Salina Post
SALINE COUNTY - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has announced that Saline County has been redesignated to a healthy air quality status.
According to a press release from the EPA on Tuesday, Saline County was redesignated from the nonattainment status to attainment for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) worked collaboratively with stakeholders to develop strategies, to reduce Pb emissions at an industrial facility and bring Saline County into attainment with the 2008 Lead (Pb) standard.
“This achievement represents years of hard work and dedication by KDHE, including collaborating with a local business, to improve air quality in Salina,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. “We commend KDHE’s efforts to meet their goals to deliver clean air for the community of Salina.”
“We’re proud to share that Saline County is in attainment with the air quality standard for lead,” said KDHE Deputy Secretary of Environment Kate Gleeson. “This important milestone means that the entire State of Kansas now meets all national air quality standards and reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff.”
EPA states in order for an area to be redesignated back to attainment status, the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to determine the State has met all applicable requirements for the NAAQS.
EPA’s final rule details how Saline County meets the CAA requirements for redesignation, including a maintenance plan ensuring continued compliance through 2035.