UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4

The Honorable Phil Bryant Governor, State ofMississippi P.O. Box 139 Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Dear Governor Bryant: ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 

### FEB - 6 2013

Thank you for Mississippi's recommendations dated July 6, 2011, on air quality designations for the State ofMississippi for the 2010 revision to the primaryNational Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide (S02). Reducing levels ofS02pollution is an important part ofthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitment to a clean, healthy environment. Exposure to S02can cause a range of adverse health effects, includingnarrowing ofthe airways which can cause difficultybreathing and increased asthma symptoms. This letter is to notify you ofthe EPA's preliminary intentions regarding your recommended designations.
OnJune 3, 2010, the EPA strengthened the health-based or''primary'' standard for S02by establishing a standard for 1-hour average S02 concentrations at a level of75 parts perbillion. The Clean AirAct requires the EPA to complete the initial designations process within two years ofpromulgating a new or revised standard. Ifthe Administrator has insufficient information to make these designations, the EPA has the authority to extend the designation process byup to one year. On July 27, 2012, the EPA announced that it had 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 existingmonitoring data from 2009-2011 indicate violations ofthe 1-hour**S~** 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 on identifying and addressing unhealthy levels of**S~.** The strategyis 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 so2 standard.
The EPA's review ofthe most recent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02standard in any areas in Mississippi. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action in Mississippi and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas in Mississippi. The EPA expects to be able to proceed with designation action in Mississippi once additional data are gathered pursuant to our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action oractions the EPA will notify you ofour intended designations for these areas, and seekpublic comment on these actions, no laterthan 120 days prior to promulgating any final designations.

Internet Address (URL) • http://www

.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed**w~h** Vegetable on Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Poslconsumer)We look forward to a continued dialogue with you and your staffas we work together to implement the 2010 primary S02 standard. For additional information regarding 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 orBeverlyBanisterofmy staffat 404-562-9326. Sincerely,

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cc: Trudy D. Fisher Executive Director, Mississippi Department

OfEnvironmental Quality MayaRao Regional Administrator

Chief, AirDivision, Office ofPollution Control
Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Stephen D. Page, Director, Office ofAir Quality Planning and Standards