The Ground Water Contamination Areas GIS layer is a statewide map showing the boundaries of delineated areas of known groundwater contamination pursuant to Chapter 62-524, F.A.C., New Potable Water Well Permitting In Delineated Areas. 38 Florida counties have been delineated primarily for the agricultural pesticide ethylene dibromide (EDB), and to a much lesser extent, volatile organic and petroleum contaminants. This GIS layer represents approximately 427,897 acres in 38 counties in Florida that have been delineated for groundwater contamination. However, it does not represent all known sources of groundwater contamination for the state of Florida.

The MO_pollution_lin_5 feature class represents pollution - linear elements acquired from the pollution map at a scale of 1:25 000. The PTPAAV maps (Piano Territoriale Paese Ambientale di Vasta Area) are a series of thematic maps drawn up since 1989 and finished and approved at the end of November 1991, are divided into territorial areas for a total of 8 areas identified on the regional territory. The work was carried out by various groups of technicians, a coordination group which established through circulars the standards to be used for the drafting of the plans which ranged from the thickness of the tip of the graph to the type of screen and the shades to be used, and 8 groups one for each area, who created the maps trying to standardize the territorial information as much as possible. The hard copy of this work was delivered to us in 2008 by the Environmental Heritage Office of the Molise Region. The latter already had scans of some thematic maps relating to some areas, the missing ones and in the case of scans that were not suitable for georeferencing, they were scanned. The cartographic basis used by the working groups for the creation of the PTPAAV maps was the IGM in 1:25,000 scale.

The feature class MO_inq_soul_later_4 represents the soil pollution — point-type — acquired from the geomorphological map at a scale of 1:25 000. The maps PTPAAV (Territorial Environmental Country Plan of Area Vasta) are a series of thematic maps drawn up since 1989 and finished and approved at the end of November 1991, are divided into territorial areas for a total of 8 areas identified on the regional territory. The work was carried out by several groups of technicians, a coordination group which established by circulars the standards to be used for the drafting of plans ranging from the thickness of the graph tip to the type of retino and the nuances to be used, and 8 design groups one for each area, which have created the maps trying to standardise spatial information as much as possible. The paperwork of this work was delivered to us in 2008 by the Environmental Heritage Office of the Molise Region. The latter already had scans of some thematic cards related to some areas, the missing ones and in the case of scans not found suitable for georeference, have been scanned. The mapping basis used by the working groups for the creation of PTPAAV maps was the IGM on a scale of 1:25,000.

IntroductionDecision-makers around the world are very concerned about contaminated soil since it has a direct effect on soil and food security. This study seeks to evaluate soil contamination by a chosen heavy metal, Ni, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn in the studied area located around the Kitchener drain in Egypt, its main source for irrigation water in the studied area and it extends 69 km and pass through Gharbia, Kafr El-Sheikh and Dakahlia Governorates, Egypt near).MethodologyPrincipal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, contamination factor (CF) and degree of contamination (DC) indices, which Quantified the level of contamination hazard supported by GIS, were used to determine the level of soil contamination in the area under study.ResultsThe spatial pattern of studied variables by kriging shows that The K-Bessel model is fitted for electrical conductivity (EC), Ni, and Cu, the exponential model is well-suited for pH, CaCO3%, and Fe in the soil, and the circular model fit for Mn. Stable model for silt, furthermore, a Gaussian model was fitted for Sand, Clay, and Cd and the hole Effect model for Co. As these models had low Mean Standardized Error (MSE) values (around zero) and Root-Mean-Square Standardized Error (RMSSE) values that were close to one. It indicates that the modals’ forecasts are roughly as precise as the baseline. The study area was divided into three zones based on the unconventional results of the integration of PCA and cluster analysis; each zone has a different heavy metal concentration and pattern. The results showed, that 0.82% of the studied area, the pollution was at a moderate level. Very high levels of heavy metal contamination were found throughout most of the area (79.24%); average concentrations of these metals were found to be 132.2+/-31.8,672.6 ± 125.4, 8.9 ± 5.1,103.8 ± 44.4, 25.5 ± 3.5,30.6 ± 10.3,223,021.4 ± 40484, and 246.5 ± 248.7 mg kg−1 for Ni, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn, respectively. On the other hand, 19.92% of the studied area is contaminated considerably. There are various sources of contamination; such as household goods and industrial trash, including those from the textile, paint, sewage, and leather tanning industries; agricultural wastes, particularly those that contain pesticides and superphosphate fertilisers; and sewage sludge.ConclusionOverall mapping soil contamination could help decision-makers create suitable heavy metal mitigation strategies. To lessen human harmful behaviors that create environmental contamination, the study suggests enacting farm management legislation. Future research will also concentrate on strategies for controlling and lessening the consequences of soil pollution.

