined it was not reasonable to control additional source 

categories and has identified a schedule for a more in-depth evaluation of individual 

sources and additional control measures as part of the LTS of this plan. This evaluation 

 

46

 EPA “Guidance for Setting Reasonable Progress Goals Under the Regional Haze Program”, June 2007.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 174

will be completed by the next SIP submittal in 2013, and will contain a timetable for 

installation of controls for subject sources. See Chapter 12.

2. Additional emissions reductions from Phase 2 controls for PGE Boardman. While the 

four-factor analysis did not identify any additional emission reductions for this first 

plan, DEQ is requiring additional NOx controls under the Phase 2 “beyond BART” 

requirements for the PGE Boardman Power Plant, which will result in an additional 

4,000 ton reduction of NOx. There are significant visibility benefits expected from this 

reduction, as described in Section 10.5.1.

3. Evidence that natural sources affect ability to meet the 2018 URP goal. The analysis in 

Chapters 8 and 9 of this plan of emissions data, source apportionment, and modeling 

results strongly supports the finding that the contribution of natural or 

nonanthropogenic sources, such as natural wildfire and windblown dust, and the 

pollutants associated with these sources (OC, EC, PM2.5, Coarse PM and Soil) is the 

primary reason for not achieving the 2018 URP for Oregon’s Class I areas. The CMAQ 

modeling results in Chapter 9 show considerably less reduction by 2018 in these

pollutants, in contrast to significant reductions in SO2 and NOx, commonly associated 

with anthropogenic sources. 

4. Evidence that offshore marine shipping emissions affect ability to meet the 2018 URP 

goal. Similar to natural sources of wildfire and dust mentioned above, marine vessel 

emissions are likely a significant factor affecting the ability to meet the 2018 URP goal.

Chapter 9 PSAT and WEP results show this source category (offshore emissions) as a 

major contributor to Oregon Class I areas, especially for SO2 and NOx, in the 

Kalmiopsis Class I area in the Coast Range, and the seven Class I areas located in the 

Cascade Mountains. If compared to emission inventory data in Chapter 8, marine vessel 

emissions are 56% for SO2 and 31% for NOx of the total 2002 statewide emission

inventory for these pollutants. (It should be noted that in Tables 11.4.2-2 and 11.4.2-3

below, this contribution of SO2 and NOx from marine vessels was included in the 

CMAQ modeling projections for 2018. The higher contribution of SO2 from marine 

vessels is what likely accounts for the smaller improvement in SO2 than in NOx by 

2018, as indicated in these tables. Otherwise, both SO2 and NOx improvements would 

be even greater.) See Section 12.6.5 of the LTS for future efforts planned by the 

Department to address marine vessel emissions.

5. Reductions in anthropogenic sources equal to or greater than 2018 URP goals as a 

means of showing “reasonable progress”. Given the strong correlation of SO2 and NOx

emissions to anthropogenic sources, trends in these pollutants by 2018 can be factored 

into the determination of reasonable progress, in contrast to the contribution of 

nonanthropogenic sources. The analysis in Section 11.4-2 below shows the significant 

reductions in SO2 and NOx by 2018. As shown in Chapter 6 related 2018 URP 

“glideslope” for each Class I area, the total reduction in deciview from baseline to the 

2018 URP is approximately 20%. The tables in Section 11.4.2 show that 2018 WEP 

emission projections for NOx and SO2 far exceed a 20% reduction, while projected 

CMAQ modeling far exceeds 20% for NOx, and up to 16% for SO2 by 2018. The 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 175

combination of these improvements due to emission reductions from anthropogenic 

sources adds to the demonstration of reasonable progress. See Section 11.4-2 below.

6. Major reductions in mobile source emissions. As the largest anthropogenic source 

category for SO2 and NOx, mobile sources show a considerable reduction in emissions 

by 2018. Although these reductions are primarily achieved through federal regulations 

already “on the books”, the Department believes this further supports the demonstration 

of reasonable progress. See Section 11.4.3 below. 

The Department expects that there will be additional visibility improvements by 2018 based on 

new strategies identified in the Long-Term Strategy. As described in Chapter 12, the LTS will

evaluate emission reductions from non-BART sources, possible new smoke management 

controls for prescribed burning, and other measures. See Section 11.4.4 below.

11.4.2 20% Reduction in Emissions from Anthropogenic Sources

Chapter 6 shows the URP glideslope for each Oregon Class I area. In general, the 

improvement needed from the 2000-04 baseline to the 2018 URP for the worst case days is 

approximately 20 percent in total deciview. Although Oregon’s Class I areas are not projected 

to meet the 2018 URP, most of this can be attributed to nonanthropogenic sources, such as 

natural wildfire and windblown dust. The Department believes that in determining “reasonable” 

progress, it is important to distinguish between anthropogenic (controllable) versus 

nonanthropogenic (uncontrollable) emission sources. The results of the WEP apportionment 

and the CMAQ regional modeling in Chapter 9 show that in looking at individual pollutants, 

there are significant projected reductions in SO2 and NOx by 2018, which represent mostly 

anthropogenic sources.

Table 11.4.2-1 below summarizes the projected emission reductions in SO2 and NOx, in 

comparison to the other pollutants, based on the WEP results described in Chapter 9.47 This 

table shows the projected reductions in 2018 for SO2 and NOx average 39% and 40%, 

respectively. This is considerably greater than the 20% reduction represented by the 2018 URP.

This is one factor that supports the demonstration that the 2018 RPGs are “reasonable”.

Most of these reductions can be attributed to considerable mobile source reductions described 

in Section 11.4.3, emissions reduction from BART in Oregon and neighboring states in the next 

five years, and the SO2 regional milestones and backstop trading program under Section 309 of 

the Regional Haze Rule.

48 The numerous ongoing Oregon air pollution control programs and 

regulations listed in the LTS in Chapter are expected to contribute to this reduction, although 

this cannot be quantified at this time.

 

47 The WEP results were used instead of PSAT in order to compare the results of all pollutants. While WEP does 

not take into account chemical reactions of SO2 and NOx, it is still a valuable screening tool for identifying the 

potential contribution of pollutant species to haze formation in Class I areas. 

48 This program involves four Western States (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and requires SO2

regional milestones be met out to the year 2018. These milestones require significant reductions in SO2 be 

achieved by 2018 that are “better than BART”. Meeting the milestones is determined by annual emissions 

reporting by major industrial SO2 sources in the four states. If the milestones are exceeded, a backstop trading 

program would then require emission allocations for these sources in the four states involved. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 176

Table 11.4.2-1 WEP Projected Emission Contributions of Individual Pollutants by 2018 

URP as an Indicator of “Reasonable” Progress.

Region Oregon Class I Area

20% Worst Days

Baseline to 2018 Change in Anthropogenic* Upwind Weighted 

Emission (WEP Analysis)

SO2 NOx OC EC PM 

Fine

PM 

Coarse

Northern 

Cascades

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area -46% -48% 4% -26% 11% 91%

Central 

Cascades

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, and

Three Sisters Wilderness 

Areas

-44% -46% 1% -28% 24% 88%

Southern 

Cascades

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart Mountain

Wilderness Areas

and Crater Lake National 

Park

-33% -41% -2% -24% 15% 46%

Coast 

Range

Kalmiopsis

Wilderness Area -33% -40% -6% -24% 14% 38%

Eastern 

Oregon

Strawberry Mountain and 

Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas -39% -38% -19% -37% 2% 19%

Eastern 

Oregon/ 

Western 

Idaho

Hells Canyon Wilderness 

Area -37% -28% -30% -42% 16% 27%

*Anthropogenic emissions exclude natural fires, biogenic emissions and windblown dust. 

Table 11.4.2-2 shows sulfate and Table 11.4.2-3 shows nitrate projected reductions for the 20% 

worst days based on CMAQ modeling. These tables were taken from Section 9.3.1 CMAQ 

projections for 2018 and discussion of the breakdown by pollutant for each Class I area, as 

identified in Tables 9.3.1-1 to 9.3.1-6. 

The visibility improvement (i.e., reduction in extinction) for SO2 ranges from 4% to 16%, while 

for NOx ranges from 28% to 58%.

49 If this reduction in SO2 and NOx were combined, the 

overall improvement would exceed 20%.

 

49 The Department believes the lower reduction in SO2 is likely the result of the contribution of offshore marine 

vessel emissions, which is slightly greater for SO2 than NOx, as discussed above in Section 11.4.1. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 177

Table 11.4.2-2 CMAQ Projected Reduction in Ammonium Sulfate by 2018 URP as an 

Indicator of “Reasonable” Progress.

Oregon Class I Area

20% Worst Days

2018 Reduction in Ammonium Sulfate Extinction

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 URP 

Goal (Mm-1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility 

(Mm-1)

% of URP 

Goal

Total % 

Change 

by 2018

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area 11.3 8.6 9.3 74% -18%

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, and

Three Sisters Wilderness 

Areas

11.8 9.0 10.1 60% -14%

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart Mountain

Wilderness Areas

and Crater Lake National 

Park

7.3 5.9 7.0 20% -4%

Kalmiospis

Wilderness Area 10.3 7.9 9.7 25% -6%

Strawberry Mountain and 

Eagle Cap Wilderness 

Areas

7.8 6.0 7.0 40% -9%

Hells Canyon Wilderness 

Area 8.4 6.4 7.4 48% -11%
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 178

Table 11.4.2-3 CMAQ Projected Reduction in Ammonium Nitrate by 2018 URP as an 

Indicator of “Reasonable” Progress.

Oregon Class I Area

20% Worst Days

2018 Reduction in Ammonium Nitrate Extinction

2000-04 

Baseline 

(Mm-1)

2018 URP 

Goal (Mm1)

2018 

Projected 

Visibility 

(Mm-1)

% of URP 

Goal

Total % 

Change 

by 2018

Mt. Hood

Wilderness Area 5.5 4.7 3.6 >100% -34%

Mt. Jefferson,

Mt. Washington, and

Three Sisters Wilderness 

Areas

2.7 2.6 1.6 >100% -40%

Diamond Peak,

Mountain Lakes,

and Gearhart Mountain

Wilderness Areas

and Crater Lake National 

Park

2.6 2.5 1.1 >100% -58%

Kalmiospis

Wilderness Area 3.2 2.9 2.1 >100% -33%

Strawberry Mountain and 

Eagle Cap Wilderness 

Areas

15.8 12.0 11.5 >100% -27%

Hells Canyon Wilderness 

Area 28.5 19.7 20.6 90% -28%

11.4.3 Major Reductions in Mobile Source Emissions by 2018

As the largest anthropogenic source category, the Department believes that the trend in mobile 

source emission reductions from 2002 to 2018 is another factor in support the demonstration of 

reasonable progress. As shown by the emission inventory information in Chapter 8, mobile 

source annual emissions show a considerable decrease in Oregon from 2002 (plan02d) to 2018 

(prp18a), and represent the greatest emission reductions of any single source category. This can 

be seen in the statewide emissions in Section 8.1, and the regional level emissions in Section 

8.2. The greatest reduction is in NOx emissions, followed by VOC, and to a lesser extent SO2.

Table 11.4.3-1 shows this reduction in tons per year and percent reduction at the statewide 

level, from the baseline of 2002 to projected level in 2018. 

