Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Ohio

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EPA is redesignating Cuyahoga and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, to attainment for particulate matter nominally 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter and smaller (PM10). EPA is also approving Ohio's plan for maintaining air quality at levels below the applicable air quality standards. EPA proposed these actions on July 10, 2000. One commenter submitted numerous comments, generally taking the position that the criteria for redesignation to attainment given in Clean Air Act section 107(d)(3)(E) are not met. EPA has reviewed these comments and, for the reasons set forth below, continues to believe that the redesignation criteria have been met and that these areas may be redesignated and their maintenance plans approved. The Steubenville area includes portions of Brooke County, West Virginia, as well as Jefferson County, Ohio. For administrative convenience EPA is taking action only on the Ohio portion of this area. Nevertheless, the action reflects review of air quality for the entire area and Ohio's fulfillment of its portion of an area-wide attainment plan that it developed jointly with West Virginia. In the future, if the standard is violated in either portion of the area, such that redesi