UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4

TheHonorableNathan Deal Governor, State ofGeorgia 142 State Capitol Atlanta, Georgia 30334

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

### FEB - 6 2013

Thank you for your staff's recommendations dated May 31, 2011, on air quality designations for the State ofGeorgia for the 2010 revision to the primaryNational Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide**(S~).** Reducing levels ofS02 pollution is an important part ofthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitment to a clean, healthy environment. Exposure to**S~** can cause a range of adverse health effects, includingnarrowing ofthe airways which can cause difficulty breathing and increased asthma symptoms. This letter is to notify you ofthe EPA'spreliminary intentions regarding your recommended designations.

On June 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 of7 5 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 make these 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 S02standard 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 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 on identifying and addressing unhealthy levels ofSOz. 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 S02 standard.

The EPA'sreview ofthe most recent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02standard in any areas in Georgia. Consequently, the EPA is not yet prepared to propose designation action in Georgia and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas in Georgia. The EPA expects to be able to proceed with designation action in Georgia once additional data are gathered pursuant to our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofourintended designations for these areas, and seekpublic comment onthese actions, no later than 120 days priorto promulgating any final designations.

Internet Address (URL) • http://www

.epa.gov Recycled/Racyclabla • Printed wtth Vegetable 00 Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer)We look forward to a continued dialogue with you and your staffas we work togetherto implement the 2010 primary**S~** 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 orBeverly Banister ofmy staffat 404-562-9326.
Sincerely,

# ~~~(( Gwendolheyes Fleming Regional Administrator

cc: Judson H. Turner Director Georgia Environmental Protection

Division (GA EPD)

James (Jac) A. Capp Chief, AirProtection Branch, GA EPD

GinaMcCarthy, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation
StephenD. Page, Director, Office ofAir Quality Planning and Standards