12/3/09

Atlanta to Host Only Hearing Nationwide for EPA’s Proposed Sulfur Dioxide Standard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of reviewing the standards, or allowable limits, for a number of regulated air pollutants. On November 16, EPA released its proposed standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2), suggesting a one-hour standard for the first time to better protect lung health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of reviewing the standards, or allowable limits, for a number of regulated air pollutants. On November 16, EPA released its proposed standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2), suggesting a one-hour standard for the first time to better protect lung health.

Sulfur dioxide forms when coal, oil, diesel or other fuels containing sulfur are burned. The largest sources are electricity generation, industrial boilers, such as those common in Georgia's pulp facilities, other industrial processes such as petroleum refining and metal processing, and diesel engines. Sulfur dioxide emissions from diesel sources have been greatly reduce through the widespread use of ultra low sulfur diesel, but most large ships coming into Savannah's port as well as some harbor vessels still burn high sulfur content fuel.

SO2 exposure causes a number of harmful effects on the lungs, including wheezing and chest tightness, especially for sensitive individuals and those who exercise outdoors. Increased risk of emergency room and hospital admissions for respiratory problems occur with spikes in SO2 concentrations. Children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers are the most vulnerable.

The current standard sets limits for 24 hour and one-year periods. For the first time, EPA has now recommended a one-hour standard for SO2 in response to strong evidence of harm from brief exposures- even as short a period of time as 15 minutes.

A preliminary assessment by EPA finds that Chatham and Fulton counties may violate the proposed one-hour standard, depending on the final limit that is set, and staff at Georgia's Environmental Protection Division has indicated that the monitor in Floyd County has recorded high levels, as well. A stronger, one-hour SO2 standard could lead to tighter controls of SO2 emissions from industrial sources and greater efforts to reduce harmful SO2 in the Savannah area.

We need you! Georgia Conservancy's Mothers & Others for Clean Air and coastal staff are working together to engage our members and partners, particularly those in areas where SO2 concentrations are highest (Floyd, Fulton and Chatham counties), to speak at the hearing in Atlanta on January 5. Comments are also accepted in writing. Do you suffer from asthma or see patients who do? Exercise outdoors in the Rome, Atlanta or Savannah metropolitan areas?

Contact Mothers & Others for Clean Air program manager Rebecca Watts Hull for help developing a statement to submit in writing or, better yet, to give in person at the public hearing. And thank you!

For more information, view American Lung Association's fact sheet through the Mothers & Others for Clean Air website.a