DNR Kicks off Central Iowa Emissions Study

For more information contact Brian Button at 515-281-7832

DES MOINES-A statewide survey to learn the types and quantities of emissions that enter the air has expanded to central Iowa, say DNR officials. The three-year study began last year in eastern Iowa and western counties will participate next year.

Emission inventory forms were sent to 700 central Iowa businesses in January. The state is estimating emissions from small businesses, residential activity and transportation.

Never before has such an extensive study been conducted in Iowa, although routine in other states. Once completed, the study, called an emissions inventory, will provide total statewide emissions by chemical and source as part of a national effort to study emissions every three years.

"This study helps quantify and identify how, when and where fumes, gases, smoke and chemicals are emitted by county," said Brian Hutchins, the DNR specialist heading up the effort. Nearly 200 substances are being inventoried.

He said it is similar to a watershed study that pinpoints how pollutants enter a river system. "A water study looks at point sources like effluent pipes and non-point sources like runoff; the airshed study looks at stacks, vehicles and 'area sources' not directly emitted from a vent or stack like evaporative fumes."

The state is doing much of the work, using nationally accepted methods to estimate emissions from numerous small sources. "These sources individually are small, but the cumulative impact is significant," said Hutchins. "By estimating as many sources as possible, we eliminate the paperwork for individuals and business." Mobile source emissions from cars, off-road vehicles, trucks, aircraft, buses and heavy machinery are estimated. Fumes from gas stations, consumer products and painting are also estimated.

The study can be time consuming to complete, but the state provides free assistance to businesses, which have until May 15 to complete the reports. The DNR already receives annual emission data from 300 of Iowa's largest emission sources.

Once completed, the inventory will help address interstate pollution issues created when emissions drift across state and regional boundaries.

In 1997, eastern states tried to force millions of dollars in pollution control costs onto Iowa, claiming Iowa and other states significantly added to eastern pollution problems. "This study is vital for good, scientific arguments to refute or remedy future issues," said Hutchins.

Without inventory data, EPA and downwind states are free to make rough or questionable estimates about Iowa emissions. "The study will allow DNR to more accurately gauge how Iowa emissions impact regional and national air quality," said Hutchins. "Likewise we will better understand what enters our state," he said.

The study will help track air quality trends, locate monitors to ensure federal health standards are met and characterize public health risks in Iowa.