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EPA/AR | RIN: 2060-AN83 | Publication ID: Fall 2007 |
Title: Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Lead | |
Abstract: On October 5, 1978 the EPA promulgated primary and secondary NAAQS for lead under section 109 of the Act (43 FR 46258). Both primary and secondary standards were set at a level of 1.5 µg/m3 as a quarterly average (maximum arithmetic mean averaged over a calendar quarter). Subsequent to this initial standard-setting, the Clean Air Act requires that the standard be reviewed periodically. The last such review occurred during the period 1986-1990. For that review, an Air Quality Criteria Document (AQCD) was completed in 1986 with a supplement in 1990. Based on information contained in the AQCD, an EPA Staff Paper and Exposure Assessment were prepared. Following the completion of these documents, the agency did not propose any revisions to the 1978 Pb NAAQS. The current review of the Pb air-quality criteria was initiated in November 2004 by EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) with a general call for information published in the Federal Register. In January 2005, NCEA released a work plan for the review and revision of the Pb AQCD. Workshops were held to provide author feedback on a developing draft of the AQCD in August 2005. The draft AQCD was released December 1, 2005. The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards prepared a draft Staff Paper for the Administrator, which included an initial evaluation of the key studies and scientific information contained in the AQCD and additional preliminary technical analyses. The AQCD and draft Staff Paper were reviewed by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the public. An ANPRM will be published outlining the results of the final risk assessment and giving consideration to the policy assessment. As the lead NAAQS review is completed, the Administrator's proposal to reaffirm or revise the lead NAAQS will be published with a request for public comment. Input received during the public comment period will be considered in the Administrator's final decision. | |
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) | Priority: Economically Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage |
Major: Yes | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 50 | |
Legal Authority: 42 USC 7408 42 USC 7409 |
Legal Deadline:
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Statement of Need: As established in the Clean Air Act, the national ambient air quality standards for lead are to be reviewed every five years. |
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Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 109 of the Clean Air Act (42 USC 7409) directs the Administrator to propose and promulgate "primary" and "secondary" national ambient air quality standards for pollutants identified under Section 108 (the "criteria" pollutants). The "primary" standards are established for the protection of public health, while the "secondary" standards are to protect against public welfare or ecosystem effects. |
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Alternatives: The main alternatives for the Administrator's decision on the review of the national ambient air quality standards for lead are whether to reaffirm or revise the existing standards. |
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Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Cost and benefit estimates are being developed with the proposal. |
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Risks: The current national ambient air quality standards for lead are intended to protect against public health risks. During the course of this review, a risk assessment will be conducted to evaluate health risks associated with the retention or revision of the lead standards. Welfare effects will also be reviewed in relation to retention or revision of the current standard. |
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Timetable:
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Additional Information: SAN No. 5059; | |
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No | Government Levels Affected: Undetermined |
Small Entities Affected: No | Federalism: No |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes | |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
Agency Contact: Ginger Tennant Environmental Protection Agency Air and Radiation 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code C504-06, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Phone:919 541-4072 Fax:919 541-0237 Email: tennant.ginger@epa.gov Karen Martin Environmental Protection Agency Air and Radiation C504-06, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Phone:919 541-5274 Fax:919 541-0237 Email: Martin.Karen@epamail.epa.gov |