Particulate Hearing

Has the air quality improved in southwest Indiana? The Indiana Department of Environmental Management thinks so. And they held a public hearing to petition the E.P.A. for attainment status for particulate matter. Pollution in the area affects everyone. But what about those living close to power plants. "I dont think its more of a concern then just about living anywhere else." Dawn Morton lives in Posey county near the AB Brown power plant. She says pollution is not a major concern but some at a meeting sponsored by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management or IDEM disagree. "The air quality in Evansville is terrible. We have fine particulate problems and we have ozone problems." But IDEM says that particulate matter in southwestern Indiana is at or below 15 micro grams per cubic meter of air. The standard set by the U.S. EPA. A standard they say they are now meeting. "Since 2004 through 2006 that average met the air quality standard as well as the 2005-2007 average." Spokesperson for IDEM Robert Elstro says despite public concerns they are petitioning for attainment status. Re-designating the area from being non compliant. "After we receive all the comments were going to create a written response and include them in the final re-designation petition and submit that to the EPA." Elstro says hes not exactly sure when they will get a decision. But people like Chuck Bauer are hoping that pressure to clean up the area will remain. IDEM says it will continue to accept written public comment until March 31st.