ML052010470

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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Air Quality in Minnesota, Progress and Priorities, 2005 Report to the Legislature
ML052010470
Person / Time
Site: Monticello Xcel Energy icon.png
Issue date: 02/05/2005
From: Buss J, Engelking P, Herschberger L, Palmer K
State of MN, Pollution Control Agency
To:
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Davis J, NRR/DRIP/RLEP, 415-3835
References
Download: ML052010470 (26)
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PROG RESS AN D PRI O RITI ES 2005 Report to the Legislature February 2005 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

For further information:

Overview and Legislative Ann Seha Assistant Commissioner (651) 284-0382 Air Quality Lead Jim Warner, Director Industrial Division (651) 296-7333 Air Quality Programs David Thornton, Manager Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division (651) 296-7265 Report Coordinator: Mary Jean Fenske Primary Report contributors: Jeff Buss, Pat Engelking, Lisa Herschberger, Kari Palmer Report Editor: Rebecca Helgesen Report Designer: Carol Pruchnofski Iraq-1syO5 Cost to prepare this report: staff time $13,920, production $500.

This report was printed in limited quantities. The electronic version,

§including the appendices, is available on the MPCA web site at:

Nvww.pca~state.mn.us/hot/legislature/reports 0~~~2~ . .....

AIR QUALITY IN MINNESOTA PROGRESS AND PRIORITIES 2005 Report to the Legislature February 2005 Table of Contents WHY DOES CLEAN AIR MATTER? .2 HOW ARE WE DOING IN MINNESOTA? 3 PROGRESS ON PRIORITY ACTIONS FROM 2003 AIR QUALITY REPORT .5 Cleanup older coal-burning poxver plants ...................................... 5 Use of new, cleaner technologies on buses, trucks and other motor vehicles.............................................................5 Control emissions from underground gas station tanks .6 Reduce ozone on peak days. 7 Expanded air quality public information system......................................................................................................8 STATUS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES IN MPCA AIR QUALITY STRATEGIC PLAN .10 Goal 1: Meet all state and federal ambient air quality standards .10 Goal 2: Minnesota's outdoor air quality will meet environmental and health benchmarks for toxic and other air pollutants .14 Goal 3: Take responsibility for reducing Minnesota's share of air pollutants having regional, national and global impacts .15 FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND CHALLENGES .18 Reduce ozone precursor emissions........................................................................................................................ 18 Increase early adoption of cleaner technologies and fuels .18 Reduce power plant emissions while supporting planning for Minnesota's future energy needs .20 Reduce transport of pollutants into Minnesota .21 APPENDICES AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY (www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/legislature/reports)

Appendix A. Mercury emissions from electricity generation Appendix B: Air toxics emissions information This report has the following purposes:

To report on progress made since the MPCt;s 2003 Air Quality Legislative Report.

To share information about air quality trends in Minnesota as well as scientific developments that were unknown at the time of the MPCKs 2003 Air Quality Legislative Report.

To fulfill the statutory requirement (Minn. Stat. 115D.15 and 116.925) for the MPCA to prepare a biennial report to the legislature on a category of air pollutants known as air toxics.

Because the MPCKs authority extends to the outdoor environment only. this report does not address pollutants in indoor air.

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t I, I Clea air mea s he'althier peopleC e in air means a

. S isg.r Air pollutioni;s can Xencause evc breathing problems, ha Ithier economy itchy throats; and burih yes, and make asthma Clear,kair yields benefits that add to 1 and bronchitis orse. It can contribute to the v, due of a region's econoiiiy.Crops -:

cancer, heart attacks and ather seriousillnesses. dama.ged or weakened by air pollution,*,'.

Even healthy, athletic adults can be ha.. ed by prd ice'lower yields,-and forests iveakened by

. breathing air pollutants. Because of their:small size and rapid breathing, children may be even air pcAlurion succumb more easily to pests and diseax ;e. Minntesota's tourism industry depends more susceptible. A 2003 tdy by ihe federal -on fishable, swimmable waters; limits'on fish Ofie of Management and Bt cons umption due to mercury can discourage.

the estimated value of the health benefits of woub :1-be'tourists. Minnesota tourism may cleaner air i ftn svral times the coit of also Ibe affected by smoggy vistas in scenic and fakingtheair pollution reductions.' remo te beauty spots. In addition, according to.

Clean air means cleaner water astu ly sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Cc)mmerce, should Minnesota violate the

'Some air pollutants, such as mercury, settle elozone standard, the regulatory requirements ou of thair indto our lakes and rivers, a that mould become applicable could cost contaminalting aquatic ecosystems and fish and, Minrt iesota businesses and consumers almost through them, humans. $200 million per year.

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HOW ARE WE DOING IN MINNESOTA?

espite sizeable Corriparisor of Growth Areas and increases in energy use, population, Emissions in Minnesota vehicle miles traveled, and 80 gross domestic product in 69% KEY Minnesota, emissions of regulated pollutants generally - Real Gross State

- 67%

have declined since 1985. 60 Product

- Vehicle Miles Minnesota, however, is faced ,,

Traveled with the same challenges as 0>

41% Energy other states. Population and e 4 Consumption energy/fuel use remain major factors in air pollution. When Population

'a) more people drive more a 21% Aggregate vehicles longer distances, air Emissions (NOX, I

pollution from vehicle exhaust 5 , VOC, PM )

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2 10 increases. As population or Sources: Bureau ofEconomic grows, so does demand for Analysis, U.S. Federal 0 A\

electricity, causing current 1985 1987 1989 \1 1991 1993 1995 Highway Administration, 1997 1999 2001 2003 power plants to operate more, Years MPCA Greenhouse Gas and creating pressure to A. Inventory Data, State

__-"t -1 5% Demographers Office, build new power plants. New USEPA NationalEmissions scientific discoveries, such as Inventory Database those documenting the health effects of fine particles and diesel a year where ozone and fine particle levels exhaust, increase the priority of these have triggered air quality alerts. Minnesota environmental problems. must continue to work to reduce levels of Minnesota continues to meet all federal ambient these air pollutants. Falling out of compliance air quality standards, having reduced air with the ozone standard would be harmful to pollution in several areas of the state that once human health and impose substantial costs on did not meet these standards. In 1997, a new, Minnesota's transportation system and business more stringent federal ozone standard was put community. Fine particles are known to have into place, along with a new standard for fine health impacts at levels even below the standards.

particles. The federal government recently For this reason, MPCA continues to work to found that Minnesota meets these new, more find collaborative, cost-effective ways to reduce stringent standards, making Minnesota one of emissions that contribute to ozone and fine only 11 states that currently meet all federal air particle formation.

quality standards. Some air pollutants contribute to more than one Minnesota's current attainment status can not pollution problem. For instance, some air toxics be taken for granted, however. Minnesota's are also components of particles, and some are ambient air is at about 80 percent of the new ozone precursors. Gases like sulfur oxides and ozone and fine particle standards. In recent nitrogen oxides can react with other chemicals years, Minnesota has experienced a dozen days in the atmosphere to form fine particles. While this makes air pollution more challenging to

ecause they are small, children eat, drink, and breathe

-lr- Bt more per pound of body weight than adults. This means that children take in more pollution per pound than adults.

Children are also particularly sensitive to environmental contaminants because they are still developing and cannot remove toxins from the body as efficiently as adults.

