A new lead monitor would be located in Burns Harbor near the Arcelor Mittal plant, under a proposal by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to increase its air monitoring network.

IDEM is proposing to increase the number of monitors statewide from 82 this year to 86, with the number of items monitored increasing from 177 to 184.

The IDEM’s draft 2010 air quality monitoring plan is now open for public input through June 14.

IDEM now monitors six criteria pollutants: Carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxide, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Other pollutants monitored are volatile organic compounds, metals, carbonyls, particulate matter, and ozone precursors, as well as meteorological data to aid in the analysis.

IDEM’s proposal includes adding a new lead monitor in Burns Harbor, Gary, and East Chicago and to add sulfate monitoring to an existing monitor in Gary. The plan also calls for relocating or removing other monitors in the state, though the existing ones in Northwest Indiana would remain.

IDEM currently operates three monitors in Porter County -- in Valparaiso, Portage, and Ogden Dunes -- and 11 in Lake County and three in LaPorte County.

IDEM is required to review the state’s air monitoring network every year to make sure the agency has monitors in the right locations to get accurate air measurements. IDEM said Indiana has more monitors per capita than surrounding states.

“IDEM constantly reviews the data we get from the network and evaluates the placement of the monitors every year,” said Richard Zeiler, Chief of the Air Monitoring Branch at IDEM. “Adjusting our monitoring network to get the most accurate data lets Hoosiers know what is in the air they breathe. It also helps the agency to make informed decisions about environmental planning and permitting.”

The draft air monitoring network plan for 2010 is available for review on the IDEM web site at www.idem.IN.gov/5342.htm

 IDEM will also host an informational meeting about the plan in Indianapolis on June 10. The public has until June 14 to mail, hand deliver or e-mail written comments to: Indiana Department of Environmental Management,100 North Senate Ave., Mail Code 61-50-2 Shadeland, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251, Attn: Steve Lengerich. The e-mail is slenger@idem.IN.gov

 Citizens may also direct questions to staff at (800) 451-6027, ext. 308-3264.

Posted 5/21/2009