Lead Designations Regulatory Actions
This page contains a chronological listing of all regulatory actions related to designations for the 2008 lead standard.
Final Redesignation for Portions of Canton, OH
On March 7, 2023, EPA redesignated portions of Canton, Ohio from unclassifiable/attainment to nonattainment for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Part of Stark County has been redesignated. Recent data from EPA’s Air Quality System monitors located near the Republic Steel plant at 2633 Eighth Street NE in Canton indicate the 2018–2020 and 2019–2021 lead levels exceeded the 2008 Pb NAAQS.
The nonattainment area surrounds the Republic Steel plant, which is the only source of Pb in Stark County greater than 0.5 tons per year. The nonattainment area is bounded on the north by State Route OH-153 (12th Street NE; Mahoning Road), on the east by Broadway Avenue, on the south by State Route OH-172 (Tuscarawas Street E; Lincoln Street E), and the west by State Route OH-43 – Northbound (Cherry Avenue NE).
This action imposes planning requirements on the State of Ohio to reduce Pb concentrations within this area. These include submitting within 18 months, a revision to the Ohio state implementation plan that provides for attainment of the Pb standards as quickly as possible, but no later than 5 years after the date of redesignation to nonattainment. Learn more about the March 2023 action.
Intended Redesignation for Portions of Canton, OH
On April 26, 2022, EPA notified Ohio that the Agency intends to redesignate portions of Canton, Ohio from unclassifiable/attainment to nonattainment for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Recent data from EPA’s Air Quality System monitors located near the Republic Steel plant in Canton indicate lead air quality levels for 2018 – 2020 of 0.21 μg/m3. This value exceeds the 2008 Pb NAAQS of 0.15 μg/m3. Learn more about the April 2022 action.
EPA Announces Proposal to Retain Current Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- January 5, 2015 - Proposed Rule to Retain the Current NAAQS for Lead
EPA Completes Second Round of Lead Nonattainment Designations
- November 8, 2011 - EPA designated all remaining areas as meeting or not meeting the 2008 lead standards based on data from 2008 - 2010.
EPA Shares Plans for Second Round of Lead Designations
- June 15, 2011 - In response to recommendations from state and local tribal representatives, EPA sent letters outlining the areas it is considering designating as “nonattainment,” "unclassifiable/attainment," or "unclassifiable" for the second round of designations for the lead standards.
EPA Completes Initial Round of Lead Nonattainment Designations
- November 16, 2010 - EPA completed initial round of lead nonattainment designations
Recommendations for Areas to be Designated Nonattainment for the 2008 Lead National Air Quality Standards
- June 15, 2010 – In response to recommendations from state and local tribal representatives, EPA sent letters outlining the areas it is considering designating as “nonattainment” for the lead standards.