EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
Air monitoring consistently finds the Canton area meets the lead air quality standard, protecting public health and reducing harmful pollution.
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Canton, Ohio, area now meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead under the Clean Air Act and is proposing to redesignate the area to “attainment.” Airborne lead in the Canton area has decreased 98% since EPA first designated the area as nonattainment in April 2023.
“After concerted efforts by the State of Ohio and EPA, Canton residents can breathe easier knowing high levels of this dangerous pollutant are no longer detected in their air,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “Ohio EPA will continue to monitor air quality in the community to help with early detection and prevention of any potential issues in the future.”
After monitoring revealed air quality in the area had exceeded the national lead standard, EPA worked with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Canton City Public Health Department to reduce lead emissions from the Republic Steel facility, which has since decided to consolidate its operations to other locations.
For EPA to redesignate an area to attainment, the agency must determine the state has met all applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act including meeting the lead standard. Since September 2023, monitoring data in the Canton area has consistently shown lead concentrations well below the EPA’s standard. Ohio EPA will continue to monitor the air quality for lead in Canton to ensure public health is protected.
EPA will publish the proposal in the Federal Register and open a 30-day public comment period. The notice will include instructions on how to submit comments and the deadline for doing so. After reviewing public input, EPA will issue a final decision.
To learn more about lead and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, visit EPA’s website.
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