Air Quality > Wapato Puyallup Nonattainment Area

A New Federal PM_2.5 Air Quality Standard:

How Does it Affect Washington?

Ecology has recommended that the Wapato Hills-Puyallup River Valley area be designated nonattainment for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5).  See a map of this area.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets air quality standards to protect health. EPA has set standards for seven air pollutants: PM_2.5, larger particulate matter (PM₁₀), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), lead (Pb),  and ozone (O₃).  The standards define how much air pollution is safe in the outdoor air.  Learn more about EPA's air quality standards..

States monitor air quality in different areas to find out how much pollution is in the air.

What is the new PM_2.5 standard?

In 2006, EPA strengthened the 24-hour ambient air quality standard for PM_2.5 to better protect public health. The old standard was 65 micrograms per cubic meter of air.  The new standard is 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

What does this new standard mean for Washington?

Before EPA lowered the standard, all of Washington met the PM_2.5 standard. With the new standard, several areas of the state are close to exceeding the standard, and one area is not meeting it.  Air monitoring data shows that the Wapato Hills-Puyallup River Valley area persistently exceeded the standard during 2004-2006.

States must recommend designations to EPA for areas that don't meet an air quality standard. EPA can make one of three designations based on a state's recommendation:

• Attainment (meeting a standard)
• Nonattainment (failing to meet a standard)
• Unclassifiable (not enough information to designate)

Ecology has recommended to EPA that the Wapato Hills-Puyallup River Valley area be designated nonattainment for the new national air quality standard for PM_2.5.

Ecology held a public hearing in December 2007 on its proposed recommendation to EPA. Following the hearing, Ecology proposed to EPA on that the Wapato Hills-Puyallup River Valley area be designated nonattainment.

What will happen next?

EPA will consider Ecology's recommendations, determine the appropriate designations, and issue designations no later than December 2008.

Why is the PM_2.5 standard important?

PM_2.5 has been associated with premature death and serious health effects, including:

• Risk of heart attack and stroke
• Lung inflammation
• Reduced lung function
• Asthma-like symptoms
• Asthma attacks

Learn more about particulate matter.

Links to information

Documents discussing recommendations:

• Ecology's letter to EPA recommending designations
• Design values and recommendations
• Ecology's letter to EPA on the proposed Nonattainment Area
• Ecology's Proposed Wapato Hills-Puyallup River Valley PM2.5 Nonattainment Area
• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency analysis of the proposed Nonattainment Area

Maps:

• Major Features of the Proposed Nonattainment Area
• Detailed Nonattainment Area Map

Public process documents:

• Concise Explanatory Statement and Responsiveness Summary
• Letters and Other Written Materials
• E-Mailed Comments
• Public Hearing Materials