EPA to host a community meeting for Calvert City, KY, residents about air monitoring study
Publilshed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Calvert City, KY. (January 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ) announced the completion of a monitoring study for toxic air pollution (air toxics) near the Calvert City Industrial Complex that focused on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including ethylene dichloride (EDC). The air monitoring results from the study were used to determine if residents are being exposed to elevated VOC concentrations.
The air monitoring study found elevated levels of VOCs (specifically EDC), a chemical that can cause cancer. Exposure to EDC in the air over long periods of time can pose an increased risk of cancer and other negative health effects to the liver and kidneys. The EPA and KDAQ are taking steps locally and nationally to limit EDC emissions, reduce exposure and protect people’s health.
The levels identified at two Calvert City air monitoring sites located closer to the industrial complex are estimated to result in elevated chronic cancer risk over a 70-year lifetime of continuous exposure. These levels are at or above the top of the range of risks that the EPA generally uses to protect people from toxic air pollutants.
Next Steps
WHAT: EPA and KDAQ are hosting an in-person and virtual meeting to provide
information about the Calvert City air
monitoring risk assessment study
WHERE: Tuesday, February 13th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT
Calvert City Library
949 5th Ave SE
Calvert City, KY 42029
To register to attend this public meeting virtually, use this link.
***5:30 p.m. – Press Availability*** Interested credentialed media should e-mail an RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
The EPA is supporting the KDAQ in developing short-and long-term strategies to reduce EDC exposure in Calvert City, including working with Westlake Vinyls, the largest source of EDC in the area, to explore potential voluntary actions to reduce EDC emissions. The EPA has also proposed revisions to air emissions rules for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry that are applicable to Westlake Vinyls and other similar chemical plants .
KDAQ is continuing air monitoring for EDC and other VOCs at the three Calvert City sites and will work with the EPA to assess any changes or trends in the air pollution concentrations.
The study report, including the monitoring results, is posted online at https://www.epa.gov/ky/calvert-city-kentucky-air-monitoring.
Read the full article at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-host-community-meeting-calvert-city-ky-residents-about-air-monitoring-study