Children have an entire lifetime ahead of them during which they may develop diseases caused by exposure to air pollution in youth. Scientists have found that the risk of developing cancer may be due more to exposures during childhood than total exposure throughout life. 2 Many studies have found a link

~ between respiratory concerns in children and proximity flto traffic.'

The California Air Resources Board just completed a landmark ten-year study of the effects of long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution in children. In the 1990s, southern California elementary school children were tested for lung function by measuring functions such as how much air their lungs can hold and how well they exhale. Over eight years, the researchers found the lungs of children living in areas with more air pollution functioned worse than those who lived and breathed M the air in less-polluted communities. This decreased lung development may have permanent effects on these children as

. .; adults decades later. The study found that new cases of asthma

, and asthma exacerbations were associated with ambient air pollution levels, and school absences from acute respiratory illnesses followed rises in ozone levels. 4 A National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study

- . ii of this data found that children living in the most polluted J.- !communities in Los Angeles were five times more likely to

? .have substantially decreased lung function than children in Ir2J7 cleaner communities. 5 understand, it can actually make reduction determine whether any other air toxics exceed strategies more effective. Strategies that address health-based benchmarks.

a single pollutant can often result in reductions In its 2003 Air Quality Report to the legislature, of multiple pollutants. For example, efforts to the MPCA announced partnerships and reduce ozone and fine particles will also reduce voluntary initiatives to protect and improve air toxic emissions.

the quality of Minnesota's air. This 2005 In the past, the MPCA has measured two air report describes the substantial progress made toxic pollutants, benzene and formaldehyde, on the actions committed to in the 2003 at concentrations exceeding health-based report, the progress achieved in meeting the benchmarks. Recent monitoring has shown that MPCA's strategic plan goals for air quality, and benzene concentrations are now below the health the MPCA's future priority actions to meet risk levels, and that formaldehyde concentrations Minnesota's air quality challenges.

may be showing some decline. The MPCA continues to monitor air toxic pollutants to

ii I IUThRWLI.il t I PROGRESS ON PRIORITY ACTIONS FROM 2003 AIR QUALITY REPORT n its 2003 Air Quality Report, the MPCA The MERP was proposed under an innovative listed priority actions planned to protect and state statute called the emission reduction rider improve the quality of Minnesota's air. This statute. This statute created a procedure for section describes progress in implementing these considering the environmental benefits of a actions. Because Minnesota already attains federal proposed project at the same time impacts on air quality standards, the MPCA has focused on electric rates and other energy system planning voluntary, partnership-based actions to improve issues are evaluated. The statute requires the air quality. The MPCA has promoted early MPCA to make a technical evaluation of the adoption of clean, cost-effective technologies to control technology proposed, evaluate whether reduce air emissions in the state. the proposed costs were reasonable for the installations proposed, assess the benefits of the Cleanup of older col-burning project, and make a recommendation to the

[)>f plonts Public Utilities Commission on whether the In March 2004, the Minnesota Public Utilities project should be approved.

Commission approved a proposal by Xcel Energy The MPCA, after detailed and careful evaluation, that will result in the single largest air emission concluded that the MERP qualified under reduction ever put into place in Minnesota. 6 the statute: it had substantial health and Xcel Energy will begin installing state-of-the-art environmental benefits and implemented cost-pollution controls at the Allen S. King power effective emission reductions. These emissions plant in Oak Park Heights in 2005, with the reductions will be accomplished well in advance Metropolitan renovated plant achieving much cleaner operation of proposed federal utility regulations.

Emnisssons in 2007. By 2008 and 2009, respectively, St. The MERP is the result of a collaboration of Xcel Paul's High Bridge power plant and Minneapolis' Energy, Minnesota businesses, environmental Reduction Riverside power plant will both be changed from groups and state agencies. It accomplishes huge Project (MERP) coal to natural gas. Natural gas is a cleaner fuel emission reductions while increasing available than coal. capacity on Xcel Energy's system to meet This project, the Minnesota's growing energy needs.

70,000 Metropolitan Emissions Use of new, cleaner technologies Reduction Project 60,000 on buses, trucks, and other (MERP), will achieve a projected 95 percent motor vehicles 50,000 reduction in NO and The MPCA provides technical support and SO 2 emissions from the encouragement to government agencies and D 40,000

a. Aggregate three plants. NO, and private partners to voluntarily retrofit their Emissions SO 2 contribute to the I 30,000 on- and off-road diesel engines with pollution (SO 2 and formation of fine particles control equipment. The MPCA NOO) also encourages in the air; NO is also 20,000 expanded use of biodiesel and ethanol in fuel, a precursor of ozone and has worked to initiate use of ultra-low-sulfur pollution. In addition, diesel fuel (ULSD) ahead of federal requirements.

10,000 mercury emissions from ULSD has 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel the three plants will be currently used by on-road vehicles. Lower sulfur 0

2000 Estimated reduced by 81 percent, content reduces formation of sulfur oxides and emissions fro m emissions PMK0 (larger particles) by particles, and improves the efficiency of pollution three planti s after MERP 70 percent and CO2 by before MER tP control equipment.

nine percent.

In 2004, with the assistance and support of Using events such as the State Fair and Auto the Minnesota Department of Administration Show, the MPCA reaches more than 300,000 and the MPCA, the Twin Cities' Metro Transit citizens each year with information about cleaner Authority began purchasing ULSD for half of fuels, fuel efficiency and practical ways to reduce their 900 buses. By using ULSD, Metro Transit fuel consumption.

will reduce annual bus tailpipe emissions by an estimated 8.5 tons of smog-forming pollution at The MPCA has been a leader in efforts to a price comparable to regular diesel fuel. Further, improve the efficiency of the state vehicle by purchasing large quantities of ULSD, Metro fleet. The MPCA also continues to provide Diesel Transit has brought this fuel into the Twin Cities technical assistance to other diesel fleet market nearly three years before it is required by operators with an interest in cleaner fuels and Pollution federal law. As a result, ULSD is now available to diesel retrofit technology.

Redu tion other fleet owners, including school bus fleets. Control emissions from Projects in Depending on the engine and the particular under'rouund gos station tanks Minnesota diesel engine retrofit, combining ULSD with Reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) diesel retrofit technology can reduce tailpipe emissions that result when tankers refill gas emissions by 60 to 90 percent. Diesel retrofit station underground storage tanks is the most technology and cleaner diesel fuel are cost-effective way to reduce emissions of this employed statewide.

ozone precursor. The control equipment used to make these reductions is called "Stage 1 vapor recovery," and reduces VOC emissions El by 95 percent or more. The MPCA worked collaboratively with petroleum marketers between 2001 and 2003 to get Stage 1 vapor controls installed in gas stations selling 40 percent of the gasoline sold in Cleaner Diesel Technology the Twin Cities. The city of Minneapolis joined the effort, 1 South Washington School Dist., 65 retrofit creating a Stage 1 vapor control buses with oxidation catalysts ordinance.

2 Mankato School Dist. plans to retrofit 25 school buses with This led to broad support for oxidation catalysts requiring Stage 1 vapor recovery 3 Southwest Metro Transit - five diesel at all Twin Cities gas stations.

buses converted to compressed Minn. Statutes 116.49, subd. 3, natural gas enacted by the 2003 Minnesota Ed- B. 5S legislature, requires remaining 0-5 5 4 Metro-transit has five diesel-electric buses 1 gas stations to install Stage I 0-2 in service from 2003 controls. By January 1, 2006, all 8 5 1310 0B2 (panr r-,sc FuL~ lOse gasoline stations in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan 5 Metropolitan Council - bought 3.7 B:-2 B-2 million gallons of ultra-low-sulfur diesel area will have "Stage 1" vapor fuel to power about half of the transit controls. This requirement will B-2 Ed2 buses keep about 3,000 tons of smog-h Voyageur National Park used B-20 forming pollutants out of the air (3 years) each year.