Table 11.4.3-1 Mobile Source Emission Reductions in Oregon from 2002 to 2018

Source Category SO2 NOx VOC

On-Road Mobile - 2985 tons (87%) - 69,502 tons (62%) - 52,389 tons (59%)

Non-Road Mobile - 6383 tons (98%) - 21,478 tons (40%) - 14,553 tons (37%)
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 179

The mobile source emission inventory was based on the WRAP Mobile Source Emission 

Inventories Update. This report estimated all on-road and off-road mobile source emissions for 

the WRAP region for the 2002 base year, and projections to 2008, 2013, and 2018. It also 

included emissions from aircraft, locomotives, marine shipping, and road dust. The contractor 

who conducted the project surveyed state and local air quality planning agencies to obtain the 

most up-to-date mobile source activity data and control program information. On-road mobile 

source emissions were estimated with EPA’s MOBILE6.2 model. Emissions for most off-road 

mobile sources were estimated with EPA’s Draft NONROAD2004 model. Locomotive 

emissions were estimated based on locomotive fuel consumption; aircraft emissions were based 

on aircraft landing and takeoffs and FAA EDMS emission factors; and commercial marine 

emissions were estimated using a variety of activity data sources and EPA emission factors. For 

further information, see http://www.wrapair.org/forums/ef/UMSI/index.html

The mobile source emission reductions are based on numerous “on the books” federal mobile 

source regulations that include the following:

For on-road mobile sources:

• Tier 1 light-duty vehicle standards 

• National Low Emission Vehicle (NLEV) standards

• Tier 2 light-duty vehicle standards, with low sulfur gasoline 

• Heavy-duty vehicle standards, with low sulfur diesel 

For non-road mobile sources and equipment:

• Emission standards for new nonroad spark-ignition engine below 25 hp

• Phase 2 emission standards for new spark-ignition hand-held engine below 25 hp

• Phase 2 emission standards for new spark-ignition nonhand-held engine below 25 hp

• Emission standards for new gasoline spark-ignition marine engines

• Tier 1 and 2 emission standards for new nonroad compression-ignition engines below 50 hp 

including recreational marine engines

• Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards for new nonroad compression-ignition engines of 50 hp and 

greater not including recreational marine engines greater than 50 hp

• Tier 4 emission standards for new nonroad compression-ignition engines above 50 hp and 

reduced nonroad diesel fuel sulfur levels

For example, in 2004 EPA adopted rules the Tier 4 rules for Nonroad Diesel Engines and Fuel, 

which took effect in 2008. These rules alone are expected to have major visibility benefits in 

Oregon. Nationally, these rules are estimated to reduce emissions in 3030 from nonroad 

engines, locomotive engines, and marine engines by 95% for PM2.5, 90% for NOx, and 99% 

for SO2.

The visibility benefits that are projected by 2018 from these reductions can be seen in Chapter 

9, in Sections 9.2.1 and 9.2.2, under the PSAT source apportionment results for sulfate and 

nitrate, on the 20% worst days.

The extent of the mobile source emissions reductions and the visibility improvements that are 

projected are significant factors in determining that the RPGs identified in this section represent 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 180

reasonable progress. It should also be noted that this trend in emission reductions will likely be 

even greater than expected, due to increasing gasoline prices that are already having the effect 

of reducing annual vehicle miles traveled across the West, and beyond what was estimated for 

the emissions inventory cited in this report. 

11.4.4 Additional Emission Reductions Expected by 2018 due to the Long-Term Strategy

Under the Long-Term Strategy (LTS) described in Chapter 12, additional emission reductions 

are expected by 2018 that will result in visibility improvements. Although these new strategies 

have yet to be implemented, it is reasonable to expect that these visibility improvements will 

occur and provide greater progress toward the 2018 milestone than the RPGs estimated in this 

first plan submittal. The key elements of the LTS include an evaluation and possible controls 

for non-BART sources, new smoke management improvements for prescribed burning, review 

and possible revision of state open burning regulations, and expected benefits associated with 

the revised PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard.

11.4.5 Long-Term Strategy “Next Steps” in Analyzing Major Source Categories

As described in the Long-Term Strategy in Chapter 12, the Department will take the results of

this four-factor analyses for source categories, and beginning in 2009, conduct further 

evaluation of these source categories to determine what additional controls are appropriate to 

achieve further reasonable progress. It is expected this evaluation will be incorporated into the 

work described in Section 12.6.1 of the LTS that will develop criteria and guidance for 

evaluating all non-BART sources. Results from this evaluation will be reported in the required 

2013 plan update.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 181

CHAPTER 12: LONG-TERM STRATEGY

12.1 Overview of the LTS

The Regional Haze Rule requires States to submit a 10-15 year long-term strategy (LTS) to 

address regional haze visibility impairment in each Class I areas in the State, and for each Class 

I area outside the State which may be affected by emissions from the State. The LTS must 

include enforceable measures necessary to achieve reasonable progress goals, and identify all 

anthropogenic sources of visibility impairment considered by the State in developing the longterm strategy. Where the State contributes to Class I visibility impairment in other States it 

must consult with those States and develop coordinated emission management strategies, and 

demonstrate it has included all measures necessary to obtain its share of the emission 

reductions. If the State has participated in a regional planning process, the State must include 

measures needed to achieve its obligations agreed upon through that process.

As required in Section 51.308(d)(3)(v) of the Regional Haze Rule, the State must consider, at a 

minimum, the following factors: (1) emission reductions due to ongoing air pollution control 

programs; (2) measures to mitigate the impacts of construction activities; (3) emission 

limitations and schedules for compliance; (4) source retirement and replacement schedules; (5) 

smoke management techniques for agricultural and forestry burning; (6) the enforceability of 

emission limitations and control measures; and (7) the anticipated net effect on visibility over 

the period of the long-term strategy.

12.2 Overview of the LTS Development Process

As described in Chapter 4, Section 4.1, Oregon is a participant in the WRAP, which was a 

major source of technical and policy assistance for western States in developing regional 

strategies for reducing haze. The following is a partial list of the primary WRAP products 

relied upon by Oregon and other western States in developing the LTS. For a complete list, see 

the WRAP website at http://www.wrapair.org/:

Technical Support System (TSS) - http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/wraptss/ - this is a project 

that provides a single, one-stop shop for access, visualization, analysis, and retrieval of the 

technical data and regional analytical results prepared by WRAP Forums and Workgroups 

in support of regional haze planning in the West. The TSS specifically summarizes results 

and consolidates information about air quality monitoring, meteorological and receptor 

modeling data analyses, emissions inventories and models, and gridded air quality/visibility 

regional modeling simulations. For more information on the WRAP TSS, see Appendix C.

Regional Modeling Center (RMC) - http://pah.cert.ucr.edu/aqm/308/ - this modeling 

project conducted by the RMC provides regional scale, three-dimensional regulatory air 

quality models that simulate the emissions, chemical transformations, and transport of 

criteria pollutants and fine PM and consequent effects on visibility in Class I areas in the 

WRAP region and across North America.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 182

Visibility Information Exchange Web System (VIEWS) -

http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/views/ - this system provides ongoing access to IMPROVE 

and other visibility monitoring data, research results, and special studies related to the 

Regional Haze Rule. Downloads of the IMPROVE data, custom displays of spatial, 

chemical, and temporal patterns, as well as information about applying monitoring data for 

regional haze planning are available.

Causes of Haze Assessment project (CoHA) - http://coha.dri.edu/index.html - this project 

provides detailed analyses of IMPROVE and meteorological monitoring data in the WRAP 

region. Includes multi-year back trajectory wind plots for each monitored Class I area, 

trajectory regression analyses’ results used in the Phase I AoH project, and extensive 

descriptive information about the monitoring data and each Class I area.

Emissions Data Management System (EDMS) - http://wrapedms.org/default_login.asp -

this project entails an emission inventory and web-based GIS application that provides a 

consistent, complete, and regional approach to emissions data tracking to meet the 

requirements for SIP and TIP development, periodic progress reviews, and data updates. 

The EDMS serves as a central regional emissions inventory database for all types of 

emissions, and uses associated software to facilitate the data collection efforts for regional 

modeling, emissions tracking and associated data analyses.

12.3 Summary of all Anthropogenic Sources of Visibility Impairment 

Considered in Developing the LTS.

Section 51.308(d)(3)(iv) of the Regional Haze Rule requires the identification of “all 

anthropogenic sources of visibility impairment considered by the State when developing its

long-term strategy.” Chapter 8 of this Plan describes state and regional emissions, including 

projections of emission reductions from anthropogenic sources from 2002 to 2018. Chapter 9 of 

this Plan provides source apportionment results, including projected reductions from 

anthropogenic sources during the same period. Together, these two chapters show the major 

anthropogenic sources affecting regional haze in Oregon and in the West. Section 11.3 in 

Chapter 11 describes the major anthropogenic source categories evaluated through the fourfactor analysis.

Based on the analysis in these previous chapters, the anthropogenic sources considered by the 

Department in developing the LTS are identified in Section 12.5 and Section 12.6 below. 

Section 12.5 reflects the requirements in Section 308(d)(3)(v) of the Regional Haze Rule that 

lists specific factors the State must consider. Section 12.6 are major anthropogenic sources that 

the Department identified in Chapter 11, and will be evaluated by 2013 as possible additional 

new control measures, as part of the LTS in meeting the reasonable progress goals for Oregon’s 

Class I areas. The “new” sources included in the LTS are as follows: 

1. Evaluation of contribution and controls for non-BART sources, and BART update, as 

described below in Section 12.6.1

2. Evaluation of new smoke management controls for forestry prescribed burning, as 

described below in Section 12.6.2. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 183

3. Evaluation of emission reductions from residential open burning, as described below in 

Section 12.6.3. 

4. Evaluation of the extent and contribution from Rangeland Burning in SE Oregon, as 

described in 12.6.4.

12.3 Summary of Interstate Transport and Contribution

Sections 51.308(d)(3)(i) and (ii) of the Regional Haze Rule requires that the LTS address the 

contribution of interstate transport of haze pollutants between States. Chapter 8 of this plan 

showed regional emissions by State, while Chapter 9 identified interstate transport of pollutants 

and larger source categories based on source apportionment results. The Department has 

analyzed the PSAT and WEP source apportionment findings, focusing on the 20% worst days 

for primarily impacts from SO2 and NOx, typically associated with point, area, and mobile 

anthropogenic sources. Other pollutants such as OC, EC, PM fine and coarse, were reviewed as 

well, however, these were assumed to be associated with natural fire and dust sources, and not 

evaluated any further.50

The Department consulted with neighboring States as part of this review, and discussed the 

need for coordinated strategies to address interstate transport. Based on this consultation, no 

significant contributions were identified that supported developing new interstate strategies.

Both Oregon and neighboring states agreed that the implementation of BART and other 

existing measures in state regional haze plans were sufficient to address the relatively minor 

contributions discussed below. This interstate consultation is an on-going process and 

commitment between States. See Chapter 13 for further information. 

12.3.1 Other State Class I Areas Affected by Oregon emissions

The Department reviewed PSAT and WEP source apportionment information on the WRAP 

TSS website, focusing on the 20% worst day impacts in Class I areas in neighboring States that 

were the closest to Oregon. The closest Class I areas were as follows: 1) Mt. Ranier National 

Park and Goat Rocks Wilderness in Washington; 2) Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho, 3) Jarbridge 

Wilderness in Nevada, and 4) Lava Beds National Monument and Redwood National Park in 

California. In none of these examples did the Department find a sizable contribution from 

Oregon sources. The following summarizes the Department’s findings by State. Note all 

references to PSAT results are based on 20% worst days, and contribution percentages are from 

WEP results.

