New EPA Ambient Air Standard for Lead Expected October 15

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to finalize its new standard for lead by October 15, 2008. On May 1 the EPA proposed a revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead substantially more stringent than the current standard. The EPA proposed to revise the standard from 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m^3) of air, to within the range of 0.10 ug/m^3 to 0.30 ug/m^3. The EPA also proposed to require states to place ambient air monitors near large sources of lead emissions and in urban areas with more than 1 million people. Additional information on the new standard can be found at:

www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pb/s_pb_index.html

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the process of reviewing recent emission inventory reports for lead emissions to determine where ambient air quality monitors would be required under EPA’s proposal. Facilities with emissions above or near the thresholds specified in the rule may be contacted by the DNR for additional information after the lead standard is finalized by EPA. For questions on the proposed NAAQS for lead, please contact Brian Hutchins at (515) 281-8448 or at brian.hutchins@dnr.iowa.gov.