This United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) feature layer represents monitoring site data, updated hourly concentrations and Air Quality Index (AQI) values for the latest hour received from monitoring sites that report to AirNow.

Heavy metals in urban soils continues to atTRACT attention because of their potential long-term effects on human health. During a previous investigation of urban soils in Galway City, Ireland, a pollution hotspot of Pb, Cu, Zn and As was identified in the sports ground of South Park in the Claddagh. The sports ground was formerly a rubbish dumping site for both municipal and industrial Wastes. In the present study, a portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analyser was used to obtain rapid in-situ elemental analyses of the topsoil (depth: about 5–10 cm) at 200 locations on a 20· 20-m grid in South Park. Extremely high values of the pollutants were found, with maximum values of Pb, Zn, Cu and As of 10,297, 24,716, 2224 and 744 mg/kg soil, respectively. High values occur particularly where the topsoil cover is thin, whereas lower values were found in areas where imported topsoil Covers the Polluted substrate. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques were applied to the Dataset to create elemental Spatial distribution maps, three-dimensional images and interpretive hazard maps of the pollutants in the study area. IMMEDIATE action to remediate the interconnected topsoil is recommended to Safeguard the health of children who play at the sports ground.

*The data for this dataset is updated daily. The date(s) displayed in the details section on our Open Data Portal is based on the last date the metadata was updated and not the refresh date of the data itself.*INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL REGISTRY (ICR) An institutional control site is a site that has certain restrictions on the property. For example, a site may be cleaned up to satisfy commercial contamination target levels. An institutional control may be placed on that property indicating that it may only be used for commercial levels. If the owner of the property ever wants to use that property for residential purposes, the owner will have to ensure that the contamination meets residential target levels.

This web service contains the following state level layers:Ozone 8-hr (1997 standard), Ozone 8-hr (2008 standard), Lead (2008 standard), SO2 1-hr (2010 standard), PM2.5 24hr (2006 standard), PM2.5 Annual (1997 standard), PM2.5 Annual (2012 standard), PM10 (1987 standard), and CO (1990 standard). Full FGDC metadata records for each layer may be found by clicking the layer name at the web service endpoint (https://gispub.epa.gov/arcgis/rest/services/OAR_OAQPS/NonattainmentAreas/MapServer) and viewing the layer description. These layers identify areas in the U.S. where air pollution levels have not met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria air pollutants and have been designated "nonattainment” areas (NAA)". The data are updated weekly from an OAQPS internal database. However, that does not necessarily mean the data have changed. The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" pollutants. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, which is intended to improve the quality of the air we breathe, EPA is required to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six common air pollutants. These commonly found air pollutants (also known as "criteria pollutants") are found all over the United States. They are particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. For each criteria pollutant, there are specific procedures used for measuring ambient concentrations and for calculating long-term (quarterly or annual) and/or short-term (24-hour) exposure levels. The methods and allowable concentrations vary from one pollutant to another, and within NAAQS revisions for each pollutant. These pollutants can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage. Of the six pollutants, particle pollution and ground-level ozone are the most widespread health threats. EPA calls these pollutants "criteria" air pollutants because it regulates them by developing human health-based and/or environmentally-based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible levels. The set of limits based on human health is called primary standards. Another set of limits intended to prevent environmental and property damage is called secondary standards. A geographic area that meets or does better than the primary standard is called an attainment area; areas that don't meet the primary standard are called nonattainment areas. In some cases, a designated nonattainment area can include portions of 2, 3, or 4 states rather than falling entirely within a single state. Multi-state areas have had different state portions handled through up to 3 separate EPA regional offices. The actions of EPA and the state governments for separate portions of such areas are not always simultaneous. While some areas have had coordinated action from all related states on the same day, other areas (so-called "split areas") have had delays of several months, ranging up to more than 2 years, between different states. EPA must designate areas as meeting (attainment) or not meeting (nonattainment) the standard. A designation is the term EPA uses to describe the air quality in a given area for any of the six common air pollutants (criteria pollutants). After EPA establishes or revises a primary and/or secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), the Clean Air Act requires EPA to designate areas as "attainment" (meeting), "nonattainment" (not meeting), or "unclassifiable" (insufficient data) after monitoring data is collected by state, local and tribal governments. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments have three years to develop implementation plans outlining how areas will attain and maintain the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions. For further information please refer to: https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbook/index.html. Questions concerning the status of nonattainment areas, their classification and EPA policy should be directed to the appropriate Regional Offices (https://www.epa.gov/approved-sips/regional-sip-coordinators). EPA Headquarters should be contacted only when the Regional Office is unable to answer a question.

