Forwarded by Jane Clark at [log in to unmask]
DNR KICKS OFF EASTERN IOWA EMISSIONS STUDY
The DNR is starting a statewide study of air pollution emissions to learn
how many tons enter Iowa's skies. The three-year study is beginning in 30
eastern Iowa counties, excluding Scott County, which was studied last year
as a pilot project.
Never before has such an extensive study been conducted in Iowa, although
routine in other states. Once completed, the study, called an emissions
inventory, will provide total statewide emissions by chemical and sources,
part of a national effort to study emissions every three years.
Central and western Iowa will be done over the next two years.
"Think about all of the vapors, fumes, dusts, smoke and chemical emissions
in our air and the hundreds of ways they enter. This study will quantify
and identify how, when and where they are emitted by county," said Brian
Hutchins, the DNR specialist heading up the effort. He said nearly 200
substances are being studied.
Hutchins said it is similar to a watershed study that pinpoints how
pollutants enter a river system. "A water study looks at point sources like
effluent pipes and non-point sources like runoff, the airshed study looks
at stacks and 'area sources' not directly emitted from a vent or stack like
evaporative fumes."
The state is doing much of the work itself, using nationally accepted
methods to estimate emissions from numerous small sources. "These sources
individually are small, but the cumulative impact is significant," said
Hutchins. "By estimating as many sources as possible, we eliminate burdens
for individuals and business." He said reliable estimates can be made for
mobile sources such as cars, off-road vehicles, trucks, aircraft, and heavy
machinery. Chemical evaporation, gas stations, dry-cleaners, consumer
goods, building painting and solvent usage will also be estimated.
The state mailed forms to 610 small to medium sized eastern Iowa businesses
to gather point source emission data. The study is time consuming for
businesses to complete, say DNR staff, but necessary. The state provides
free business assistance from the DNR-funded Air Assistance Program at the
University of Northern Iowa. DNR will also provide free support to those
that request it. Businesses have until March 15 to complete the reports.
The DNR already receives annual emission data from 300 of Iowa's largest
emitters.
Interstate Pollution Issues
Once completed, the inventory will help address increased interstate
pollution issues created when emissions drifts across state and regional
boundaries.
"In 1997, a few eastern states tried to force several billion dollars of
pollution control costs onto Iowa, claiming Iowa and other states
significantly added to their pollution problems. We anticipate similar,
future claims. This study is vital for good, scientific arguments to refute
or remedy future issues," said Pete Hamlin, chief of Iowa's air program.
Without inventory data, EPA and downwind states are free to make rough or
questionable estimates about Iowa emissions, he said. "The study will allow
DNR to more accurately gauge how Iowa emissions play in regional and
national studies," said Hamlin. "Likewise we will better understand what
enters our state," he said.
The study will help track air quality trends, locate monitors to ensure
federal health standards are met and characterize public health risks in
Iowa.
Common Emissions Sources
Air emissions are divided into three broad classes: mobile, point and area.
DNR is using estimation techniques for mobile and area sources. Point
source information is provided by the business or industry.
Mobile Sources-Engine emissions from cars, trucks, aircraft, heavy duty
diesel engines in agricultural and construction uses, buses, locomotives
and recreational equipment like boats, snowmobiles, jet-skis and ATVs.
Point Sources-Manufacturing, concrete and asphalt plants, boilers,
heavy-duty diesel generators, gas bulk stations, sand and gravel
operations, foundries, food processing, chemical production, metal working.
Area Sources-small and numerous emission sources typically grouped and
estimated collectively. Evaporative Emissions-from gasoline tank truck
unloading, liquid storage tanks, vehicle refueling, dry cleaning,
degreasers, printing, asphalt paving, building painting, solvent usage,
pesticide application and consumer products. Process Emissions-commercial
charbroiling and deep fat frying, industrial bakeries. Combustion
Related-Residential, commercial, and institutional fuel use, industrial
equipment, incineration, trash and leaf burning, prescribed burning, small
engine lawn equipment, waste oil burners.
For more information, contact Brian Hutchins at (515) 281-4918.
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