UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4

The Honorable Bill Harris Chiefofthe Catawba Indian Nation 996 Avenue ofthe Nations Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730
Dear ChiefHarris: ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 

### FEB

- 6 2013

I am writing todayto inform you about the process for designating areas under the 2010 revision to the primaryNational 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 difficultybreathing 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 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 Administratorhas insufficient information to makethese designations, the EPA has the authorityto 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 so2 standard within two years and extended the designations deadline to June 3, 2013.
Atthis time, the EPA is proceeding with designating as nonattainment most areas in locations where existingmonitoring 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 EPAhas developed a comprehensive implementation strategy for these future actions that focuses resources on identifying and addressing unhealthy levels ofS02
. The strategyis available at: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. The EPA will continue to work closely with you and ourother partners at the state, tribal and local levels to ensure health-protective, commonsense implementation ofthe 1-hour S02 standard.
The EPA's review ofthe most recent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02standard in anyofthe Catawba Indian Nation trust lands. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action in the Catawba Indian Nation trust lands and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas inthe Catawba Indian Nation trust lands. The EPA expects to be able to proceed with designation action inthe Catawba Indian Nation trust lands once additional data are gathered pursuant to ourcomprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofourintended designations for these areas, and seek public comment on these actions, no later than 120 days prior to promulgating any final designations.

Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed wtth Vegetable Oil 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 information regarding initial designations on the 

### SOz 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 orBeverly Banisterofmy staffat 404-562-9326.

cc: Darin Steen Environmental Technician Sincerely,

# ~~h(]**Gwendol~:e:r:n:g** Regional Administrator

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