The Doe Run Co. announced that its Glover smelter in Annapolis, Mo., has been re-designated as an Attainment Area for Lead by the State of Missouri Air Conservation Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Commission's vote to accept the smelter's attainment and maintenance plan had been unanimous. Likewise, the EPA ratified the state's decision, publishing in its final rule that "EPA is granting final approval to the redesignation of the lead nonattainment area in Iron County, Missouri, to attainment of the NAAQS for lead. We are approving the maintenance plan for this area including a settlement agreement which was submitted with the redesignation request."
"A lot of planning, work, and investment went into the effort to achieve attainment," said Aaron Miller, environmental manager with Doe Run. "All of our lead smelters are in attainment with the air quality standard. While we've always operated in compliance with all state guidelines, this is a success story for both the company and the state because it demonstrates our long-term commitment to the environment."
The Glover smelter has been in attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for more than 7 years, according to data collected by air monitors. To be considered an Attainment Area, a facility needs to meet air quality standards for eight consecutive quarters and meet all required rules as set by the EPA. The EPA's specified air quality standard is 1.5 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air. The Glover smelter consistently met this standard before going on care-and-maintenance status in December 2003, and continues to do so.