This United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) feature layer represents monitoring site data, updated hourly concentrations and Air Quality Index (AQI) values for the latest hour received from monitoring sites that report to AirNow.Map and forecast data are collected using federal reference or equivalent monitoring techniques or techniques approved by the state, local or tribal monitoring agencies. To maintain "real-time" maps, the data are displayed after the end of each hour. Although preliminary data quality assessments are performed, the data in AirNow are not fully verified and validated through the quality assurance procedures monitoring organizations used to officially submit and certify data on the EPA Air Quality System (AQS).This data sharing, and centralization creates a one-stop source for real-time and forecast air quality data. The benefits include quality control, national reporting consistency, access to automated mapping methods, and data distribution to the public and other data systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, tribal, state, and local agencies developed the AirNow system to provide the public with easy access to national air quality information. State and local agencies report the Air Quality Index (AQI) for cities across the US and parts of Canada and Mexico. AirNow data are used only to report the AQI, not to formulate or support regulation, guidance or any other EPA decision or position.About the AQIThe Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. EPA calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles (often referred to as "particulate matter") are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country.A number of factors influence ozone formation, including emissions from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and industries, along with weather conditions. Weather is especially favorable for ozone formation when it’s hot, dry and sunny, and winds are calm and light. Federal and state regulations, including regulations for power plants, vehicles and fuels, are helping reduce ozone pollution nationwide.Fine particle pollution (or "particulate matter") can be emitted directly from cars, trucks, buses, power plants and industries, along with wildfires and woodstoves. But it also forms from chemical reactions of other pollutants in the air. Particle pollution can be high at different times of year, depending on where you live. In some areas, for example, colder winters can lead to increased particle pollution emissions from woodstove use, and stagnant weather conditions with calm and light winds can trap PM2.5 pollution near emission sources. Federal and state rules are helping reduce fine particle pollution, including clean diesel rules for vehicles and fuels, and rules to reduce pollution from power plants, industries, locomotives, and marine vessels, among others.How Does the AQI Work?Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 represents good air quality with little potential to affect public health, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutant, which is the level EPA has set to protect public health. AQI values below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy-at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher.Understanding the AQIThe purpose of the AQI is to help you understand what local air quality means to your health. To make it easier to understand, the AQI is divided into six categories:Air Quality Index(AQI) ValuesLevels of Health ConcernColorsWhen the AQI is in this range:..air quality conditions are:...as symbolized by this color:0 to 50GoodGreen51 to 100ModerateYellow101 to 150Unhealthy for Sensitive GroupsOrange151 to 200UnhealthyRed201 to 300Very UnhealthyPurple301 to 500HazardousMaroonNote: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. Additional information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. The six levels of health concern and what they mean are:"Good" AQI is 0 to 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk."Moderate" AQI is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms."Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" AQI is 101 to 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air."Unhealthy" AQI is 151 to 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects."Very Unhealthy" AQI is 201 to 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects."Hazardous" AQI greater than 300. This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.AQI colorsEPA has assigned a specific color to each AQI category to make it easier for people to understand quickly whether air pollution is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities. For example, the color orange means that conditions are "unhealthy for sensitive groups," while red means that conditions may be "unhealthy for everyone," and so on.Air Quality Index Levels of Health ConcernNumericalValueMeaningGood0 to 50Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.Moderate51 to 100Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups101 to 150Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.Unhealthy151 to 200Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.Very Unhealthy201 to 300Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.Hazardous301 to 500Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the "Hazardous category." Additional information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.

