EPA Confirms FINAL Action

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finally made it final what was a predetermined action. The EPA has notified our Governor that most of the Tacoma-Pierce County metro area is in non-attainment for air suspended PM (particulate matter) 2.5 (microns).

Despite only a single air quality monitor exceeded the newest federal standard, action by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the Washington State Department of Ecology and now the U.S. EPA has encumbered the bulk of the metro area including its economic engine, the port-industrial area (although that area's monitor continues to show compliance with air quality standards). Now comes a deliberate process of planning and implementation that will include most of the metro rather than focusing on the cause, fireplace and old wood stoves in the South Tacoma area.