Klamath Falls Air Quality Maintenance Plan

(Click to enlarge) Klamath Falls nonattainment area Boundary set by EPA 12/18/08. Klamath Falls Urban Growth Boundary and City Limit based on Oregon's Land Use Planning Laws

On October 21, 2003, EPA approved the Maintenance Plan and associated rules for the Klamath Falls Air Quality Maintenance Plan. EPA changed the legal status of Klamath Falls from nonattainment to attainment for PM₁₀ effective as a direct final rule.

• Formal EPA approval and change in status

Although the Klamath Falls Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is now in attainment for coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀), the area is in nonattainment for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). See nonattainment areas.

Historical

In 1991, the Klamath Falls Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) became a nonattainment area for particulate matter (PM₁₀). PM₁₀ refers to particles in 10 microns in diameter and smaller. Particles of this size can lodge deep in the lungs for weeks and months and can aggravate asthma, heart disease and other circulatory and respiratory conditions. Previously, DEQ established a PM₁₀ monitor in Klamath Falls UGB and monitored high levels of PM₁₀ in the airshed. PM₁₀ concentrations were high enough to cause a violation of air quality standard also known as National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).

This violation meant two things:

1. DEQ needed to write a plan to bring Klamath Falls UGB back into compliance with the standard.
2. The plan needed to be approved by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Additionally, added restrictions would be placed on Klamath Falls UGB to limit new and expanding industries, and significant transportation projects would need to be reviewed to determine their compliance with the plan. The plan and rules addressing Klamath Falls UGB industry were prepared by DEQ in October 1991 and adopted by the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC). The plan was subsequently amended by the EQC August 18, 1995.

Klamath County established an Air Quality Section in the county's Environmental Health Program and an ongoing air quality program to provide regulate woodburning and open burning. Klamath County established a Clean Air Ordinance that limited the use of woodburning devices inside the home and outdoor burning during the winter months when high levels of PM₁₀ were evident. Woodstove replacement programs were implemented to help low income individuals replace their uncertified woodstove. The program was successful. Ambient air quality PM₁₀ concentrations have been reduced over the years.

On October 4, 2002, the EQC approved a revised the State Implementation Plan including the proposed Klamath Falls UGB PM₁₀ maintenance plans and supporting appendices, and adopted the associated industrial rules.

Supporting documents

• Klamath Falls UGB PM₁₀ Maintenance Plan
• Appendix 6-1 Technical Analysis Protocol
• Appendix 6-2 Klamath Falls UGB Monitoring Network
• Appendix 6-3 PM₁₀ Saturation Survey
• Appendix 6-4 Emission Inventory and Forecast
• Appendix 6-5 Conformity
• Appendix 6-6 Population and Historical Growth Trends
• Appendix 6-7 Klamath County Ordinance and other agreements
• Appendix 6-8 Design Value and 2015 Projections

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