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 Virginia Administrative Code (Last Updated: January 10, 2017)
 Title 9. Environment
 Agency 5. State Air Pollution Control Board
 Chapter 30. Ambient Air Quality Standards

  Section 67. Particulate matter (PM2.5)  

Latest version.

  • A. The primary ambient air quality standards for particulate matter are:

    1. 12.0 micrograms per cubic meter, annual arithmetic mean concentration.

    2. 35 micrograms per cubic meter, 24-hour average concentration.

    B. The secondary ambient air quality standards for particulate matter are:

    1. 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter annual arithmetic mean concentration.

    2. 35 micrograms per cubic meter 24-hour average concentration.

    C. Particulate matter shall be measured in the ambient air as PM2.5 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers) by the reference method based on Appendix L of 40 CFR Part 50, or other method designated as such, or by equivalent method.

    D. The annual primary PM2.5 standard is met when the annual arithmetic mean concentration, as determined in accordance with Appendix N of 40 CFR Part 50, is less than or equal to 12.0 micrograms per cubic meter.

    E. The annual secondary PM2.5 standard is met when the annual arithmetic mean concentration, as determined in accordance with Appendix N of 40 CFR Part 50, is less than or equal to 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter.

    F. The 24-hour primary and secondary PM2.5 standards are met when the 98th percentile 24-hour concentration, as determined in accordance with Appendix N of 40 CFR Part 50, is less than or equal to 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

    G. The PM2.5 standards set forth in this section were established by EPA on January 15, 2013 (78 FR 3086), and became effective in the Commonwealth on March 13, 2013, by adoption by the board. The PM2.5 standards set forth in this section shall apply for purposes of the following:

    1. Control strategy implementation plan revisions, maintenance plans, and associated emissions budgets relative to the PM2.5 standards in this section.

    2. Designation of nonattainment areas and maintenance areas relative to the PM2.5 standards in this section.

    3. Implementation of the new source review programs set forth in Part II (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.) of 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources).

    Nothing in this section shall prevent the redesignation of any nonattainment area to attainment at any time.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 17, eff. May 22, 2013.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 108, 109 and 302 of the federal Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Parts 50, 53, and 58 of the Code of Virginia.