Tougher ozone standards expected from EPA

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 19, 2007 | by ED SEALOVER THE GAZETTE

DENVER - Proposed new ozone standards coming from the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday could have major effects on the Pikes Peak region, including the possible return of emissions testing.

Tests on vehicles were discontinued here Jan. 1.

The plan is expected to reduce maximum allowable levels of ozone- forming compounds by 10 percent to 33 percent, according to recommendations offered earlier this year by EPA staff and a congressionally mandated committee. A final plan is scheduled for approval next March, and the new standards likely would go into effect within two to three years, officials say.

All of Colorado is in compliance with current federal ground- level ozone standards, last updated in 1997. But a recent EPA study found the standards do not sufficiently protect asthmatics and older adults who might develop respiratory problems and decreased lung function.

State and local officials are reluctant to comment on exactly what new standards would mean, but several say reducing the maximum parts-per-million count from .09 to somewhere from .08 to .06 would leave Colorado Springs and other cities out of compliance.

That could require a local plan to reduce emissions from cars, power plants or whatever are deemed the biggest sources of ozone emissions, said Rich Muzzy, environmental projects manager for the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments.

A 24-year-old program of testing vehicle emission levels ended six months ago in El Paso, Larimer and Weld counties after air quality improved. Tests are still required in the Denver area, either at traditional stations or by mobile units.

But if ozone levels must be reduced drastically in the Pikes Peak region, a resumption of emission tests could be an option, state air pollution control division director Paul Tourangeau said Monday.

Muzzy said the tests would probably be different this time, since old tests were used to detect carbon monoxide and any new tests would be tailored to reduce ozone.

"Everything would pretty much be on the table," Muzzy said. "It would just be a matter of seeing what programs would work best to reduce the ozone concentrations."

Emissions testing actually is happening in El Paso County now, but for research only.

A remote-sensing vehicle that shoots a laser beam to a receptor across the road and picks up the concentration of pollutants in between was moved into the area in May and will record data for a couple of days each month, said Garry Kaufman of the air pollution control division. Drivers of cars that are beyond an acceptable emissions level are not receiving notice, however.

Such a study is fine with state Rep. Kent Lambert, who said the state needs to determine whether the end of emissions tests has affected air quality. But Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, is leery of any attempt to impose stricter standards to fight ground-level ozone without knowing for sure whether cars or other emitters, man-made or natural, are putting forth the most ozone.

California and 11 other states are asking the EPA to allow them to impose stricter standards in a move to force carmakers to build more fuel-efficient vehicles. Democratic legislative leaders have said that if the EPA grants that request, Colorado could consider a similar law next year.

After the draft standards are released Wednesday, the EPA will take comments at public meetings around the country for 90 days.

CONTACT THE WRITER: (303) 837-0613 or ed.sealover@gazette.com