Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATIONS 

FOR THE 2008 EIGHT-HOUR OZONE 

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD

MARCH 2009 

Bureau of Air Quality 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 

P.O. Box 8468 

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8468 

717-787-9495

www.depweb.state.pa.us

John Hanger 

Acting Secretary 

Edward G. Rendell 

Governor 
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Designation Recommendations

For the 2008 Eight-Hour Ozone 

National Ambient Air Quality Standard 

Table of Contents

 PAGE 

What is this document?...................................................................... 1 

What is ground-level ozone?................................................................ 1 

 Health effects ........................................................................ 1 

Welfare effects........................................................................2 

 

What is the NAAQS for ozone?............................................................. 2 

 

What is the process for designating areas?................................................. 2 

 

What would be the effects of designation as nonattainment?........................... 3 

 

Pennsylvania’s Ozone Designation Recommendations.................................. 4 

 EPA guidance for ozone designation boundaries.................................4 

 Discussion about statistical areas................................................... .5 

Example of a Pennsylvania statistical area...........................................5 

Discussion by factor..................................................................6 

Discussion by area ................................................................... 9 

Acronyms and terms ......................................................................... 19 

References ..................................................................................... 20 

APPENDIX A. Recommended Designations 

Table 1: Recommended Designations in Pennsylvania 

Figure A-1: Map of Recommended Designations in Pennsylvania 

Figure A-2: Map of Nonattainment Areas for 1997 Standard (EPA, 2005)

APPENDIX B. Supporting Documentation 

Figure B-1: 2008 8-Hour Design Values 

Figure B-2: NOx Emissions Density by County 

Figure B-3: VOC Emissions Density by County 

Figure B-4: Population Density by County 

Figure B-5: Population Growth by County 

Figure B-6: 2006 Trajectories 

Table 2: Emissions in Tons per Year for 2005 by County 

APPENDIX C. Additional Documentation 

Figure C-1: 2007 Combined Statistical Areas of PA (U.S. Census, November 2007) 
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1

What is this document?

The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) provides a mechanism for states to make 

recommendations to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the 

designation of areas meeting and not meeting the National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards (NAAQS). 

In this document, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth) is making 

recommendations to EPA concerning the designation of attainment and nonattainment 

areas in Pennsylvania for the ozone NAAQS revised by EPA on March 12, 2008 (73 FR 

16436; March 27, 2008). The designation recommendations are based on air quality 

monitoring data for 2006-2008 and other available information, including ozone-forming 

emissions, meteorology and demographics. A full list of the recommendations by area 

and county and a map are contained in Appendix A. 

Since EPA anticipates making final designations by March 12, 2010, using air quality 

monitoring data that may include 2009, the Department of Environmental Protection 

(DEP or Department) will continue to work with EPA during the process leading to the 

promulgation of the final designations. 

What is ground-level ozone?

Ozone is not emitted directly to the atmosphere, but is formed by photochemical 

reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in 

the presence of sunlight. The long, hot, humid days of summer are particularly 

conducive to ozone formation, so ozone levels are of concern primarily during the 

months of April through September. 

The primary sources of man-made VOCs and NOx, the ozone precursors, are the 

evaporation of fuels and solvents (gasoline and consumer products), the combustion of 

fuels (motor vehicles, power plants and non-road engines), and industrial processes. 

Health effects. Repeated exposure to ozone pollution may cause permanent damage to 

the lungs. Even when ozone is present in low levels, inhaling it triggers a variety of 

health problems including chest pains, coughing, nausea, throat irritation, and congestion. 

It can also worsen bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma, and reduce lung 

capacity. Asthma is a significant and growing threat to children and adults. Ozone can 

aggravate asthma, causing more asthma attacks, increased use of medication, more 

medical treatment and more frequent visits to hospital emergency clinics. 

Healthy people also experience difficulty in breathing when exposed to ozone pollution. 

Because ozone pollution usually forms in hot weather, anyone who spends time outdoors 

in the summer may be affected, particularly children, the elderly, outdoor workers and 

people exercising. Children are most at risk from exposure to ozone because they are 

active outside, playing and exercising, during the summertime when ozone levels are at 
2

their highest. Millions of Pennsylvanians live in areas where the ozone health-based 

standards are exceeded. 

EPA estimates that the revised standards will yield health benefits valued between $2 

billion and $17 billion. Those benefits include preventing cases of bronchitis, aggravated 

asthma, hospital and emergency room visits, nonfatal heart attacks and premature death, 

among others. 

Welfare effects. Ground-level ozone damages plant life and is responsible for $500 

million in reduced crop production in the United States each year. Ozone interferes with 

the ability of plants to produce and store food, making them more susceptible to disease, 

insects, other pollutants, and harsh weather. It damages the foliage of trees and other 

plants, ruining the landscape of cities, parks and forests, and recreation areas. One of the 

key components of ozone -- nitrogen oxides -- contributes to fish kills and algae blooms 

in sensitive waterways, such as the Chesapeake Bay. 

What is the NAAQS for ozone? 

EPA sets the NAAQS based on its review of existing scientific knowledge about the 

adverse health and welfare effects. The CAA requires EPA to review and update 

periodically, if necessary, the NAAQS to “protect public health with an adequate margin 

of safety” based on the latest, best-available science. CAA § 109(d), 42 U.S.C. § 

7409(d). 

An ozone standard averaged over eight hours (8-hour standard) was first established in 

1997, replacing a 1-hour standard to account for health impacts over longer periods. This 

1997 standard, set at 0.08 parts per million (ppm), effectively became 0.084 ppm because 

ozone is measured out to three decimal places. 

After evaluating the results of more than 1,700 new scientific studies available for this 

review, EPA concluded that ozone causes adverse health effects at the level of the 1997 

standard and below. The more protective 2008 primary (health-based) standard is set at 

0.075 ppm or 75 parts per billion (ppb). EPA also strengthened the secondary (welfarebased) 8-hour ozone standard to the level of 75 ppb, making it identical in all respects to 

the revised primary standard. 

What is the process for designating areas?

Section 107(d)(1)(B) of the CAA requires EPA to designate areas as nonattainment, 

attainment or unclassifiable after promulgating a new NAAQS. 42 U.S.C. § 

7407(d)(1)(B). Following promulgation of new or revised air standards, governors are 

given the opportunity to submit recommendations for attainment and nonattainment 

areas, supported by the most recent quality-assured monitoring data. EPA provides 

criteria for states’ recommendations for designating areas. 
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EPA has requested that governors’ recommendations for ozone attainment and 

nonattainment designations be submitted by March 12, 2009, one year after the 

promulgation of the revised NAAQS. EPA may make modifications and promulgate all 

or part of a Governor’s recommendations. If EPA determines that a modification to the 

recommendation is necessary, EPA will notify the state no later than 120 days prior to 

promulgating the designation, and must give the state an opportunity to demonstrate why 

the potential modification is inappropriate. 

The CAA requires EPA to make final ozone designations within two years of 

promulgation unless there is insufficient information. Therefore, EPA anticipates 

promulgating designations in March 2010, based on the most recent quality-assured data 

available at the time. 

