In October 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for Lead (Pb). EPA's final rule for Pb, effective January 12, 2009, stated that the county in which violations of the Pb NAAQS had occurred would be the default boundary for Pb nonattainment areas within a state. ADEQ, however is recommending the Hayden portion of southern Gila County, the same boundaries as the existing Hayden Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Nonattainment Area as the proposed nonattainment area for Pb. ADEQ recommends the rest of the State be designated as attainment/unclassifiable for the 2008 Pb NAAQS. This recommendation follows careful consideration of the new Pb standard, requirements for designation of nonattainment areas, and options available for implementing the standard. For more information on the lead standard go to EPA's Lead Air Quality Standards Web page.

The following information and Technical Analysis for Lead Boundary Designation is available for review:

• EPA Letter to Governor - Area Designations for the 2008 Revised Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (September 4, 2009)
• Technical Support Document - Boundary Recommendation for the 2008 Revision to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Lead
• Map of Proposed Lead Boundary

If you have any questions or comments, or need more information, please contact Corky Martinkovic. She can also be reached at (602) 771-2372.