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Committee weighs replacing 'other areas sensitive to smoke' with SPZs tied to EPA designations
Summary
Members debated whether to keep a flexible 'other areas sensitive to smoke' phrase or replace it with Special Protection Zone language tied to EPA non‑attainment/maintenance areas; proponents said the tie to EPA gives clarity, opponents warned leaving flexibility helps operational permit decisions for transient events.
Amanda recommended replacing the term 'other areas sensitive to smoke' with an explicit Special Protection Zone (SPZ) definition anchored to EPA non‑attainment and maintenance designations to provide clear linkage to national standards. Jennifer clarified that 'other sensitive areas' can include temporary high‑use events (coastal beaches, fairs) that are not preidentified SPZs and should be considered in forecasting and permitting.
Randy favored retaining flexible language so permit writers can negotiate with landowners to avoid events being smoked out, while Pete expressed concern about unintended expansion of high‑regulation areas without precise definitions. The committee agreed to flag all rule references to this term and to return proposed wording tying SPZs and explanatory text to the rule sections that use the phrase.