The anticipated schedule for the recommendations of designation and development of SIPs is as 

follows: 

March 6, 2009 Close comment period on ozone designation recommendations 

March 12, 2009 State recommendations due to EPA 

November 12, 2009 EPA notifies Pennsylvania if EPA intends to modify recommendations 

December 2009 EPA public comment period on draft designations 

January 12, 2010 Deadline for states to submit additional information 

March 12, 2010 EPA’s final designations 

The Department held public informational meetings in the DEP regional offices in 

Pittsburgh and Harrisburg on March 3, 2009 and in Norristown on March 4, 2009 to 

explain the proposed ozone designation recommendations. The Department accepted 

public comment on the proposed ozone designation recommendations through March 6, 

2009. Notice of the public meetings and comment period was published in the 

Pennsylvania Bulletin on February 14, 2009. 

The ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions, outlining how each nonattainment 

area will reduce pollution to meet the standards, will be due to the EPA in March 2013, 

three years after final designations are expected to be effective. The EPA is expected to 

classify areas in accordance with CAA § 107(d)(3)(E) at the same time it makes final 

designations; requirements and attainment dates may vary based on the severity of the 

problem in the area, as indicated by the area’s classification. 

What would be the effects of designation as nonattainment?

The CAA contains different regulatory requirements for new or modified stationary 

sources in areas designated as nonattainment. In addition, the “conformity” provisions of 

the CAA apply only in nonattainment and maintenance areas; transportation plans and 

federally funded actions and projects must conform to the SIP in order not to interfere 

with NAAQS attainment and maintenance. 
4

However, because ground-level ozone and ozone precursor emissions are pervasive and 

easily transported, Congress established an Ozone Transport Region (OTR), consisting of 

13 states and the District of Columbia, stretching from Northern Virginia to Maine. As a 

result of Pennsylvania’s inclusion in the OTR, the entire Commonwealth is considered a 

“moderate” nonattainment area for purposes of regulating stationary sources and for the 

specific requirements in the OTR-related portions of the CAA. Pennsylvania has already 

fulfilled these requirements in its development of the SIPs for the 1-hour standard and the 

1997 8-hour ozone standard. Pennsylvania has also adopted many regulations locally and 

statewide in order to ensure attainment and maintenance both within its borders and to 

help reduce its contribution to ozone pollution in downwind areas. The Commonwealth 

is also included in the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) currently being administered by 

EPA. The Commonwealth has developed maintenance plans for most of those counties 

that were designated as nonattainment under, and subsequently attained, the 1997 

standard1

; these plans include specific permanent and enforceable control measures. 

Measures in effect in a county previously designated as nonattainment will continue to 

stay in effect even if the area is designated as attainment for the 2008 ozone standard. 

To the extent additional state measures are required to attain the new ozone NAAQS, 

they will be developed by Pennsylvania through a public process as the implementation 

plan is developed. The Commonwealth will also work with states in areas that affect and 

are affected by Pennsylvania’s air quality to develop cost-effective measures that will not 

disadvantage Pennsylvania economically. 

Pennsylvania’s Ozone Designation Recommendations

EPA guidance for ozone designation boundaries. On December 4, 2008, the EPA 

issued a general guidance memorandum, “Area Designations for the 2008 Revised Ozone 

National Ambient Air Quality Standard.” (2008 Area Designations guidance 

memorandum.) The guidance memorandum describes criteria that EPA suggests states 

examine when determining their recommended nonattainment area boundaries. 

EPA recommends that a state use the statistical areas defined by the U.S. Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) as a starting point for its recommendations. In addition, 

EPA recommends analysis of nine factors for area-specific recommendations (some of 

which are similar to the criteria OMB uses to establish statistical areas), particularly if the 

state is recommending deviations from the boundaries of the statistical areas. The nine 

factors are: 

• Air quality data 

• Emissions data (location of sources and contribution to ozone concentrations) 

• Population density and degree of urbanization 

• Traffic and commuting patterns 

• Growth rates and patterns 

 

1

 These counties are Erie, Mercer, Cambria, Blair, Centre, Lancaster, Berks, Tioga, Franklin; the 

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle area including Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon and Perry; the York area 

including Adams and York; the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area including Lehigh, Northampton and 

Carbon; the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area including Wyoming, Luzerne, Lackawanna and Monroe. 
5

• Meteorology 

• Geography and topography 

• Jurisdictional boundaries, including political boundaries, transportation planning 

organizations and existing nonattainment areas 

• Level of control of emission sources 

Discussion about statistical areas. Section 107(d)(1) of the CAA defines an area as 

nonattainment if it is violating the NAAQS or if it is contributing to a violation in a 

nearby area. 42 U.S.C. § 7407(d)(1). Ozone and ozone precursors are readily 

transported, so EPA believes it is important to examine emissions across a relatively 

broad geographic area. EPA recommends using the Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) 

or Combined Statistical Area (CSA) (which includes two or more adjacent CBSAs) 

associated with the violating monitor(s) as a starting point. A CBSA consists of a county 

or counties containing at least one urban core plus adjacent counties that have a high 

degree of social and economic integration with the urban core as measured by commuting 

ties. If a violating monitor is not located in a CBSA or CSA, EPA recommends using the 

boundary of the county as the starting point for defining a nonattainment area. EPA used 

the same conceptual approach in the designation process for the 1997 ozone NAAQS. 

The OMB defines statistical areas. The criteria on which statistical areas are based are 

contained in a notice of decision, Standards for Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan 

Statistical Areas (65 FR 82228, December 27, 2000). The Department based its 

nonattainment area boundary recommendations in this document on OMB Bulletin No. 

07-01 (December 2006), containing the lists of counties in each statistical area. (The 

most recent update had no changes affecting Pennsylvania.) The updated list of statistical 

areas is available at the following website: 

www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metrodef.html 

A metropolitan statistical area is a CBSA that has an urban area with a population of at 

least 50,000. It may or may not include outlying counties. A micropolitan statistical area 

is a CBSA that has an urban area with a population of at least 10,000, but less than 

50,000 (with or without outlying counties). CSAs are formed automatically if two or 

more adjacent CBSAs have an employment interchange of 25%. If the employment 

interchange is between 15% and 25% between two or more adjacent CBSAs, a CSA 

could be formed if local opinion favors the idea. Counties or groups of counties form 

metropolitan divisions if they have a core population of at least 2.5 million and have 

commuting ties to adjacent counties. 

A county may appear in only one CBSA. If a county is a central county in one CBSA 

and an outlying county in another, it falls within the CBSA where it is a central county. 

If a county is an outlying county in two or more CBSAs, the county falls in the CBSA 

where it has the greatest employment interchange measure. 

Example of a Pennsylvania statistical area. The Harrisburg-Carlisle-Lebanon CSA is 

comprised of two metropolitan statistical areas. Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry 

counties comprise one metropolitan statistical area. All three counties have very strong 
6

economic and commuting links with each other so that the area comprises both a core and 

a CBSA. Lebanon County is also a metropolitan statistical area. It is more of a standalone adjacent county that has a core and a separate CBSA. Although Lebanon County is 

not as closely associated with the first three counties, Lebanon County still has 

commuting patterns that allow the two metropolitan statistical areas to be added into one 

CSA. 

A map of the OMB statistical areas is provided as Figure C-1 in Appendix C. 

Discussion by factor. The Department, on behalf of the Commonwealth, has considered 

these factors as follows: 

Air Quality. 

