Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Alabama: State Implementation Plan Revision

EPA is approving revisions to the Alabama State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) on September 11, 2003. The revisions include modifications to Alabama's open burning rules found at Alabama Administrative Code (AAC) Chapter 335-3-3-.01. These revisions are part of Alabama's strategy to meet the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) by reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. Open burning creates smoke that contains fine particles (PM2.5) and precursors to ozone. ADEM has found that elevated levels of PM2.5 mirror the months when ozone levels are highest (May- September). These rules are intended to help control levels of PM2.5 and ozone precursors that contribute to high ozone and PM2.5 levels. Today's action is being taken pursuant to section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). In its September 11, 2003, submittal, ADEM also proposed SIP revisions to include changes to AAC Chapter 335-3-4, concerning opacity. EPA is not acting on that part of the revision at this time.