The new lead monitoring requirements ensure the measurement of air quality near industrial facilities that emit a half ton or more of lead per year, in contrast to the previous rule that required monitoring near facilities emitting at least one ton of lead per year.
EPA will also require monitoring at a network of multi-pollutant air quality monitoring sites in large urban areas to facilitate surveillance of largest sources of lead emissions, which in turn will help assess typical lead levels in communities throughout the country.
While monitors will continue to be placed at airports emitting at least one ton of lead per year, the new rule will mandate the states to conduct a year-long monitoring study at 15 airports that emit less than one ton to determine how these sources impact air quality in the surrounding area.
The states have one year from the publication date of this rule to have the new monitors in place to help EPA implement a 2008 requirement to lower the amount of lead emission in air.