The Commonwealth’s recommendations are based on the 2008 8-hour ozone design 

values (using the 2006, 2007, and 2008 monitored data). Figure B-1 in Appendix B is a 

map of the 2008 8-hour ozone design values for all of the ozone monitors. The monitors 

exceeding the 75 ppb standard are displayed in red. Many of the areas that were 

designated nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour standard in 2005 have monitors that exceed 

the revised 8-hour ozone standard. Monitors in Altoona (Blair County), Johnstown 

(Cambria County), State College (Centre County), Tioga (Tioga County), Methodist Hill 

(Franklin County), and Moshannon (Clearfield County) and the Nanticoke, Wilkes-Barre, 

Scranton, and Peckville monitors (Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties) do not exceed the 

2008 ozone standard, although they exceeded the 1997 standard when designations were 

made. In addition, one monitor in a county that did not exceed the 1997 8-hour standard 

when designations were made is in violation of the revised 8-hour ozone standard: the 

Montoursville monitor (in Lycoming County). 

Emissions Data.

An emission inventory is an estimate of the emissions from sources in a particular area. 

The inventory consists of sources in four sectors: stationary point sources, stationary area 

sources, highway vehicle sources and nonroad sources. 

Table 2 in Appendix B shows the manmade ozone precursor emissions of NOx and VOC 

by county. Figures B-2 and B-3 in Appendix B show the emissions of NOx and VOC by 

tons emitted per square mile. These emissions come from the following sources: 

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

Department collects individual emissions-related information. Generally, 

stationary sources are “major” stationary sources for purposes of permitting, but 

may also include some smaller stationary sources. 

• “Stationary area sources,” which are industrial, commercial, and residential 

sources too small or too numerous to be handled individually, such as commercial 

and residential open burning, architectural and industrial maintenance coatings 
7

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

stations. 

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

trucks, buses and motorcycles. 

• “Nonroad sources,” which include a diverse collection of engines and vehicles, 

including outdoor power equipment, recreational vehicles, farm and construction 

machinery, lawn and garden equipment, industrial equipment, recreational marine 

vessels, commercial marine vessels, locomotives, ships, aircraft and many other 

engines and vehicles. 

These emissions are based on the last complete three-year inventory available, for 2005, 

provided to EPA in 2007. Emissions of ozone precursors had decreased significantly 

from the prior three-year inventory prepared for 2002. Emissions are expected to be 

significantly less than the 2005 emissions when the next three-year inventory is prepared 

for 2008 (in June 2010). Further discussion of emission control measures leading to 

these decreases is included later in this document. 

Population, Urbanization, Traffic, Commuting, and Growth. 

These related factors are the primary determinates of the OMB’s designation of 

metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas; therefore, consideration of the statistical 

area boundary associated with the violating monitor as a starting point for the 

nonattainment area boundary inherently includes consideration of these factors. This 

approach is consistent with EPA’s 2008 Area Designations guidance memorandum and 

with the approach used in the designation process for the 1997 ozone standard. 

Although the factor of population growth is considered in this analysis, a high rate of 

growth does not necessarily mean a high absolute increase in emissions. For example, 

while Pike County has a high rate of growth, population is relatively low and, therefore, 

emissions are expected to remain an insignificant contribution to the New York City area. 

Figure B-4 shows population density by county and Figure B-5 shows population growth 

between 2000 and 2007.

Jurisdictional boundaries including political boundaries, transportation planning 

organizations and existing nonattainment areas. 

Following county boundaries has a natural advantage in that county boundaries are also 

used by the Commonwealth’s regional transportation planning organizations (which are 

often economic planning organizations, as well). Inventory data for non-point sources is 

also more accurate and available on the county level. EPA recommends that when a 

monitor is not located in a CBSA or CSA, the county boundary serve as the starting point 

for considering the extent of the nonattainment area. Regional planning organizations 

(metropolitan and rural planning organizations) for transportation established in 

Pennsylvania often, but do not always, follow OMB’s statistical area framework. The 
8

Commonwealth considers continuity of planning areas an important factor since many of 

the areas recommended for nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard already 

have a maintenance plan, or will have an attainment plan, in place for the 1997 standard. 

Meteorology and Topography. 

Ozone is a photochemical pollutant, which means it needs sunlight in order to start the 

chemical transformation of VOCs and NOx into ozone. For this reason, meteorology 

plays a very important factor in the formation of ozone. Generally, there has been a 

reduction in the monitored ozone values from when the first 8-hour ozone designations 

were made until today. This reduction in ozone levels is primarily due to the NOx SIP 

Call. This region-wide reduction in NOx has helped to limit the level of NOx reaching 

into the Commonwealth from other states. This can be seen in the monitoring data as the 

Methodist Hill and Tioga monitors (high elevation monitors) attain the standard. 

However, ozone transport from other states is still occurring (see the monitoring data at 

the Hookstown, Florence and Greene County monitors, which are currently not attaining 

the standard). General wind flow through the entire Commonwealth is from west to east. 

Wind flow across the eastern portion of the Commonwealth is generally from southwest 

to northeast. Therefore, the Commonwealth continues to see transport of ozone and its 

precursors primarily from states to Pennsylvania’s south and west. 

Current Level of Emissions Control. 

Because of the pervasive nature of ozone and the effects of transport of ozone and its 

precursors into and out of the Commonwealth, most emission controls in Pennsylvania 

have been adopted for areas larger than single nonattainment areas. There are exceptions, 

though, primarily for the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley nonattainment area2

 and the 

Philadelphia nonattainment area3

. Level of emission control is a factor for 

recommending nonattainment boundaries primarily in those two areas. 

Highway and nonroad emissions of NOx and VOC have been declining and will continue 

to decline as national and state controls on new highway vehicles, and national controls 

on nonroad equipment and motor vehicle fuels, come into effect, and as older vehicles are 

replaced. 

Pennsylvania and other states adopted NOx control regulations in the context of regional 

control programs for large industrial boilers and internal combustion engines, electric 

generating units, and cement plants starting in 1997. Most recently, as the result of a 

December 23, 2008 U.S. Court of Appeals decision, the EPA’s Clean Air Interstate Rule 

(CAIR) covering 28 states and the District of Columbia will remain in place while EPA 

develops a replacement rule consistent with the Court’s July 11, 2008 opinion. CAIR and 

its accompanying Federal Implementation Plan will govern large electric generating units 

in the Commonwealth in 2009. CAIR requires reductions in NOx emissions from these 

 

2

 recommended to include Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland 

counties. 

3

 recommended to include Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. 
9

electric generating units. The federal and state New Source Review programs and 

standards for hazardous air pollutants also reduce emissions to provide continued 

improvements. Pennsylvania has also adopted statewide controls for emissions of VOCs 

from sources such as consumer products, solvent degreasing, portable fuel containers, 

and architectural and industrial maintenance coatings. 

Additional discussion of the nine factors is included below. 

Discussion by Area.

Recommended Nonattainment Areas 

The Commonwealth is making the following ozone nonattainment area designation 

recommendations based upon air quality monitoring data for 2006-2008, the other 

information described immediately above regarding the factors in the EPA’s 2008 Area 

Designations guidance memorandum, and any additional information described below. 

Southwest Pennsylvania: 

This region of Pennsylvania is dominated by relatively high terrain cut by numerous river 

valleys. These valleys tend to trap the precursor pollutants necessary to form ozone. 

During an ozone generating event, the sun begins to heat the surface in the late morning. 

With an abundance of NOx and VOC due to the local traffic and regional source 

production, the sun will react well with the air mass over the region to form ozone.

Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley Nonattainment Area: 

The Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley nonattainment area for the 1997 ozone standard consists of 

Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties. 

The Commonwealth recommends that the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley nonattainment area 

remain the same for the 2008 ozone standard. 

The recommended nonattainment area boundary is the same as the boundary of the 

Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area. Allegheny County has the monitor with the 

highest design value in this seven-county area of 86 ppb and thus exceeds the standard. 

The larger Pittsburgh-New Castle CSA also includes Lawrence County, which is an 

adjacent single county micropolitan statistical area. The Commonwealth does not 

recommend including Lawrence County in the nonattainment area. This county has 

traditionally been a stand-alone planning area. The monitor located in Lawrence County 

indicates ambient air quality that attains the standard, and the county’s micropolitan 

statistical area status indicates a lower level of social and economic ties to the Pittsburgh 

metropolitan area counties than counties included in the metropolitan statistical area. The 

monitor in Lawrence County is significantly below the standard at 71 ppb. 
10

The counties recommended to be in the nonattainment area are included in one single 

transportation-planning agency as designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation 

(U.S. DOT) based on economic and commuting patterns. Retaining the existing 

boundary for this nonattainment area will allow the area to benefit from continuity of 

planning for the 1-hour and 1997 8-hour standard. The area has two emission control 

programs that pertain only to this area and not to surrounding counties: a requirement for 

cleaner gasoline during the ozone season and a requirement for gasoline pumps to control 

fumes when vehicles are refueling. 

The recommended nonattainment area includes three air basins, as defined in 25 Pa. 

Code § 121.1; the Lower Beaver Valley Air Basin, the Allegheny County Air Basin and 

the Monongahela Valley Air Basin. These basins were developed for purposes of the 

sulfur compound controls outlined in 25 Pa. Code § 123.22, yet they represent existing 

local boundaries for emission controls in the areas of the Commonwealth where they 

exist. 

Greene County Nonattainment Area: 

Pennsylvania is recommending that Greene County be designated as nonattainment. 

Greene County is not part of any CBSA and, therefore, should be a single county 

nonattainment area. 

Greene County contains a high elevation monitor that tracks the movement of ozone and 

ozone-related pollutants. The 2008 design value for this monitor was 76 ppb. 

As shown in Figures B-2 and B-3, Greene County has moderate NOx emissions density 

and very low VOC emissions density. 

Greene County is a single-county nonattainment area for the 1997 standard. A 

maintenance plan to maintain that standard through 2018 has been submitted and is under 

review by EPA. Therefore, designating Greene County a single-county nonattainment 

area promotes continuity of planning. 

Indiana County Nonattainment Area: 

A 1997 ozone nonattainment area consisted of Indiana and Clearfield counties. The 

Commonwealth recommends a nonattainment area for the 2008 ozone standard that is 

composed of only Indiana County. The Indiana County monitor exceeds the 2008 ozone 

standard with a design value of 76 ppb. 

Indiana County is defined as its own micropolitan statistical area. This indicates a low 

level of social and economic ties to Clearfield County. The Clearfield County monitor is 

not exceeding the 2008 ozone standard and has a 2008 design value of 73 ppb. Clearfield 

County has very low emissions density, as shown in Figures B-2 and B-3 in Appendix B. 

In addition, emissions from sources located in Clearfield County would not be expected 

to have a significant impact on the Indiana County monitor because they are located 
11

predominantly downwind of the violating monitor. As shown in Figures B-4 and B-5, 

Clearfield County has a low population density, and both Indiana and Clearfield counties 

have negative population growth trends. The two counties are also located in separate 

transportation planning regions. 

Northwest Pennsylvania: 

Youngstown-Warren-Sharon Nonattainment Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends that Mercer County be designated nonattainment for 

the 2008 ozone standard. The monitor located in the county exceeds the standard with a 

design value of 80 ppb. Transport of pollutants into Mercer County is generally from the 

west (from the Youngstown region). 

Mercer County is the only Pennsylvania county included in the Youngstown-WarrenBoardman metropolitan statistical area. Separate maintenance plans for the 1997 

standard were approved for the Pennsylvania and Ohio portions of the area. The 

Commonwealth has no objection to Ohio’s recommendation that Mercer County be 

included in the interstate nonattainment area, as it has been for many years. 

Erie County Nonattainment Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends that Erie County be designated nonattainment. The 

monitor located in the county exceeds the standard with a design value of 78 ppb. Erie 

County is a metropolitan statistical area that does not include other adjacent counties, 

indicating a low level of commuting and economic ties with adjacent counties. 

The ozone monitor in Erie is affected by the local meteorology within Erie County. 

Lake Erie sits off to the north and west. This lake contributes to the lake and land 

breezes that develop across Erie County. The topography to the south and east of Erie 

helps to trap pollutants in the Erie area. Because Erie is between a lake and a mountain 

range, the ozone monitored in Erie is unique to this portion of the Commonwealth. 

The area has consistently been designated as a single-county nonattainment area and has 

an approved maintenance plan for the 1997 ozone standard. 

Northcentral Pennsylvania: 

Williamsport Nonattainment Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends that Lycoming County be designated nonattainment for 

the 2008 ozone standard. The monitor located in Lycoming County exceeds the 2008 

ozone standard with a design value of 77 ppb. The Williamsport area was designated as 

attainment for the 1997 ozone standard. 
12

The OMB defines a Williamsport metropolitan statistical area that consists of only 

Lycoming County. The larger Williamsport-Lock Haven CSA also includes Clinton 

County, which is an adjacent single county micropolitan statistical area. The 

Commonwealth does not recommend including Clinton County in the nonattainment 

area. 

Clinton County’s micropolitan statistical area status indicates that it has its own urban 

core with a relatively lower level of commuting and other social and economic ties to 

Lycoming County. Clinton County has very low NOx and VOC emissions densities, low 

population density, and a negative population growth trend. 

Based on these factors, the Commonwealth concludes that it is reasonable to exclude 

Clinton County from the recommended nonattainment area. Clinton County is highly 

unlikely to contribute significantly to nonattainment in the Williamsport nonattainment 

area now or in the foreseeable future. 

Southcentral Pennsylvania: 

The region is comprised of four 1997 nonattainment areas that lie south of Blue 

Mountain, a mountain that marks the southern border of the Allegheny Mountains. This 

physical boundary influences regional wind patterns and often poses a barrier to maritime 

air masses originating from the Atlantic Ocean. Several broad valleys stretch across the 

region, mainly aligned from east to west. These valleys are separated by a mountain 

range to the north and west. Population, population density and population growth are 

relatively consistent across the region. 

The Department has defined four air basins under 25 Pa. Code §121.1 that roughly 

correspond to the current and recommended ozone nonattainment areas in southcentral 

Pennsylvania. These include the Reading Air Basin in Berks County, the Lancaster Air 

Basin in Lancaster County, the Harrisburg Air Basin in Cumberland and Dauphin 

counties and the York Air Basin in York County. 

