Would set limits consistent with protecting human health

Contact:  John Lyons 502-573-3382

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 25, 2007) - The Division for Air Quality (DAQ) in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) has filed regulations that would protect the public from emissions of toxic air pollutants around the state.

“EPPC considers the protection of public health from the effects of environmental pollutants to be a matter of the highest priority,” stated Teresa J. Hill, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.  “This program will fill the gap where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been slow in fully meeting Clean Air Act mandates regarding air toxics.”

DAQ Director John Lyons said the Kentucky program is designed to identify risks associated with air toxics emissions, consistent with protection of human health. The program also will establish clear implementation procedures.

The proposed regulations were developed with extensive public involvement.  In August 2004, EPPC established a workgroup of 10 experts in toxicology, environmental protection and risk assessment to assist in the formulation of the air toxics rules.  Several meetings of the workgroup, open to the public, have been held over the last two years.  In all, nearly 70 different stakeholders have been involved in development of the program. 

DAQ filed its regulations with the Legislative Research Commission on May 14, and they will be published in the Administrative Register of Kentucky on June 1. A public hearing is scheduled for June 29 at 10 a.m. EDT in the auditorium at the Transportation Cabinet Conference Center, located at 200 Mero St., in Frankfort. The regulations will be open for comment until July 2.  Comments can be submitted to the Division for Air Quality, 803 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601.