Washington

Both Mt. Ranier and Goat Rocks Class I areas were heavily dominated by Washington sources.

Contribution from Canadian point sources and Offshore Pacific shipping emissions were 

sizable for some pollutants, such as SO2. Based on PSAT results, the Oregon contribution was 

 

50 In order to determine the extent of interstate contribution of fire and dust sources that is from anthropogenic 

sources such as prescribed burning and road dust, an exhaustive study would be required of each of the state Class 

I areas listed below. Therefore, for the purpose of this review, the Department primarily focused on SO2 and NOx 

emission sources. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 184

extremely low for SO2 and NOx, in the range of 0.05-0.08 μg/m3. The highest impact from any 

source category from Oregon was SO2 point sources, which was approximately 8%. Under the 

WEP projection for 2018, this contribution is expected to drop to about 4%. Additional 

reductions may occur as the result of BART, as described in Chapter 10, and from evaluation of 

non-BART industrial sources, described in Section 12.6.1 of the LTS. For all other pollutants, 

the Oregon contribution was also extremely low.

Idaho

Impacts in the Sawtooth Class I area was dominated by Idaho sources. The Oregon contribution 

of SO2 and NOx was very low, from 0.02-0.05 μg/m3, based on PSAT. The largest impact from 

Oregon was SO2 point sources, which was less than 10%. Much of this impact can be attributed 

to the PGE Boardman coal-fired power plant in NE Oregon. As described in Chapter 10, this 

source will be installing BART controls, which will significantly reduce its emissions, and have 

corresponding visibility benefits to the Sawtooth Class I area. Other Oregon emissions such as 

fire and dust were between 10-20%, but these are believed to be mostly natural sources. (Note, 

the portion of the Hells Canyon Class I area located in Idaho is not addressed here, as the 

majority of this area is located in Oregon and being addressed under the Oregon Regional Haze 

Plan. The interstate transport of emissions to Hells Canyon is discussed below in the review of 

Oregon Class I areas.) 

Nevada

Overall the Jarbridge Class I area has very low concentrations of any pollutant. The 

contribution of SO2 and NOx from Oregon is extremely low, from 0.02-0.03 μg/m3, based on 

PSAT. In general, the interstate contribution from Idaho, California, and Pacific Offshore is 

greater than Oregon. Of SO2 and NOx, the highest impact from Oregon is about 5% of all SO2

point sources. As described above for Sawtooth, this contribution is likely from the PGE 

Boardman plant, which is installing BART controls and making significant reductions. Like 

Sawtooth, there is similar contribution of fire and dust sources from Oregon, but these are 

likely again to be mostly natural sources. 

California

The Oregon contribution to Lava Beds and Redwoods Class I areas was very low. For Lava 

Beds, both SO2 and NOx concentrations were low, at 0.03-0.05 μg/m3, based on PSAT. About 

5% of the impact was from SO2 point sources. This may be reduced under the evaluation of 

non-BART industrial sources, described in Section 12.6.1. For Redwoods, the highest 

contributing sources are fire and Pacific Offshore emissions. However, the Oregon contribution 

of NOx mobile source emissions is about 0.22 μg/m3. The reason for this is uncertain. By 2018, 

this is projected to drop to under 0.10 μg/m3. 

12.3.2 Oregon Class I Areas affected by Other States

The contribution of neighboring States of Washington, Idaho, Nevada and California to Oregon 

Class I areas is similar in most respects, however, the contribution from Washington and Idaho 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 185

into Oregon Class I areas is generally higher as a whole. This may be attributable to the 

proximity of several of Oregon Class I areas to the state boundary, meteorological factors, and 

location of certain types of sources. The following summarizes the Department’s findings by 

Oregon Class I area. Note all references to PSAT results are based on 20% worst days, and 

contribution percentages are from WEP results.

Mt. Hood Class I area.

Mt. Hood is approximately 20 miles from Washington. Based on PSAT results, the contribution 

of Washington SO2 and NOx emissions to Mt. Hood ranges from 0.25-0.40 μg/m3. The SO2 is 

mostly from point sources (about 20%), and the NOx is mostly from mobile sources (about 

15%). Future projections show a 50% reduction in both of these source impacts at Mt. Hood by 

2018. Chapter 10 identified 3 BART sources from Washington that impacted Mt. Hood over 

the 0.5 dv threshold. These sources will be subject to BART controls. A major reduction in 

mobile source emissions, as described in Chapter 11, is expected by 2018 from “on-the-books” 

federal mobile source regulations. This may be augmented by additional mobile source 

regulations in Washington, similar to those being adopted in Oregon. Also, the LTS section of 

the Washington regional haze plan is expected to have a similar measure as Oregon’s to 

evaluate non-BART sources in the next 5-10 years to identify additional emission reductions 

that could benefit visibility at Mt. Hood.

Eagle Cap, Strawberry Mountain, and Hells Canyon Class I areas.

These Class I areas in Eastern Oregon are similar in terms of the contribution from Idaho and 

Washington sources. Washington contributes more to Eagle Cap and Strawberry Mountain, 

while Idaho contributes more to Hells Canyon (50% of the contribution to Hells Canyon is 

from Idaho, and 25-30% is from Oregon). PSAT results show a significantly higher NOx

contribution than SO2. Idaho SO2 contribution ranges from 0.03-0.05 μg/m3, whereas NOx is 

0.23-0.38 μg/m3. For Washington, SO2 ranges from 0.03-0.10 μg/m3, and 0.08-0.22 μg/m3for 

NOx. The SO2 is mostly from point sources, while the NOx is mostly from mobile and area 

sources. In both Idaho and Washington, the BART process is expected to lower the SO2 point 

source impacts. For the NOx contribution that is mobile sources, these emissions are projected 

to decrease significantly by 2018. The area source NOx is not projected to change much by 

2018. The source of these emissions may be farming related. However, these relatively small 

NOx emissions will more than be offset by significant NOx emission reductions from PGE 

Boardman due to BART controls, as described in Chapter 10. Other emissions, such as from 

fire and dust sources, are primarily contributed by Idaho and Oregon. 

Central and Southern Cascade Class I areas (Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, 

Diamond Peak, Crater Lake, Mountain Lakes and Gearhart Mountain). 

This grouping of Oregon Class I areas in the central and southern Cascades have a similar 

pattern of interstate contribution. For SO2, Washington contribution ranges from 0.05-0.12 

μg/m3, mostly point sources (about 13%). For NOx, both Washington and California show a 

contribution, from 0.08-0.22 μg/m3. As with the other NOx emission sources, these are mostly 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 186

mobile source emissions (about 10%), which by 2018 are projected to be reduced by more than 

half. Fire emissions are almost entirely Oregon based, as are dust emissions.

Kalmiopsis Class I area.

The interstate contribution in this Class I area is very similar to Redwoods in California, as 

described above. These Class I areas are 30-40 miles apart. The highest contributing sources at 

both areas are fire and Pacific Offshore emissions. However, mobile source emissions are 

notable, with the majority originating from Oregon, while California and Washington

contribute about 10 μg/m3. The reason for this is uncertain. By 2018, this is projected to drop 

to under 0.05 μg/m3.

12.3.3 Estimated International and Global Contribution to Oregon Class I Areas

Although not specifically addressed under the Regional Haze Rule in terms of interstate 

transport, it is important to identify the contribution to visibility impairment in Oregon from 

international sources, such as Canada and Mexico, offshore marine shipping in the Pacific 

Ocean, and “global” sources of haze. As described in Chapter 9, both the PSAT and WEP 

results show the contribution from both Canada and the Pacific Ocean marine shipping are 

sizable. Chapter 8 provides an emission inventory for offshore marine emissions. The 

contribution from Mexico is not significant, based on PSAT and WEP information. Global 

transport can be assumed to be most of the “outside domain” category identified in the PSAT 

results for SO2 and NOx. However, the extent of the contribution and understanding of global 

transport is difficult to assess, and will not be addressed in this plan.

In terms of addressing Canadian and Pacific offshore shipping emissions under this LTS, the 

Department does not have any authority over Canadian sources, and is therefore is not pursuing 

any new strategy for haze. However, for offshore shipping emissions, the Department believes 

this could be a possible future strategy, and will conduct further study on the transport and 

contribution of these sources, through its on-going participation in the WRAP, and in 

cooperation with the states of California and Washington, which are also impacted by the same 

offshore sources. The Department will prepare a report for the next Regional Haze Plan 

submittal in 2013 that addresses this topic, including an assessment of whether regulatory 

actions are likely in the future to meet other Clean Air Act requirements. This report will 

include recommendations on what actions Oregon and neighboring states could pursue that 

could benefit regional haze. 

12.4 Summary of Interstate Consultation. 

In addition to evaluating interstate transport, the affected States are required to consult with 

each other under Section 51.308(d)(3)(i), in order to develop coordinated emission 

management strategies. See Section 13.2 for information on the state-to-state consultation 

process.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 187

12.5 Technical Documentation

Section 51.308(d)(3)(iii) of the Regional Haze rule requires documentation of the technical 

basis, including modeling, monitoring and emissions information, on which the State relied 

upon to determine apportionment of emission reductions needed to achieve progress goals in 

each Class I area it affects. The State of Oregon relied on exclusively on the technical 

information and analysis provided by the WRAP, through various projects and studies 

conducted by contractors, WRAP staff, and incorporated into the WRAP’s TSS website. The 

following references the Chapters in this Plan which describes the technical information and 

documentation in more detail. Additional information on the TSS can be found in Appendix C

of this plan. 

Emissions Data

Chapter 8 describes the emission inventory information for state and regional emissions.

Section 8.1 summarizes the Oregon statewide emissions, and Section 8.2 regional emissions for

other states in the West.

Modeling Techniques

The modeling techniques used are described in Chapter 9. Section 9.1.1 describes on source 

apportionment analysis using the PM Source Apportionment Technology (PSAT) tool, for the 

attribution of sulfate and nitrate sources, and the Weighted Emissions Potential (WEP) tool, for

the attribution of sources of sulfate, nitrate, organic carbon, elemental carbon, fine PM, and

coarse PM. Section 9.1.2 describes the regional haze modeling using the Community MultiScale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. 

Monitoring Data

Chapter 4 describes the IMPROVE monitoring network and monitoring sites in Oregon.

Chapters 6 and 7 provide a summary of monitoring data, trends, and breakdown by pollutant 

for each of the site locations in Oregon. 

12.5 Required Factors for the LTS

Under Section 51.308(d)(3)(v) of the Regional Haze rule, the factors listed below represent the 

minimum that must be considered by a State in developing the LTS. Section 12.6 identifies 

additional measures and controls being proposed by Oregon beyond those required for the LTS.

12.5.1 Emission Reductions Due to Ongoing Air Pollution Programs

The following summary describes ongoing programs and regulations in Oregon that directly 

protect visibility, or can be expected to improve visibility in Oregon Class I areas, by reducing 

emissions in general. This summary does not attempt to estimate the actual improvements in 

visibility that will occur, as many of the benefits are secondary to the primary air pollution
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 188

objective of these programs/rules, and consequently would extremely difficult to quantify, due 

to the technical complexity and limitations in current assessment techniques. 

