6.1.2.a Air Quality Discussion

1. Air Quality
1. 1.1. Regulatory Setting
  1. 1.1.1. Criteria Air Pollutants
  2. 1.1.2. Toxic Air Contaminants

The comprehensive, integrated, and long-term nature of the Surprise General Plan 2030 makes it an ideal vehicle for implementing local sustainable goals. As Surprise grows and develops, continued protection of the environment is necessary to maintain the quality of life and the natural functionality of the environment that is currently enjoyed in Surprise. The environmental planning element is based upon the premise that the existing natural environment possesses its own inherent values and qualities that should be preserved. In the context of local planning, conservation is a positive action to assure that as build-out of the community continues to occur as envisioned by the Surprise General Plan 2030, related physiographic, hydrological, biological, and cultural resources are not lost or permanently altered to the detriment of the natural environment that we all share and enjoy. Correspondingly the role of the environmental planning element is to help identify these limitations and opportunities and define various policies and implementation measures by which these natural resources can be conserved within the Surprise Planning Area. Surprise’s environmental heritage includes non-renewable resources such as extensive undisturbed natural areas, scattered historic/archaeological sites, and natural landmarks. As irreplaceable resources they warrant preservation from destruction or harmful alteration.

Air Quality

The goal of clean air planning is to reduce the level of pollutants in the air, to protect and improve public health, welfare, and quality of life of the residents of Surprise. In addition to being a regional issue of significance, air quality is vital to the overall health of the environment and the attractiveness of any locality. Mobile sources including on and off-road vehicles present the greatest threat to air quality in Surprise as well as the region. Because air pollutants cross jurisdictional boundaries, improving air quality requires coordination between local governments in the Surprise-Phoenix area. Three air pollutants are of continuing concerns: Carbon Monoxide (CO), particulate matter less than ten microns in diameter (PM10), and ozone (O).

Regulatory Setting

Criteria Air Pollutants

Federal, state, and local laws are the basis for controlling air pollution. The federal Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set National Ambient Air Quality standards for six common air pollutants also known as criteria air pollutants including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), suspended particulate matter (PM), and lead (Pb). In addition, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) sites standards for ambient air quality that are more stringent than the corresponding national standards. This legislation also sets standards for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride, pollutants for which no national standards have been set.

Toxic Air Contaminants

Unlike criteria air pollutants, ambient air quality standards have not been established for toxic air contaminants (TACs). These pollutants are typically carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins and tend to be less commonly emitted than criteria air pollutants. Regulation of toxic air contaminants is achieved through federal and state controls on individual sources. The preferred technique for reducing toxic air emissions is source reduction and identification of sensitive receptors.