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Three Muscatine companies must reduce air pollution, rules federal agencies

A state panel has approved a plan under which three Muscatine County companies will take steps to limit emissions that contribute to air pollution.
Industrial dryer image from ThinkStock

MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — A state panel has approved a plan under which three Muscatine County companies will take steps to limit emissions that contribute to air pollution.

Grain Processing Corp., Muscatine Power & Water and Monsanto Co. will adhere to more stringent emission limits and install new control technology under the plan, the Muscatine Journal reports.

The plan was designed in response to a 2013 ruling from federal regulators that a portion of Muscatine County’s sulfur dioxide levels violated federal standards and were attributable to the companies.

High sulfur dioxide levels can cause difficulty breathing and worsen asthma symptoms. Children, the elderly and people with lung disease are most susceptible.

A state report shows that between 2011 and 2013, Muscatine averaged sulfur dioxide output levels of 275 parts per billion, and must reduce levels to 75 ppb by 2018.

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