Jefferson County residents can breathe a little bit easier now.
The federal government has formally changed the status for the county to “attainment” for the outdoor air quality standard for sulfur dioxide.
Actually, county residents – particularly those in the southeast portion – have been able to breathe easier since 2017, when air quality monitors measured acceptable levels of sulfur dioxide and have ever since.
Under the rules set forth in the Clean Air Act, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could only change the status this year.
Stephen Hall, director of the state Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program, said the change in status may be perceived as much ado about nothing, but that’s not the case.
“People in Jefferson County are benefiting, and will continue to benefit, from better air quality,” he said. “That’s an important aspect of this.”
According to the EPA’s website, inhaling air with high levels of sulfur dioxide can make breathing difficult, particularly among adults and children with asthma. Long term, sulfur dioxide can combine with other pollutants to form small particles, that when inhaled can penetrate into the lungs and cause several health problems.
Hall said the change in status, however, does not mean emissions testing for vehicles will be a thing of the past. Owners of vehicles registered in Jefferson County will still be required to have emissions tests when they register their vehicles, because the county remains in non-attainment for ozone levels.
While vehicles are a main source of ozone, Hall said, sulfur dioxide comes mainly from industrial plants. He cited the former Doe Run Co. smelter in Herculaneum as a major contributor, and when it slowed down and eventually stopped production, the levels dropped.
“In Jefferson County’s case, that location was a large contributor,” he said. “Also, (the Ameren plant at) Rush Island, but over the years, it’s come within monitoring compliance.”
The change in status, Hall said, will make it easier for new industrial plants to open or existing ones to expand, as restrictions under attainment status are not as strict.
“Industries that might have sulfur dioxide discharge will find it easier to open or expand, as there are more regulations in place under non-attainment,” he said.