Transportation Conformity

What is transportation conformity?
Transportation conformity is the process that is used to review the current transportation plans and programs in a region to ensure they conform with to the state’s air quality plan. Each state’s air quality plan, also known as the State Implementation Plan, determines how the states will meet federal air quality standards.

Why does the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board go through transportation conformity?As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for a region that is not currently reaching federal air quality standards, the BRTB is required to go through the process of transportation conformity every time there is a new transportation plan, program or federally-funded project.

How do we rate? Air quality in the Baltimore region

• Ground-level Ozone – In April 2004, the Baltimore region was designated “moderate” nonattainment for the 8-hour ground-level ozone standard. This means that although we are doing better, we still do not meet the air quality standards set by the Federal government. The State will need to submit their 8-hour ground-level ozone SIP by June 15, 2007. Then, the standard will need to be reached by June 15, 2010.
• Fine Particulate Matter - In December 2004, the Baltimore region was designated nonattainment for fine particulate matter. This means that we do not meet the air quality standards set by the Federal government. The State will need to submit their particulate matter SIP by April 5, 2008. The deadline for the region to meet this standard is April 5, 2010.
• Carbon Monoxide – The Baltimore region is in a maintenance phase for the carbon monoxide standard. This means that the federal standard for carbon monoxide has already been reached and must stay the same or below this level.

Working together to improve air quality
The transportation conformity process is coordinated through the Interagency Consultation Group, a subcommittee of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board. The group looks at state air quality goals and the ability of the transportation plans and programs to meet those goals.

For more information:
Sara Tomlinson, stomlinson@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 x1035.


Links within this web site:

View the most recent conformity determination or the modeling methodology and assumptions for the conformity process on the Conformity Documents web page.


Links to other web sites: 

Maryland Department of the Environment’s Air Quality Planning

EPA transportation conformity

Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 December 2008 10:21