EPA SAYS PARTS OF BELDNG MI DON'T MEET AIR QUALITY STANDARDS FOR LEAD

The followng is an excerpt form an e-mail  the EPA sent out:
 
"Chicago, Illinois (June 15, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed approval of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s finding that parts of the City of Belding (Ionia County) do not meet the new national air quality standard for lead based on data from an air monitor there.  If designated as nonattainment later this year, Michigan will be required to submit a plan to EPA by June 2013 that will result in a reduction in lead emissions to bring this area into compliance with national air quality standards.
In 2008, EPA strengthened the nation’s air quality standards by setting a limit for lead of 0.15 micrograms of lead per cubic meter.   EPA also required that monitors be located near significant sources of lead emissions.
In response, MDEQ placed a monitor in Belding because Mueller Industries is a source of lead emissions. MDEQ has already begun taking steps to reduce elevated lead levels in Belding."