(a) In accordance with section 181(a)(1) of the CAA, each area subject to §51.902(a) shall be classified by operation of law at the time of designation. However, the classification shall be based on the 8-hour design value for the area, in accordance with Table 1 below, or such higher or lower classification as the State may request as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. The 8-hour design value for the area shall be calculated using the three most recent years of air quality data. For each area classified under this section, the primary NAAQS attainment date for the 8-hour NAAQS shall be as expeditious as practicable but not later than the date provided in the following Table 1.

Table 1—Classification for 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS for Areas Subject to §51.902(a)

Open Table
Area class     8-hour
design value
(ppm ozone)
Maximum period for attainment dates in state plans (years after effective date of nonattainment designation for 8-hour NAAQS)
Marginal from
up to1
0.085
0.092
3
Moderate from
up to1
0.092
0.107
6
Serious from
up to1
0.107
0.120
9
Severe-15 from
up to1
0.120
0.127
15
Severe-17 from
up to1
0.127
0.187
17
Extreme equal to
or above
0.187 20

1but not including.

(b) A State may request a higher classification for any reason in accordance with section 181(b)(3) of the CAA.

(c) A State may request a lower classification in accordance with section 181(a)(4) of the CAA.


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