The Fletcher air monitoring station lies near a lead mine as well as a processing mill that turns lead ore into lead concentrate. The Doe Run Co. operates the Fletcher mine and five others along the Viburnum Trend; these six mines constitute Missouri's new lead belt. The state's air monitoring station helps department staff determine public exposure to airborne lead resulting from the mill's operations. The monitoring station lies next to a power substation as shown in this picture. Department staff periodically review the location to ensure that it continues to meet EPA's siting criteria for air monitoring sites. The review includes a survey of the surrounding area to identify nearby sources of air pollution that may affect the station's data.
Pollutants
Lead
The primary and secondary ambient air standards for lead have remained at 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter since 2008. The primary standard reflects EPA's concern for public health while the second standard demonstrates concern for public welfare. EPA bases the standard on the highest rolling three-month average over a period of three years and two months. A monitoring site meets the standard when this rolling three-month average is less than or equal to 0.15 μg/m3.
Departmental information about lead
- Health effects
- Missouri's lead legacy
- 2008 standard and pertinent documents
- Three-month average lead concentrations for the most recent 12 months
- State map with monitors for lead in ambient air
Technical issues can affect ability to deliver quality data. Access a table of symbols with explanation of the problems they represent.
Forest Road 2236
Westfork, MO 64498
United States
Air Pollution Control Program
Division of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
United States