New Jersey has received EPA approval for meeting health standards for airborne pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency recently notified the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that it was in compliance with daily and annual acceptable levels of Particulate Matter 2.5, a type of minute particle measuring about 1/30th the width of a human hair. Particulate matter, which can include dust, dirt, soot, smoke, or small droplets of liquid, can cause numerous health problems. The EPA praised the Garden State for its participation in this year’s assessment and its accomplishments in reducing hazardous particle levels in the air.
The EPA recently updated its fine particle standards, lowering the acceptable level of particulate matter in the air to 12 micrograms per cubic meter. The update went in to effect on December 14th, 2014, and the state was notified shortly thereafter that its air quality levels were meeting these new stringent standards. New Jersey continues its efforts to decrease its fine particle levels, after meeting the previous EPA standard of 15 micrograms in 2013.
Updated Standards Affect The Permit Process for New Jersey Businesses
New Jersey officials say they are committed to maintaining their compliance with EPA standards. They attribute the state’s success to strict enforcement of vehicle emissions standards and improved emissions technology in power plants. New Jersey regulators also employ ambient air testing, stack testing, and strict permit requirements to ensure compliance with the EPA’s standards.
New Jersey’s commitment to clean air presents challenges and opportunities for manufacturers and contractors. These stricter standards may create compliance issues for existing plants, or may affect their ability to obtain new permits for equipment, or may make it difficult to obtain permits to site and construct new facilities that emit potentially hazardous particulate matter. If you have questions regarding your emissions compliance or permits for expansion, an experienced New Jersey environmental attorney can help you navigate these processes.
New Jersey Environmental Lawyers of Michelman & Bricker, P.C. Help Clients with All Environmental Law Matters
New Jersey environmental lawyers at Michelman & Bricker, P.C. have extensive knowledge of air quality requirements. Our professional, dedicated legal team will help you through every step of the permit process to help you avoid regulatory violations. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey we represent clients along the entire East Coast and throughout the Caribbean Basin. Call us today at 215-557-9440 or contact us online for a consultation with a qualified New Jersey environmental lawyer.