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This page is the central hub for all public input opportunities. Please note that not all categories will have items available for comment at all times.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requests public comment on a proposed revision to the state implementation plan (SIP) to address visibility protection at national parks and scenic areas, also referred to as mandatory Class I Federal areas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the authority of Section 169(a) of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), promulgated visibility goals in the federal Regional Haze Rule on July 1, 1999, with amendments in 2005 and 2006. This SIP revision will fulfill the requirements of Section 169(a) of the CAA that requires each state to adopt and submit a plan that addresses the state’s contributions to visibility impairment at the mandatory Class I Federal areas. The mandatory Class I Federal areas were established by Congress under the 1977 Amendments to the CAA . Iowa does not have a mandatory Class I Federal area. Iowa may contribute to the visibility impairment at mandatory Class I Federal areas in Minnesota and Michigan . DNR has determined that emissions reductions of air pollutants that cause visibility impairment are not needed at this time due to existing emissions controls, the projected reductions from recently mandated requirements, and the costs associated with additional controls. The proposed SIP revision and a link to its appendices are posted on the DNR’s website at www.iowacleanair.com/prof/progdev/progdev.html under the Regional Haze bullet. Any person may make written comments on this proposed SIP revision on or before January 31, 2008. Written comments should be directed to Wendy Rains, Department of Natural Resources, Air Quality Bureau, 7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1, Urbandale, Iowa 50322, fax (515) 242-5094, or by electronic mail to wendy.rains@dnr.iowa.gov. A public hearing will be held January 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the conference rooms at the DNR’s Air Quality Bureau office located at 7900 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa. All comments must be received no later than January 31, 2008. Any person who plans to attend the public hearing and has special requirements such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments should contact Wendy Rains at (515) 281-6061 to advise of specific needs. A responsiveness summary will be prepared by the DNR following the close of the public comment period. The responsiveness summary will include written or oral comments received during the public participation process and the DNR’s response to the comments. The completed responsiveness summary will forwarded to EPA and made available to the public upon request.
The public may provide comments on proposed updates to state air quality rules to adopt new state and federal requirements enacted within the last year. The proposal includes adoption of new and amended federal New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). Requirements for reporting of greenhouse gases are also included in the proposed amendments. Additionally, the proposed rule changes include corrections, clarification and improvements to other air quality rules. The Notice of Intended Action approved by the Environmental Protection Commission on December 4, 2007, is available at the link shown above. The Notice will be published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin (IAB) on January 2, 2008. Upon publication, links the published Notice will be available at www.legis.state.ia.us/Rules/Current/Bulletin/ Any person may make written suggestions or comments on or before Tuesday, February 5, 2008. A public hearing will be held on Monday, February 4, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Air Quality Bureau offices. For more information on providing comments or attending the hearing, please contact Christine Paulson by phone at 515-242-5154 or by e-mail christine.paulson@dnr.iowa.gov - No current comment opportunities - - No current comment opportunities - |
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