Sulfur Dioxide Pollution in Missouri
By Gretchen Waddell Barwick
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) air pollution causes breathing problems in as few as five minutes. SO2 is particularly dangerous to children, the elderly and people with breathing or heart disorders.
SO2 pollution from Ameren’s massive coal fired power plan in Labadie is harming the respiratory health of people in Franklin and St. Charles Counties. The air quality fails to meet the SO2 standards of the Clean Air Act. Over 20,000 people live in the area where air quality is the worst. Katy Trail State Park and Weldon Spring Conservation Area are in this area too.
Unfortunately, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recommending that no action be taken to reduce the air pollution. The Sierra Club is now asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to refuse to follow the DNR recommendation.
On the other side of the state, Veolia Energy in Kansas City is emitting hazardous levels of sulfur dioxide air pollution, impacting 65,000 residents.
The DNR is requiring Veolia to reduce their sulfur dioxide emissions by 95% by January 1, 2017.
For more information or to get involved contact the Sierra Club office at 800-628-5333 or email Missouri.Chapter@sierraclub.org.