FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 26, 2013 

 

EPA ANNOUNCES MUSCATINE AIR NONATTAINMENT AREA FOR SULFUR DIOXIDE 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Hutchins, Air Quality Compliance & Monitoring,
515-281-8448, [log in to unmask]

 

WINDSOR HEIGHTS -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced July 25
the city of Muscatine and areas to the east, west and north are in
nonattainment of the one-hour national ambient air quality standard for
sulfur dioxide (SO2).

 

This determination was based on available air monitoring data for the
three-year period of 2009 through 2011.

 

The designated boundary within Muscatine County is approximately the area
encompassed by The Mississippi River south to the Muscatine County line west
to the junction of state highways 92 and 61. The eastern border
approximately aligns with the city of Fairport. The northern border is about
where County Road F70 transects Muscatine County.

 

EPA bases nonattainment designations on certified air quality monitoring
data provided by the states as well as an assessment of nearby emission
sources and weather patterns that contribute to the monitored levels.

 

Sixteen states had areas declared in nonattainment for SO2. When a state's
area is designated in nonattainment, the state is required to submit a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) demonstrating how it will meet the sulfur dioxide
standard within five years. The SIP is due 18 months after the effective
date of the final designation.

 

EPA established a new one-hour, sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard of 75 parts
per billion June 3, 2010.

 

Air containing higher amounts of SO2 may impact public health. Children, the
elderly and people with asthma and other lung diseases are most susceptible
to health problems. Heath problems include narrowing of the airways which
can cause difficulty breathing and increased asthma symptoms.

 

For more specific information about the EPA's nonattainment designation for
SO2 in the Muscatine area, go to
http://www.epa.gov/so2designations/tsd.html.

 

 


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]

Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp

Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship
e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's
latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent
editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/