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle Nonattainment Area: 

Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and Lebanon counties were designated as one 

nonattainment area for the 1997 ozone standard and a maintenance plan for the area is in 

place. The Commonwealth is recommending that these counties be included in one 

nonattainment area for the 2008 ozone standard. The design value for the area is 79 ppb. 

There are two monitors in the area, with the design (highest) monitor located in Dauphin 

County. 

The area is defined as a CSA consisting of two metropolitan statistical areas. The 

Harrisburg metropolitan statistical area includes Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry 

counties. While Lebanon County is its own metropolitan statistical area and the 

transportation planning organizations are also separate, there is significant commuting 

between these areas. There is no monitor in Lebanon County. 
13

Lancaster Nonattainment Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends that Lancaster County be designated nonattainment for 

the 2008 ozone standard. It has a design value of 82 ppb. Lancaster County is a single 

county metropolitan statistical area based on economic, political and commuting patterns. 

This area is served by a single-county transportation-planning agency. 

Lancaster County has low NOx and moderate VOC emissions density. The population 

density in Lancaster County is high with a positive growth trend. 

While there are commuting ties to other metropolitan statistical areas in Southcentral 

Pennsylvania, Lancaster County has a political and cultural identity of its own. 

Designating it as a single-county nonattainment area maintains continuity of planning 

since the county has an approved maintenance plan for the 1997 ozone standard. 

York Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends including York and Adams counties in the 

nonattainment area for the 2008 ozone standard. The design value for this area is 80 ppb. 

These counties comprised one nonattainment area for the 1997 ozone standard, and the 

area has an approved maintenance plan for the 1997 ozone standard. Maintaining these 

boundaries allows for continuity of planning and is consistent with the OMB’s 

designation of York and Adams counties as the York-Hanover-Gettysburg CSA. York 

and Adams are in different transportation planning organizations. However, since the 

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) does the technical work for 

Adams County related to air quality, the inclusion of this county has not posed a problem 

in the past. 

Reading Nonattainment Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends that Berks County be designated as a single-county 

nonattainment area for the 2008 ozone standard. 

The OMB defines a Reading metropolitan statistical area that consists of only Berks 

County. Although the OMB added Berks County to the Philadelphia CSA in 2006 

because of increasing commuting ties to the larger area, Berks traditionally has its own 

planning functions, including its own transportation planning organization. In addition, 

the Reading Air Basin defined in 25 Pa. Code §121.1 covers portions of Berks County 

and no other county. Therefore, the county should not be included in the Philadelphia 

nonattainment area. 
14

Note that in Figure B-1, a 2008 design value was not calculated for Berks County 

because of incomplete data due to several monitor relocations.4

 In particular, there was 

no monitoring done during June 2007, a likely time period for high ozone concentrations. 

However, previous design values (2005 and earlier) indicated that the county would 

exceed the 2008 standard. The design value for 2005 was 80 ppb. 

Berks County has low VOC and NOx emissions density (see Figures B-2 and B-3). As 

shown in Figures B-4 and B-5, Berks County has a relatively high population density that 

is growing. Most of the counties adjacent to Berks County are recommended to be 

included in other nonattainment areas. Bordering 1997 ozone nonattainment areas 

include: Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle area to the west, Lancaster to the southwest, the 

Philadelphia area to the southeast, and the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area to the 

northeast. To the extent that emissions from adjacent counties may contribute to ozone 

concentrations in Berks County or that emissions from Berks County contribute to ozone 

concentrations downwind, the contribution will be lessened by controls put in place in 

those separate nonattainment areas and statewide. 

Berks County was designated as a single nonattainment area for the 1997 8-hour ozone 

standard; it subsequently attained the standard and has an approved maintenance plan in 

place. 

Eastern Pennsylvania: 

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Nonattainment Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends designating Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties 

as one nonattainment area for the 2008 ozone standard. The recommended 

nonattainment area boundary is the same as the boundary for the 1997 ozone standard. 

The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area historically has strong planning and economic ties 

and is designated by OMB as a metropolitan statistical area. 

The region is bounded on the north by Blue Mountain, providing a significant physical 

barrier. A broad valley runs from east to west connecting both Lehigh and Northampton 

counties. 

Maintaining the 1997 boundary promotes continuity of planning. Lehigh and 

Northampton counties comprise the metropolitan transportation planning organization, 

while Carbon County is part of a five-county rural planning organization. However, 

 

4 There are two monitors in Berks County. The Kutztown monitor only operated in 2008. The Reading 

monitor also did not have three years of complete data because the official site location of the monitor has 

changed three times over the past two years. The first monitor location (under AIRS # 420110009) stopped 

operation on May 15, 2006 due to the lease not being renewed at the site. The monitor was moved to a 

temporary location (AIRS # 420110010) on May 15, 2006 and stayed there until May 31, 2007 until a more 

permanent location was found. A more permanent location was found and the new monitor location (AIRS 

# 410110011) started operating on July 1, 2007. With the monitor location changing three times over a two 

year span, the Department was unable to calculate a 2008 design value according to EPA guidelines.
15

since PennDOT does the technical work for Carbon County related to air quality, the 

inclusion of this county has not posed a problem in the past. 

The Department’s Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Air Basin defined in 25 Pa. Code § 

121.1 covers portions of Lehigh and Northampton counties. 

Philadelphia Nonattainment Area: 

The Pennsylvania portion of the existing 8-hour ozone nonattainment area consists of 

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The Commonwealth 

is recommending that these counties be designated as nonattainment for the 2008 ozone 

standard. The monitor with the highest design value in the five-county area is located in 

Bucks County and has a design value of 92 ppb. 

There are no major topographic features to restrict airflow present in this region of the 

state. Some minor hills separate this region from the Lehigh Valley area to the north. 

Emissions and population density are relatively uniform across the region. 

All of these counties are included in the interstate Philadelphia-Camden-Vineland CSA. 

The Commonwealth has no objection to these counties being included in an interstate 

nonattainment area as in the past. 

Population density throughout the five-county area is high but shows a decreasing growth 

trend, with the exception of Chester County. As indicated by the area’s metropolitan 

statistical area status, commuting and economic ties throughout the area exist. Figure B5 (showing population growth) displays a decrease in population in Philadelphia County 

and an increase in the suburbs. 

The transportation planning agency for the area covers the five Pennsylvania counties as 

well as a number of counties in New Jersey. The nonattainment area includes the 

Department’s inner and outer Southeast Air Basins, as defined in 25 Pa. Code § 121.1. 

The five counties have been included in a Philadelphia multi-state nonattainment area 

since ozone designations were first made under the CAA. 

There are a number of emission control strategies that clearly differentiate the five-county 

area from other surrounding nonattainment areas, including Berks County. These 

primarily arise from the area’s former designation as “severe” under the 1-hour standard 

and include: 

• a more stringent major source definition for new source review and permitting; 

• a requirement for federal reformulated gasoline, as mandated by federal statute; 

• a requirement for Stage II gasoline pumps; 

• NOx controls for smaller sources than in other areas; and 

• a more stringent vehicle emission inspection/maintenance program. 
16

Monroe County Area: 

The Commonwealth recommends that Monroe County be designated as a single county 

nonattainment area. The Monroe County monitor exceeds the 2008 ozone standard with 

a 2008 design value of 76 ppb. 

