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. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]