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EPA Approves Iowa’s State Implementation Plan for Reducing Particulate Matter in Muscatine’s Air

Release Date: 12/08/2014
Contact Information: David W. Bryan, APR, 913-551-7433, bryan.david@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Dec. 8, 2014) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Iowa’s state implementation plan (SIP) to reduce fine particle emissions in Muscatine County. The Clean Air Act requires states to develop plans to attain and maintain the national air standards in all areas of the state. These plans, known as SIPs, are developed by state and local air quality management agencies and submitted to EPA for approval.

Because the Muscatine area has struggled with consistently attaining the fine particulate matter standard, EPA required the state to develop a plan which would result in permanent and enforceable emission reductions.

Emission reduction strategies at three facilities (Muscatine Power and Water, Union Tank Car, and Grain Processing Corporation) will reduce almost 600 tons of fine particles. At Grain Processing Corporation, the strategies will also reduce other pollutants, such as hazardous air pollutants, by 82 percent.

The SIP will achieve continued attainment of the 2006 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and result in improved air quality for the residents of Muscatine, Iowa.