CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New England has met air quality standards for sulfur dioxide after improvements were seen in parts of New Hampshire, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the reduced sulfur dioxide levels in central New Hampshire will result in healthier air for Granite state residents. The air quality improvements were credited to the installment of a sulfur dioxide emission control system at the Merrimack power station in 2012. The upgrades led to a 98% reduction in sulfur dioxide from the station.
“Today’s announcement is tremendous news for the people of Central New Hampshire and means cleaner air, improved health outcomes, and greater economic opportunity,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said. “EPA is working closely with the states to help areas like Central New Hampshire reach air quality attainment, reduce regulatory burdens, and breathe new life into their local economies.”
The main sources of sulfur dioxide or SO2 in the atmosphere come from power plants and other industrial facilities burning fossil fuels. Ships, locomotives and heavy equipment are also a source.
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Robert Scott said in a statement that the improved air quality was a result of efforts by the state’s courts, public utilities commission, state environmental regulators and the owners of the power plant. A decade ago, central New Hampshire had some of the highest levels of sulfur dioxide in the country.
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