EPA Proposes to Retain NAAQS for Particulate Matter
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 14 announced its proposal to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10).
Fine particulates are small in diameter, such as those released by construction equipment engine emissions, while coarse particulates are larger and more visible, such as dust from construction sites. The PM NAAQS regulates construction and development activity by triggering local requirements that state and local governments impose in order to satisfy the NAAQS. If the proposal is adopted as final by EPA, it will preserve the status quo, and not trigger any changes in the current area designations or requirements those local areas will have to meet.