Draft IPSCO Steel Air Permits Set for Public Hearing

DES MOINES-The DNR will hold a 6 p.m. meeting Feb. 27 at the Muscatine library for public input concerning draft air quality permits for IPSCO Steel Inc.

The draft permits would increase allowed emission rates from the original 1996 permits. The original permits had set lower emission levels that have been unachievable, according to stack tests. The plant will remain the fifth largest industrial emission source in Muscatine County despite the higher emission limits.

Since then, the DNR asked IPSCO to find a lower sulfur content carbon supply for the electric arc furnace and to reapply for a permit to better reflect emissions. IPSCO found cleaner carbon supplies and has been using them since early 1999. The proposed emission limits are similar to other plants of equal size across the nation and maintain local air quality.

"The new draft permits better reflect emissions and provides more than adequate air quality protection," said Brian Button, DNR air information specialist. "The new emission rates are similar to other U.S. steel mills and the impact on local air quality is well within standards set to protect not only health and the environment but future growth in the county," he said.

Copies of the draft permits are available at the library.