EPA Backs Ohio's Plan to Clean Up Canton Air Quality
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Ohio’s plan showing that the Canton area has cleaned up its air and now meets the 2008 lead pollution standards. This means Canton can officially be called an 'attainment' area, keeping the air safe and healthy. Residents and businesses can expect continued air quality improvements, with public comments open until May 11, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Canton Redesignation to Lead Attainment
The EPA is proposing to redesignate the Canton area in Stark County, Ohio from nonattainment to attainment of the 2008 lead (Pb) standard because monitored three-year design values reached 0.15 µg/m3 or lower by the end of 2024. You (residents and local businesses) can expect continued air quality improvements as EPA would approve Ohio's request submitted April 25, 2025 to redesignate the area.
Approval of 10-Year Maintenance Plan
The EPA is proposing to approve Ohio's 10-year maintenance plan (submitted April 25, 2025) and the State's comprehensive Pb emissions inventory for the Canton area to keep the area in attainment of the 2008 Pb standard. This means Ohio will be required to follow the maintenance plan steps to monitor Pb and respond if air lead levels rise.
Dust Control and Contingency Triggers for Site Work
Ohio EPA's Director's Orders require Republic Steel or any subsequent owner/operator to provide a sitewide plan for controlling fugitive dust before any demolition or deconstruction and to implement contingency measures if monitors record certain lead levels. The contingency triggers in those Orders are a daily average of 0.75 µg/m3 or a 1-month average of 0.10 µg/m3; earlier permit actions also required an action proposal if a three-month average reached 0.11 µg/m3.
New/Modified Sources Must Meet NSR Permitting
The EPA notes that no source of Pb emissions in the Canton area may construct, reopen, modify, or reconstruct without meeting all applicable New Source Review (NSR) requirements in Ohio's SIP (see 40 CFR 51.1870(c)) as a new source. If you plan to build or reopen a facility that could emit lead, you must comply with NSR permitting rules before starting.
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