MUSCATINE – The public is invited to make comments on a plan that would bring air quality in Muscatine into compliance with federal standards for sulfur dioxide.
The DNR is holding a public hearing on March 30, at 3 p.m., at the Muscatine County Conservation Board’s Environmental Learning Center, 3300 Cedar St. Anyone can make oral or written comments on the strategy at the hearing.
The plan is the result of DNR’s work with three facilities: Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine Power & Water, and Monsanto Company. DNR engineers worked with the facilities to develop air pollution controls that will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.
By switching from coal to natural gas and installing new control equipment, Grain Processing Corporation will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 10,000 tons per year. All three companies must meet more stringent sulfur dioxide emission limits.
Those interested in plan details can review the state implementation plan at the Musser Park Library in Muscatine. It’s also available at the DNR‐Air Quality Bureau in Windsor Heights and at www.iowadnr.gov/airstakeholder. Look under the Public Input section for the Muscatine One-Hour Sulfur Dioxide Nonattainment State Implementation Plan.
Submit written comments on the proposed plan by 4:30 p.m. March 31, to Matthew Johnson, DNR Air Quality Bureau, 7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1, Windsor Heights, IA 50324. Or, fax comments to 515‐725‐9501 or email Matthew.Johnson@dnr.iowa.gov.