The 2007 ambient air monitoring data indicates that one monitor in Davenport and one monitor in Muscatine each measured above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standard for fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5). More information on the monitoring data is available on the DNR website at www.iowacleanair.com/prof/monitor/monitor.html.

The DNR is in the process of establishing PM2.5 nonattainment areas in Scott and Muscatine counties. This process includes completing a 9-factor analysis based on guidance provided by EPA. Preliminary conclusions from these analyses and proposed recommendations for the boundaries in both counties are included in the documents below:

• Presentation: Non-Attainment Area Boundaries - Scott County (PDF File)
• Presentation: Non-Attainment Area Boundaries - Muscatine County (PDF File)

The DNR will be seeking input and comment from the general public on the preliminary analyses conclusions and proposed boundary recommendations at the following dates and locations:

April 29, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Scott County Administrative Center - Board Room
600 W 4th Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801-1030

April 30, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Muscatine County Conservation Board
Environmental Learning Center
3300 Cedar Street
Muscatine, Iowa 52761

DNR will make nonattainment area boundary recommendations to the EPA by May 30, 2008. EPA will consider the state boundary recommendations before proposing their own boundary recommendations for state review in late July 2008. EPA is required to finalize the nonattainment area boundaries by December 18, 2008. For areas declared in nonattainment, the DNR will be required to submit an implementation plan to the EPA outlining the strategies that will be employed to bring the area back into attainment. The areas should be brought back into attainment by 2014 to meet the provisions of the Clean Air Act.