Charleston Meeting Fine Particulate Air Standard

A National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has been set for PM2.5 (dust  that is smaller than 2.5 microns in size) in order to protect human health.  Small particles of dust are more likely to be inhaled deeper into the lungs.  "Under EPA regulations in 40 CFR part 50, section 50.13 and in accordance with Appendix N, the 24-hour primary and secondary PM2.5 standards are met when the 98th percentile 24-hour concentration is less than or equal to 35 [micro]g/m\3\."   EPA has announced that Charleston is in compliance with the NAAQS for fine particulate, which would relieve the WV DEP from having to file an attainment demonstration and other action.    Here's the Federal Register notice, from which the following was excerpted:
SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to determine that the Charleston, West Virginia nonattainment area for the 2006 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has clean data for the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. This proposed determination is based upon quality assured, quality controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2007-2009 data and data available to date for 2010 in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database that show the area continues to attain. If this proposed determination is made final, the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related to attainment of the standard shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to meet the 24-hour 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 19, 2011.