The number of exceedances of National Ambient Air Quality Standards in Iowa totaled 81 through November 4, nine more than the total number recorded in 2013, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
The vast majority of the exceedances so far in 2014 involved high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution, with 63 of the exceedances recorded at air monitors in Muscatine.
While the primary source of SO2 pollution in Muscatine – Grain Processing Corp. (GPC) – has begun work on plant upgrades aimed at sharply reducing SO2 emissions, the community continues to have the poorest air quality in the state.<!--break-->
A total of 32 of the SO2 exceedances in Muscatine occurred in the area near the air monitor at Musser Park, and 15 exceedances were recorded at the Greenwood Cemetery air monitor. Another 11 exceedances were recorded at the air monitor located near Muscatine High School.
Of the 13 exceedances of fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5) levels, five occurred in Muscatine. Four of those exceedances were recorded at the monitor near the high school and one at the air monitor near Franklin Elementary School.
Other Iowa communities with exceedances of air quality standards so far in 2014 include: Cedar Rapids (10 for SO2 levels, and one for PM 2.5 pollution); Sioux City (two for PM 2.5 pollution); Davenport (two for PM 2.5 pollution); and Clinton (two for PM 2.5 pollution). One exceedance for PM 2.5 pollution was recorded at the air monitor located at Viking Lake State Park in Montgomery County.
