Air Quality Bureau
San Juan County Ozone
San Juan County is a 5,500-square-mile county in the northwest corner of New Mexico with a population of 110,000. In recent years, monitoring conducted in San Juan County by the Air Quality Bureau has recorded levels of ozone that have come close to, but not yet exceeded, the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. High ozone levels threaten the county’s reputation for having clean air. If monitoring data from the county were to show exceedences of the ozone standard, the county would be designated "nonattainment." A nonattainment designation would have serious economic repercussions for the county and its industrial and economic development.
In a Sept 22, 2011 memo from Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator, EPA certified that it will move forward with the implementation of the 2008 ozone NAAQS of 0.075 ppm. There are no ozone non-attainment areas in New Mexico. A Copy of the EPA memo may be found at http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/pdfs/OzoneMemo9-22-11.pdf
2011 Ozone Technical Work Group on San Juan County Action (Based on QA'd 2008-2010 ozone data there are no nonattainment areas in New Mexico)
2009 - 2010 San Juan County Ozone Reduction Initiative(New Statutory Language for Ozone Pollution)
Four Corners Air Quality Group
Formerly the Four Corners Air Quality Task Force, this group of volunteers from the public, industry, interest groups, and government agencies produced a document outlining options for reducing air pollution in the Four Corners area. Go to the Four Corners Air Quality Group homepage for more information.
San Juan VISTAS
New Mexico administers a voluntary emissions reduction program for the improvement of air quality in northwestern New Mexico - San Juan VISTAS - Voluntary Innovative Strategies for Today's Air Standards.
The purpose of San Juan VISTAS is to identify, promote, and implement cost-effective technologies and Best Management Practices to reduce air pollution affecting northwestern New Mexico, including ozone, haze, and greenhouse gases. San Juan VISTAS is now open to industries, municipalities, and other organizations in San Juan, Rio Arriba, and Sandoval Counties. Participants in the program are recognized by NMED.
Early Action Compact