1. Prevention of Significant Deterioration/New Source Review Rules

As described in Section 10.1, the two primary regulatory tools for addressing visibility 

impairment from industrial sources are BART and the Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

(PSD) New Source Review rules. The PSD rules protect visibility in Class I areas from new 

industrial sources and major changes to existing sources. Oregon’s Air Quality Analysis rules 

(OAR 340, Division 225) contain requirements for visibility impact assessment and mitigation 

associated with emissions from new and modified major stationary sources. Specifically, OAR 

340-225-0070 references the need for protection of “Air Quality Related Values” (AQRV), 

which are specific scenic and environmentally related resources that may be adversely affected 

by a change in air quality. One of these AQRVs is visibility. The primary responsibility of the 

Department under these rules is visibility protection. Protection of all AQRVs (including 

visibility) is the primary responsibility of the Federal Land Manager. OAR 340-225-0070 

describes mechanisms for visibility impact assessment and review by the Department, as well 

as impact modeling methods and requirements, the result of which is a demonstration of “no 

significant impairment of visibility in any Class I area”. This modeling is conducted for sources 

typically out to 300 kilometers from a Class I area. Any new major source or major 

modification within this distance that is found through modeling to cause significant visibility 

impairment will not be issued an air quality permit by the Department unless the impact is 

mitigated. The definition of “significant” impairment for PSD is very similar to the significance 

level used for BART modeling (see BART Modeling Protocol in Section 10.3.1). For PSD, the 

significance level is an increase in visibility impairment above natural background of 5% 

(expressed as visibility extinction). For BART, the significance level is 0.5 deciview. Both 

represent essentially the same degree of impairment.

2. Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment BART

In 1986, the Department adopted Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI) 

BART requirements as part of the Oregon Visibility Protection Plan (see below). These BART 

requirements are different from the BART requirements under EPA’s Regional Haze Rule, as 

described in Chapter 10. While both apply to existing industrial sources, the RAVI BART 

requirements are triggered by a “certification” by the Federal Land Manager that visibility 

impairment exists in a federal Class I area. Upon such a certification, the Department would be 

required to identify and analyze BART for any contributing industrial source. Since the 

adoption of RAVI BART there has been no formal certification made in Oregon for reasonably 

attributable impairment.

3. Oregon’s Phase I Visibility Protection Program

As described in Section 1.5.2 of this document, EPA’s visibility regulations consist of two 

distinct rules. Phase I rules were adopted in 1980, and address visibility impairment that is 

“reasonably attributable” to one or small group of sources, in relatively close proximity to a 

Class I area. Phase II rules were adopted in 1999 to address regional haze visibility impairment 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 189

from multiple sources across a broad geographic area. In 1986 the Department adopted the 

Oregon Visibility Protection Plan (OAR 340-200-0040, Section 5.2) to address EPA’s Phase I 

visibility rules. The Plan contains short and long-term strategies related to addressing 

reasonably attributable impairment. This includes the RAVI BART requirements and PSD New 

Source Review rules discussed above for industrial sources, as well as seasonal protection of 

visibility during the summer months from prescribed forestry burning and agricultural field 

burning.

The seasonal strategy was developed in order to protect visibility during the summer months, 

July 1 – September 15, known as the visibility protection period, when approximately 80 

percent of the visitation occurs in Oregon’s Class I areas. Visibility monitoring at that time 

focused on visibility conditions in Class I Areas in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. This 

monitoring showed that during the summer months in the northern and central Cascades, 

visibility was frequently impaired by smoke or “plume blight” from Willamette Valley 

agricultural open field burning, forest prescribed burning, and wildfire activity. The 

Department also determined that there was summer visibility impairment in the Eagle Cap 

Class I area caused by Union County agricultural open field burning, and that field burning in 

Jefferson County was contributing to summer visibility impairment in the central Oregon 

Cascade Class I areas as well.

As a result of this effort the Department adopted into the original plan specific visibility control 

strategies for these areas. This included smoke management requirements to avoid Class I 

visibility impacts from Willamette Valley, Jefferson County and Union County open field 

burning, and from forest prescribed burning in parts of Western Oregon. Special “weekend” 

restrictions on Willamette Valley field burning were added to prohibit burning activity during 

most summer weekends. The Jefferson and Union County smoke management programs 

adopted provisions to avoid any burning upwind of nearby Class I areas. The Oregon 

Department of Forestry Smoke Management Program was revised to shift prescribed burning in 

Western Oregon from the summer to the spring and fall, as part of an effort to eliminate 

burning during the summer. Both the forestry and Willamette Valley smoke management 

programs have commitments to pursue alternatives to burning through on-going research and 

development projects, and both use numerous emission reduction techniques when conducting 

burning during the year. Finally, between 1991 and 1998, Willamette Valley open field burning 

was reduced under a new state law from 180,000 acres to 40,000, which has resulted in 

significant visibility benefits, and led to increases in the use of non-burning alternatives, such 

as straw marketing and less-than-annual burning.

In 2002 the Department made minor revisions to the Visibility Protection Plan that contained 

several improvements. These improvements and an assessment of the effectiveness of the plan 

are described in the Department’s report “Oregon Visibility Protection Plan Reasonable 

Progress Report, March 5, 2002.”

The Oregon Visibility Protection Plan is can be found in Appendix F.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 190

4. On-going Implementation of State and Federal Mobile Source regulations

As described in Section 11.4.3, mobile source annual emissions show a major decrease in NOx, 

SO2, and VOCs in Oregon from 2002 to 2018, and represent the greatest emission reductions of 

any single source category. This is from numerous “on the books” federal mobile source 

regulations (see list in Section 11.4.3). This trend is expected to provide significant visibility

benefits. As noted, these emission reductions will likely be even greater than expected, due to 

increasing gasoline prices that are already reducing annual vehicle miles traveled across the 

West. 

Beginning in 2006, EPA mandated new standards for on-road (highway) diesel fuel, known as 

ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). This regulation dropped the sulfur content of diesel fuel from 

500 ppm to 15 ppm. ULSD fuel enables the use of cleaner technology diesel engines and 

vehicles with advanced emissions control devices, resulting in significantly lower emissions.

Diesel fuel intended for locomotive, marine and non-road (farming and construction) engines 

and equipment is required to meet the low sulfur diesel fuel maximum specification of 500 ppm 

sulfur in 2007 (down from 5000 ppm). By 2010, the ULSD fuel standard of 15-ppm sulfur will 

apply to all non-road diesel fuel. Locomotive and marine diesel fuel will be required to meet 

the ULSD standard beginning in 2012, resulting in further reductions of diesel emissions. 

These rules not only reduce SO2 emissions, but also NOx and PM. 

In 2005, Oregon adopted California’s emissions standards for light and medium duty vehicles.

The new requirements were adopted as the Oregon Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program, and 

will take effect beginning with 2009 model year vehicles. Although the primary purpose was to 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions, these rules will also decrease NOx and PM emissions.

The 2007 the Oregon Legislature authorized a clean diesel program that included funding for a 

grant/loan program to retrofit existing engines with exhaust controls, repowering nonroad 

diesels and scrapping older engines. Tax credits were also authorized for retrofitting, 

repowering and the purchase of 2007 and newer trucks. The Department projects that with no

other intervention and relying on normal turnover bringing cleaner engines into the fleet, a 60% 

reduction in diesel PM2.5 by 2018.

The Department operates two motor vehicle inspection/maintenance programs in Oregon. The 

first program began in the Portland area in 1975. The second program began in the Medford 

area in 1986. By inspecting exhaust emissions, DEQ identifies high-emitting vehicles that are 

producing more air pollution than expected. The result of these programs has been significant 

reductions in air pollution in the both areas, including NOx and VOCs which contribute to 

regional haze.

5. On-going Implementation of Programs to meet PM10 NAAQS 

In Oregon there are seven communities that are either currently or formerly nonattainment 

areas under the PM10 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The following lists 

these communities by population size (largest first) and their current PM10 designation:
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 191

• Eugene-Springfield – Nonattainment Area

• Medford-Ashland – Maintenance Area 

• Grants Pass – Maintenance Area 

• Klamath Falls – Maintenance Area

• La Grande – Maintenance Area

• Oakridge – Nonattainment Area

• Lakeview – Maintenance Area

The significance of these PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas in terms of regional haze 

is that each of these areas have made significant reductions in PM10 emissions in the last 10 

years, by adopting similar strategies to address the primary emission sources in the community. 

The major contributing sources causing nonattainment in these communities are residential 

woodstoves, industry, mobile sources, road dust, and outdoor burning. These are the same 

sources which contribute to visibility impairment in Oregon. As Table xxx shows below, many 

of these communities are in close proximity to Oregon Class I areas. 

Table 12.5.1-1 Proximity of Oregon Class I Areas to PM10 Nonattainment/Maintenance 

Areas

Community Population Distance to nearby Class I areas

EugeneSpringfield 205,660 Three Sisters – 35 mi, Mt. Washington and 

Diamond Peak – 50 mi.

Medford-Ashland 95,390 Mountain Lakes – 30 mi, Crater Lake – 40 mi, 

Kalmiopsis – 45 mi. 

Grants Pass 30,930 Kalmiopsis – 25 mi

Klamath Falls 20,720 Mountain Lakes – 15 mi, Crater Lake – 40 mi, 

Gearhart Mtn – 45 mi.

La Grande 12,540 Eagle Cap – 20 mi, Hells Canyon – 50 mi.

Oakridge 3,700 Three Sisters and Diamond Peak – 20 mi.+

Lakeview 2,655 Gearhart Mtn – 30 mi.

The Department believes the ongoing PM10 reductions in these communities may provide 

significant benefits to visibility and regional haze.51 The two most effective emission reduction 

strategies in these communities are the Department’s residential woodheating rules (OAR 340, 

Division 262) and Major New Source Review (NSR) rules (OAR 340, Division 224). The 

Department’s woodheating rules require woodstove curtailment programs in each of these 

communities. While some are voluntary and some are mandatory, these programs have been 

very effective in reducing PM10 levels during the heating months. The woodheating rules also 

specify that only certified woodstoves be sold in the state. These woodstoves can reduce 

emissions by 70%. The Department’s NSR rules apply to new major industrial sources and 

major modifications, and require the Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) in 

 

51 Quantifying the total emission reductions achieved by the PM10 emission reduction strategies in these 

communities, as a means to demonstrate actual visibility benefits in nearby Class I areas, is beyond the scope of 

this document. This would be a difficult and complex undertaking. However, it is reasonable to conclude that the 

significant PM10 emissions reductions in the larger of these communities has clear secondary benefits in nearby 

Class I areas in terms of visibility improvements.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 192

nonattainment areas (most stringent controls), and Best Available Control Technology (BACT) 

controls in maintenance areas. 

In addition to the ongoing emission reductions in PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas, 

the Department will be designating new PM2.5 nonattainment areas, which will require adoption 

of new measures to reduce PM2.5 emissions in these communities. These designations have not 

been made yet, so the communities are not listed.

12.5.2 Measures to Mitigate the Impacts of Construction Activities

In developing this LTS, the Department has considered the impact of construction activities, as 

a factor in improving visibility in Oregon. Based on general knowledge of construction activity 

in the state, and without conducting extensive research on the contribution of emissions from 

construction activities to visibility impairment in Oregon Class I area, the Department believes 

current state regulations adequately address this topic. 

