SPOKANE, WA – Sept. 10, 2002
The Wallula area in southeastern Washington has met a key federal air-quality standard, a major step in getting the district off the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “non-attainment” list for air pollution.

The EPA is proposing to formally certify that the area has gone three years without violating the standard for airborne particles (dust) smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter. The three-year “clean” record is needed to remove the area from the non-attainment list. First, however, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) must complete an “attainment plan” and a “maintenance plan,” which are scheduled for early 2003.

“Wallula isn’t out of the woods yet, but this is very good news,” said Bob Saunders of Ecology’s air-quality program. “A significant requirement for the area has been met and we’re much closer to getting Wallula removed from the list.”

Saunders said the designation of “non-attainment” can be lifted if Ecology can prove through its attainment and maintenance plans that Wallula can stay in attainment (clean) for 10 years.

One of the complications that put Wallula on the non-attainment list was the frequency of wind-blown dust storms in the area. The air-quality monitor in Wallula registered two violations of the particulate standard over the past three years. However, the state determined that the cause was natural, wind-blown dust and those violations should not be counted.

The EPA now agrees that the occurrences can be excused under the provisions of its Natural Events Policy, said Saunders. “The windblown dust comes primarily from agricultural fields, and as long as farmers are using best management practices to reduce the potential for dust, EPA can apply the provisions of the Natural Events Policy.”

The EPA is accepting public comment on its finding that the area has met the standard for three years. For more information, call Donna Deneen of the EPA at 206-553-6706.

Contact: Jani Gilbert
Public Information
509-456-4464; pager
509-622-1289

Broadcast version

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to certify that the Wallula area in southeastern Washington has gone three years without violating the federal air-quality standard for airborne particles.

This is an important milestone toward getting the area off the federal “non-attainment” list for air pollution.

The next step is for the state Department of Ecology to prepare an “attainment plan” and a “maintenance plan” that will have to show that Wallula can stay in air-quality attainment for at least 10 years.

Ecology’s Home Page: Washington State Department of Ecology