EPA Backs Ohio's Plan to Clear Lead Pollution in Canton
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is ready to give a big thumbs-up to Ohio for cleaning up lead pollution in the Canton area. They’re proposing to officially say Canton meets the 2008 lead air quality standards and approve Ohio’s plan to keep it that way. This means healthier air for residents and a smoother path forward, with public comments open until May 11, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Canton Proposed Redesignation to Attainment
The EPA is proposing to redesignate the Canton Nonattainment Area in Stark County, Ohio, from nonattainment to attainment of the 2008 lead (Pb) standard (the 2008 Pb NAAQS is 0.15 µg/m3). The EPA notes the Canton three-year design value for 2022–2024 achieved 0.15 µg/m3 and ambient monitoring showed 0.00 µg/m3 by the end of 2024.
EPA Approval of Ohio 10‑Year Maintenance Plan
The EPA is proposing to approve Ohio's 10-year maintenance plan (submitted April 25, 2025) to keep the Canton area in attainment of the 2008 Pb standard. The maintenance plan is intended to ensure continued compliance with the 0.15 µg/m3 lead standard after redesignation.
Contingency Triggers and Dust Controls
Ohio EPA requires contingency measures for the Republic Steel site that must be implemented during cleanup or remediation if monitors record specified lead triggers: a daily average of 0.75 µg/m3 or a 1-month average of 0.10 µg/m3. Ohio's September 17, 2024 Director's Orders also require a plan for sitewide control of fugitive dust before any demolition or deconstruction.
New/Reopened Sources Must Meet NSR Permitting
The EPA notes that no source in the Canton area may construct, reopen, modify, or reconstruct without meeting all applicable New Source Review (NSR) requirements in Ohio's SIP (40 CFR 51.1870(c)) as a new source. This requirement remains in place following the proposed redesignation and SIP approvals.
Approval of Canton Pb Emissions Inventory
The EPA is proposing to approve Ohio's comprehensive lead emissions inventory for the Canton Nonattainment Area covering 2017 through 2023, including a 2020 base year, and meeting the requirement to report point sources emitting more than 0.5 tons per year. Ohio's inventory shows Republic Steel was the only source above the 0.5 tpy threshold.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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