Current rules addressing impacts from construction activities in Oregon are primarily found in 

the OAR 340, Division 208. OAR 340-208-0110 includes general requirements that set opacity 

limits for “visible emissions” from any air contaminant source. OAR 340-208-0210 addresses 

“fugitive emissions” from a variety of sources, and would be the more applicable regulation to 

construction activities. This regulation requires “reasonable precautions” be taken to prevent 

particulate matter from becoming airborne from activities such as construction projects. Types

of actions to be taken include the use of water or chemicals for control of dust from demolition, 

construction operations, unpaved roads at construction sites, material stockpiles, and 

containment of sandblasting or other similar operations. In addition to these rules, the 

Department’s regulations on “Indirect Sources” in OAR 340 Division 254 address minimizing 

emissions (including visibility impairing pollutants such as NOx and VOCs) from mobile 

sources associated with construction of buildings and parking structures. 

12.5.3 Emission Limitations and Schedules of Compliance

The implementation of BART, as described in Chapter 10, will contain emission limits and 

schedules of compliance for those sources either installing BART controls or taking federally 

enforceable permit limitations. As noted in the Chapter 11, the four-factor analysis did not 

identify any additional measures that were appropriate for this first Regional Haze plan. As a 

result, no other emission limitations or schedules of compliance are included in this plan. The 

evaluation of non-BART sources as part of the LTS is expected to identify additional emission 

reductions and improve visibility by 2018. To the extent this effort identifies any emission 

limitations and schedules of compliance, these will be included in the next periodic plan update 

in 2013. 

12.5.4 Source Retirement and Replacement Schedules

Part of this LTS contains an evaluation of non-BART sources, described below in Section 

12.6.1. This evaluation will include a review of all existing industrial sources to identify 

scheduled shutdowns, retirements in upcoming years, or replacement schedules, such as 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 193

planned installation of new control equipment to meet other regulations or routine equipment 

replacement or modernization. 

12.5.5 Agricultural and Forestry Smoke Management Techniques

Section 308(d)(3)(iv)(E) of the Regional Haze rule requires the LTS to address smoke 

management techniques for agricultural and forestry burning. These two sources of air 

pollution are significant in Oregon. Smoke from agricultural and forestry burning are major

contributors to Class I area visibility and regional haze in Oregon and the West. The pollutant 

species contribution identified in Chapter 7 shows that a significant portion of the 20% worst 

days in all of Oregon’s Class I areas is from organic and elemental carbon, an indicator of fire 

emissions. Much of this contribution is from wildfires, which fluctuates significantly from year 

to year. However, there is also a sizable contribution from controlled burning, which is 

dominated by agricultural and forestry burning. 

This section describes current smoke management programs for these sources, and how the 

advanced techniques used in these programs are expected to provide significant visibility 

benefits during the period of this LTS. Section 12.6.2 identifies a new LTS measure to 

evaluate if additional smoke management techniques can be developed for improving Class I 

area visibility from forestry prescribed burning. 

Major Anthropogenic Fire Sources in Oregon

Figure 12.5.5-1 shows the major anthropogenic fire sources in the state. Prescribed forestry 

burning represents the largest source, at approximately 58% of the total burning in the state. 

Agricultural burning (including open field burning) is approximately 11%. General Outdoor 

Open Burning is 16%, and Rangeland Burning is 15%.52 Since these two fire sources are not 

specifically mentioned in the Regional Haze Rule, they are not evaluated in this section. 

Instead, the Department has chosen to address both as additional measures in the LTS, in 

Section 12.6.3 and 12.6.4, respectively. 

 

52 The emissions for rangeland burning are based on rough estimates of acres burned each year. These emissions 

are 2002 estimates obtained from the WRAP EDMS. The LTS of this plan identifies an evaluation that will be 

made of rangeland burning to improve emission estimates, track burning, and consider the need for voluntary 

smoke management controls to protect visibility. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 194

Figure 12.5.5-1 Oregon Anthropogenic Fire Sources

PM10 Emissions tons/year (2005) 

58%

11%

16%

15%

Forestry Burning

Field & Ag Burning

General Outdoor

Burning

Rangeland Burning

Fire Source

Statewide PM10

Emissions tpy (2005)

Forestry Prescribed Burning (public & private 

lands) 18,518

Open Field Burning & General Agricultural 

Burning 3,568

General Outdoor Open Burning (residential, 

construction, demolition, land clearing, etc.) 5,154

Rangeland Burning* 4,654

* 2002 estimate from WRAP EDMS

Forestry Prescribed Burning

As shown above, forestry prescribed burning is the largest anthropogenic fire source in Oregon, 

at an estimated 18,500 tons per year of PM10, based on 2005 emissions. This burning occurs in 

most areas of the state, except for the remote desert region of southern Oregon, and is 

controlled under a mandatory smoke management program operated by the Oregon Department 

of Forestry (ODF). Under state statute ORS 477.013, the State Forester and the Department of 

Environmental Quality are required to protect air quality through a smoke management plan, 

which is included in the SIP. ODF smoke management rules are listed in OAR 629-048-0001 

to 629-048-0500, 629-043-0043 and 629-043-0041.

On November 2, 2007, ODF adopted revisions to Oregon Smoke Management Plan, as part of 

a periodic plan review requirement. Numerous changes were made to plan related to protection 

of air quality. New visibility protection provisions were adopted (629-048-0130) that 

incorporated references to the Oregon Regional Haze Plan, included the Enhanced Smoke 

Management Program (ESMP) criteria in Section 309 of the federal Regional Haze Rule, and 

voluntary measures to protect visibility when burning inside and upwind of any Oregon Class I 

area, by using best practices, minimizing residual smoke, and avoid significant ground level 

smoke impacts. The Oregon Smoke Management Rules (OAR 629-048-0001 through 629-

048-0500) can be found in Appendix F. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 195

Agricultural Open Field Burning

The majority of agricultural burning in Oregon falls under the category of open field burning. 

This is burning is associated with mostly grass seed and wheat burning. As shown above, total 

open field burning estimated emissions in 2005 were 3,500 tons/year of PM10. This burning is 

concentrated in specific locations during the summer months, with the majority in the 

Willamette Valley (about 50,000 acres) and smaller amounts in central and eastern Oregon in 

Jefferson and Union counties (about 10,000 acres combined). 

The Willamette Valley burning is controlled under a smoke management program operated by 

the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). Under state statute ORS 468A.590, ODA is 

required to conduct a smoke management program for the Willamette Valley. ODA field 

burning rules are listed in OAR Chapter 603, Division 77, OAR Chapter 837 Division 110, and 

OAR Chapter 340, Division 264. The rules apply to areas lying between the crest of the 

Coastal Range and the crest of the Cascade Range (in the counties Benton, Clackamas, Lane, 

Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill). 

Jefferson and Union county field burning is controlled through smoke management programs 

established by county ordinance and operated at that level. As described in Section 12.5.1, 

these country programs have requirements to avoid burning upwind of nearby Class I areas 

when smoke would impair visibility. 

Other agricultural burning takes place in rural areas around the state, although the amount of 

this burning is not well documented. It is likely that estimates of general outdoor burning, as 

noted above in Figure 12.5.5-1, may include general agricultural burning as well. Improving 

estimates of agricultural burning is difficult due to lack of any reliable information on daily 

burning activity in most areas of the state. 

1. Current Phase I Visibility Protection

The primary objective of the smoke management programs mentioned above has been to avoid 

smoke intrusions into urban areas, and minimize smoke exposure to the public for health 

reasons. Some protection of visibility from agricultural and forestry burning in Class I areas 

has been achieved as a result of efforts to conduct burning only under optimum ventilation 

conditions that achieve maximum smoke dispersion and by the use of emission reduction 

techniques. There is also some visibility protection provided under the Oregon Visibility 

Protection Plan, described above in Section 12.5.1. The plan was adopted by the Department to 

meet EPA Phase I visibility rules, primarily to protect Class I area visibility from nearby 

burning sources that can cause “plume blight”. One of the provisions in the plan prohibits 

Willamette Valley field burning on weekends between July 1 and September 15, known as the 

visibility protection period, which is the highest visitation period for Oregon Cascade Class I 

areas. The plan also incorporates the visibility protection provided by the Prevention of 

Significant Deterioration rules that apply to new and modified industrial sources. See Section 

12.5.1 for further information on current visibility protection measures in the Oregon Visibility 

Protection Plan. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 196

2. Current Phase II Regional Haze Protection, Section 309 ESMP requirements

Section 309 of the Regional Haze rule contains a requirement to include “Enhanced Smoke 

Management Programs for Fire”. Although this plan addresses Section 308 of the Regional 

Haze rule, the Department believes the current smoke management programs operated by ODA 

and ODF meet the Enhanced Smoke Management Program (ESMP) requirements, and 

therefore represent an advanced level of smoke management. The ESMP elements include: (1) 

actions to minimize emissions; (2) evaluation of smoke dispersion; (3) alternatives to fire; (4) 

surveillance and enforcement; and (5) burn authorization. There are 4 additional ESMP 

elements, however the Department believes these five are the most applicable to regional haze, 

and highlights these below. 

ODF rule 629-048-0130 states that the intent of ODF smoke management program is to 

“operate in a manner consistent with the Oregon Regional Haze Plan, including the Enhanced 

Smoke Management Program (ESMP) criteria”. The following summarizes how the five 

ESMP elements listed above met under the ODF and ODA smoke management programs. 

(1) Actions to Minimize Fire Emissions 

Oregon Department of Forestry Smoke Management Program:

The policy the State Forester is to “minimize emissions from prescribed burning, where 

appropriate, by encouraging: cost effective utilization of forest residue; alternatives to 

burning; and alternative burning practices". ODF smoke management rules 629-048-0210 

require the use of best burn practices and emission reduction techniques to minimize fire 

emissions. 

Oregon Department of Agriculture Field Burning Program:

Under this program, growers utilize many different techniques which minimize emissions 

from field burning. Rapid ignition for open burning requires all sides of the field to be 

ignited as rapidly as practicable in order to maximize plume rise, which shortens burn time 

and significantly reduces emissions (compared to traditional, slower, headfire burning). 

Growers must ensure field residue is dry and in good burning condition. Growers may 

sanitize fields by propane flaming which also significantly reduces emissions. Prior to 

propane flaming, loose straw is removed from the field and the stubble cut close to the 

ground to prevent sustained open fire and reduce emissions.

(2) Evaluation of Smoke Dispersion 

Oregon Department of Forestry Smoke Management Program:

The ODF program determines appropriate conditions for prescribed burning throughout the 

state in order to avoid smoke impacts in urban areas identified as Smoke Sensitive Receptor 

Areas (SSRA). In addition to SSRA protection, burning is conducted in a manner to avoid 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 197

or minimize smoke impacts in any populated area. Appropriate conditions are determined 

based on evaluation of daily weather forecasts and existing air quality. ODF develop 

forecasts, burning instructions and advisories using national, regional and local weather 

forecast models and data to determine dispersion conditions. Smoke dispersal conditions 

are determined for each area of the state, considering factors such as wind direction, wind 

speed, mixing height, and dispersion index. ODF rule 629-048-0220 describes forecast 

procedures and smoke dispersion. 

Oregon Department of Agriculture Field Burning Program:

This program uses a variety of meteorological tools to evaluate atmospheric conditions. 

Conventional surface weather reports and rawinsonde observations are used to assess

atmospheric conditions. In addition, the program utilizes pilot reports, a vertical sounder, 

and information from doppler radar. These data are supplemented with strategically located 

wind monitoring sites. At periodic intervals, program personnel release pilot balloons at 

different locations in the Willamette Valley which are optically tracked to measure wind 

speed and direction from the surface to approximately 6000 feet above ground. A variety 

of computer models or simulations of the atmosphere are used as well. 

