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DNR releases air monitoring study results Monday, December 6, 2004
DES MOINES (AP) -- A state air monitoring study has recorded levels of ammonia near factory farms that far exceed health standards set in a controversial study, but environmental officials don't know if anything will be done about the high levels of the toxic gas.
The ammonia standard recommended in the University of Iowa and Iowa State University air quality study in 2002 was set at 150 parts per billion. ISU has since withdrawn its endorsement of the study, but it does support the 300 ppb standard set by the U.S. Department of Health's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
During a recent Legislature-mandated study, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recorded levels as high as 1,751 ppb near Iowa Select's "Winniger" hog factory in Hamilton County. Another reading near the company's "McCutcheon" farm in Wright County was over 900 ppb, records showed.
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement member and Radcliffe farmer Earl Sime said high ammonia levels pose a serious health risk.
"In our opinion, these results are just further proof that factory farms are polluting our air with toxic gases," he said.
ICCI has been calling for strong clean air rules for large hog farms for more than four years.
According to DNR records, the highest hourly averages since June at homes near factory farms included the following readings:
-- Seven readings over 600 ppb at the Iowa Select "Winniger" hog factory in Hamilton County
-- Nine readings over 300 ppb near the Iowa Select "McCutcheon" hog factory in Wright County
-- 13 readings over 300 ppb near the Iowa Select "Stockdale" hog factory in Hardin County, with one of those readings topping 600 ppb
The DNR's Environmental Protection Commission passed an ammonia standard of 150 ppb in April 2003, but the rule was killed by the state legislature about two weeks later. The state is not moving forward with an ammonia standard at this time, said Bryan Bunton, a DNR environmental specialist.
He said the Legislature directed the DNR to conduct the air monitoring study currently under way and to measure ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and odors. It is monitoring 10 sites.
Bunton said the 300 ppb standard set by ATSDR is not a one-time measurement, but an average taken over 365 daily readings. If the average exceeds the standard, the ATSDR says a health problem exists.
Bunton wasn't sure if anything would come of the recent high readings.
ICCI member Ron Kielkopf, a Fremont farmer, said he's not happy about the state's inaction.
"When will the Department of Natural Resources and Iowa's legislators quit looking, and smelling, the other way?" he said. |
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