Classification of different soil contamination assessment models.

According to the United Nations, 54% of the world’s population resides in urban areas in the year 2014. It is projected that by 2050 this number will increase by 12%. The direct effect of this urban drift has had profound effects on social, economic and ecological systems, causing stresses on the environment and society. The social and economic implications include impacts from human activities such as transport, industrialization, combustion, construction etc., all of which have a direct or indirect bearing on the environment. These pollution sources have led to release of pollutants such as Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. It is believed that air pollution is influenced by urban dynamics.In this project, we present a method for predicting historical air quality (as measured by daily median PM25 concentration) for locations where no ground-based sensors are present, by using weather data and remote sensing data from sources like the Sentinel 5P satellite. Air quality data is obtained for 555 cities and supplemented by satellite and weather data. This is then used to build a model to predict the air quality for a given date and location. A competition hosted by Zindi was used to crowd-source the creation of the model used, with the winning code forming the basis of our modelling approach.We use the trained model to create a new dataset of historical air quality predictions for cities across Africa, available at https://github.com/johnowhitaker/air_quality_prediction. For access to the original data see https://search.datacite.org/works/10.15493/sarva.301020-2.

Series Name: Age-standardized mortality rate attributed to ambient air pollution (deaths per 100 000 population)Series Code: SH_AAP_ASMORTRelease Version: 2021.Q2.G.03 This dataset is part of the Global SDG Indicator Database compiled through the UN System in preparation for the Secretary-General's annual report on Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollutionTarget 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contaminationGoal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all agesFor more information on the compilation methodology of this dataset, see https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/

NMED is mapping areas where waters of the state may be vulnerable to contamination from septic tank discharges, and where stricter standards may be imposed. Aquifer sensitivity maps prepared for NMED by Lee Wilson and Associates in 1989 have been digitized and are a data layer in the online Liquid Waste Geographic Information System (GIS). The tab for GIS data layers is near the upper right corner, the buttons for zoom in/out and other functions are on the left, aquifer sensitivity maps are under Geology/Landcover. The Lee Wilson maps are being updated and modified to include current depth-to-ground-water information, as well as areas of karst and fractured bedrock, known contamination sites, and gaining streams. These maps also can be downloaded as bitmap and gif files (Table 1). The maps contain color-coded groundwater areas based on depth to water and naturally occurring, background, total dissolved solids (TDS) as explained in Table 2. Areas with ground water less than 100 feet deep, and with 2000 mg/L or less TDS, are mapped in red. Other areas of concern based on karst or fractured bedrock, known ground-water contamination, and gaining streams impacted by septic tank effluent, are also being mapped.

Background content of heavy metals in soils in Shanxi province (mg/kg).