(3) Alternatives to Fire 

Oregon Department of Forestry Smoke Management Program:

ODF smoke management rule 629-048-0200 “Alternatives to Burning” encourages 

“practices that will eliminate or significantly reduce the volume of prescribed burning 

necessary”. In this rule forestland managers are encouraged to consult the WRAP 

document “Non-burning Alternatives to Prescribed Fire on Wildlands in the Western 

United States”. This document is a comprehensive reference manual of alternatives to 

prescribed fire, that contains an evaluation of non-burning vegetative management options, 

including a “decision-tree” for considering treatment options, and potential markets and 

funding sources for utilizing forest materials. It also describes how to develop a successful 

strategy for vegetation and fuel load management. This document is designed to provide 

forest landowners and land managers with a comprehensive list of viable options, and 

decision makers with the tools necessary to develop realistic non-burning strategies.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Field Burning Program:

For agricultural field burning in the Willamette Valley, state law (ORS 468A.555) 

mandates a research and development program to seek, develop and promote viable 

alternatives to agricultural field burning. To date these programs have made major strides 

in finding viable alternatives, such as straw marketing to Japan and other countries, 

minimum tillage, and less-than-annual burning. A major reduction of 180,000 to 40,000 in 

the number of acres that can be burned under state law occurred in the 1990’s. As a result, 

there has been a significant increase in the use of alternatives, both in the Willamette Valley 

and other areas of the state. This high use of alternatives is expected to continue into the 

future.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 198

(4) Surveillance and Enforcement 

Oregon Department of Forestry Smoke Management Program:

ORS 477.515 requires that burning permits be obtained prior to burning. Violation of this 

statute by any individual may result in a legal citation and fine. Also, it is the policy of the 

State Forester to "achieve strict compliance with the smoke management plan, directive and 

instructions", as stated in the Operational Guidance for the Oregon Smoke Management 

Program, Directive 1-4-1-601. ODF rules 629-048-0500 address enforcement. 

Oregon Department of Agriculture Field Burning Program:

The program is built on a foundation of cooperative compliance with rules governing open 

field burning. This compliance is supported by ODA enforcement rules OAR 603-077-

0175. Direct observation by ODA field personnel and others provide information of 

possible rule violations. ODA staff and director evaluate the factors involved in each case 

and may assess warnings, notices of noncompliance, and civil penalties. 

(5) Burn Authorization

Oregon Department of Forestry Smoke Management Program:

Under the program, the burn authorization process involves the issuance of smoke 

management forecasts and burning instructions. Burning instructions must be strictly 

complied with, as described above. Local field personnel then evaluate the burning 

instructions in coordination with landowners who have burn units that may be in 

prescription and are ready for burning. A burn might not occur if the local field 

administrator determines that a burn may not be advisable because of local factors, such as 

nearby burns being conducted, potential local smoke impacts, or adverse fire conditions. 

ODF rules 629-048-0230 address burn procedures and authorization.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Field Burning Program:

As previously described, ODA only allows field burning if weather conditions are favorable 

for avoiding smoke impacts in populated areas. Farmers obtain burn permits in their local 

fire protection district, and must monitor ODA radio broadcasts and pay close adherence to 

the burning authorized in these broadcasts. Meteorology varies in the Willamette Valley, 

and burning is authorized in specific areas as conditions are appropriate. Special field 

burning zones have been established throughout the Valley. Burning is authorized based on 

an evaluation of the number of acres that can be burned in a certain zone within an allotted 

time period. Farmers must burn in accordance with the location, time, and acreage limit 

specified by ODA. Failure to adhere to this authorization is subject to enforcement action, 

as described above. ODA rules for burn authorization are addressed in 603-077-0115 and 

other rule sections.
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 199

12.5.6 Enforceability of Oregon’s Measures

Section 51.308(d)(3)(v)(F) of the Regional Haze Rule requires States to ensure that emission 

limitations and control measures used to meet reasonable progress goals are enforceable.

Oregon has ensured that all emission limitations and control measures used to meet reasonable 

progress goals are enforceable by embodying these in Oregon Administrative Rules, in 

accordance with Oregon state law, and under OAR 340-200-0040 State of Oregon Clean Air 

Act Implementation Plan (see Appendix H of this document). The Department has adopted the 

Oregon Regional Haze Plan into the SIP which ensures that all elements in the plan are 

enforceable. Oregon BART rules developed for this plan are found in Appendix E. 

12.6 Additional Measures in the LTS

This section of the LTS identifies new measures being proposed by the Department for 

achieving reasonable progress. The sources identified below will be evaluated and fully 

discussed in the next plan update in 2013. This evaluation will take into account any new 

relevant monitoring and modeling information related to the contribution of Oregon 

anthropogenic sources to Class I impairment, new regulations that may benefit regional haze, 

and any new guidance related to the identifying additional control measures consistent with 

reasonable progress requirement of the regional haze rule. If additional controls are identified 

as a result of these evaluations, the 2013 plan update will include an implementation schedule 

for controls, necessary rulemaking, projected visibility improvements, and revised RPGs for 

2018 (if applicable). 

12.6.1 Evaluation of Non-BART Sources and BART-eligible Sources

The four-factor analysis in Section 11.3 of the previous chapter evaluated certain non-BART 

source categories for additional controls. This evaluation was limited to some degree by the 

lack of any specific guidance for identifying “significant” sources and a process for their 

evaluation, short of the four statutory factors. However, the four-factor analysis is only the first 

step in identifying various control options for anthropogenic sources. As described in this 

section of the LTS, a more comprehensive evaluation will be made of both non-BART sources 

and large fire sources such as forestry burning, in order to make additional emission reductions 

by the 2018 and beyond, for achieving reasonable progress.

In order to effectively evaluate non-BART sources for possible controls, an analysis similar to 

that applied to BART sources is needed. Outside of the four-factor analysis for evaluating 

controls for “significant” sources, EPA’s Regional Haze Rule provides no guidance for 

addressing non-BART sources, in terms of identifying eligible sources, contribution threshold 

to visibility impairment, and a process for evaluating the need for controls (retrofitting). 

Although the Department recognizes that the BART requirements were specifically designed to 

address stationary sources built before federal PSD rules were adopted, and thus avoiding Class 

I visibility requirements, the process for evaluating non-BART sources must take into account 

that these sources did address visibility impacts when permitted, so any re-evaluation of 

visibility for these sources should, at a minimum, be no a less rigorous a technical evaluation 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 200

than for BART sources. For example, using a simple formula like “Quantity over distance” 

(Q/d) is an example of a less rigorous approach that would not be appropriate as the sole 

criteria for determining whether a non-BART source, which may have conducted full PSD 

CALPUFF visibility modeling only a few years earlier, should be evaluated for costly 

retrofitting.53 

As such, the first element of this LTS will be the development of guidance for evaluating nonBART sources in Oregon. The Department will develop this guidance through a stakeholder 

process that includes review by EPA and FLMs. The following factors will be considered in 

developing this guidance: 

1. Date of PSD permit issuance. A list of non-BART sources will be prepared based on 

the date of the original PSD review. Newer sources are likely to have newer, more 

state-of-the-art controls and technology. Older sources are more likely candidates for 

retrofitting with newer controls or other upgrades. 

2. Quantity of emissions. A list of non-BART sources emitting SO2, NOx, and PM will be 

prepared and ranked by current emission levels. Both actual and permitted emissions 

will be identified. 

3. Distance to nearby Class I areas. Non-BART sources will be identified by their 

proximity to nearby Class I areas. Geographic features, such as mountain ranges, will 

be noted as factors that should be considered along with distance.

4. Cumulative impacts. Consideration will be given to whether the guidance should 

address cumulative impacts, with preference given to any EPA or WRAP policy or 

technical assistance in identifying criteria that could be incorporated into the guidance. 

5. Option for modeling. Included in this guidance will be the option for any non-BART 

source to conduct modeling, either screening modeling or advanced modeling. A 

modeling protocol and visibility threshold value will be developed for this guidance, 

similar to the BART Modeling Protocol developed for BART sources. 

6. Control evaluation similar to BART. This guidance will identify a process for 

evaluating retrofitting similar to EPA’s BART Control Determination Guidance. 

Included in this approach will be the factors listed above.

7. Planned shutdowns, retirements, and replacement schedules. Included will be a review 

of all existing industrial sources to identify scheduled shutdowns, retirements in 

upcoming years, or replacement schedules, such as planned installation of new control 

equipment to meet other regulations, compliance obligations, or routine equipment 

replacement/modernization. 

Included in this evaluation of non-BART sources will be a review of sources that were 

identified as BART-eligible (see Chapter 10) and modeled below the visibility impact threshold 

of 0.5 dv. For those BART-eligible sources which modeled below the threshold and were not 

“subject to BART”, they are still BART-eligible sources. As such under Section 308(e)(3) of 

the Regional Haze Rule, they are subject to the same reasonable progress requirements in 

Section 308(d) as other sources. However, given that there is no specific guidance to how to 

 

53 The Q/D formula divides the quantity or size of the source (emissions) by the distance, in this case miles to the 

nearest Class I area, as a means of determining if a source is contributing to visibility in that area. This simplistic 

approach has been suggested by EPA in lieu of actual modeling for estimating source contribution. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 201

address these sources after the initial BART modeling phase, the Department is proposing to 

develop such guidance or policy at the same time it will develop similar guidance for 

evaluating non-BART sources. This guidance will be developed concurrently, and through the 

same stakeholder process, as that developed for non-BART sources, as described above. 

Schedule for Completion and Implementation 

Following the completion of guidance for evaluating non-BART and reviewing BART-eligible 

sources, the Department will use the guidance to conduct the evaluation and review, to be 

completed by the next scheduled plan update in 2013, in accordance with Section 13.4.2 of this 

plan. A final report will be included in this update that describes the following:

(1) identify the process used for developing the guidance, and summary of the 

guidance document;

(2) summary of the results of evaluation of non-BART sources and BART-eligible 

sources;

(3) summary of how the four-factor analysis in Section 11.4.3 was used as part of 

the evaluation of non-BART sources;

(4) identification of any controls to be installed, description of any proposed 

rulemaking needed and schedule for adopting new rules, and estimated 

implementation of any new controls

(5) estimate of the expected visibility benefits from this LTS element, as part of the 

overall plan update to report on progress being made towards the 2018 RPGs. 

 

12.6.2 Evaluation of Prescribed Burning Contribution to Haze and Possible Controls

As described in Section 12.5.5, the current Oregon smoke management programs meet the 

ESMP requirements in Section 309 of the Regional Haze rule. However, there are also other 

provisions in Section 309 that address the need for state smoke management programs to 

“evaluate and address the degree of visibility impairment from smoke in their planning and 

application”. Although this plan addresses Section 308, the Department believes these Section 

309 requirements for fire and smoke management programs are relevant to this plan, due to the 

sizable contribution of smoke sources to Oregon’s Class I areas. As described in Section 

12.5.5, the current smoke management programs for agriculture and forestry burning are 

advanced programs, a play an important role minimizing visibility impacts from these 

activities. However, in order to make further achievements in reasonable progress, the 

Department believes greater efforts are need through smoke management. 

