For immediate release: nov. 23, 2011

*Lead standard exceeded in part of Council Bluffs

*Assistance liaison named for air quality

PORTION OF COUNCIL BLUFFS EXCEEDS LEAD NATIONAL AIR QUALITY STANARD

MEDIA CONTACT: Jim McGraw at (515) 242-5167 or [log in to unmask]

WINDSOR HEIGHTS ― The DNR received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalized determination that a 3.4 square mile area of central Council Bluffs violated the national air quality standard for lead in 2010 and is designated in nonattainment. The only known source of lead emissions in this area is Griffin Pipe Products Company.

The DNR began working with Griffin Pipe in 2010 to implement changes to reduce lead emissions. Griffin Pipe completed facility modifications and installed controls to reduce lead air emissions in early 2011. As of Nov. 15, 2011, the DNR’s Council Bluffs lead monitor has not registered any violations. In 2010 the Council Bluffs lead monitor measured six violations of the national standard.

The lead nonattainment area in Council Bluffs consists of industrial, commercial and residential areas. It is bounded by Avenue G on the north, North 16th/South 16th Street on the east, 23rd Avenue on the south, and North 35th/South 35th Street on the west.

The EPA allows areas in nonattainment 18 months from the effective date of designation ― in this case Nov. 22, 2011 ― to develop and implement plans to reduce the exceeding air pollutant within five years.

The DNR will continue to monitor the area to determine whether additional measures may be needed to remain at or below the national air quality standard for lead. The standard is 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter of air, measured as a consecutive three-month rolling average.

Lead emitted into the air can be inhaled or ingested after it settles. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, and the cardiovascular system. There is no known safe level of lead in the body.

More information about EPA's lead designations can be found at www.epa.gov/dleaddesignations/.

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NEW SMALL BUSINESS AIR ASSISTANCE LIAISON NAMED

MEDIA CONTACT: Christina Iiams at (515) 281‐4927 or [log in to unmask].

Windsor Heights — The DNR named Christina Iiams the new small business assistance liaison for air quality this week.

As liaison, Iiams will refer small businesses to technical assistance providers, help them find ways to resolve complaints and provide outreach assistance on air quality regulatory requirements and programs.

The position of small business assistance liaison for air quality is required by the federal Clean Air Act. A small business  employs 100 or less people, is owned or operated by a person, and emits fewer than 50 tons per year of any single regulated air pollutant and less than 75 tons per year of all regulated air pollutants.

Iiams has served as program planner 2 in the DNR Air Quality Bureau for seven years and will continue to carry out those duties as well as those of small business liaison.

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Karen Grimes

DNR Communications Specialist

515-281-5135