Partial list - please contact the MPCA for updates.

County vehicles using biodiesel blends are indicated on the map by (2%biodiesel),

(5%) and (10%).

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Reduce ozone on peak days The MPCA partners with Minnesota Environmental Initiative's Clean Air Minnesota (CAM) to achieve voluntary reductions of ozone-forming pollutants - especially on days when ozone levels are forecast to be high.'

CAM is a voluntary partnership of businesses, environmental groups, government agencies and citizens. The MPCA notifies CAM partners when ozone or other pollutant levels are forecast to be high. CAM partners, in turn, notify their employees and take steps to reduce pollutants

aE6, S from their own daily operations.

CAM's goal is to achieve significant, measurable reductions in air pollution through voluntary 04-8,reuiin stat deartmens o tak acin to reuc ai -

actions of people and businesses in Minnesota.

For example, CAM enlisted a local printer to test a new lower-polluting press-cleaning solvent. The MPCA has also supported CAM %Governo>r s Executive by providing information about the reduction potential of activities - from biodiesel to switching to cleaner lawnmowers. The MPCA Order to State Agencies' assisted in developing a tool to calculate n August 6, 2004, Governor Pawlenty issued Executive Order emissions reductions that will be available to 0J 04-08, requiring state departments to take action's to reduce'air CAM partners online. pollution in their daily operations. The order seeks to lead by example, encouraging other organizations and business in Minnesota to take the As a CAM partner, the MPCA agreed to take actions encouraged by Clean Air Minnesota. - -

steps to reduce air pollution from its own business operations. These include use of fuel- The order requires departments to select at least two specific pollution-efficient vehicles, cleaner vehicle fuels, energy- reducing actions, such as: buying the most fuel-efficient vehicles that saving actions in its building, use of low-VOC meet department needs; using cleaner fuels such as E85 in flexible-fuel cleaning products, and postponing maintenance vehicles; purchasing office equipment that qualifies for the Energy Star activities on air quality alert days. After initiating for efficiency; and implementing energy-saving features in buildings these actions, the MPCA developed an action after an energy audit.

plan for use by all state agencies.

On September 27, 2004, Governor Pawlenty issued Executive Order More than 2,500 individuals have signed up to 04-10 requiring state departments to make a 25 percent reduction in receive e-mail notice of air pollution alerts from gasoline use by 2010 for on-road vehicles and a 50 percent reduction the MPCA. Many of them, including school by 2015. His order specifies that petroleum-based diesel fuel in state staff, businesses, government and environmental vehicles must be reduced by 10 percent by 2010 and 25 percent by groups, forward the e-mail alerts to others. In 2015. These reductions are based on fuel that will be consumed particular, CAM partners agree to receive e-mail in 2005.

notice of air quality alerts and forward them These executive orders are an example to other fleets, including private to their employees. Through this employee fleets, across Minnesota. The MPCA has played an instrumental role in connection, CAM estimates that almost 100,000 supporting these executive orders and has been working to improve its citizens will receive prompt notice of air quality own vehicle fleet since 2001.

alerts. This allows them to take individual actions to bring pollutant levels down, as wvell as being warned to reduce exertion on days when pollution is high.

W Z. ml:; !! U. -1i" i I .1......-. --- 11 txpunded stir cluoulty pyh6i1 An AQI number is determined by measuring Irnf or i rotion syster four pollutants: ozone, sulfur dioxide, fine particles and carbon monoxide. (Ozone The MPCA has implemented several projects monitoring takes place only from April through designed to improve timely citizen access to September, because ozone formation occurs and understanding of air pollution levels in primarily in warm weather.)

Minnesota. The MPCA has broadened the coverage of its air quality monitoring network,

  • Air pollotion health alerts increased access to real-time air quality If monitoring data shows elevated levels of one information, and improved access to information of the four pollutants (most commonly fine on the permit limits and emissions from particles or ozone), or if a forecast shows the regulated air facilities in Minnesota. possibility of poor air quality, the MPCA issues These efforts are described below. an Air Pollution Health Alert to the media and to the 2,500 individuals who have signed up to
  • Expanded Air Quality index monitoring receive e-mail alerts. The MPCA adopted the Historically, the MPCA had Air Quality Index Air Pollution Health Alert system two years ago.

(AQI) monitors only in the Twin Cities. In Alerts allow the public to be proactive about 2003, the MPCA expanded AQI coverage to protecting their health and about reducing their include Rochester, St. Cloud and Duluth. By own contributions to emissions.

early 2005, the MPCA will have monitoring

+ Hlazeraril Map of and data reporting capabilities that can produce an AQI for eight Minnesota cities. This will Individuals can monitor visibility in the Twin AQ1 Locations allow citizens across the state to be able to know Cities, thanks to a live internet camera in St.

the quality of the air any day of the year. Paul. The camera went on-line in June 2003, as part of the Midwest Hazecam network. 8 Long AQI values are updated hourly and posted recognized as a blight that obscures scenic vistas on the MPCA's Web site at: http://

in national parks and other remote areas, haze aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly/. also reduces visibility in urban areas. Haze may also indicate that concentrations of particles are near or at unhealthy levels. Hazecam images can Ely be seen at: www.mwhazecam.net/

  • Air c9001ity pernlits aCnd reculatory iinforoicition conliine For easy access to citizens to find out what air Detroit Laikes Duluth emission limits apply to various Minnesota 0

0 point or stationery sources, the MPCA posts air

  • Brainerd Area J2 sites) permits on the web at: www.pca.state.mn.us/

. air/permits/issued/index.html.

In the fall of 2004, the MPCA formed a new St. Cloud air technical information e-mail listserv to quickly convey new air quality information Twin Cities on permitting, modeling, rulemaking, and air 0 toxics. This service is intended particularly for MarshallI large industrial sources which need to keep up with regulatory developments. For more Rochester information, see: www.pca.state.mn.us/air/

9 air-techinfo.html.

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Delafled Air The MPCA's Environmental Data Access (EDA) system has Quality Datcz Now provided online access to surface water quality data since 2003.

Available Online In the fall of 2004, the MPCA added online air quality data at:

www.pca.state.mn.us/data/eda.

The air quality EDA system allows users to:

1find data from outdoor air

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quality monitoring stations, I . :, -I 2 search for measured outdoor concentrations and emissions data by location, 3 search for facilities that emit air pollution, and 4 find data regarding individual pollutants.

The MPCA plans to add air quality data for vehicle emissions and small commercial sources in the future.

