EPA Proposes Lower Health Standard for Particulate Matter
On January 6, 2023, EPA announced a proposal to lower the health-based standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5):
- The current health-based standard for annual PM2.5 is 12 micrograms/cubic meter.
- The proposal is to lower the annual standard to between 9 micrograms/cubic meter to 10 micrograms/cubic meter.
- Mecklenburg County's 2022 annual PM2.5 compliance value is 8.7 micrograms/cubic meter.
A summary graph of historical PM2.5 annual compliance values is provided below. Local compliance values for all common air pollutants can be found here. EPA's full proposal for changes to the PM2.5 health standard can be found here.
North Carolina Advanced Clean Trucks Rulemaking
The
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is collaborating with stakeholders in
developing a proposed Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program, ensuring zero-emission
commercial trucks are available for purchase in North Carolina. ACT will require manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles over time while providing flexibility, through credits, trading and other features, as segments of the market grow at different speeds. The sales targets would also drive investment in other zero-emission technologies including charging and fueling infrastructure.
The ACT program will apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 8,500 pounds, covering a variety of vehicles ranging from delivery vans, box trucks, garbage trucks and semi tractors. ACT would NOT apply to consumer passenger vehicles or off-road vehicles. The NCDEQ Advanced Clean Trucks website is a resource for up-to-date information on this rulemaking.
Access Air Quality Services Electronically
While you can come visit us, we are still providing full electronic services to save you a trip (driving less is one of our pollution reduction tips)! The resources below are available so customers can conduct business with us electronically or over the phone:
If you are unsure how to proceed, please call 704-336-5430.
Odor from New Indy Containerboard
Summary of Responses
Residents of southern Mecklenburg County may observe sulfur-odors (e.g. rotten egg) related to New Indy Containerboard operations in Catawba, SC. MCAQ continues to work with SC DHEC, NC Department of Environmental Quality, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support the multi-state investigation and monitoring efforts and protect public health. Information about the response to this odor concern is below:
New Indy Response | South Carolina Response | Monitoring Data | EPA Response