EPA proposes territory-wide fine-particle attainment designation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it intends to designate the entire U.S. Virgin Islands as attainment/unclassifiable under the 2024 primary annual standard for fine-particle pollution, known as PM2.5.

EPA's preliminary review found no territory monitors with 2023–2025 design values that fail the revised annual standard of 9 micrograms per cubic meter. The intended designation changes DPNR's earlier recommendation that the territory be listed as unclassifiable because of insufficient monitoring data.

This is a proposed designation, not a final decision or a real-time reading for every neighborhood. EPA asks the territory to submit additional information by November 1 and says final designations are due by February 6, 2027 unless court action changes the schedule.

An attainment/unclassifiable designation would avoid the extra planning requirements imposed on nonattainment areas, but existing permits, emissions limits and other Clean Air Act duties would remain. The designation does not authorize any facility restart.