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EPA Identifies Areas in Iowa and Kansas That Would Not Meet Tighter Lead Air Standards

Release Date: 06/15/2011
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, (913) 551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., June 15, 2011) - Today, EPA is announcing areas in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and Saline County, Kan., that would not meet tighter lead air standards.

The state environmental agencies in Iowa and Kansas have been working with facilities to reduce lead emissions through implementation of emission controls. The states will be required to develop and implement plans to meet air quality lead standards by December 31, 2016.

“Reducing levels of lead pollution is an important part of EPA’s commitment to a clean, healthy environment,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Even at low levels, exposure to lead can impair a child’s IQ, learning capabilities and memory.”

EPA has strengthened the nation’s air quality standards for lead tenfold to 0.15 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air after a thorough review of the science about lead, advice from the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, and consideration of public comments.

The Agency also finalized requirements for new monitors to be located near large sources of lead emissions as part of the 2008 revision to the lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

States will have until August 15, 2011, to comment and to provide additional information. The public may also provide comments after publication of the Federal Register notice.