Current Status
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator signed the final PM2.5 nonattainment designations for Sacramento on October 8, 2009.
The designations become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
See the EPA Web site and the regional map for more information.
Background
On October 16, 2006, the EPA promulgated a new 24-hour standard for particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). This change lowered the daily standard from 65μg/m3 to 35μg/m3 to protect the general public from short term exposure of the fine particulate matter. Sacramento does not meet the new standards. In October, 2007, the Air District completed a boundary analysis based on the EPA's nine factor requirements. In December, 2007, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) made their recommendations to the EPA for the nonattainment area boundary.
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of very small liquid droplets and solid particles that are suspended in the air. Adverse health effects are linked to particles that are less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), and the subset of fine particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, PM2.5. According to EPA, health studies have linked exposure to PM, especially fine particles, to several significant health problems, including:
- increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing;
- decreased lung function;
- aggravated asthma;
- development of chronic bronchitis;
- irregular heartbeat;
- nonfatal heart attacks; and
- premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
Exposure to PM pollution can cause coughing, wheezing, and decreased lung function even in otherwise healthy children and adults. EPA estimates that thousands of elderly people die prematurely each year from exposure to fine particles. CARB has estimated both the public health and economic impacts caused by exposure to PM2.5. For the Sacramento Metropolitan Area, CARB estimates that each year:
- 90 people die prematurely;
- 20 people are admitted to hospitals;
- there are 1,200 asthma and lower respiratory symptom cases;
- there are 110 acute bronchitis cases;
- there are 7,900 lost work days;
- there are 42,000 minor restricted activity days; and
- the total economic impact of PM2.5 exposure is over $700 million per year.
Estimated PM2.5 Plan Schedule
If an area is designated nonattainment, an attainment plan must be submitted not later than 3 years after the effective date of the designation. The plan must include transportation conformity budgets and control measures. Transportation conformity budgets will require that future transportation projects stay within specified emission levels that meet attainment and progress goals. Failure to do so can result in withholding federal transportation project approvals and funding.