Current Oregon smoke management programs have some provisions to “evaluate and address 

the degree of visibility impairment from smoke”. The ODA Willamette Field Burning 

Program has provisions which prohibit weekend burning upwind of Cascade Class I areas. The 

Jefferson and Union County field burning programs evaluate conditions on a daily basis 

upwind of nearby Class I areas to avoid transporting smoke into those areas. The ODF Smoke 

Management Plan has “visibility objectives” in OAR 629-048-0130 that include voluntary 

measures to minimize smoke impacts in Class I area during the summer protection period, and 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 202

use caution when burning upwind to avoid ground level plume impacts, outside of the summer 

protection period. 

In order to determine if any additional smoke management improvements could be made to 

improve visibility as part of the LTS, one approach would be to look at IMPROVE monitoring 

data and pollutant species composition on 20% worst days, and in particular the contribution of

OC and EC, as an indicator of vegetative burning. The information provided in Chapter 7 

shows the average pollutant species contribution over the 2000-04 baseline period, as well as 

the annual variation in one year (2004), as an example of the different pollutant species 

typically found at Oregon Class I area. Table 12.6.2-1 below is an example from the Crater 

Lake IMPROVE site for 2004, showing the daily variations in pollutant species. The green 

represents OC, and the black EC. The peaks with a “W” represent the 20% worst case days. 

Those with a circle around the W are days in the spring and fall months. 

Figure 12.6.2-1 Crater Lake IMPROVE Site – Pollutant Species Variation for All Days 

Sampled in 2004

In many ways this is typical of the impacts and variations in Oregon’s Class I areas. Many of 

the 20% worst-case days (W) show a sizable contribution of OC and EC, which has a strong 

correlation to fire sources. The impacts in the summer months show an even greater 

contribution of these pollutant species, which is a likely indicator of wildfire. In this case, there 

could be some smoke contribution from Willamette Valley field burning, although the distance 

from the Valley to Crater Lake makes it unlikely any contribution would result in a worst day 

impact. Under the ODF smoke management program, there is little to no burning during the 

summer months. 

However, during the spring and fall months, there is significant forestry burning which occurs 

in the state. Some of the peaks during these months show a distinct pattern of OC and EC 

contribution. Given the proximity of forested land around Crater Lake, this is an indication that 

forestry burning may be a major contributor to these spring and fall worst days. The 

Department believes further evaluation is needed to determine the extent of this contribution, 

and if additional smoke management controls could reduce the impacts on these worst-case 

days, and provide any substantial improvement in visibility. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 203

The following summarizes the evaluation the Department will conduct to make this assessment 

of forestry smoke contribution, the type of smoke management controls that would be 

considered to reduce these impacts, and the schedule for completing these two evaluations by 

the next regional haze plan update in 2013. 

Evaluation Method 

As part of this LTS, the Department will evaluate monitoring data at all six IMPROVE sites for 

2000-04, identifying the 20% worst-case day impacts in the spring and fall months, as in the 

example above in Figure 12.6.2-1, that have significant contributions of OC and EC. The 

general evaluation method will be as follows: 

1. Compile a list of worst-case days over this 4 year period, and review ODF 

accomplished burn records to identify any recorded or observed smoke impacts in the 

Class I area or areas represented by the IMPROVE site. 

2. Review burn records to identify corresponding days when prescribed burning activity 

was occurring, within a 50 mile radius of each IMPROVE site. 

3. On days that impacts and burning match, review meteorological records to identify 

mixing height, transport wind direction, and other related data, on those days. 

4. Compile a list of accomplished burns that correspond to the prevailing winds and 

mixing height, with a summary of the location, distance to impacted Class I area, 

estimated tons burned, and times of ignition and completion, if known. (Note -

modeling may be included in this step.) 

5. Provide a final assessment as to the probably each accomplished burn contributed to the 

impact, and an estimate of the extent of that impact. 

A final report will be prepared that summarizes the overall contribution of prescribed burning 

to worst-case day impacts at each IMPROVE site. Included in this report will be the Class I 

area or areas represented by the site, the extent of the contribution from prescribed burning, any 

recommendations for additional smoke management protections, and the criteria or threshold

level used as the basis for the recommendation. This report will be provided to ODF and 

federal land managers for review and comment.

Additional Smoke Management Protection Assessment

Additional smoke management protection will only be considered based on an affirmative 

finding from the evaluation described above, and on a case-by-case basis for each Class I area. 

The purpose of this additional protection would require more intensive management of 

prescribed burning within a certain distance upwind of an Oregon Class I area, with the 

objective of avoid any burning that would cause a prolonged smoke intrusion and heavy smoke 

concentrations, resulting in a 20% worst day impact. This additional protection would rely 

upon “basic” smoke management techniques, as opposed to adopting more advanced 

techniques. Pre-identification of burn units subject to this requirement would be necessary. 

Other specific provisions may be developed as needed. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 204

The ODF smoke management program currently provides smoke protection for designated 

urban areas, or SSRAs. This effort requires more intensive smoke management when burning 

upwind of SSRAs, in order to avoid any smoke intrusion into the SSRA. The additional smoke 

management protection for Class I areas would be much less restrictive, as the primary 

objective is not to prevent any smoke, but to avoid major smoke impacts, that could result in a 

20% worst day impact. 

Identification of the “basic” smoke management techniques to be used for specific Class I areas 

would need to be determined by the Department in consultation with ODF and federal land 

managers. One possible approach would be to establish special protection zones of 50 miles 

around each Class I area. Burning within these zones would be managed to meet to visibility 

protection objective outlined here. Although this objective reflects the “plume blight” 

requirements of the Phase I visibility rules, the fact that this protection is directed at reducing 

the number of 20% worst day impacts is more related to Phase II regional haze, and therefore is 

being proposed as part of the LTS. 

Schedule for Completion and Implementation 

The evaluation of forestry burning contribution to Oregon Class I areas and the need for 

additional smoke management protection, will be conducted in consultation with ODF, federal 

land managers, and other forest stakeholders. The 2013 update of the Oregon Regional Haze 

Plan will contain a final report on the results of this effort, and identify a schedule for revisions 

to the ODF Smoke Management Plan, if additional visibility protection is determined. 

12.6.3 Evaluation of the Contribution from General Outdoor Open Burning

As described in Section 12.5.5, general outdoor open burning represents 16% of annual PM10

emissions from anthropogenic fire sources, based on 2005 estimates. The Department’s Open 

Burning Rules in OAR Division 264 contain requirements for numerous types outdoor burning, 

such as domestic, land clearing, construction, demolition, and industrial. This burning occurs 

mostly year-round, although heaviest in the spring and fall. Each of these types of burning 

have different regulations to address them in various parts of the State, based primarily on the 

proximity population centers. These rules were adopted 20-30 years ago, mostly to address 

nuisance concerns, and have been revised intermittently. To date there has been no evaluation 

of the extent that general outdoor burning contributes to Class I visibility impairment. Unlike 

other types of burning, there are many different types of burning that make up this source 

category, and wide ranges emissions due to fuel type, fuel loading, combustion characteristics, 

which make difficult to obtain good emission estimates, and ultimately difficult to determine 

contribution to visibility impairment. However, the Department believes that an evaluation of 

this source is needed to determine if better emission estimations are possible, and methods for 

predicting how these emissions are contributing to nearby Class I areas. For the 2013 update to 

the Regional Haze Plan, the Department will conduct this evaluation and prepare a report with 

recommendations on the potential benefits to visibility by revising current open burning rules 

to minimize impacts on visibility, and a proposed schedule for rule revisions, if supported by 

the recommendations. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 205

12.6.4 Evaluation of the Contribution from Rangeland Burning

As described in Section 12.5.5, rangeland burning represents 15% of annual PM10 emissions 

from anthropogenic fire sources, and is based on rough estimates. The majority of this burning 

occurs in the high desert regions in southeastern Oregon, with lesser amounts in Central 

Oregon. Much of the burning activity is on lands under the authority of the federal Bureau of 

Land Management. Due to the remote locations and lack of population in the areas where 

burning historically occurs, there has been little to no regulation of this activity. Information 

on acres burned is limited, and no smoke management controls have been considered necessary 

do to the infrequency of reported smoke problems. However, some estimates on the amount of 

rangeland burning in SE Oregon indicate 200,000-300,000 acres may be burned each year. 

This raises the possibility that nearby Class I areas are being impacted by this burning during 

certain times of year. During the 2007 review of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s smoke 

management program, the Department discussed with ODF the need for obtaining better 

information on the extent of rangeland burning, and smoke management coverage should be 

extended to that part of the state. For the 2013 update to the Regional Haze Plan, the 

Department will conduct evaluation on the extent and possible contribution of rangeland 

burning to Class I visibility impairment, and prepare a report with recommendations for next 

steps, that may include tracking acres burned and voluntary smoke management measures. 

12.6.5 Efforts to Address Offshore Shipping 

As described in Chapter 9, both the PSAT and WEP results show offshore marine vessel 

emissions as a major contributor to Oregon Class I areas, especially in Western Oregon. If 

compared to emission inventory data in Chapter 8, marine vessel emissions are 56% for SO2

and 31% for NOx of the total 2002 statewide emission inventory for these pollutants. 

Currently, the Department has limited authority in Oregon to regulate offshore shipping 

emissions. State regulations on shipping apply only to vessels on the Willamette and Columbia 

rivers. On July 24, 2008, the State of California adopted new strict regulations for marine 

vessels within 24 miles of shore. The Department expects that implementation of these new 

regulations for marine vessels will have benefits in Oregon. 

The Department will prepare a report for the next plan update in 2013, that includes any 

estimates on visibility improvements in Oregon from the California regulations, any new 

information or studies on the transport and contribution of offshore shipping, any new 

regulatory actions expected to meet other Clean Air Act requirements, and recommendations 

on what regulatory actions Oregon could pursue to address this source.

12.7 Projection of the Net Effect on Visibility

The anticipate net effect on visibility from emission reductions by point, area, and mobile 

sources during the period of the LTS has been estimated by the WRAP, based on monitoring, 

emission inventory, and modeling projections. The results of the CMAQ modeling described 

in Section 9.3 show anthropogenic emission sources declining significantly across the West and 

in Oregon through 2018. However, overall visibility benefits of these reductions are somewhat 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 206

offset by emissions from natural sources such as wildfire and dust, and other uncontrollable 

sources. This includes international sources in Canada and Mexico, global transport of 

emissions, and offshore shipping in the Pacific Ocean. Despite this, it is clear that visibility 

improvements will be made due to the control of BART sources, numerous on-the-books 

regulations such as state and federal mobile source rules, and elements contained in the LTS to 

address non-BART sources and fire emissions over the next 5-10 years that may provide 

additional improvements by 2018. The WRAP has also committed to conducting final 

reasonable progress modeling when all BART results are complete, which will likely reveal 

additional progress toward the 2018 URP. 

As part of the requirement to submit 5-year progress reports in Section 13.4.3 of this plan, the 

Department will include in the 2013 update any additional visibility improvements expected 

due to updated modeling information from the WRAP, or other pertinent new information 

related to the demonstration of reasonable progress in Chapter 11 of this plan.

 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 207

CHAPTER 13: CONSULTATION AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS

13.1 Federal Land Manager Consultation

Section 308(i) of the Regional Haze Rule requires consultation between the State and FLMs 

related to development and implementation of regional haze plans. States need to provide 

FLMs and opportunity to comment at least 60 days prior to holding a public hearing on a 

proposed plan or plan revision. This includes commenting on the State’s assessment of 

visibility impairment in each Class I area, and providing recommendations on the reasonable 

progress goals and visibility control strategies the State has proposed. States also need to 

provide the FLM an opportunity to comment on the five-year progress reports and other 

developing programs that may contribute to Class I visibility impairment.