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L . i - IIII- .1 '. 7 " 411111,4116-41W, STATUS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES IN MPCA AIR QUALITY STRATEGIC PLAN The MPCA's ongoing clean air strategic plan

  • Re el risk to huanls by conlintming to goals are: n il fe (ifdral0 otd stam, a mbie nt oIt qI)C11ty starldacrds Meet all state and federal ambient air quality standards. The EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality 2 Meet all environmental and human health Standards for certain air pollutants to protect public health and the environment. These benchmarks for toxic air pollutants.

air pollutants, commonly called "criteria" air 3 Reduce Minnesota's emissions of pollutants pollutants are: ground-level ozone (03), sulfur that contribute to regional, national and dioxide (SO2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), lead global air quality problems. (Pb), carbon monoxide (CO) and particles or The MPCA develops its specific short-term soot (PM). There are separate standards for all action plans based on these longer-term particles smaller than 10 microns (PM,) and objectives. In this section, the current status particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2 5 or fine of MPCA's achievement of these objectives is particles). Scientists believe fine particles are provided, including a description of the various more harmful.

individual projects and federal regulatory developments that contribute to or are needed to Minnesota currently meets all the above achieve these goals. standards.12 SO2 NO 2 , CO and PM,1 ambient levels are less than 40 percent of their Goal I Meet all state standards.' 3 Ozone and PM 2.5 levels are at about and federal armbent air 80 percent of their respective standards, meaning quality standards The first objective under this Trends in Criteria Air Pollutants in the Twin Cities Area goal reflects the requirement to meet ambient air quality National Ambient Air Quality Standard 100 standards on an ongoing basis. Achieving the second -o a Ozone objective under this goal will -a (8h.standard)

C help assure that Minnesota .2 80 stays in compliance with 0 the new federal ozone Cabo Particulate standard by reducing its  ; 60 ,Carbon m-/ matter (PM2.5) emissions of precursor monoxide pollutants. Achieving the -D E

third objective will help assure that Minnesota stays c 40 Nitrogen 0r in compliance with the new dioxide

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fine particle standard, even 0 - Particulate in the event that the standard C 20 matter 1PM . )

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9L Sulfur dioxide to new evidence of health effects at air pollution levels 0

that comply with the current 1990 1992 1992 1996 1998 2000 2002 standard.

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that although Minnesota is not yet in danger of Sour . s of VOCs from Human Activities violating these standards, there is not much room.

in Minnesota, 1999 The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to describe daily levels of criteria pollutants. Other In 2003, the AQI reached and exceeded the 7%

minimum level for an air pollution alert (an AQI of 100-150) nine times for PM 2 5. and four times for ozone. This does not mean that Minnesota Storage and violated federal air quality standards, however, in Transport part because violating standards involves more 11%

than one year's data.

There were no air pollution alerts for ozone in the summer of 2004, probably because 2004 was one of the coldest summers on record Fuel Combustion:

in Minnesota (heat accelerates formation of Residential ground-level ozone). A 2002 report written 13%

for the MPCA concluded, however, that ozone Solvent levels in the Twin Cites generally appear to be Utilization rising over time.)4 There is not yet enough data Source: Minnesota 17% CriteriaPollutant on PM 2 . 5 to determine if there is a trend in Emission Inventory Minnesota; however, an EPA analysis of recent data shows an apparent decreasing national trend in concentrations of PM25.'15

  • By D)*.e Sources of NO, from Human Activities Iber3Il 20 1)50twut ilSwitsf t' o)f p(Ato~ic n¢t,tih it < Tit rt,,b xtt, at c)z ()nIif in Minnesota, 1999 fn II) ro<~t'o' I fky 3(fi p)) !( f A t fron~t f))) f i20 ' f Ozone, the major component of smog, is both a lung irritant and harmful to crops and trees. The Other primary pollutants that contribute to ground- 4%

level ozone formation are nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fuel Combustion:

Residential and Almost all NOX emissions in Minnesota are the Commercial result of burning fuels, and are therefore human- 4%

generated. However, VOCs are also produced by background sources, such as trees during the Fuel Combustion:

growing season. 16 Industrial Taking into account the expected impact of 13%

federal requirements that will be implemented by 2010, growth projections, and voluntary Source: Minnesota Fuel Combustion: CriteriaPollutant reductions by Xcel Energy MERP, NOX Emission Inventory emissions are expected to decrease by about 25 Electric Utility percent by 2010.'7 19%

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Because there may soon be federal legislation limiting NOX emissions from power plants, or because Minnesota will potentially be covered by the EPA's proposed Clean Air Interstate Rule to limit NOx from power plants, the MPCA predicts that further NOx reductions that could help reach the reduction objective are probable, although likely to be implemented after 2010.

VOC emissions are expected to decrease by about 15 percent by 2010, primarily due to federally-required controls for on-road vehicles."8 To meet the objective of a 30 percent reduction, additional projects will be needed for VOCs. Further analysis of the mechanics of ozone formation is already underway and is necessary to fine-tune reduction needs.

The MPCA is doing extensive modeling of ozone formation in Minnesota to learn what air pollution is transported into Minnesota from A powerful suite of new federal mobile source regulations are taking other states and how much is locally generated.

effect over the next few years: This study will also help point to the types of additional emission reductions that might be U Cleaner gasoline-powered velhicles. Beginning in 2004, federal the most beneficial. It is important to look for standards for new cars and trucks will reduce tailpipe emissions reduction projects that are both beneficial and between 77 and 95 percent, depending on the type of vehicle.

cost-effective, because the reduction goal These reductions are possible by requiring a 97 percent reduction is meant to provide a buffer against violating in the sulfur content of gasoline. In addition, new standards the federal standard, but is not required by taking effect in 2005 will reduce emissions of heavy-duty gasoline-current regulations.

powered trucks by 78 percent. Off-road gasoline-powered vehicles will get cleaner as well: new emissions standards for motorcycles

  • By December 31, 2010, reduce emissions and all-terrain vehicles take effect in 2006, and for other of pollutants that contribute to fine particle recreational engines in 2007. formation by 30 percent from 2000 levels
  • Cleaner diesel trucks and engines. By the end of 2006, new NOx and SO2 contribute to the formation of federal standards for on-road diesel fuel will reduce its sulfur particles in the air, along with other pollutants.

content by 97 percent. This fuel, called "ultra-low sulfur diesel" NOX reductions to reduce ozone formation will (ULSD), makes it possible to use more robust emission control also reduce particle formation. The status of NOx equipment for on-road diesel engines, which will be used to meet reductions in Minnesota is discussed in the ozone tighter emission standards beginning with the 2007 model year. objective above, and will not be repeated here.

Cleaner diesel fuel means that diesel trucks manufactured after 2007 will emit 90 percent less pollution than current trucks. For Like the ozone objective above, this objective off-road diesel engines, the EPA proposes a ULSD requirement seeks to provide a buffer against violation of beginning in 2010. Older diesel vehicles can be retrofitted with the federal fine particle standard, even if it is new emission control equipment which, in combination with lowered to reflect new data on health impacts.

ULSD, achieves remarkable reductions in tailpipe emissions. Meeting this objective is also important to public health, because recent evidence indicates

  • Marine vessels. In 2004, the EPA finalized its requirement to that particle levels below the standard, like reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel used by marine vessels Minnesota's, may still be a threat to public health.

by 99 percent. Similar to gasoline and other types of diesel The combination of federally-required emissions!

engines, the EPA is proposing tighter emission standards for new reductions and voluntary reductions at three commercial, recreational and auxilary marine diesel engines. These standards would be phased in between 2011 and 2013.

M Xcel Energy plants is expected to reduce SO, emissions by about 35 percent by 2010"19 The Xcel Energy MERP alone will reduce SO 2 emissions in the state by 17 percent from 2000 levels.

To ensure emissions reductions are effective, further analysis will be necessary to understand the composition and contributing sources of Minnesota's fine particles. This chart is a preliminary look at the composition of fine particles in Minnesota.