In EPA’s designations for the 1997 ozone standard, Monroe County was included in the 

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre nonattainment area, along with Wyoming, Lackawanna, and 

Luzerne Counties. All of the monitors in those counties now attain the standard. 

The OMB designates Monroe County as a micropolitan statistical area that is not 

associated with any CSA. This indicates a rather low level of economic and social ties to 

the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area (Lackawanna, Wyoming, and Luzerne) to 

the northwest and the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area (Carbon, Lehigh, 

and Northampton) to the south. In examining commuting patterns, census data show that 

9431 people in Monroe County travel to and from the Allentown area for work and 5457 

people in Monroe County travel to and from the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area for work. 

This data suggests that while Monroe County is not highly tied to either of its 

neighboring metropolitan areas, it is more closely associated with the AllentownBethlehem-Easton metropolitan area. 

The monitor within Monroe County has only three years of data associated with it, so 

performing a long-term analysis to see how the monitored data is trending with time is 

difficult. The 2008 design value for that monitor, 76 ppb, is barely above the standard. 

Examining back trajectories of the 11 exceedance days (days when ozone concentrations 

are above 75 ppb identified in the three years), nine days showed low-level flow over the 

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area and only two showed low-level flow over the 

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. Figure B-6 displays these trajectories over all 11 

exceedance days. 

Therefore, the Commonwealth recommends designating Monroe as a single-county 

nonattainment area. 

Highlights for Specific Areas Recommended As Attainment 

Pike County: 

The area does not have a monitor, but is part of the New York City CSA. Historically, 

the county has not been included as part of the New York City nonattainment area. 

While population in Pike County is growing, population is still very low. Pike County is 

now and likely to remain an insignificant contributor to New York City nonattainment. 

The Commonwealth, therefore, recommends that it be designated as attainment and not 

be included in any designation for the New York City area as nonattainment for the 

ozone standard. 
17

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Area: 

As discussed above in the recommendation for Monroe County, the Scranton-WilkesBarre metropolitan area consists of Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties. The 

monitors in these counties are all measuring ozone levels that meet the standard. 

Although the previous ozone nonattainment planning area also included Monroe County, 

which the Commonwealth recommends be designated nonattainment, the Commonwealth 

has assessed the factors provided by EPA in determining nonattainment area boundaries 

and has concluded that Monroe County should not be grouped with the counties in the 

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. Therefore, the Commonwealth is 

recommending designation of Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties as 

attainment. 

Clearfield County: 

The Commonwealth recommends designating Clearfield County as attainment. As 

discussed in the recommendation for Indiana County, the original ozone nonattainment 

area included Indiana and Clearfield counties. The Clearfield County monitor is in 

attainment of the new standard with a 2008 design value of 73 ppb. Clearfield County 

has very low emissions density as shown in Figures B-2 and B-3 located in Appendix B. 

Emissions from sources located in Clearfield County would not be expected to have a 

significant impact on the Indiana County monitor because they are located predominantly 

downwind of the violating monitor. 

Clearfield County is defined as its own micropolitan statistical area. This indicates a low 

level of social and economic ties to Indiana County. The two counties are also located in 

separate transportation planning regions. 

Lawrence County: 

Although included in the larger Pittsburgh-New Castle CSA, Lawrence County is a single 

county micropolitan statistical area. The Commonwealth does not recommend including 

Lawrence County in the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley nonattainment area. Lawrence County 

has traditionally been a stand-alone planning area. The monitor located in New Castle 

indicates ambient air quality that attains the standard, and the county’s micropolitan 

statistical area status indicates a lower level of social and economic ties to the Pittsburgh 

metropolitan area counties than the ties of the counties included in the metropolitan 

statistical area. 

Additional Information 

Appendix A includes a table and a map that describe the recommendations for the 2008 

ozone nonattainment areas, and a map of the designations for the 1997 ozone standard. 

The list of nonattainment and attainment areas in Table 1 includes all 67 Pennsylvania 

counties. 
18

Appendices B and C include documenting data and material that address the EPA’s 

designation criteria pertaining to air quality, emissions and population factors, as well as 

a map of the OMB statistical areas in Pennsylvania. 
19

ACRONYMS AND TERMS 

CAA Clean Air Act 

CSA Combined Statistical Area 

DEP Department of Environmental Protection (Pennsylvania) 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency (United States) 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards 

NOx oxides of nitrogen 

OMB Office of Management and Budget (United States) 

PM particulate matter 

ppb parts per billion 

SIP State Implementation Plan 

USDOT United States Department of Transportation 

VOC volatile organic compounds 
20

References 

EPA, Final Rule, “National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone,” (73 FR 

16436; March 27, 2008) 

EPA, "Boundary Guidance on Air Quality Designations for the 8-Hour Ozone 

National Ambient Air Quality Standards," Memorandum from John S. Seitz, 

March 28, 2000. 

EPA, “Area Designations for the 2008 Revised Ozone National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards,” Memorandum from Robert J. Meyers, December 4, 2008. 

EPA Area Designations for the 2006 24-Hour PM2.5 NAAQS - Technical Information, 

Summary of 2005 NEI: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/pm/pm25_2006_techinfo.html#F-2 

EPA Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS), Air Quality System, 

http://www.epa.gov/air/data/index.html 

U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000, County-to-county worker flow files: 

http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/commuting/index.html 

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, FactFinder, "Subcounty 

Population Estimate Data Sets,” available from http://factfinder.census.gov, 

accessed January 2009 

Office of Management and Budget, Notice of Decision, “Standards for 

Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas,” (65 FR 82228, 

December 27, 2000). 

Office of Management and Budget, Bulletin No. 07-01, “Update of Statistical 

Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses,” December 18, 2006 

U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, Cartographic Products Management Branch, 

Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Wall Maps, November 2007 

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/maps/msa_maps2007/us_wall_1107.html 

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Updated List of Statistical Areas 

available at: www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metrodef.html 
APPENDIX A 

Recommended Designations 

Table 1: Recommended Designations in 

Pennsylvania 

Figure A-1: Map of Recommended Designations 

in Pennsylvania 

Figure A-2: Map of Nonattainment Areas for 

1997 Standard (EPA, 2005) 

 
1

Pennsylvania Areas County 

 Design Values 

Recommended 

Designation 

DEP’s Southeast Region 

Philadelphia-Camden-Vineland 

PA-NJ-DE-MD Combined Statistical Area

 

Bucks County 92 ppb Nonattainment 

Chester County 82 ppb Nonattainment 

Delaware County 83 ppb Nonattainment 

Montgomery County 84 ppb Nonattainment 

Philadelphia County 89 ppb Nonattainment 

 

DEP’s Southcentral Region 

Altoona Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Blair County 72 ppb Attainment 

 

Harrisburg-Carlisle-Lebanon Combined 

Statistical Area 

 

Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan 

Statistical Area 

 

Cumberland County No monitor Nonattainment 

Dauphin County 79 ppb Nonattainment 

Perry County 77 ppb Nonattainment 

Lebanon Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Lebanon County No monitor Nonattainment 

 

Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Lancaster County 82 ppb Nonattainment 

 

Reading Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Berks County Incomplete** Nonattainment 

