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Pinal County amends ozone rules for expanded nonattainment area; board adopts resolution after public hearing
Summary
The Board adopted Resolution No. 031925‑AQ to expand applicability of local ozone-control measures into the 2015 nonattainment boundary in eastern parts of the county; staff said EPA requested minor clarifications and no public comments opposed the technical updates, though residents asked about gas stations and enforcement.
The Board of Supervisors voted March 19 to adopt Resolution No. 031925‑AQ, approving amendments to existing air-quality control rules so they apply to the expanded 2015 ozone nonattainment area in parts of eastern Pinal County.
Pinal County Air Planning Manager Rupesh Patel told the board the rule changes extend requirements for regulated sources — notably surface coating operations and gasoline-dispensing facilities — into the expanded nonattainment boundary that includes Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, Queen Valley and San Tan Valley. Patel said the Environmental Protection Agency had suggested minor corrections to measurement references and a clarification about farm‑operation exemptions.
“Ground-level ozone is not usually emitted directly,” Patel explained, describing the role of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides in ozone formation and why the county is updating rules to align with EPA’s 2015 standard.
Several residents spoke during the public hearing. One asked how new gas stations in Gold Canyon would be regulated; Patel and Anu Jain, director of Pinal County’s Air Quality Program, said the permitting process and federally required control measures apply to new and existing stations and that the county has a permit-and‑enforcement framework in place. The board heard questions about attainability and the consequences of remaining in nonattainment; staff said penalties can include offset and highway-funding sanctions and, ultimately, federal takeover of air-program responsibilities if required plans are not implemented.
The board approved the resolution after the public hearing and staff presentations.
Ending: Staff said they will continue coordination with EPA, MAG and the state while pursuing additional local rule changes to reduce volatile organic compound emissions and to meet the Clean Air Act obligations.
