UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4 ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 

### FEB - 6 2013

The Honorable James E. Billie Chairman ofthe Seminole Tribe ofFlorida 6300 Sterling Road Hollywood, Florida 33024

Dear Chairman Billie:

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

OnJune 3, 2010, the EPA strengthened the health-based or "primary'' standard for**S~** by establishing a standard for 1-hour average S02 concentrations at a level of75 parts perbillion. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to complete the initial designations process within two years ofpromulgating a new or revised standard. Ifthe Administrator has insufficient information to make these designations, the EPA has the authority to extend the designation process byup to one year. OnJuly 27, 2012, the EPA announced that ithad insufficient information to complete the designations for the 1-hour so2standard within two years and extended the designations deadline to June 3, 2013.

At this time, the EPA is proceeding with designating as nonattainment most areas in locations where existing monitoring data from 2009-2011 indicate violations ofthe 1-hour S02 standard. The EPA intends to address the designations for all other areas in separate future actions. With input from a diverse group ofstakeholders, the EPA has developed a comprehensive implementation strategy for these future actions that focuses resources onidentifying and addressing unhealthy levels ofS02

. The strategy is available at: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. The EPA will continue to work closely with you and our otherpartners at the state, tribal and local levels to ensure health-protective, commonsense implementation ofthe 1-hour S02standard.

The EPA'sreview ofthe most recent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02 standard in any ofthe Seminole Tribe ofFlorida trust lands. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action in the Seminole Tribe ofFlorida trust lands and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas inthe Seminole Tribe ofFlorida trust lands. The EPA expects to be able to proceed with designation action in the Seminole Tribe ofFlorida trust lands once additional data are gathered pursuant to our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofour intended designations for these areas, and seek public comment on these actions, no laterthan 120 days priorto promulgating any final designations.

Internet Address (URL) • http://www

.epa

.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed wtth Vegetable Ofi Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer)We look forward to a continued dialogue with you and your staffas we work together to implement the 2010 primary S02 standard. For additional informationregarding initial designations on the S02 standard, please visit our website at www.epa.gov/so2designations. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 404-562-8357 or Beverly Banister ofmy staffat 404-562-9326. Sincerely,

# =J;.e{i:!,**;cr** Regional Administrator

cc: Craig Tepper, Director Environmental Resource Management Department

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