 

York-Hanover-Gettysburg Combined 

Statistical Area 

 

York-Hanover Metropolitan Statistical 

Area 

 

York County 80 ppb Nonattainment 

Gettysburg Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Adams County 77 ppb Nonattainment 

 

TABLE 1. List of Recommended Designations 

NOTE: Design Value is the 3-year average (2006-2008) of the 4th Highest Maximum for 8-Hour Ozone
2

Pennsylvania Areas County Design 

Values* 

Recommended 

Designation 

 

Chambersburg Micropolitan Statistical 

Area 

 

Franklin County 72 ppb Attainment 

 

Huntingdon Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Huntingdon County No monitor Attainment 

 

Remaining Counties in DEP’s 

Southcentral Region 

 

Bedford County No monitor Attainment 

Fulton County No monitor Attainment 

Juniata County No monitor Attainment 

Mifflin County No monitor Attainment 

 

DEP’s Southwest Region 

Pittsburgh-New Castle Combined 

Statistical Area 

 

Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Allegheny County 86 ppb Nonattainment 

Armstrong County 80 ppb Nonattainment 

Beaver County 78 ppb Nonattainment 

Butler County (Part of DEP’s Northwest 

Region) 

No monitor Nonattainment 

Fayette County No monitor Nonattainment 

Washington County 76 ppb Nonattainment 

Westmoreland County 76 ppb Nonattainment 

 

New Castle Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Lawrence County (Part of DEP’s Northwest 

Region) 

71 ppb Attainment 

 

Johnstown Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Cambria County 70 ppb Attainment 

 

Somerset Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Somerset County No monitor Attainment 

 

Indiana Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Indiana County 76 ppb Nonattainment 
3

Pennsylvania Areas County Design 

Values* 

Recommended 

Designation 

Remaining Counties in DEP’s Southwest 

Region 

 

Greene County 76 ppb Nonattainment 

 

DEPs Northwest Region 

Erie Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Erie County 78 ppb Nonattainment 

 

Youngstown-Warren-Boardman 

Metropolitan Statistical Area 

 

Mercer County 80 ppb Nonattainment 

 

Meadville Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Crawford County No monitor Attainment 

 

St. Marys Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Elk County No monitor Attainment 

 

Bradford Micropolitan Statistical Area 

McKean County No monitor Attainment 

 

Oil City Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Venango County No monitor Attainment 

 

Warren Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Warren County No monitor Attainment 

 

Remaining Counties in DEP’s Northwest 

Region 

 

Clarion County No monitor Attainment 

Jefferson County No monitor Attainment 

Forest County No monitor Attainment 

 

DEP’s Northcentral Region 

State College Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Centre County 75 ppb Attainment 
4

Pennsylvania Areas County Design 

Values* 

Recommended 

Designation 

Williamsport-Lock Haven Combined 

Statistical Area 

 

Williamsport Metropolitan Statistical Area 

Lycoming County 77 ppb Nonattainment 

Lock Haven Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Clinton County No monitor Attainment 

 

Bloomsburg-Berwick Micropolitan 

Statistical Area 

 

Columbia County No monitor Attainment 

Montour County No monitor Attainment 

 

DuBois Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Clearfield County 73 ppb Attainment 

 

Sunbury-Lewisburg-Selinsgrove Combined 

SA 

 

Lewisburg Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Union County No monitor Attainment 

Selinsgrove Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Snyder County No monitor Attainment 

Sunbury Micropolitan Statistical Area 

Northumberland County No monitor Attainment 

 

Remaining Counties in Northcentral Region 

Bradford County No monitor Attainment 

Cameron County No monitor Attainment 

Potter County No monitor Attainment 

Sullivan County No monitor Attainment 

Tioga County 73 ppb Attainment 

 

DEP’s Northeast Region 

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Metropolitan 

Statistical Area 

 

Carbon County No monitor Nonattainment 

Lehigh County 80 ppb Nonattainment 

Northampton County 78 ppb Nonattainment 
5

Pennsylvania Areas County Design 

Values* 

Recommended 

Designation 

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton 

Metropolitan Statistical Area 

 

Lackawanna County 74 ppb Attainment 

Luzerne County 75 ppb Attainment 

Wyoming County No monitor Attainment 

 

New York-Newark-Edison Metropolitan 

Statistical Area 

 

Pike County No monitor Attainment 

 

East Stroudsburg Micropolitan Statistical 

Area 

 

Monroe County 76 Nonattainment 

 

Remaining Counties in Northeast Region 

Schuylkill County No monitor Attainment 

Susquehanna County No monitor Attainment 

Wayne County No monitor Attainment 

** EPA expects three years of complete data to designate attainment areas. 

 
ELK

TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

LYCOMING PIKE

MCKEAN

WAYNE

BRADFORD

WARREN

CLINTON

BEDFORD

INDIANA

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

FAYETTE

CRAWFORD

BUCKS

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAMS

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

BEAVER

JEFFERSON

FULTON

SUSQUEHANNA

FOREST

MIFFLIN

ARMSTRONG

UNION

JUNIATA

SULLIVAN

COLUMBIA

LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

MONTGOMERY

LAWRENCE

LACKAWANNA

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

Figure A-1

Recommended 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Areas

Proposed 8-Hour Ozone Designation Areas

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton

Erie

Greene

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle

Indiana

Lancaster

Monroe

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley

Reading

Youngstown-Warren-Sharon

Williamsport

York
ELK

TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

LYCOMING PIKE

MCKEAN BRADFORD

WAYNE

BEDFORD

INDIANA

WARREN

CLINTON

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

BUCKS

CRAWFORD

FAYETTE

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAMS

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

JEFFERSON

SUSQUEHANNA

BEAVER

FULTON

FOREST

MIFFLIN

ARMSTRONG

UNION

SULLIVAN

COLUMBIA

JUNIATA LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

LAWRENCE

LACKAWANNA

MONTGOMERY

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

Figure A-2

Original Designation of the 8-Hour Ozone Standard for PA

Based on the 1997 standard (EPA, 2005)

Nonattainment Areas

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton

Altoona

Clearfield-Indiana

Erie

Franklin Co

Greene Co

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle

Johnstown

Lancaster

Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City

Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley

Reading

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre

State College

Tioga Co

York

Youngstown-Warren-Sharon
APPENDIX B: 

Supporting Documentation

Figure B-1: 2008 8-Hour Design Values 

Figure B-2: NOx Emissions Density by County 

Figure B-3: VOC Emissions Density by County 

Figure B-4: Population Density by County 

Figure B-5: Population Growth by County 

Figure B-6: 2006 Trajectories 

Table 2: Emissions in Tons per Year for 2005 

by County 
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TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

PIKE

LYCOMING

MCKEAN

WAYNE

W BRADFORD ARREN

CLINTON

BEDFORD

INDIANA

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

FAYETTE

CRAWFORD

BUCKS

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAMS

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

BEAVER

JEFFERSON

FULTON

SUSQUEHANNA

FOREST

MIFFLIN

ARMSTRONG UNION

SULLIVAN

LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

LAWRENCE

JUNIATA

COLUMBIA

LACKAWANNA

MONTGOMERY

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

78

80

77

80

86

76

76

78

80

76

76

77

77 80

82

77

79 79

76

77

80 78

89

82

84

83

71

70

75

73

74

74

73

70

72

75

73

72

75

67

72

74

77

92

67

Figure B-1

2008 8-Hour Ozone Design Values

Appearing in Red - 2008 8-Hour Ozone Design Values Above the Revised Standard of 75 ppb