Composition of Fine Particles In Mirlnesota IWW EPA echange thme ilth*e Carbon compounds fine particie standard? (e.g., vehicles, heavy equipment, wild fires Ammonium "gTheincrease in relative riskfir cardiovasculardisease due to air and waste burning) (e~g., fertilizers pollutionfor an individualis smallcompared with the impactof 33% and animal feed the establishedcardiovascularrisk factors. However, because of the operations) enormous number ofpeople a~ffected, even conservative risk estimates 10%

translateinto a substantialincreasein total mortality within the population. The impact on cardiovasculardisease therefore represents a Nitrate seriouspublic healthproblem. " (e.g., vehicles and power "Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: A Statement for Healthcare generation)

Professionals from the Expert Panel on Population 18%

and Prevention Science of the American Heart Association,"

June 1, 2004 Soil The American Heart Association (AHA) recently reviewed air 6% Sulfate (e.g., power I pollution health research and concluded that current levels of Other generation) outdoor air pollution in America, most notably particles, are already 19%

14%

leading to serious cardiovascular public health effects. The AHA called for the EPA to consider lowering the federal standards for fine Source: MPCA Speciation particles. datafrom October2001 to October 2002 The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review the newest air quality scientific evidence every five years. In 1996, the EPA completed such a review and, as a result, finalized a new PM 2 5standard that was more protective of health. Despite lawsuits brought by the American Trucking Association and others, this PM 2.5 standard was ultimately upheld by the United States Supreme Court in 2002.

Minnesota meets that standard. However, in response to court rulings, the EPA isconsidering modifying the standard again to be more protective of health than today's standard. The EPA plans to finalize a new standard by the end of 2006.

Cow)-

health benchmark" is a point or range below qtoalify will rlls et ecv ttr jtlfnd which there is little appreciable risk of harm to heoilt, benclnlrnorks for toxi( rlafn humans. Unlike the federal ambient air quality otler air pollutanrts standards, they are guidelines rather than enforceable regulatory standards.

bllif Cdn of, o lxtic s Out of the 45 gaseous air toxics measured lo eves b~lfxvhercjth beft~ndmwrks by the MPCA that have health benchmarks, the MPCAs 2003 air quality legislative "Air toxics" is the name of a category of hundreds report identified two that were above health of chemicals that, at high enough concentrations, benchmarks: benzene and formaldehyde.

cause or are suspected of causing cancer or other serious health problems. Many are difficult to Benzene concentrations have been declining measure; others rapidly change or combine in since 1996 and current levels are now below the air. inhalation health benchmarks. The decline in benzene concentrations is attributed to efforts The MPCA compares concentrations of air made by the EPA, MPCA, and partners in toxics in the ambient air to inhalation health Minnesota to reduce emissions from automobiles, benchmarks to determine at what concentrations gas station fueling operations, and industrial toxics may cause health concerns. An "inhalation facilities (implementing federal air toxics control Benzene 5-0 Health Benchmark (upper range)

Trends at Certain 40 Mon itorin 3.5 E Minneapolis Sites , 3.0 2.5 2 St. Paul c2.0 N8 / - - Duluth o 1.5 "

10 Health Benchmark (lower range) -

0.5 0.0 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 Source: MPCA 3.5 Forr-naldehyde monitoringdata Trends at 3.0 Certain Minneapolis R 2.5 E

Monito ring 2.0 C

Sites 0 St. Paul a

1.5 0a U

C 0 Duluth U 1.0 Health Benchmark 0.5

0.0 Source

MPCA 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 monitoringdata

4_1A standards), and to lower the benzene content of gasoline. Currently, about Sequenced pictures of a quarter of the gasoline sold in the Twin Cities area is "low-benzene" gasoline, largely because of the voluntary efforts of Flint Hills Resources progressively higher PM levels refinery. Initial MPCA modeling indicates that emissions from automobiles from Twin Cities haze should continue to decrease, and that 2010 levels of benzene are expected to continue to remain below inhalation health benchmarks. (Hourly averages July 4-5,2003)

Measurements of formaldehyde are above its inhalation health benchmark in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, as well as in most other Minnesota cities with monitors. 2 0 Formaldehyde concentrations in Minnesota have been relatively Hat since 1995. However, the last two years have shown decreasing levels, especially in downtown Minneapolis. More monitoring is needed to see if this trend continues.

Formaldehyde comes from a variety of sources. It is directly emitted from wood-burning and from fuel-burning vehicles, as well as industrial processes. A significant amount of formaldehyde also comes from the breakdown of other air toxics and from natural sources. These disparate sources make it difficult to control formaldehyde emissions. However, decreasing emissions of other air toxics should also lower formaldehyde concentrations. 2 1 PM2 .5 less than 1 pg/m3 hourly average 4 Reduce risks to humans by continuing to meet all federal and state air toxics control technology standards The EPA has written technology-based rules that limit air toxics emissions from more than 100 different types of industrial activities.' In Minnesota, more than 600 facilities are subject to these rules, which have resulted in the installation of additional pollution control equipment in many facilities.

The MPCA tracks the percent of major facilities that meet these rules. The target, which is currently being met, is to ensure that 95 percent of major facilities meet these rules with no significant compliance issues.

Goal 3: Take responsibility for reducing Minnesota's share of air pollutants having regional, national and global impacts PM2 .5 = 28 pg/m3 hourly average This strategic plan goal is designed to address air pollution caused by emissions traveling over large geographic areas. The pollutants targeted I r .. S . .. , .= v .. . . - . . i, under this goal are: regional haze, greenhouse gases and mercury. Because these are regional and global pollution problems, they cannot be solved without national and international pollution reduction programs.

4, By December 31, 2014, cut visibility impairment by 20 percent in Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 4, 4 Air pollution impairs visibility not only in the Twin Cities, but even in -r q I:

the most pristine and remote parts of our state, the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park. The Clean Air Act requires states to work toward improving visibility in these areas, known as Class I air quality areas.

Along with nine states and tribes in those states, the MPCA belongs to PM 2 .5 = 92 pg/m3 hourly average the Central States Regional Air Partnership, which is working toward this regional objective. The MPCA also partners with the Midwest Regional Source: Twin Cities Haze Cam photos taken onJuly 4-5, 2003

Planning Organization and the Western one- to three-year lag in available data, MPCA Regional Air Partnership. will begin to evaluate progress in 2005.

Efforts are on schedule to develop state plans From 1970 to 2000, Minnesota reduced to meet the regional objective; these plans are greenhouse gas emissions per unit of real state due in 2008. A main feature of the plans will be gross domestic product by about 50 percent. 24 to determine what control technology qualifies Despite this efficiency improvement, emissions as "best available retrofit technology" (BART). of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse The facilities in Minnesota that will need to gas, increased 37 percent from 1985 to 2000, perform a BART analysis, which could lead to primarily due to emission increases from the installation of further emission controls, include electricity and transportation sectors.

emission units at power plants, taconite facilities The challenge of reducing greenhouse gases and paper mills that were built between 1962 to offers an opportunity to Minnesota. In its 1977. In 2005, facilities must notify the MPCA Minnesota Climate Change Action Plan, the of any "BART-eligible" units.

