SC's Early Action Plan for the 8-hour Ozone Standard

On July 18, 1997, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ground-level ozone from 0.12 parts per million (ppm) 1-hour “peak” standard to 0.08 ppm 8-hour “average” standard. This new standard is commonly referred to as the 8-hour ozone standard. Using data from each state's ozone monitoring network and recommendations from the respective states, EPA determines if geographic areas of the state are attainment (meet the standard) or nonattainment (exceed the standard).

In the fall of 2002, EPA approved an option for areas meeting the 1-hour ozone standard, like those in South Carolina, to attain the 8-hour ozone standard by December 31, 2007, and obtain cleaner air sooner than federally mandated. This option, commonly referred to as the Early Action Process, requires an expeditious time line for achieving emissions reductions sooner than required under the 8-hour ozone implementation rule, while providing “fail-safe” provisions for the area to revert to the traditional SIP process if specific milestones are not met.

Forty-five counties in South Carolina along with the Department and EPA Region 4, signed Early Action Compacts (EAC) in December 2002. By signing the EAC, EPA agreed to defer the effective date of the nonattainment designation for participating areas. However, areas participating in the EAC that do not meet all of the terms of the EAC, including established milestones, will forfeit participation and will be designated according to requirements within EPA's 8-hour ozone implementation rule, i.e., Transportation Conformity and non-attainment New Source Review.

The Department has been working with EPA, state and local governments, industry, environmental groups, and other interested parties to develop a strategy to reduce the pollution that creates ground-level ozone. The most important reasons for moving forward in this proactive manner are the public health benefits realized by meeting the new standard sooner than required and also deferring the effective date of the nonattainment designation. In March 2004, participating EAC areas in South Carolina, submitted local Early Action Plans to include emission reduction strategies.

On April 15, 2004, the EPA publicized nonattainment areas and respective classifications for ozone. They were based on the severity of the ozone problem in each state. Three areas in South Carolina were listed as not meeting the 8-hour ozone standard. Although one of the areas designated was not allowed to continue participation in the EAC process (due to proximity with Charlotte, NC) the other two areas were.

Those areas and the remaining EAC areas in South Carolina, whether designated attainment or nonattainment for the 8-hour ozone standard are committed to bringing cleaner air sooner to South Carolina through the Early Action Process.

Questions about Early Action Plan? Contact Nelson Roberts (803)898-4122