Appearing in Blue - 2008 8-Hour Ozone Design Values At or Below the Revised Standard of 75 ppb
ELK

TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

LYCOMING PIKE

MCKEAN

WAYNE

BRADFORD WARREN

CLINTON

BEDFORD

INDIANA

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

FAYETTE

CRAWFORD

BUCKS

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAM S

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

BEAVER

JEFFERSON

FULTON

SUSQUEHANNA

FOREST

MIFFL IN

ARMSTRONG

UNION

JUNIATA

SULLIVAN

COLUMBIA

LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

LAWRENCE

LACKAWANNA

MONTGOMERY

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

NOx Emissions Density (tons per year per square mile)

0 - 10 10 - 25 25 - 50 50 - 100 100 - 300

Figure B-2

NOx Emissions Density Map by County

Emissions Based on 2005 NEI Data
ELK

TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

LYCOMING PIKE

MCKEAN

WAYNE

W BRADFORD ARREN

CLINTON

BEDFORD

INDIANA

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

FAYETTE

CRAWFORD

BUCKS

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAM S

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

BEAVER

JEFFERSON

FULTON

SUSQUEHANNA

FOREST

MIFFL IN

ARMSTRONG

UNION

JUNIATA

SULLIVAN

COLUMBIA

LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

LAWRENCE

LACKAWANNA

MONTGOMERY

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

Figure B-3

VOC Emissions Density Map by County

Emissions Based on 2005 NEI Data

VOC Emissions Density (tons per year per square mile)

0 - 10 10 - 25 25 - 50 50 - 100 100 - 300
ELK

TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

LYCOMING PIKE

MCKEAN

WAYNE

W BRADFORD ARREN

CLINTON

BEDFORD

INDIANA

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

FAYETTE

CRAWFORD

BUCKS

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAM S

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

BEAVER

JEFFERSON

FULTON

SUSQUEHANNA

FOREST

MIFFL IN

ARMSTRONG

UNION

JUNIATA

SULLIVAN

COLUMBIA

LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

LAWRENCE

LACKAWANNA

MONTGOMERY

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

Population Density (Persons per square mile)

0 - 50 50 - 100 100 - 250 250 - 500 Above 500

Figure B-4

Population Density Map by County

Population Based on 2007 US Census Results
ELK

TIOGA

ERIE

YORK

CENTRE

POTTER

BERKS

LYCOMING PIKE

MCKEAN

WAYNE

W BRADFORD ARREN

CLINTON

BEDFORD

INDIANA

BUTLER

LUZERNE

SOMERSET

CLEARFIELD

BLAIR

FAYETTE

CRAWFORD

BUCKS

LANCASTER

PERRY

MERCER

CHESTER

FRANKLIN

CAMBRIA

ADAM S

VENANGO

MONROE

CLARION

GREENE

HUNTINGDON

SCHUYLKILL

WASHINGTON

ALLEGHENY

DAUPHIN

WESTMORELAND

BEAVER

JEFFERSON

FULTON

SUSQUEHANNA

FOREST

MIFFL IN

ARMSTRONG

UNION

JUNIATA

SULLIVAN

COLUMBIA

LEHIGH

CARBON

WYOMING

SNYDER

CAMERON

CUMBERLAND

LEBANON

LAWRENCE

LACKAWANNA

MONTGOMERY

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHAMPTON

DELAWARE

MONTOUR

PHILADELPHIA

Population Growth (% Change: 2000 to 2007)

-12% - 0% 0% - 5% 5% - 10% 10% - 20% Above 20%

Figure B-5

Population Growth Map by County

Population Trends Based on 2000 and 2007 US Census Results
Figure B-6

2006 Trajectories

Total of 5 Exceedances

(Marked by Date and Maximum 8-hour 

Ozone Concentration)

May 30 – 82 ppb May 31 – 76 ppb June 17 – 82 ppb

June 18 – 77 ppb August 14 – 77 ppb
Figure B-6

2007 Trajectories

Total of 2 Exceedances

(Marked by Date and Maximum 8-hour 

Ozone Concentration)

May 15 – 78 ppb June 19 – 86 ppb
Figure B-6

2008 Trajectories

Total of 4 Exceedances

(Marked by Date and Maximum 8-hour 

Ozone Concentration)

April 18 – 76 ppb April 19 – 92 ppb

May 7 – 76 ppb June 13 – 93 ppb
1

TABLE 2. Emissions by County in Tons Per Year 

for 2005 

County VOC NOX 

Adams Co 4660 2825

Allegheny Co 46690 63290

Armstrong Co 3417 20352

Beaver Co 7424 33400

Bedford Co 4092 4534

Berks Co 19117 18086

Blair Co 5222 5016

Bradford Co 5097 2332

Bucks Co 26241 16792

Butler Co 8805 7549

Cambria Co 5363 6177

Cameron Co 1721 291

Carbon Co 4271 2913

Centre Co 6017 6651

Chester Co 19666 16507

Clarion Co 3272 3203

Clearfield Co 4636 11279

Clinton Co 3474 2886

Columbia Co 3664 2647

Crawford Co 5829 6015

Cumberland Co 9939 14454

Dauphin Co 12569 12548

Delaware Co 20250 32904

Elk Co 2732 2982

Erie Co 16332 12075

Fayette Co 5377 4064

Forest Co 2537 879

Franklin Co 6972 5470

Fulton Co 1442 1801

Greene Co 2642 20374

Huntingdon Co 3247 2526

Indiana Co 4693 42777

Jefferson Co 2694 2999

Juniata Co 1499 1807

Lackawanna Co 8753 6660

Lancaster Co 26407 16396

Lawrence Co 4234 9001

Lebanon Co 5924 5876

Lehigh Co 13369 11503

Luzerne Co 14098 10387

Lycoming Co 7534 4290

McKean Co 3494 3254

Mercer Co 7028 6010

Mifflin Co 2333 2695
2

Monroe Co 8575 5245

Montgomery Co 37216 23306

Montour Co 2038 14007

Northampton Co 10960 24620

Northumberland Co 5275 3442

Perry Co 2278 2515

Philadelphia Co 35230 38733

Pike Co 3985 2353

Potter Co 1728 1951

Schuylkill Co 6873 6219

Snyder Co 2856 4434

Somerset Co 5591 4654

Sullivan Co 2006 307

Susquehanna Co 4488 2067

Tioga Co 2917 2009

Union Co 3062 1989

Venango Co 3476 2757

Warren Co 3467 2390

Washington Co 9297 16311

Wayne Co 5086 1533

Westmoreland Co 15073 16655

Wyoming Co 2714 1693

York Co 18478 32214
APPENDIX C: 

Additional Documentation

Figure C-1: 2007 Combined Statistical Areas of 

Pennsylania (U.S. Census, 

November 2007) 
Figure C-1

Combined Statistical Areas of PA 

(November, 2007)

Image Extracted from US Census website at http://ftp2.census.gov/geo/maps/metroarea/us_wall/Nov2007/cbsa_csa_us_1107.pdf