Muscatine knows all about air pollution. It's some of the worst in Iowa.
"I feel that since we moved in August of last year, my kids get sick a lot," said Kimberly Brase, who lives near Muscatine's Grain Processing Corporation plant.
At the GPC plant, which makes corn-based products, it adds up to a record-setting fine, legal action and neighborhood concerns.
"It's really polluted down here," Brase continued. "We can't open our windows for fresh air because it gets the smell inside."
GPC plans to reverse that trend with a huge building.
A new dryer house is a six-year, $83-million investment. It's a project to cut emissions and that familiar smell.
"We'll be able to meet all of the national ambient air quality standards currently and in the future," said Mick Durham, GPC's environmental services director. "Muscatine's air is right now in very good shape, and it's going to be in excellent shape."
Muscatine's sulphur dioxide levels also violate air quality standards. That deters economic development.
GPC is switching from coal to natural gas later this year to cut that figure.
"By 2018, we'll have over 87% reductions in emissions," said GPC's Janet Sichterman. "That's significant."
GPC's investment comes at a time when many Muscatine companies are adding jobs.
The pollution control will be a plus for additional economic development.
What's good for the environment will also be good for Muscatine. It's like an investment in the future.
"We think it will drive economic development here in Muscatine," said City Administrator Gregg Mandsager. "All of these investments that are being made, both corporate and by the community."
With some 800 area jobs, GPC remains one of Muscatine's top employers. The company says it's serious about its role as a good neighbor.
"I really see that the air quality in Muscatine will be excellent from here on out," Durham said.
Residential neighbors like Kimberly Brase might breathe easier.
"Hopefully, it will help out a lot more," she concluded.