The DNR invites the public to provide comments on a draft plan to help redesignate the Muscatine area from nonattainment to attainment with the 1-hour sulfur dioxide (SO2) national ambient air quality standard. The DNR intends to submit the plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a revision to Iowa’s state implementation plan (SIP).
On August 5, 2013, EPA designated a portion of Muscatine County as a nonattainment area because SO2 concentrations in the air did not meet the 2010 federal 1-hour SO2 health standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb). Beginning with the 2015-2017 three-year period, SO2 concentrations measured in Muscatine show the area meets the standard. The improved air quality is the result of permanent reductions in local emissions.
The proposed SIP revision includes a maintenance plan to demonstrate the Muscatine area will continue to meet the 1-hour SO2 standard. The DNR is also requesting the removal of outdated permits and less stringent SO2 requirements for the revoked 24-hour SO2 federal air quality standard. When DNR submits the plan, the Governor will formally ask EPA to redesignate the area to attainment. Only EPA can redesignate the area to attainment.
Find an electronic copy of the plan on DNR’s Public Participation webpage at https://www.iowadnr.gov/airpublicinput. Look in the Public Input section under Muscatine SO2 Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan Available for Public Comment.
Anyone may make written comments on this proposed SIP revision. Direct written comments to Matthew Johnson, Department of Natural Resources, 502 East 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034; by fax at 515-725-9501; or by email to matthew.johnson@dnr.iowa.gov. All comments must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 20, 2021. A public hearing will be held virtually at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 20, 2021. See the website for instructions on how to participate in the public hearing by video conference or by telephone.