PAUL R. LEPAGE 

GOVERNOR 

June 30, 2012 

David Conroy, Chief 

Air Programs Branch 

U.S . EPA Region I 

1 Congress St., Suite 1100 

Boston, Ma. 02114-2023 

RE: Required SIP Elements Under Section 11 0(a)(1) and (2) for the 

1997 PM2.5 NAAQS 

Dear Mr. Conroy: 

PATRICIA W. AHO 

COMMISSIONER 

On January 3, 2008, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) submitted an 

Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) to the U.S . Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) demonstrating that Maine is in compliance with the procedural, timing and infrastructure 

requirements contained in section 110(a)(1) and (2) of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments 

(CAA) as required for the PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Since that 

time, EPA h_-s identified several requirements that were insufficiently addressed by Maine's 

initial submission 

In correspondence dated June 30, 2012, EPA identified the following concerns with Maine's 

submittal : 1) Maine's ambient air quality standards in its Chapter 110 Ambient Air Quality 

Standards rule are out-of-date and do not reflect the 1997 or 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS; 2) Maine's 

2008 PM2.5 Infrastructure submittal did not include a finding that Maine does not contribute 

significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 1997 or 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS 

in any other state; and 3) the 2008 submittal did not include an emergency episode plan for 

PM2.5 . 

The Department is committed to working with EPA to resolve these issues and ensure the timely 

approval of Maine's PM2.5 Infrastructure SIP . As you know, the Department is currently 

amending its Chapter 110 Ambient Air Quality Standards rule' to incorporate the current 

National Ambient Air Quality Standards and Ambient Increments, and we are hereby 

committing to submit the revised Chapter 110 for your approval within one year of your final 

action on Maine's section 110(a) SIPS. 

I We are scheduled to adopt the proposed amendments on July 17, 2012. 

AUGUSTA 

17 STATE HOUSE STATION 

AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0017 

(207) 287-7688 FAX: (207) 287-7826 

RAY BLDG., HOSPITAL ST. 

STATE OF MAINE 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

BANGOR PORTLAND PRESQUE ISLE 

106 HOGAN ROAD, SUITE 6 312 CANCO ROAD 1235 CENTRAL DRIVE, SKYWAY PARK 

BANGOR, MAINE 04401 PORTLAND, MAINE 04103 PRESQUE ISLE, MAINE 04769-2094 

(207) 941-4570 FAX: (207) 941-4584 (207) 822-6300 FAX: (207) 822-6303 (207) 764-0477 FAX: (207) 760-3143 

web site : www.maine .gov/dep 
Letter to David Conroy 

6/30/12 

Page 2 of 2 

With respect to PM2.5 emissions from Maine significantly contributing or interfering with 

maintenance of the 1997 or 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS in any other state, Maine emissions do not 

significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of either the 1997 or 

2006 PM2.5 NAAQS in any other state2 . 

Finally, the Department expects Maine to be designated as a Priority III region, thereby negating 

the need for a PM2.5 Emergency Episode Plan. 

I am hopeful we have been able to adequately address all outstanding concerns, and look forward 

to your approval of this submission. If you should have any questions, please contact Jeff 

Crawford at (207) 287-7647. 

Sincerely, 

Melanie Loyzim, Director 

Bureau of Air Quality 

Cc: Anne Arnold, EPA 

Patricia W. Aho, DEP 

Heather Parent, DEP 

Jeff Crawford, DEP 

2 Maine previously submitted a section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) transport SIP addressing ozone and the 1997 PM NAAQS. 

Using air quality data analysis techniques and air quality modeling conducted by EPA in support of the Clean Air 

Interstate Rule, this SIP revision demonstrated that emissions from Maine do contribute significantly to 

nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 1997 PMZ.5 NAAQS, or otherwise interfere with visibility 

protection or other state's efforts to prevent significant deterioration of air quality. The PM2.5 analysis is also 

applicable to the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. See also, correspondence from Jeffrey S. Crawford (DEP) to Anne Arnold 

(EPA) dated June 1, 2011 .