Permitting Workshops for Grain Handling Facilities Begin November 14

Workshops to assist grain handling facilities in complying with new air regulations and ensuring continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be held around the state beginning Wednesday, November 14 in Spencer. The requirements of grain terminals and country grain elevators will be discussed in separate workshops.

Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI), the University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Department of Economic Development, workshop leaders will provide an overview of the new grain elevator air construction permitting requirements, help facilities calculate their air pollutant emissions, and discuss tools and techniques for reporting air pollutant emissions.

Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring an equipment list with maximum equipment capacities, a list of air pollution control equipment in use at the facility, and annual facility grain throughout.

Workshops are also planned in Ames, Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Ottumwa. The reservation deadline is November 1. Call Joan O’Brien, AAI, at 1-800-383-1682 for more information or go to www.agribiz.org and read information under “Air Quality Permitting Workshops.” You do not have to be a member of AAI to attend. The registration fee is $15 and must be paid by check to AAI, 900 Des Moines St., Des Moines, IA 50309.

Contact Jim McGraw, DNR Air Quality Bureau, at (515) 242-5167, with questions about the new rules for grain handling facilities.