haze_idaho.cfm

What Is Idaho Doing About Haze?

	*Learn More About Haze*
In December 2007, Idaho must submit a state implementation plan (SIP) to EPA addressing how it will improve and protect visibility in its Class I areas and those Class I areas outside its borders. The SIP will address the three major haze-causing pollutants, nitrogen oxides (NOX), particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Under the SIP, Idaho will set reasonable progress goals to improve and protect visibility for each Class I area.	Visibility and Haze Overview
	What Causes Haze?
	How is Visibility Measured?
	EPA's Regional Haze Program
	Visibility in Idaho: Idaho's Class I Areas
	Get Involved! Current Rulemaking
	Frequently Asked Questions

Focus Areas

DEQ's air quality program closely monitors air quality in the state and implements programs to ensure the state meets federal air quality standards. Many elements in these existing programs help protect visibility by addressing the major sources of haze-causing pollution. Areas of focus include:

Smoke Management

DEQ participates in regional smoke management programs and planning, working with federal land managers and other states to minimize the impacts of prescribed fires on visibility. Read more about DEQ's Smoke Management Program.

Vehicle Emissions

DEQ works to reduce vehicle emissions through voluntary anti-idling, diesel retrofit, and outreach programs. In addition, national emissions standards are expected to reduce emissions from on- and off-road vehicles. Read more about vehicle emissions and air quality.

Area Sources

Small sources of air pollution, when combined over a larger area, can significantly impact air quality. DEQ conducts pollution prevention outreach to businesses, residents, and agricultural operations to reduce air pollution from small sources. Read more about pollution prevention.

Stationary Sources

DEQ is responsible for implementing provisions under the Clean Air Act including permitting programs and inspections of industrial sources. In 2006, Idaho will develop new state rules aimed at improving visibility that will require either additional control technologies or an emissions trading program for some large industrial facilities known as "stationary sources." Read more about DEQ's air quality permitting programs. Link to information on proposed visibility rules related to stationary sources.

Environmental Monitoring

Three Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) monitors in Idaho are managed by federal land managers under EPA guidance. DEQ uses data collected through this network to identify the sources and types of haze-causing pollution and to track the reasonable progress in meeting national visibility goals. In addition, throughout Idaho DEQ routinely assesses outdoor (ambient) air quality to satisfy other federal regulatory requirements and scientifically determine the quality of Idaho's airsheds. DEQ's air quality monitoring program encompasses operation of a monitoring network, laboratory analysis of air samples, and quality assurance activities to ensure data integrity.

› Link to IMPROVE Web site.

› Link to DEQ's Airshed Monitoring Program Web page.

See Also

Contact DEQ

Air Quality and Haze: