Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Determination of Attainment of the 1997 Ozone Standard for the Providence, RI Area

The EPA is determining that the Providence (All of Rhode Island) moderate 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2007-2009 monitoring period. Preliminary data available to date for the 2010 ozone season is consistent with continued attainment. Under the provisions of EPA's ozone implementation rule, the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plans related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 ozone NAAQS. In addition, EPA is determining that this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS as of June 15, 2010, its applicable attainment date.