Section 51.308(f) of the Regional Haze Rule requires States to submit a plan revision by July 

31, 2018 and every ten years thereafter. 

Oregon has provided agency contacts to the FLMs as required. In the development of this plan, 

the FLMs were consulted in accordance with the provisions of 51.308(i)(2). Oregon has 

provided the FLMs an opportunity for consultation, in person and at least 60 days prior to 

holding any public hearing on the plan. The first public hearing on the plan is January 6, 2009. 

The Oregon Regional Haze Plan was made available to the FLMs for review and comment via 

the Department’s regional haze website on November 11, 2008. The FLMs were notified by 

email and a letter on that date. A copy of the letters is in Appendix G. 

In accordance with 40 CFR 51.308(i)(3), Oregon has received comments regarding the plan

from the FLMs. These comments on the plan were addressed by the Department. See 

Appendix G of this plan. 

Section 51.308(i)(4) requires procedures for continuing consultation between the State and 

FLMs on the implementation of the visibility protection program. Oregon will consult with the 

Federal Land manager(s) on the status of the following implementation items: 

1. Implementation of emissions strategies identified in the plan as contributing to 

achieving improvement in the worst-day visibility.

2. Summary of major new source permits issued.

3. Status of State/Tribe actions to meet commitments for completing any future 

assessments or rulemakings on sources identified as likely contributors to visibility 

impairment, but not directly addressed in the most recent plan revision.

4. Any changes to the monitoring strategy or monitoring stations status that may affect 

tracking of reasonable progress.

5. Work underway for preparing the 5-year review and 10-year revision.

6. Items for FLMs to consider or provide support for in preparation for any visibility plan

revisions (based on a 5-year review or the 10-year revision schedule under EPA’s 

RHR). 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 208

7. Summary of topics discussion (meetings, emails, other records) covered in ongoing 

communications between the State/Tribe and FLMs regarding implementation of the 

visibility program. 

The consultation will be coordinated with the designated visibility protection program 

coordinators for the National Park Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest 

Service. 

Section 51.308(g) requires States to submit a progress report to EPA every 5 years evaluating 

progress towards the reasonable progress goal established for each Class I area. The first 

progress report is due 5 years from submittal of this plan, and must be in the form of a SIP 

revision.

In accordance with Section 51.308(h), at the time of the report submission, Oregon will also 

submit a determination of the adequacy of its existing Regional Haze SIP revision.

Oregon will continue to coordinate and consult with the FLMs during the development of

future progress reports and plan revisions, as well as during the implementation of programs 

having the potential to contribute to visibility impairment in the mandatory Class I areas.

13.2 State Consultation and Coordination

Section 51.308(d)(3)(i) of the Regional Haze Rule requires States to consult with neighboring 

States to develop coordinated emission strategies. This requirement applies both where 

emissions from a State is reasonably anticipated to contribute to visibility impairment in Class I 

areas outside the State, and where emissions from other States are reasonably anticipated to 

contribute to Class I visibility impairment inside the State.

As described in Section 12.3 the Long-term Strategy, Oregon reviewed interstate transport of 

haze pollutants with neighboring States, focusing on source apportionment information to 

identify visibility impacts in Oregon and neighboring state Class I areas. The states consulted 

by Oregon were Washington, Idaho, California and Nevada. Section 13.2-1 reviews the 

consultation process with these States. Additional consultation with these States was through 

Oregon’s participation in the WRAP, and the numerous committees and workgroups described 

in Section 4.1.2 of this plan. 

Of particular note was the WRAP Implementation Work Group (IWG), which consists of state 

and tribal staff involved in the development of regional haze plans. The state representatives 

on this work group were the primary regional haze plan writers from the 14 WRAP states. This 

work group reviewed the major strategies associated with state and tribal regional haze plans, 

and addressed the issues associated with plan development and rule interpretation, including 

the primary coordination and consultation that took place between states, tribes, EPA, and the 

FLMs during the development of the Oregon Regional Haze Plan. The attached link identifies 

the IWG members http://www.wrapair.org/forums/iwg/members.html. Additional information 

on IWG work products, projects, and documents, can be found on that website as well. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 209

13.2.1 Summary of State Consultation Process

As described above, the WRAP IWG was one of the primary mechanisms for state-to-state 

consultation. In addition, the Oregon IWG member and primary author of this plan, Brian 

Finneran, consulted directly with IWG members from the following neighboring states:

1. Washington – Doug Schneider, Washington Department of Ecology

2. Idaho – Mike Edwards, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

3. California – Tina Suarez-Murias, California Air Resources Board

4. Nevada – Frank Forsgren, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection*

(* Nevada is not an official member of the WRAP, but did prepare a regional haze plan.)

Discussions with neighboring States included the review of major contributing sources of air 

pollution, as documented in numerous WRAP reports and projects, and described in Chapters 

7-9, and 12, of this plan. The focus of this review process was interstate transport of emissions, 

major sources believed to be contributing, and whether any mitigation measures were needed.54 

All the states relied upon similar emission inventories, results from source apportionment 

studies and BART modeling, review of IMPROVE monitoring data, and existing state smoke 

management programs, and other information in assessing the extent to which each state 

contributes to visibility impairment in the other state Class I areas.

Oregon DEQ will continue to coordinate and consult with other States as part of the

implementation of the strategies contained in the Oregon Regional Haze Plan, and for future

progress reports and plan revisions, as required under the federal Regional Haze Rule. 

13.2.2 Consistency with Neighboring State SIPs

As described above, the Oregon Regional Haze Plan was developed with emphasis on 

consistency with other State plans, through consultation directly with neighboring states and in 

the WRAP, and the technical tools, policy documents, and other products that were used to 

develop all of the regional haze plans by Western States. 

13.2.3 Oregon and Other State Emission Reductions Obligations

Section 51.308(d)(3)(ii) requires States to demonstrate that its regional haze plan includes all 

measures necessary to obtain its fair share of emission reductions needed to meet reasonable 

progress goals. Based on the consultation described above, no major contributions were 

identified that supported developing new interstate strategies, mitigation measures, or emission 

reduction obligations. Both Oregon and neighboring states agreed that the implementation of 

BART and other existing measures in state regional haze plans were sufficient, and that future 

consultation would address any new strategies or measures needed. 

 

54 Significant contributions to haze from international transport (Canada, Mexico, and global) is not addressed 

here, but is summarized in Chapters 7 and 8. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 210

13.3 Tribal Consultation

Although not required under EPA’s Regional Haze Rule, the Department consulted with Tribes 

in Oregon during the development of this plan. Like the State consultation process above, 

consultation with Tribes involved reviewing major emission sources and regional haze 

strategies, both through WRAP activities and direct outreach to Tribes within Oregon. 

A letter was sent on March 31, 2008, to Ken Cronin the WRAP Tribal Caucus Coordinator with 

the National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC), describing Oregon’s interest in obtaining 

participation from tribes in the development of Oregon’s haze plan, and seeking assistance 

from NTEC contacting Tribes on this matter. A copy of this letter is in Appendix G.

The Department contacted the following tribes to solicit further input on the Oregon Regional 

Haze Plan, prior to the start of the public comment period:

list

The Department held regional haze meetings at the following locations in Oregon to describe 

the draft plan and seek input from Tribes:

list

See Appendix G for additional information on Tribal consultation. 

13.4 Commitment to Future 308 Plan Revisions

13.4.1 Comprehensive 10-Year Plan Revisions

Section 51.308(f) of the Regional Haze Rule requires States to revise their regional haze plans

and submit a plan revision to EPA by July 31, 2018, and every ten years thereafter. In 

accordance with the requirements listed in Section 51.308(f) of the federal rule for regional 

haze, Oregon commits to revising and submitting this regional haze implementation plan by 

July 31, 2018 and every ten years thereafter.

These plan revisions must evaluate and reassess elements under 40 CFR 51.308(d), taking into 

account improvements in monitoring data collection and analysis, and control technologies. 

Elements of the future plans are summarized below.

1) Current Visibility Conditions. Determine current visibility (most recent five year period 

preceding the required date of the PLAN submittal for which data is available) 

conditions for the most impaired and least impaired days and determine the actual 

progress made towards natural conditions. 

2) Long Term Strategies. Determine the effectiveness of the long-term strategy for 

achieving the presumptive goal for the prior SIP period. If the long-term strategy or 

prior presumptive goal was insufficient to attain natural conditions by 2064, the 

State/Tribe must look at additional or new control measures that may be adopted 

considering compliance cost, compliance time, compliance energy and non-air quality 

environmental impacts, and the affected source remaining useful life. 
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 211

3) Reasonable Progress Goals. Affirm or revise the current reasonable progress goal 

based on assessment of new or updated information, improved technologies, and ongoing legislation.

4) Monitoring Strategy. Re-evaluate the adequacy of the existing monitoring strategy. 

Provide updated information and changes to the monitoring strategy, as well as an 

updated State/Tribe emissions inventory.

13.4.2 5-Year Progress Reports

In addition, Section 51.308(g) requires periodic reports evaluating progress towards the 

reasonable progress goals established for each mandatory Class I area. In accordance with the 

requirements listed in Section 51.308(g) of the federal rule for regional haze, Oregon commits 

to submitting a report on reasonable progress to EPA every five years following the initial 

submittal of the SIP. The report will be in the form of a PLAN revision submitted by 

December 2013. The reasonable progress report will evaluate the progress made towards the 

reasonable progress goal for each mandatory Class I area in Oregon. All requirements listed in 

51.308(g) shall be addressed in the SIP revision for reasonable progress. At a minimum, the 

progress reports must contain the following elements:

1. Implementation status of the current SIP measures;

2. Summary of emissions reductions;

3. Assessment of most/least impaired days;

4. Analysis of emission reductions by pollutant;

5. Significant changes in anthropogenic emissions;

6. Assessment of the current SIP sufficiency to meet reasonable progress goals; and

7. Assessment of visibility monitoring strategy.

Section (d)(4)(v) requires periodic updates of the emission inventory. Oregon commits to 

update the inventory by the next SIP update in 2013.

13.5 Determination of Plan Adequacy

As required by Section 51.308(h) of the Regional Haze Rule, depending on the findings of the 

five-year progress report required described above in Section 13.4.2, Oregon commits to taking 

one of the following actions at the same time Oregon submits the 5-year progress report: 

1) If Oregon finds that no substantive SIP revisions are required to meet established visibility 

goals, Oregon shall provide EPA a negative declaration saying that no plan revision is 

needed;

2) If Oregon finds that the plan is or may be inadequate to ensure reasonable progress due to 

emissions from outside the State, Oregon shall notify EPA and the other contributing 

State(s), and initiate efforts through a regional planning process to develop additional 

strategies in addressing the SIP deficiency;
2008 Oregon Regional Haze Plan Page 212

3) If Oregon finds that the plan is or may be inadequate to ensure reasonable progress due to 

emissions from another country, Oregon shall notify EPA and provide the available 

supporting information; or 

4) If Oregon finds that the plan is or may be inadequate to ensure reasonable progress due to 

emissions from within the State, Oregon shall develop additional strategies to address the 

plan deficiencies and revise the plan within one year from the date that the progress report 

was due.