Air quality meets measure

Lake County formally recognized for sulfur dioxide levels meeting national standard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this month announced its approval of the state of Ohio’s request to formally recognize that Lake County has attained the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide.

According to the agency, recent air monitoring data show the area now meets the national standard set to protect public health.

“People in Lake County are breathing cleaner air as a result of this cooperation between the state and federal government,” said Cathy Stepp, EPA administrator’s of Region 5.

The region also serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and 35 federally recognized tribes.

“U.S. EPA’s recognition that the air quality in Lake County meets the current national health-based standard for sulfur dioxide reflects continuing progress in efforts to improve air quality and the quality of life

The largest source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities.

for Ohio residents,” stated Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson in a news release.

In 2013, Lake County was designated as a sulfur dioxide nonattainment area based on air-quality monitoring data. The Ohio EPA then prepared a plan to reduce emissions from two power plants that were the largest sources of sulfur dioxide emissions in the county.

The EPA reports recent monitoring data show that the area is currently attaining the one-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide.

The agency is approving Ohio’s request to redesignate the county to attainment, in addition to Ohio’s plan to ensure that the area will continue to meet the sulfur dioxide standard.

According to the EPA, the largest source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. Shortterm exposures to sulfur dioxide

can harm the respiratory system and make breathing difficult. Children, the elderly and those who suffer from asthma are particularly sensitive to effects of sulfur dioxide.

High concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the air generally also lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides. Those can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles that contribute to particulate matter pollution, which may penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs, causing additional health problems.

Sulfur dioxide and other sulfur oxides can contribute to haze and acid rain.

Lake County Commissioner Jerry Cirino pointed to two primary variables responsible for the county meeting the attainment level.

“Verified by the Lake County Health District, Painesville Public Power is no longer operating 24/7, and the city of Eastlake is no longer generating energy with coal,” he said. “These dual factors have contributed to lower sulfur dioxide levels since last measured. We’re breathing cleaner air,

but we also lost a lot of jobs in Eastlake, and the city lost income and property tax revenue. It was big for the city.

“But we are on the upswing for better air quality, and that’s why keeping Perry (Nuclear Power Plant) open is important — it’s not burning fossil fuels and, locally, produces 100 percent clean energy. Furthermore, Perry, along with DavisBesse (Power Station) in Ottawa County, is responsible for 90 percent of the clean energy produced in the state. Who’s against clean air? I’m delighted, as

all the Lake County commissioners are.”

Cirino added that the new attainment also ties into House Bill 6 and continued efforts in creating the Ohio Clean Air Program.

“After last-minute amendments, a full House vote is expected to pass by the middle of next week, and then it goes to the Senate,” Cirino said. “This is very encouraging. With the bill, we keep clean air and jobs. Keeping clean air, and protecting jobs and energy efficiency, it’s the best of both worlds.”