The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has formally informed state officials that the Upper Green River Basin did not meet federal air quality standards between 2008 and 2011. The basin is home to some of the nation's most intensive gas development. Steven Dietrich, air quality administrator for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, says EPA designated the area as marginal nonattainment, the lowest of 5 categories for air pollution severity. This is the first time Wyoming has received "nonattainment status" regarding ozone. The designation was long anticipated. Gov. Dave Freudenthal requested it more than three years ago to help address the pollution problem. The ozone forms mainly during the winter as a result of air pollution combined with bright sunlight and snow on the ground.
No comments:
Post a Comment