November 3, 2022
Contact: David Luft, Air Quality Manager, David.Luft@deq.idaho.gov
BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a state implementation plan (SIP) revision to the Northern Ada County Carbon Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan.
If approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the revision would remove the federal requirement for an inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in northern Ada County. However, local governments could elect to keep or remove their I/M programs.
The program was implemented in 1984 to help the Treasure Valley meet national health-based standards. Under the program, most vehicles in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and unincorporated areas in Ada County are required to undergo emissions testing every other year.
Air quality in the Treasure Valley has improved over the past three decades and the area is currently meeting all national health-based standards. The I/M program is not as effective as it once was due to vehicle turnover and stricter federal emissions standards for vehicle manufacturers. DEQ’s modeling has shown that if the program is removed, vehicle emissions would likely continue to decrease. Even with the Treasure Valley’s recent growth, there are a greater number of newer, cleaner vehicles on the road, so the I/M program is likely to have minimal impact on improved air quality.
DEQ proposes removing the vehicle inspection and maintenance program from the northern Ada County plan and will continue to work with communities to protect and improve air quality through monitoring, use of voluntary programs, and continued outreach.
Public hearing and comment opportunity
A public hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2022, at 6 pm in Conference Room B at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, ID 83706). The meeting will also be available virtually via Zoom. See DEQ’s Trainings, Conferences, and Workshops page for login information.
The hearing will be accessible to individuals with disabilities and language translators will be made available if requested five days prior to the meeting. For arrangements, contact Dianne Hobbs (dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov or (208) 373-0440).
The draft revision to the Northern Ada County Carbon Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan is available for review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page, at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), and DEQ’s regional offices.
Written comments will be accepted through December 5, 2022, before midnight. To be most effective, comments should address whether this submittal meets the requirements of Clean Air Act. Please reference the document title listed above when sending comments or requesting information.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email to:
Dianne Hobbs
1410 N. Hilton Street
Boise, Idaho 83706
Dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov
(208) 373-0440
Related Documents
Northern Ada County Carbon Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan
Project Summary
Project Summary (mobile)