Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)

Definition

Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) is a regulatory program established under the Clean Air Act aimed at protecting air quality in regions that are classified as attainment areas, where air quality meets or exceeds national standards. This program is designed to ensure that any new major source of air pollution does not significantly degrade the existing air quality, thereby maintaining the health of both the environment and public welfare. It also requires careful evaluation of potential emissions from new projects and mandates the implementation of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) to minimize pollution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The PSD program was created by the Clean Air Act amendments in 1977 to ensure that air quality is maintained in areas that are already meeting federal standards.
2. Before a new major source can begin operation, it must obtain a PSD permit, which involves a thorough review process that assesses its potential emissions.
3. The PSD program not only limits pollution but also encourages economic growth by allowing new projects as long as they incorporate BACT and do not harm air quality.
4. The implementation of PSD helps protect visibility in national parks and wilderness areas, ensuring that scenic views are not obscured by air pollution.
5. States have the authority to implement their own PSD programs, but they must meet federal standards and be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Review Questions

• How does the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program interact with economic development and environmental protection?
  • The Prevention of Significant Deterioration program strikes a balance between economic development and environmental protection by allowing new industrial projects to proceed while ensuring they do not significantly harm air quality. New major sources must obtain a PSD permit, which requires them to implement Best Available Control Technology (BACT) to minimize emissions. This approach supports economic growth while safeguarding public health and environmental integrity in attainment areas.
• Discuss the role of state governments in implementing the PSD program and how it ensures compliance with federal standards.
  • State governments play a crucial role in implementing the PSD program, as they are responsible for developing their own regulations that align with federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). States must create a permitting process that evaluates new major sources of emissions and ensures they utilize Best Available Control Technology (BACT). This state-led implementation allows for local adaptation while maintaining overarching federal guidelines to protect air quality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the PSD program in maintaining air quality in attainment areas and discuss any challenges it faces.
  • The effectiveness of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program can be seen in its ability to maintain air quality standards in attainment areas while facilitating new development. However, challenges include balancing industrial growth with environmental preservation, as well as addressing cumulative impacts from multiple sources of pollution. Additionally, ongoing changes in technology and industrial practices may require constant updates to BACT determinations, making compliance and enforcement complex. As urbanization and economic activities increase, ensuring that PSD remains effective will be crucial for protecting public health and environmental quality.

Related terms

Best Available Control Technology (BACT): The most effective technology available to control emissions from a facility, which must be considered in the permitting process under PSD.

Attainment Area: A geographic area that meets or exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for specific pollutants, qualifying for PSD protections.

Nonattainment Area: An area that does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for one or more pollutants, facing stricter regulations to improve air quality.