After two years of planning, a federal agency has okayed the Iowa DNR's plan to reduce air pollution in Muscatine County. This week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the approval of Iowa's State Implementation Plan to cut fine particle emissions.
Amy Algoe-Eakin, from the EPA, says in recent years, air in the county has not met government standards for fine particulate matter. It's a pollutant that can lead to health problems.
The state's new plan for Muscatine County is expected to reduce 600 tons of fine particles from three sources. And she says, it will cut other hazardous air pollutants, such as Formaldehyde, by 82 percent.
The main sources of pollution are Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine Power and Water, and Union Tank Car Company. The businesses are cutting emissions by improving their plants.
One of the big changes at Grain Processing started in 2011. It's been building a new grain dryer and environmental controls on boilers, to reduce pollution.
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Algoe-Eakin says Muscatine is currently maintaining the standard for air quality. And, the plan will ensure residents can rely on facilities to be consistent and transparent about pollution emissions.