All News Releases By Date

EPA TO HOLD WORKSHOP & PUBLIC HEARING ON DUST CONTROL PLAN

Release Date: 4/13/1998
Contact Information: Randy Wittorp, U. S. EPA, (415) 744-1589

                       MEDIA ADVISORY
                               
                                   
                             Date:
                       Thursday, April 16
                               
                             Time:
                  Workshop:  9 a.m. -- 11 a.m.
               Public Hearing:  noon - 4:30 p.m.
                                7 p.m. - conclusion

                           Location:
                     Phoenix Corporate Center
                           Auditorium
                    3003 North Cental Avenue
                          Phoenix, AZ
                               
On April 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public hearing to gather comments on a plan for control of PM-10 (particulate air pollution or dust) in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  An afternoon and evening session will be held.  Prior to the hearing, the elements of the plan will be outlined at a workshop.  The workshop will provide people an opportunity to learn more about the proposal, discuss it with EPA staff and ask questions.

The proposed plan includes strategies to control dust from vacant lots, unpaved roads and unpaved parking lots and a process to develop best management practices for dust control on agricultural sources.  The measures will help Phoenix meet public health standards for particulate air pollution.

Phoenix is a serious particulate nonattainment area, recording violations of the annual standard as well as 22 exceedances of the 24-hour standard in 1997.  Particulate matter affects the respiratory system and can cause damage to lung tissue and premature death.

EPA proposed the plan on March 20, 1998 and the public comment period will remain open until May 18, 1998.  The Agency must finalize the plan by July 18, 1998.  More information is available on EPA's website at www.epa.gov/region09/air.

                              #####