VISTAS Regional Haze Program

VISTAS - "VISTAS" is the Visibility Improvement State and Tribal Association of the Southeast, the regional planning organization responsible for convening state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies and collaborating on regional air quality analysis work necessary to support development of regional haze state implementation plans that are due to U.S. EPA by July 31, 2021.  Below is a record of chronology of work efforts to-date as the VISTAS agencies point towards completion of technical work by September, 2019.

Anticipated - In the first half of 2019 progress briefings will be provided to the Technical Analysis Work Group and Coordinating Committee, to the agency directors, and to EPA and the Federal Land Managers.  By mid-year, a briefing of interested stakeholders should occur, either by conference call or webinar, or in a face-to-face meeting.  Details will be posted when available.

Currently - 2028 air quality modeling is ongoing.  Area of influence analysis work is approaching completion.

August 3, 2018 - Prior to this date, emission processing was completed.

June 30, 2018 - The emission inventory updates for 2028 were completed.

June 27, 2018 - The modeling protocol was approved by SESARM.

April 20, 2018 - Technical work on the VISTAS project began.  Authorization was given for Tasks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 10 and portions of Tasks 3, 5, 6, and 11.  

April 19, 2018 - The work plan for the VISTAS project was approved.  A copy of the approved work plan may be found by clicking here.

April 4, 2018 - The quality assurance project plan for the VISTAS project was approved.  A copy of the approved QAPP may be found by clicking here.

March 1, 2018 - A contract was executed with Eastern Research Group authorizing ERG to serve as the technical contractor for regional haze SIP support work.  ERG is teaming with its subcontractor, Alpine Geophysics, to provide emissions, modeling, and other analytical support to the VISTAS project.

December 21, 2017 - A request for proposals was posted to this web site and sent to approximately 60 potential bidders.  The deadline for submittal proposals was close of business January 26, 2018.  A copy of the RFP may be found by clicking here.