Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Determinations of Attainment of the One-Hour Ozone Standard

The EPA is proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut serious one-hour ozone nonattainment area did not meet the applicable deadline of November 15, 2007, for attaining the one-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. This proposed determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area had an expected ozone exceedance rate above the level of the now revoked one-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2005-2007 monitoring period. Separate from and independent of this proposed determination, EPA is also proposing to determine that the Greater Connecticut serious one-hour ozone nonattainment area currently attains the now revoked one-hour NAAQS for ozone, based upon complete, quality-assured, certified ambient air monitoring data for 2008-2010. The area first attained the one-hour NAAQS during the 2006- 2008 monitoring period, and continued in attainment during the 2007- 2009, and 2008-2010 monitoring periods. Preliminary data available for 2011 also show the area continues to meet the one-hour NAAQS for ozone. EPA is proposing these determinations under the Clean Air Act.