News & Announcements
Air Quality Promoted
Polk County Board of Health Rules and Regulations Chapter V-Air Pollution Amendments available for Public Review and Comments
The proposed amendments to Polk County Local Board of Health Rules and Regulations, Chapter V-Air Pollution are a routine update for consistency with 567 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) references, definitions, procedures, standards and exemptions. The Polk County Board of Supervisors acting in its capacity as the Local Board of Health will hold a hearing on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 120, Polk County Administrative Office building, 111 Court Avenues, Des Moines, Iowa, on proposed amendments. Anyone desiring to comment on the proposed amendments may appear and be heard.
Air Quality Promoted
Polk County Project Viewing Map
Check out our new Project Viewing Map. It will contain updated information on Air Quality Title V and Construction Permits being issued in Polk County. Follow the "more info" link to see the details of the project and leave public comments.
Air Quality Promoted
Polk County Air Quality Solar Project
Polk County’s Air Quality Division announces the completion of their Public Works solar project in Des Moines, which was built to support air pollution monitoring activities.
Air Quality News
Smoke from Canadian fires expected to impact Iowa today and tomorrow
An approaching cold front is pulling smoke from Canadian wildfires down to ground level, and areas of unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous air quality are being measured across much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. This smoke is expected to impact Iowa today and tomorrow. The smoke is expected to impact central Iowa this evening. Unhealthy levels are anticipated across Iowa as the smoke passes through. Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on EPA’s airnow.gov site. A graphic approximation of the extent and trajectory of the smoke plume can be seen on the map at fire.airnow.gov
Air Quality News
Less than one week left to submit your 2022 Minor Source Emissions Inventory
Facilities located in the central third of Iowa and portable plants must submit their 2022 Minor Source Emissions Inventory (MSEI) by May 15, 2023.
Air Quality News
Minor Source Air Emission Inventories for Central Iowa due May 15
Minor source facilities located in the central third of Iowa and all portable plants must submit their Minor Source Emission Inventory (MSEI) for calendar year 2022 emissions by May 15, 2023. If your facility is required to complete this year’s report, you will receive a letter from DNR.
Air Quality News
Air Emissions Reports for Title V Facilities due March 31
Facilities subject to Title V of the federal Clean Air Act must submit their emissions inventories for 2022 to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau by March 31, 2023. DNR requires 2022 Title V emissions to be reported electronically using the State and Local Emissions Inventory System (SLEIS). Visit eAirServices for SLEIS access help, training, and useful resources, or contact the Help Desk at sleis@dnr.iowa.gov. For additional information on all Title V reporting requirements, please check the informational letter DNR sent to Title V facilities.
Air Quality News
4th of July Fireworks May Impact Air Quality
Each year we celebrate our national birthday and fireworks displays are a traditional method of celebrating Independence Day on the 4th of July.
Air Quality News
Polk County AQI to reach Orange Category.
6/15/2022 - Polk County, Iowa The Air Quality Index(AQI) for fine particulate pollution is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.
Air Quality News
The AQI for Particulate Pollution
6/14/22 - The Air Quality Index (AQI) for particulate pollution is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.
Air Quality News
Iowa’s 2022 Air Monitoring Network Plan Available for Public Review and Comment
The air monitoring network plan will assist the Iowa DNR in its efforts to monitor the quality of Iowa’s air and to keep the public aware of air quality problems. The plan is required by EPA’s national ambient air monitoring regulations. It contains detailed information about the location and purpose of any monitor in Iowa’s air monitoring network that produces data for comparison with national ambient air quality standards. The 2022 Air Monitoring Network Plan is available by clicking here or going to www.iowadnr.gov/airpublicinput.
Air Quality News
EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Webinar
Following the passage of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law EPA's new Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over five years (2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with new low- or no-emission school buses.
Air Quality News
Why you may smell smoke in Polk County, Iowa
The Fire and Smoke Map shows fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from permanent AirNow monitors, temporary monitors deployed by agencies for smoke events, and low-cost sensors made by PurpleAir. https://fire.airnow.gov/ Users can click or tap on the layer icon on the upper right of the map to select/de-select map layers showing the different data sources.
Air Quality News
Tornado Recovery Effort and Open Burning
As our communities begin the work of tornado debris cleanup, keep in mind that open burning is not allowed within the cities of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, and Pleasant Hill. In cities not listed above contact your city or check the Air Quality Division’s Polk County Cities and Municipalities Open Burning Ordinances page to determine if open burning is allowed in your location
Air Quality News
March 1st marks the beginning of the 2022 ozone season
From now through October 31, the daily air quality forecasts from the Polk County Air Quality Division will include forecasts for ozone as well as our year-round forecasts for fine particle pollution. The county-based forecasting gives users up-to-date and localized forecasting for Polk County, including the next day's forecast.
Air Quality News
High Wind Event Cleanup
As communities begin the work of storm debris cleanup, keep in mind that open burning is not allowed within Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, and Pleasant Hill. Check Air Quality's Open Burning page to determine if allowed in your location.
Air Quality News
New DNR Payment Portal for Title V Emission Fees
DNR launched a new online payment portal for facilities to pay annual Title V fees. Visit https://programs.iowadnr.gov/payments/ and search for the facility by EIQ number, facility name or ID.
Air Quality News
What's the State of YOUR Air?
For 22 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make the air cleaner and healthier. https://www.lung.org/research/sota
Air Quality News
National Radon Action Month
EPA recommends preventing lung cancer by testing your home for Radon. This week marks the beginning of National Radon Action Month. Every January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges everyone across the United States to test their homes for radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground and, in some cases, well water supply. Contact Polk County Environmental Health for low cost radon test kits. (515)286-3705
Air Quality News
Air Quality Monitoring
Ambient Air Quality affects everyone. Children often play outside during hot, muggy summer afternoons. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly and inhale more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults.