Opinion ID: 196673
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Memorandum of Understanding. Because the

Text: a. The Memorandum of Understanding. FEIS concluded that air emissions likely to be generated by the expected redevelopment of the airport would add to the level of ozone precursor emissions4 experienced in the Portsmouth Metropolitan Statistical Area and because of the EPA's concerns about the air quality impacts of Pease redevelopment, the EPA, PDA, and NHDES entered into an agreement--the MOU--to accommodate the statutory responsibilities of the Parties, and provide assurance of orderly and phased development in compliance with CAA requirements. The MOU acknowledges that, because the region around Pease was a serious nonattainment region for ozone, the 1990 CAA amendments required New Hampshire to revise its SIP to achieve 3 Both the Air Force and the FAA cite Governor Judd Gregg's February 13, 1992, letter of assurance (Governor's letter) as one basis for their conformity determinations. Because the Governor's letter relied primarily on the NHDES studies and the Varney letter as the grounds for its assurance of conformity, we do not discuss it separately. 4 Ozone precursors include nitrous oxide (NOx) and volatile compounds (VOCs) such as hydrocarbons (HC). See 40 C.F.R. 51.852 (1995) (ozone precursors include NOX and VOCs); 40 C.F.R. 51.100(s) (1995) (VOCs include any compound of carbon except those listed in regulation). -31- net reductions of 15% in total volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by November 15, 1996, and 3% each year thereafter, until the region achieved compliance with the NAAQS for ozone. To ensure compliance with the CAA and the SIP, PDA and NHDES committed themselves, under the terms of the MOU, to take certain actions. With respect to carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, the MOU provides that: (1) PDA will undertake a surface transportation study examining existing vehicle traffic patterns, projected vehicle traffic increases associated with development, and potential for alternative modes of transportation. (2) Based on the results of the transportation study, PDA will develop a comprehensive traffic model and surface transportation master plan for the Pease area. (3) Using the traffic model and periodically updated traffic counts, PDA will undertake intermittent CO analyses to determine compliance with the one and eight hour CO NAAQS and report the results of all CO analyses to EPA. (4) In the event that the CO analyses demonstrate that a proposed traffic increase from Pease redevelopment may cause or contribute to a new violation of the NAAQS for CO, PDA, in conjunction with any other state agency whose participation may be -32- necessary, will implement measures necessary to reduce projected traffic increases and/or air emissions impacts to a level which will not result in any violation of, or any contribution to a violation of, the NAAQS for CO. With respect to hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, PDA agreed not to develop Pease beyond a level anticipated to generate 3.3 tons per day of HCs until New Hampshire revised its SIP to accommodate greater emissions and the EPA approved the new SIP. Finally, with respect to all emissions, NHDES agreed to consult with PDA in preparing the revised SIP and to evaluate and incorporate into the new SIP projected emission increases from Pease redevelopment.