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Public Hearings Scheduled on Clean Air Proposal to Substantially Strengthen National Air Quality Standards for Lead

Release Date: 06/09/2008
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn (202) 564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - June 9, 2008) EPA will hold hearings in Baltimore and St. Louis to provide additional opportunity for members of the public to participate in open comment periods on several proposals to achieve increased health protection for children and other at-risk populations. The hearings, to be held concurrently on June 12, 2008, will specifically solicit public comment on the proposed revisions to EPA's national air quality standards for lead. EPA announced the proposed rule on May 1, 2008. The public hearings will be conducted at the following locations:

Where:
Tremont Grand Historic Venue
225 North Charles St. – Marble Room on first floor
Baltimore, Md.

Omni Majestic Hotel
1019 Pine St. – Salons A and B
St. Louis, Mo.

When:
Both hearings begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until 9 p.m. local time

EPA is proposing to revise the level of the primary (health-based) standard from 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter (:g/m3), to within the range of 0.10 :g/m3 to 0.30 :g/m3, measured as total suspended particulates (TSP). The agency is taking comment on alternative levels up to 0.50 :g/m3 and down below 0.10 :g/m3. EPA proposes to revise the secondary (welfare-based) standard to be identical in all respects to the primary standard.

Individuals may also submit comments electronically, by mail, by facsimile or by hand delivery/courier. EPA will consider written comments submitted during the comment periods with the same weight as oral comments presented during the public hearings.

To register to speak at the hearings, contact Tricia Crabtree, at crabtree.tricia@epa.gov or by telephone at (919) 541-5688.

For more information on the proposed revisions to the lead standards, go to: epa.gov/air/lead