Lemont Now Meets Air Quality Standard For Sulfur Dioxide: EPA

LEMONT, IL —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois EPA recently announced their proposal to formally redesignate the Lemont area to attainment of the most recent federal air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. A release from EPA states recent air monitoring data shows the area now meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide in addition to all other federal air quality standards set to protect public health.

“EPA’s partnership with the State of Illinois has resulted in cleaner, healthier air in the Lemont area which is home to more than 160,000 people,” EPA Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede said in a release. “In addition to cleaner air, once Lemont is redesignated, local businesses will face fewer air permitting restrictions, paving the way for the infrastructure investment and economic development that help create jobs. Over the past two years, EPA’s partnerships with states in Region 5 have dramatically improved air quality in ten former non-attainment areas, which now meet the national health-based standard.”

The Lemont area, which is comprised of three townships in Cook and Will counties, was designated nonattainment for sulfur dioxide in 2013 based on air monitoring data, the EPA said.

Illinois EPA worked with EPA to develop strategies for attaining the sulfur dioxide standard, which included new emission limits for two power plants and three other industrial facilities in the area. A release from the EPA states that three years of recent monitoring data show the Lemont area is now attaining the 2010 NAAQS for sulfur dioxide.

The EPA is proposing to redesignate the Lemont area to attainment and to approve Illinois’ maintenance plan to ensure that the area will continue to meet the sulfur dioxide standard, the EPA said. The redesignation will not be final until the public has an opportunity to comment on the proposal.

Reduced sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere means cleaner, healthier air for the citizens of Lemont, especially children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma and are particularly sensitive to effects of sulfur dioxide, the EPA said. Reduced levels of sulfur dioxide and other sulfur oxides is also good for the environment. A decrease in these compounds also means less chances of haze and acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems.