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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Hutchins at 515-725-9550 or Brian.Hutchins@dnr.iowa.gov.
As much as we love fireworks displays, drifting smoke can cause breathing problems for some.
“If your family or friends suffer from asthma or respiratory difficulties, it’s important for them to stay upwind, a safe distance from fireworks smoke,” says Brian Hutchins, DNR air quality supervisor. “The elderly and children are also vulnerable to higher levels of smoke.”
Sensitive people are most likely to have trouble breathing when air is stagnant. With no breeze, fine particles can be trapped near the ground and build to unhealthy levels.
Smoke contains fine particles and gases, which can be hard on the lungs. Fine particles in fireworks’ smoke are produced from black powder used to shoot fireworks skyward along with the metals that produce brilliant colors.
Those unable to avoid areas of dense smoke should limit outdoor activity and contact their health care provider if they experience difficulty breathing.
In 2017, Fourth of July fireworks in Des Moines gave rise to fine particle levels that exceeded national standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn more about fine particles (PM2.5) and how fireworks displays can affect sensitive populations.
Finally, play it safe and dispose of your unused fireworks safely.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelli Book, DNR, at 515-725-9572 or Kelli.Book@dnr.iowa.gov.
DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws. This approach is very effective. In the few cases where compliance cannot be achieved, the DNR issues enforcement actions. The following list summarizes recent enforcement actions. Find the entire, original orders on DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/EnforcementActions.
Consent Orders
A consent order is issued as an alternative to issuing an administrative order. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party.
Allamakee County
Arlyn and Kevin Fossum
Operate facility in compliance with rules and regulations, develop and implement Standard Operating Procedure for monitoring overland waterflow, and pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $3,000.
Administrative Orders
Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the order or 60 days to pay the penalty.
Cedar County
Lu-Jen Farms, Inc.
Submit MMP update and fee and pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $5,000.
Polk County
SKG Enterprises, Inc.Comply with release detection requirements, conduct and document weekly inspections of equipment, submit monthly release reports, submit proof that all operators have been trained, and pay a penalty if the terms of the order are not met.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lori Hanson, DNR, at 515-725-9525 or Lori.Hanson@dnr.iowa.gov for Title V permits; or Sarah Piziali, DNR, at 515-725-9549 or Sarah.Piziali@dnr.iowa.gov for construction permits.
DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the public comment period.
Title V Operating Permits
Title V Operating permits are reviewed and re-issued every five years. Facilities with a Title V permit have the potential to emit large amounts of air pollutants compared to other facilities. The five-year reviews are a federal requirement and ensure adequate monitoring is included in the permit. The DNR plans to issue Title V Operating Permits for the following facilities. Find permit details at www.iowadnr.gov/titlev-draft.
Dickinson County
Magellan Pipeline Company, LP – Milford Terminal – 2451 Hwy 71, Milford.
The application was submitted to operate their existing Refined Petroleum Pipelines facility. The public comment period ends Aug. 2.
Dubuque County
Magellan Pipeline Company, LP – Dubuque Terminal – 8038 St. Joe’s Prairie Rd, Dubuque.
The application was submitted to operate their existing Refined Petroleum Pipelines facility. The public comment period ends Aug. 2.
Johnson County
Magellan Pipeline Company, LP – Iowa City Terminal – 912 First Ave, Coralville.
The application was submitted to operate their existing Refined Petroleum Pipelines facility. The public comment period ends Aug. 2
Monroe County
Eddyville Chlor-Alkali, LLC – 1194 720th Ave, Eddyville.
The application was submitted to operate their existing Alkalis and Chlorine Manufacturing facility. The public comment period ends Aug. 2.
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