Opinion ID: 767481
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Fine Particulate Matter

Text: 14 SURCCo contends that AES's fine particulate matter analysis was flawed because AES used old and unrepresentative data and failed to use more recent data that was available to it before it issued the permit. They contend that if the more recent data were used the analysis would show that the fine particulate matter standard would be exceeded. The EPA, in response, contends that AES complied with all of the modeling and monitoring requirements and used the most recent data available to it prior to its permit application. The regulations do not require AES to consider post-application data. See 40 C.F.R. § 52.21(m)(1)(iv) (background monitoring data must represent at least the year preceding receipt of the [permit] application). While some different fact patterns (e.g., a great delay) might give SURCCo's argument more weight, the facts here do not. The EPA and AES present rational evidence that the more recent data, on which SURCCo relies, are unrepresentative and when corrected actually confirm AES's analysis that the standards will not be exceeded. The EPA also properly explained why it modified the permit to include a revised BACT limit for fine particulate matter. Finally, the EPA also acted reasonably when it asked AES (after the public comment period) to submit additional information to take account of this revised limit. See 40 C.F.R. § 124.17(b).