MPCA advocates:

T !XI i . I:*3 12,, ti 1 ' :U '4tt Minnesoto ticl (p41 *- nhow'se cos intensity of the

  • a 'no-regrets' short-term strategy centered on improving efficiency of the state's economy Greenhouse O ' e(oncl)
f. L)y l i-4 p fnt ron) the in terms of energy and materials; and 200s 0 Gases and
  • a long-term effort to wean the Minnesota's According to a report by the Bush Emissions economy from its dependence on fossil administration, the majority of surface warming fuels and their associated greenhouse gas per Dollar of experienced in North America since 1950 emissions. 2 can only be explained by human influence Gross State intensifying the greenhouse effect. 23 The MPCA Improvements in energy efficiency and less is in the process of implementing the President's reliance on fossil fuels can result in both lower Product emissions and cost savings.

greenhouse gas intensity goal. Because there is a 160 3.5 140 A it emissions per $ 3.0

- -s-,,_.

  • of economic tL I output 120 U)

C 2.5 -

0 0a r_

100 0 2

.2 2.0 -U oi 80 C 0o 0 I__ _Iw 0)

Transportation *--- 4I (D4 I

6"

'D-0 0_ 60 0

U 1.0 Al)

_A-ri-ulture 4U mD -AU-J 0 20 0.5 I Commercial I _

0 Waste aI 0.0 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 Source: MPCA greenhouse gas inventory data c (9

Minnesota has made many sensible efforts in Mercury uirtl isons in Minnesota recent years to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases that qualify as "no regrets" strategies. 12 These include: I I

  • extensive and successful energy conservation I10 O Product Use and Disposal programs o Energy (mostly coal and
  • renewable energy mandates and objectives A.
  • Other (mostly taconite production)

' the renewable energy development fund

-al

  • the small wind power incentive program MU,

-o

  • increasing the use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels 0
  • adopting energy efficiency standards for Goal: 70 percent reduction buildings from 1990 mercury emissions 2L
  • collection of methane gases from landfills.

By 20075 rediAcf eAN oo ri ()f mfne; ( urya is, /' pf>¢t(8+ rrn, 1'Y90 i; 0

By 2010 reduce (ornentratfionl of *if-rclt-y 1990 1995 2000 Mtfaist by 10<v,". Ore?

nf 2005 2O00l,()1. 4,w,V.,

Source: MPCA data. Estimated in March 2004.

The emission reduction goal was established by the Minnesota Legislature in the voluntary mercury reduction initiative. Data suggest that the 2005 goal of making a 70 percent emissions reduction will be met, largely through state and federal regulatory and voluntary efforts to reduce mercury in products. Minnesota is a national leader in efforts to remove mercury from products, and also in reductions of mercury from solid and medical waste incinerators.

In addition to reductions already made, Xcel Energy's MERP will result in an 81 percent reduction in three power plants' mercury emissions by 2009.

A progress report on mercury will be prepared in 2005 to correspond with (1) the MPCA's second progress report to the legislature on the mercury reduction program (due October 2005) and (2) EPA approval of the MPCA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report on waters contaminated by mercury. The progress report will include an assessment of fish contaminant trends from 2000 to 2004 and data needs for the remainder of the decade.

CIO

Im,,.5I .

_'.,iL_.g- ' ' * ' -'-..z:..ZC:.';S;w:__'_4C_0,. ASK' The MPCA's primary role is to implement existing and new federal and state air regulatory programs. The MPCA will permanent reductions in ozone-forming pollutants. If ozone levels increase, further activities may be needed to be actively involved in upcoming federal programs that keep Minnesota in attainment of federal standards.

address power plant emissions, regional haze and mercury. These programs have the potential to considerably reduce mercury, fine Increase early adoption of cleaner particles and ozone precursors in Minnesota. technologies and fuels This section describes priority actions the MPCA plans for the To reduce particle emissions and ozone precursor next two years to protect and improve the quality of Minnesota's emissions, the MPCA will continue to work to increase air. These actions are expected to reduce emissions of ozone the availability of cleaner transportation fuels such as precursors and fine particles, continue to reduce power plant ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, biodiesel, ethanol, and low-emissions while supporting planning for Minnesota's future sulfur gasoline. The MPCA will seek federal grants to fund energy needs, and reduce the substantial amount of regional air engine retrofits, especially for school buses and public pollution that blows into Minnesota each day. transportation. The MPCA will also seek to have future transportation projects funded with federal Congestion Reduce ozone precursor emissions Mitigation Air Quality money evaluated for their impact The MPCA has been studying ozone in order to understand on ozone levels, in addition to current selection factors, in where and how it forms in Minnesota. This study includes its work with the Metropolitan Council's Transportation collaborating with other states to model the movement and Advisory Board.

formation of air pollution in the region. The MPCA hopes Clean Air Minnesota has identified diesel retrofit projects to learn how much air pollution is transported into the state as a top priority, and is working with its partners to from upwind emissions (other states) and how much is locally implement demonstration projects in the next year. The generated. The study is also expected to point to what kinds of MPCA will provide technical support for these projects.

emission reduction projects would be most beneficial. This study is being undertaken in conjunction with other federal efforts to Retrofits that add pollution controls to older diesel engines reduce regional air pollution, and with the help of partner states. will reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to ozone and fine particles, and reduce diesel exhaust, which The MPCA will use modeling information to help Clean is a toxic air pollutant. These retrofits, combined with the Air Minnesota select projects that best reduce ozone-forming phase-in of stringent federal standards for new diesel on-emissions (VOCs and NOx). Efforts will continue to focus and off-road engines, and the EPA's planned performance on activities that reduce VOCs on days when ozone levels standard for stationary diesel engines (due to be proposed are forecast to be high. The MPCA also plans to evaluate the this year), will substantially reduce emissions from diesel effectiveness and cost of activities that bring about long-term, engine operations.

More Efficient ReguIlaory Oplerations Over the past two years, the MPCA has increased the than half the time of a traditional permit, and allows a efficiency of its core regulatory program: issuing facility to make changes without need for prior agency and enforcing air emission permits for facilities. The approval. Safeguards are built into permit requirements MPCA has issued air emission permits to more than 2000 to protect ambient air quality and to ensure the facility facilities, called point sources. Together these point sources will not exceed federal permitting thresholds. The emit about a quarter of the total regulated pollutants opportunity for public participation ispreserved by statewide. In fact, just 132 facilities are responsible for creating a new state e-mail listserv, so anyone can ask to about 90 percent of point source emissions, according to receive electronic notice of permit applications.'0 MPCA's 2001 criteria pollutant inventory. The MPCA expects that these efficiency improvements will better Streamlined process to review toxic emissions mesh environmental impact with MPCA resources. 'With the assistance of multiple stakeholder groups, the MPCA streamlined the process to review air toxics Construction permits issued more quickly emissions during permitting and environmental review In the fall of 2004, the MPCA began a phased plan for certain facilities. This new process, called Air that will result in air emission construction permits Emissions Risk Analysis, has cut the MPCA's review being issued more quickly, while still maintaining the time by more than 50 percent and has created more environmental quality required by regulations. The goal is certainty about permitting outcomes and timeframes for to issue 90 percent of construction permits in fewer than businesses conducting an air toxics risk analysis."

150 days by the end of 2005. Currently about 40 percent of permits are issued in fewer than 150 days. This plan Contracting was developed by an MPCA staff team using Six Sigma, The MPCA is in the midst of a project using outside -

a methodology used by many Minnesota businesses to consultants to assist in writing operating permits When .'

improve processes.

workload is especially heavy. These contractors had worked on about a dozen permits as of Nove" ber 2004.