This web service contains the following layers: Ozone 2008 NAAQS NAA State Level and Ozone 2008 NAAQS NAA National Level. Full FGDC metadata records for each layer may be found by clicking the layer name at the web service endpoint (https://gispub.epa.gov/arcgis/rest/services/OAR_OAQPS/NAA2008Ozone8hour/MapServer) and viewing the layer description. These layers identify areas in the U.S. where air pollution levels have not met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria air pollutants and have been designated "nonattainment” areas (NAA)". The data are updated weekly from an OAQPS internal database. However, that does not necessarily mean the data have changed. The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" pollutants. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, which is intended to improve the quality of the air we breathe, EPA is required to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six common air pollutants. These commonly found air pollutants (also known as "criteria pollutants") are found all over the United States. They are particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. For each criteria pollutant, there are specific procedures used for measuring ambient concentrations and for calculating long-term (quarterly or annual) and/or short-term (24-hour) exposure levels. The methods and allowable concentrations vary from one pollutant to another, and within NAAQS revisions for each pollutant. These pollutants can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage. Of the six pollutants, particle pollution and ground-level ozone are the most widespread health threats. EPA calls these pollutants "criteria" air pollutants because it regulates them by developing human health-based and/or environmentally-based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible levels. The set of limits based on human health is called primary standards. Another set of limits intended to prevent environmental and property damage is called secondary standards. A geographic area that meets or does better than the primary standard is called an attainment area; areas that don't meet the primary standard are called nonattainment areas. In some cases, a designated nonattainment area can include portions of 2, 3, or 4 states rather than falling entirely within a single state. Multi-state areas have had different state portions handled through up to 3 separate EPA regional offices. The actions of EPA and the state governments for separate portions of such areas are not always simultaneous. While some areas have had coordinated action from all related states on the same day, other areas (so-called "split areas") have had delays of several months, ranging up to more than 2 years, between different states. EPA must designate areas as meeting (attainment) or not meeting (nonattainment) the standard. A designation is the term EPA uses to describe the air quality in a given area for any of the six common air pollutants (criteria pollutants). After EPA establishes or revises a primary and/or secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), the Clean Air Act requires EPA to designate areas as "attainment" (meeting), "nonattainment" (not meeting), or "unclassifiable" (insufficient data) after monitoring data is collected by state, local and tribal governments. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments have three years to develop implementation plans outlining how areas will attain and maintain the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions. For further information please refer to: https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbook/index.html. Questions concerning the status of nonattainment areas, their classification and EPA policy should be directed to the appropriate Regional Offices (https://www.epa.gov/approved-sips/regional-sip-coordinators). EPA Headquarters should be contacted only when the Regional Office is unable to answer a question.

The Ground Water Pollution Prevention Section (GWPPS) reviews and approves ground water Discharge Permits for discharges that have the potential to impact ground water quality pursuant to Subparts III and V of the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) regulations (20.6.2 NMAC). Ground water Discharge Permits address a wide variety of discharges including: * Domestic wastewater facilities * Large capacity septic tank leachfields * Reclaimed wastewater reuse * Power generating plants * Commercial laundries (when not served by sanitary sewers) * Commercial land farms for treatment of contaminated soil * Industrial discharges * Ground Water remediation systems

