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Jones, Enesta [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
(FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=65B8E6C6E5CA4A7A9AE85D98A4C8EEDB-EJONES02]
1/23/2018 10:51:40 PM
Lindsey Konkel |
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Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group
(FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press]
RE: Media request-Seeking interview on ammonia emissions and PM2.5-Deadline 1/17 noon ET
Hi Lindsey: These are on background:
1. Does the EPA consider NH3 a precursor to PM2.5?
Yes.
2. If so, how does the EPA regulate NH3? Are there requirements for reporting and reducing ammonia emissions?
The EPA requires states to update their emissions estimates every three years for a number of air pollutants (including ammonia) for the National Emissions Inventory. States are also required to provide an emissions inventory (including ammonia) as part of the state implementation plan (SIP) for each PM2.5 NAAQ.S nonattainment area in the state. The emissions inventory used with air quality modeling typically needs to include ammonia emissions as well.
3. What is the EPA doing to address ammonia emissions from agriculture?
There are no federal standards in the Clean Air Act that set direct standards limiting ammonia emissions from the agricultural sector. However, under the Clean Air Act permitting requirements - New Source Review, Prevention of Significant Deterioration, as well as Title V - operations that emit ammonia in amounts that trigger air pollution permit limits for that area are subject to permitting requirements that may result in controls to reduce emissions. There are a few areas with Clean Air Act Title V permits that include animal feeding operations, particularly in California. Also, areas that do not meet the national standards for fine particles (known as non-attainment areas) are required to address ammonia as a precursor to fine particles (also known as PM2.5) unless they can demonstrate that reducing ammonia emissions would not change the amount of fine particles in the area.
Additionally, the EPA and USDA have collaborated to release two best management practice documents for agricultural operations, titled Agricultural Air Quality Conservation Measures: Reference Guide for Cropping Systems and General Land Management and Agricultural Air Quality Conservation Measures: Reference Guide for Poultry and Livestock Production Systems.
4. Are ammonia emissions a problem for public health?
Health effects of inhaled ammonia at levels exceeding naturally-occurring concentrations are generally limited to the respiratory tract. Short-term inhalation exposure to high levels of ammonia in humans can cause irritation and serious burns in the mouth, lungs, and eyes. Chronic exposure to airborne ammonia can increase the risk of respiratory irritation, cough, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and impaired lung function in humans.
From: Lindsey Konkel |
x. 6
1
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2018 3:54 PM
To: Jones, Enesta clones.Enesta@epa.gov>
Subject: Re: Media request-Seeking interview on ammonia emissions and PM2.5-Deadline 1/17 noon ET
Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA
Tier 13
ED 002061 00020985-00001
Great, thanks! On Tue, Jan 23, 2018 at 3:32 PM, Jones, Enesta <Jones.Enesta(S>epa.gov> wrote: Hi Lindsey, I am working to get you responses today. One or two will be addressed tomorrow by our subject matter expert during the interview.
Lindsey Konkel Science, health, environmental journalist JM.ewJ_er_sev,._U.SA._,
Ex. 6
L_________________________________________ !
www.lindseykonkel.com
Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA
Tier 13
ED 002061 00020985-00002