Permitting reform for large facilities The MPCA is exploring this approach to' help meet its The EPA made changes to its New Source Review commitment to the EPA to issue and reiissueTildeV'"

program that affect about 140 existing large facilities in operating permits.. `- - -

Minnesota, including refineries and power plants. These changes were effective in March 2003. The MPCA has interpreted rules and conducted training to help businesses implement these changes. The MPCA will monitor the effects of the changes, which are expected to decrease the number of activities that require a federal permit.9 Flexible permit for I';

mid-sized facilities The MPCA recently completed Fuiemaking to creatiea new, flexible state permit for'mid-siued facilities. A '

"capped" permit can be issued in less

=NNMNNMNN0N R :dcrre ,&,(er r icint ernllssions revile slcp>to P~elaning fort Minnesotts futurr, energy needs The MPCA will continue to work with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, as well as the Public Utilities Commission and non-Diesel Emissions government partners, to carry out a vision for environmentally-sound, reliable and low-cost energy. Commerce's energy policy includes the A*I L IL J*L L I' I following environmental goals:

  • ii n( onf oge rfo hooihunin focilities to iesel exhaust is a complex, variable mixture of particles, gases and (oPv( t to 0ess-poluting foels or install 1vapors. Health concerns are most strongly linked to particles.

Stote of-f0e-wt ernfssions controls Health effects include:

The MPCA, working with Commerce, was a Cardiopulmonary effects. There is compelling evidence that strong supporter of an agreement with Xcel the current level of particle air pollution is associated with Energy's MERP to clean up three older coal-fired cardiovascular and respiratory disease and death.2 6 In particular, plants by 2010, action that will significantly more people have heart attacks when particle levels rise. reduce emissions.

Mt Respiratory effects. Diesel exhaust is a respiratory irritant. Long-Encourage generration of reosonably-term studies have documented symptoms such as cough and pr nicd, en oncnrol>

chronic bronchitis. 2 7 5 energy front low-pollutitnc or renewable fuels

  • Allergies/asthma. Diesel particles may aggravate allergies and Several actions are involved, including the act with allergens to worsen symptoms of asthma.2 8 Scientists are Conservation Improvement Program, a mandate trying to better understand the role diesel plays in asthma. _

for Xcel Energy to develop wind energy, a

  • Lung cancer. At least six health agencies across the country have Renewable Development Fund, the Renewable concluded that diesel exhaust is likely to cause cancer in humans.2 9 Energy Objective, and a Green Pricing Program The California Air Resources that allows consumers to buy electricity from Sources of Particulate Board (CARB) concluded that renewable sources at a premium.A0 Matter from Diesel diesel particles are a major portion of the cancer risk from breathing
  • Support reseorclr development and urban air. However, since diesel use of new, envirronnentoliy-soperror is complex and difficult energy technologies to measure, most State government participates in the University agencies (including of Minnesota's new Initiative for Renewable the Minnesota Energy and the Environment, Minnesota's Department of Renewable Hydrogen Initiative, and a project card mlintg X ;lHealth and the EPA) researching clean coal technology with carbon equipmerlt X have not developed sequestration .3 W quantitative

<_ The MPCA will continue to provide key gestimates. It is worth

/i noting, however, that information on energy choices and their GlARB estimates the environmental impacts. The MPCA provides information on emissions of various biomass cardiopulmonary impacts on

' *the population to be much greater options, effectiveness of various control options, r and works with neighboring states to keep their

- than the cancer impacts.

electricity generation plants from harming Minnesota's environment.

Source: 1999 MPCA Minnesota Emissions Inventory C' '

'ii," 'Ut F11 7 --

rns 11111 II[1JJtI prrbjc(' fironttspor 'of poellutont)s In the past year, the EPA has proposed separate regulations intended to reduce emissions of pollutants leading to these regional and national Many current air pollution problems are caused air-pollution transport problems:

by pollutants that cross state and national boundaries. Ozone, fine particles, visibility, and * (1lea Aut Irterstat,-Rulf4 mercury problems are caused by a combination This rule proposes caps on NOX and SO 2 of local and distant sources. The regional emissions from power plants in 28 eastern states nature of the problem is shown in this figure, in order to improve air quality in the eastern U.S.

which compares annual average fine particle Power plants would be able to buy credits to concentrations from urban and upwind rural reach their allotments under the cap or sell sites for metropolitan areas in the Midwest. excess emission credits. Minnesota is included as Urban concentrations, represented by the total a responsible state because modeling of our air height of each bar, are dominated by sizable emissions shows potentially significant impacts rural (regional) concentrations, represented by in Chicago. The rule would likely cut NOX the bottom portion of each bar. Because so many emissions from several large Minnesota power cost-effective local reductions have already been plants. The rule is expected to be finalized by made since the Clean Air Act was passed in early 2005.

1970, further improvements in air quality will +

  • 156dityifoffovfnli also require regional solutions led by the federal government. Federal visibility regulations require that, by 2008, Minnesota submit a plan to improve Estimated Urban and Regional Contributions to Annual Fine Particle Concentrations 20 18 INUrban contribution Annual Fine Particle Standard El Regional contribution 16 X 14 E 12 0m a 10 C

0 U

C 8 0

6 4

2 1, 1999-2000 data. Adaptedfrom i

I I presentationby MichaelKoerber, Lake I11 I II Michigan Air Directors Consortium.

0 I I MplS-St. Paul Chicago Milwaukee

pd visibility in its "Class I' areas - national parks and wilderness areas, where visibility is an

.~i I ~.I important natural asset. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park are the only two Class I areas in Minnesota. Fine particles (PM2 5) are responsible for visibility degradation in both areas.

  • Mercury emissions from power plants

'S -

I -

In 2003, the EPA proposed the Clean Air Mercury Rule, which outlined several approaches to reducing mercury emitted from power plants.

The MPCA supports the EPAs approach of a national cap and trade system for mercury.

However, the MPCA believes the cap should be Keepding Pace with Scientific significantly lower than that proposed by the EPA; and/or that regional budgets should be Research on Air Pollution established to ensure less mercury is deposited into Minnesota lakes and streams. 32 Action on the

\A /hen scientific research identifies an issue, the process for proposed federal rule is due by March 15, 2005.

VV developing a regulatory response often takes years. Sometimes If approved, these programs would take effect regulations alone cannot address an issue. Success frequently depends some time after 2007. In addition, multi-state on cooperation between multiple entities. For example, a number of regional air planning groups are analyzing recent studies have shown an association between adverse health effects regional air pollution and determining reduction and proximity to major roads and their vehicle exhaust.34 The EPA and control strategies.33 Minnesota has joined is supporting more studies to better understand the risk to residents the Central Regional Air Partnership for this living on or near busy streets. However, response to this issue will purpose, and will continue its work with partner necessarily involve individuals, government agencies, and businesses states to reduce regional air pollution.

working together.

Scientists know more than ever before about air emissions and their effect on people and the environment, yet that knowledge remains limited and filled with uncertainties. There is not yet enough scientific data to develop standards for some chemicals, including air toxics.

There is inadequate data to develop health benchmarks for many hundreds of other chemicals.

Air monitoring is limited by current technology, which is unable to measure some chemicals, not sensitive enough to collect data about others, or simply too costly to be practical.

Another key unknown is pollutant interactions. What are the effects of air pollutants on each other? What about when multiple pollutants are combined in the human body? Much remains unknown as yet.

