PIERRE, S.D. – Two air monitoring sites in the state have detected ozone levels slightly above the EPA’s new national ambient air quality standard level. High temperatures, high humidity, and low wind speeds have been conducive to the formation of ozone at these sites.
The air quality monitoring sites in Sioux Falls and in Union County near Elk Point have indicated the new federal 8-hour air quality ozone standard of 70 parts per billion was exceeded three times in the last two weeks. The most recent and highest 8-hour average was 75 parts per billion identified on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in Sioux Falls.
“At this point, the levels are not of major concern, as they would not have exceeded the EPA’s older standards,” said DENR Secretary Steve Pirner. “Still, we encourage South Dakotans to visit our Real Time Air Quality Index map online to stay up to date on current air quality in their areas.”
Prior to 2015, the EPA standard for ozone was 75 parts per billion. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources opposed the change, arguing that the new standard was overly stringent and too close to background levels commonly seen in South Dakota.
South Dakota’s Real Time Air Quality Index map is available at http://denr.sd.gov/des/aq/aarealtime.aspx. The site updates hourly. Regional air quality data can be seen at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website at www.airnow.gov.
Air quality conditions will vary so DENR encourages the public to regularly visit the websites to determine if air quality in your area is reaching unhealthy levels. Sensitive groups are impacted the most and generally include children, older adults and people with lung disease. However, everyone may experience some effects at certain times.
