Ohio EPA schedules hearings on federal sulfur dioxide standard plan

Three hearings about the State Implementation Plan concerning non-attainment areas connected to the 2010 one-hour sulfur dioxide (S02) air quality standard will be conducted in the coming weeks by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The U.S. EPA mandates that the Ohio EPA develop and put in place plans to illustrate how the state will achieve the required standard by the deadline of Oct. 4, 2018.

The non-attainment areas addressed in Ohio’s plan include the Muskingum River area from Center Township in Morgan County to Waterford Township in Washington County; Cross Creek Township, Steubenville Township, Warren Township, Wells Township, and Steubenville in Jefferson County; and all of Lake County.

The implementation outline will include Ohio's plans for getting the non-attainment areas into compliance with national air quality standards. The plan must include strategies for reducing emissions in three areas that will result in Ohio meeting the S02 standards by the deadline set by the U.S. EPA.

The schedule for hearings is:

- June 29, 3 p.m.at Pomeroy Public Library Meeting Room, 216 West Main St., Pomeroy

- June 30, 3 p.m., Steubenville Public Library, Schiappa Branch Conference Room, 4141 Mall Drive, Steubenville

- July 9, 3 p.m., Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville

At each session, citizens will have the opportunity to submit any comments or concerns about the plan's actions and regulations. Those who cannot attend the hearings can submit comments to Ohio EPA, Division of Air Pollution Control, Attention: Jennifer Van Vlerah, Lazarus Government Center, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049.

The public comment period ends July 9.