This web service contains the following layers: Lead NAA 2008 NAAQS and Lead NAA Centroids 2008 NAAQS. Full FGDC metadata records for each layer may be found by clicking the layer name at the web service endpoint (https://gispub.epa.gov/arcgis/rest/services/OAR_OAQPS/NAA2008Lead/MapServer) and viewing the layer description. These layers identify areas in the U.S. where air pollution levels have not met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria air pollutants and have been designated "nonattainment” areas (NAA)". The data are updated weekly from an OAQPS internal database. However, that does not necessarily mean the data have changed. The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" pollutants. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, which is intended to improve the quality of the air we breathe, EPA is required to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six common air pollutants. These commonly found air pollutants (also known as "criteria pollutants") are found all over the United States. They are particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. For each criteria pollutant, there are specific procedures used for measuring ambient concentrations and for calculating long-term (quarterly or annual) and/or short-term (24-hour) exposure levels. The methods and allowable concentrations vary from one pollutant to another, and within NAAQS revisions for each pollutant. These pollutants can harm your health and the environment, and cause property damage. Of the six pollutants, particle pollution and ground-level ozone are the most widespread health threats. EPA calls these pollutants "criteria" air pollutants because it regulates them by developing human health-based and/or environmentally-based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible levels. The set of limits based on human health is called primary standards. Another set of limits intended to prevent environmental and property damage is called secondary standards. A geographic area that meets or does better than the primary standard is called an attainment area; areas that don't meet the primary standard are called nonattainment areas. In some cases, a designated nonattainment area can include portions of 2, 3, or 4 states rather than falling entirely within a single state. Multi-state areas have had different state portions handled through up to 3 separate EPA regional offices. The actions of EPA and the state governments for separate portions of such areas are not always simultaneous. While some areas have had coordinated action from all related states on the same day, other areas (so-called "split areas") have had delays of several months, ranging up to more than 2 years, between different states. EPA must designate areas as meeting (attainment) or not meeting (nonattainment) the standard. A designation is the term EPA uses to describe the air quality in a given area for any of the six common air pollutants (criteria pollutants). After EPA establishes or revises a primary and/or secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), the Clean Air Act requires EPA to designate areas as "attainment" (meeting), "nonattainment" (not meeting), or "unclassifiable" (insufficient data) after monitoring data is collected by state, local and tribal governments. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments have three years to develop implementation plans outlining how areas will attain and maintain the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions. For further information please refer to: https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbook/index.html. Questions concerning the status of nonattainment areas, their classification and EPA policy should be directed to the appropriate Regional Offices (https://www.epa.gov/approved-sips/regional-sip-coordinators). EPA Headquarters should be contacted only when the Regional Office is unable to answer a question.

A selection of definitions of background and relevant term.

This data set was designed for statewide evaluation of agrichemical leaching characteristics and associated aquifer sensitivity to contamination. It was created to classify soils and aquifer settings according to predictions of leaching potential. The classifications have not been validated by the results of water quality sampling and accordingly, the reliability of these aquifer sensitivity ratings as predictors of water quality has not been evaluated.

 This is a statewide Arc/Info data set for evaluating the potential
 for contamination of shallow aquifers by nitrate. The sources of
 this data set were published and digitized at 1:250,000; however,
 the soils map and depth to aquifer map (stack-unit map) were
 generated from source data mapped at 1:15,000 and 1:64,000,
 respectively. This aquifer sensitivity map was published at
 1:500,000. Nominal scale is 1:250,000.

 Two statewide data sets were identified as containing
 information that would be useful for producing aquifer
 sensitivity maps: a soil association map (and database)
 and a map of geologic materials to a depth of 50 feet
 (Stack-unit map). The soil association map and database
 were used in an interpretive mapping model that generated
 a map of nitrate leaching classes by examining factors that
 relate to water movement characteristics of the soil.

 The Stack-Unit map was used to create a map of depth to the
 uppermost aquifer, which was then combined with the map of
 nitrate leaching classes. This combined map was interpreted
 based on the sensitivity of aquifers (to create a map of
 aquifer sensitivity) to contamination by nitrate leaching.
 Six aquifer sensitivity classes are indicated: Excessive, High,
 Moderate, Somewhat limited, Limited, and Very limited.

 Disturbed land and surface water areas are also shown.

 These data are to be used in conjunction with ISGS Environmental
 Geology report 148. This data set is one of a suite of six
 related data sets (listed below). Full citation details are
 available in the Cross References section.

 Aquifer Sensitivity to Contamination by Nitrate Leaching in Illinois
 Nitrate Leaching Classes of Illinois Soils (this data set)
 Nitrate Leaching Class Ranges

 Aquifer Sensitivity to Contamination by Pesticide Leaching in Illinois
 Pesticide Leaching Classes of Illinois Soils
 Pesticide Leaching Class Ranges

 This coverage includes county lines. These lines are not directly
 relevant to the data, but are necessary for technical reasons.
 Without the additional county lines, some of the polygons exceed
 the maximum allowable vertex limit in ARCPLOT. This problem is
 solved by the additional county lines, which serve to divide polygons
 with too many vertices into smaller units. Accordingly, to remove
 the county lines from maps created with ARCPLOT, the DROPLINE
 command must be used on conjunction with the COUNTY_NAME
 polygon item.