The Federal Register recently published the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's redesignation of eight Southeast Michigan counties to attainment with the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard of 0.084 parts per million. Counties included in this action are Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne.

The redesignation signifies that air in these counties meets the federal ground-level ozone standard, based on the monitored levels of ozone during 2006-2008. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) worked with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to establish permanent air improvements and prepare federally required documentation showing compliance with the required Clean Air Act program elements to allow for this redesignation. Furthermore, a maintenance plan was developed to ensure that ozone levels remain low.

"The air quality improvements in Southeast Michigan are of benefit to the health and well-being of Michigan residents," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "The reduction in ozone pollution means fewer asthma attacks, emergency hospital visits, and loss sick days."

The change in designation status removes a disincentive for economic growth, which will allow Southeast Michigan to develop new industries while maintaining clean air. Federal requirements are more restrictive for industries located in nonattainment areas and make building a new manufacturing facility or expanding an existing one more difficult.

It should be noted that attainment designation for the new 2008 8-hour standard of 0.075 parts per million have not been established. Preliminary data indicate that areas of Michigan may not meet this more stringent standard yet.

For more information on air quality where you live, visit the DEQ "AIR" webpage at www.michigan.gov/deqair.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"