Fortunately, science and technology continue to advance rapidly. The MPCA continues to follow new scientific and medical research, and uses these findings to help focus MPCA efforts.

ED  ; Al S 1 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) found 9 For more information about the New Source Review that four Clean Air Act Rules issued between 1992 and program in Minnesota, go to wsv'v.pca.siaie.mn.imsfair/

2002 to reduce air emissions from heavy duty diesel pleriiiits/Iisr/iii(lex.litiIl.

vehicles, cars and light-duty trucks, and power plants would have health benefits of up to $101 to 119 billion 10 To sign up for this listserv and to learn more about per year, at a cost of $8 to 8.8 billion per year. The the capped permit, go to 'sww.pca.stale.inillmls/air/

OMB also found that EPA's proposed rule reducing perillits/cappe(d.lli 1111.

air pollution from off-road diesel vehicles would be 11 For more information about the Air Emissions Risk similarly beneficial. EPA has since adopted the off- Analysis, go to wvwv.pic;a.state.inn.tis/air/aera.litiiI road diesel rule. The full OMB study can be viewed at:

wvwvw.w.'h itchoti sc.gov/odib/i II rfl-C/203 scot - bei_ 12 Violations of the state hydrogen sulfide standard linialrpt.1i(11 continue to be measured at certain feedlots where corrective actions are pending.

2 In Minnesota Department of Health Website. Accessed 13 MPCA data October 2004. vww.hcaltIl.sat..i,5./divN/eh /

cI il~dreLn/Iick1grotli l.tIIwl 14 Sonoma Technology, Inc. (October 2002) "Preliminary Assesment of Ozone Air Quality Issues in the 3 Venn AJ, Lewis SA, Cooper M, Hubbard R, Britton Minneapolis/St. Paul Region."

J. (2001) Living near a main road and the risk of wvheezing illness in children. Am J Respir Crit Care 15 EPAAirTrends report sv'v.cpa .gvIairtrel ~.. Accessed Med 164(12):2177-2180. October 2004.

Lin S, Munsie JP, Hwang SA, Fitzgerald E, Cayo 16 Sonoma Technology, Inc. (October 2002) "Preliminary MR. (2002) "Childhood asthma hospitalization and Assesment of Ozone Air Quality Issues in the residential exposure to state route traffic." Environ Res Minneapolis/St. Paul Region."

88(2):73-81.

Mim, J, Smorodinsky, S, Lipsett M, Singer B, Hodgson 17 Midwest Regional Planning Organization (RPO) 2010 AT, Ostro B. (2004) Traffic-related air pollution near inventory with additional adjustments. Summer weekday busy roads: the East Bay children's respiratory health estimate, compared with 2001 estimated emissions.

study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 170: 520-526. 18 Midwest RPO 2010 inventory with additional adjustments. Summer weekday estimate, compared with 4 "Epidemiologic Investigation to Identify Chronic 2001 estimated emissions.

Effects of Ambient Air Pollutants in Southern California" Prepared for the California Air Resources 19 Midwest RPO 2010 inventory with additional Board and California Environmental Protection Agency. adjustments. Summer weekday estimate, compared with P.I. John M. Peters, May 14, 2004. Full report online at 2001 estimated emissions.

vvww.arrh.ca.gov/resea rchi/imst racts/9'4 -331 .lihm.

20 The MPCA has measured formaldehyde concentrations 5 W. James Gauderman Ph.D., et al., (2004) "The Effect in over 30 cities across Minnesota.

of Air Pollution on Lung Development from 10 to 18 21 In response to public interest in data on air quality at the Years of Age." The New England Journal of Medicine. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the MPCA 351(1 1): p. 1057-1067. placed air monitors between two parallel runways in 6 Federally mandated emission reductions, such as the February 2002. The data collected shows air quality first round of vehicle emission reductions in the 1970s, near the airport to be typical of air found throughout have at times been larger. the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Only formaldehyde was slightly elevated at the airport monitoring site. To 7 For more information on Clean Air Minnesota, go to learn more about the airport project, go to the 2003 is i ii - ci .org/a ir/.

x'fi h MPCA report Air Toxics Monitoring in the Twin 8 To learn more about the Twin Cities Haze Cam, go Cities Metropolitan Area at: www.pca.statc.mn.us/

n s/}/Ipraoills/it (lic;itors/ioin -

to: \N \v sv.p.ca .st .ltan l.ti lhot /lgisli IIre/rcports /2003/lr-;tiri oximonlitori ng-I 2(3.html. 1s!(.s.v03. 1

22 For a listing of EPA technology-based standards, go to 32 For more information on EPA's proposed mercury rules wwwxpv.cp.gov/I toIhiwh-j1a rISl}.\I1t 11t go to: s .go iarincrctir'rii Id 23 "Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Climate Change 33 For more information on EPA's visibility programs Science Program for Fiscal Years 2004 and go to: .gO/ i r/IIisIlI iy/progra iii.litI.tww.cpa 2005", Climate Change Science Program and the For more information on the regional planning Subcommittee on Global Change Research - A organization that Minnesota participates in go to:

supplement to the President's Budget for fiscal years wsw N.ceitr;ap.org 2004 and 2005, July, 2004. wwwv.tisgcrp.gov/tii cry/

34 Zhu, Y., Hinds, W.C., Kim, S., Sioutas, C. (2002).

lUira ry/ocp200-i -5/wcp2.00' I-5.pd f "Concentration and size distribution of ultrafine 24 Data from MPCA Greenhouse Gas Inventory particles near a major highway." Journal of Air and (Ciborowski). This estimate does not take into Waste Management Association 52:1032-1042.

account carbon removed from the atmosphere through Hoek, G., Brunekreef, B., Verhoeff, A., van Wijnen, J.,

forests and other sinks. Fischer, P. (2000). "Daily mortality and air pollution 25 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (February, in The Netherlands." Journal of Air and Waste 2003) "Minnesota Climate Change Action Plan: Management Association 50(8):1380-9.

A Framework for Climate Change Action". Brunekreef, B., Janssen NA., de Hartog, J., Harssema, WWW.pica.s ate. III n.tislpttil iatet ii  %/rheport S H., Knape. M., et al. (1997). "Air Pollution from Truck IIld c i matl-;lc ioll - 111al.11d F. Traffic and Lung Function in Children Living Near Motorways." Epidemiology 8: 298-303.

26 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (October, 2004) Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter, National Center for Environmental Assessment, EPA/

600/P-99/002aF. litt:I://clitli2.evpa .gov/tice.t/clti /

rccor(l isplaly.cI Il ?dlcidl 879)(3..

27 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

Integrated Risk Information System, Diesel Engine Exhaust. Accessed October 2004. www.via.,gorli ri sJ stibst064 2.l1tmi 28 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

May, 2002. Health assessment document for diesel engine exhaust. Prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC, for the Office of Transportation and Air Quality; EPA/600/8-90/057F.

29 Health Effects Institute (2002) 'Research Directions to Improve Estimates of Human Exposure and Risk from Diesel Exhaust." A Special Report of the Institute's Diesel Epidemiology Working Group.

wv w.htea I tIerffcts.org/l 'hls/DiscelipeciaI Report02.;idf 30 See Department of Commerce website for more information on these programs:

wx xcallmercc

\ ti .sitcl. III .u -

31 For more information about the Initiative for Renewable Energy: mv n.etti.cdi/irec/ah oti .litnlI

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