County clears hurdle for dust
Friday, Feb. 1, 2002 | 11:17 a.m.
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that Clark County's plan for dealing with airborne dust pollution is "complete," a key step in approving the overall approach to the problem.
The letter giving the tentative stamp-of-approval means the region will avoid potentially harsh sanctions, including a loss of some federal funding for roads and other needs.
"It was signed late last night," EPA Associate Director Ken Bigos said. "It is now official. What this letter does is permanently stop the sanctions clock for the Las Vegas Valley."
The "sanctions clock" started Dec. 20, 2000, when the county -- the designated air-quality agency for the region -- failed to deliver a plan to curb dust on time.
The dust, called particulate matter 10 or PM10, is finer than the width of a human hair. The federal government considers it a health risk.
Environmentalists said the news is positive.
"This is a plan that is really, really important to us," said Jane Feldman, conservation committee co-chairwoman from the local arm of the Sierra Club.
Feldman said dust has been linked to a wide range of human health problems, including asthma and other respiratory ailments.
"Are we going to be seeing a difference sometime soon? We hope the answer is yes," she said.
Carrie MacDougall, Clark County Air Quality Management assistant director, said the region's dust-control efforts already are paying off.
The region hasn't exceeded the federal annual dust standard in three years. The area has had a handful of violations of the 24-hour dust standard.
MacDougall said her agency expects to meet the 24-hour rules by the end of 2006.
The completeness ruling doesn't mean the work locally is finished.
"The plan doesn't go away," MacDougall said.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- As earnings fall, Riviera unsure if bankruptcy can be avoided
- Trial set for parents of boy, 4, who died in hot vehicle
- Scientology foe’s arrest raises issue of rights
- Las Vegas home prices, sales rise in October
- NY-NY sues Calif. man alleging trademark infringement
- Miguel Cotto camp says big cut in June fight an asset now
- Cada cherishes moment as poker’s youngest champ
- $5.1 million later, life goes on for Darvin Moon
- Fight snapshot: Arum takes a pot shot during Pacquiao training
- Alicia Keys, Eva Longoria, Kelly Clarkson bring star power to Las Vegas
Blogs
Elsewhere
Kelly Pavlik to fight in hometown on Dec. 19
Lobos soccer and Lambert continue to draw attention
Now or Never
Getting closer to where we want to be
High School Sports Scene
Prep Football: Week 12 Picks
The Kats Report
Of tanking, drugs and 'Slim': In 'Open,' Andre Agassi beats the odds (1 Comment)
Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch
Who are the Final Four on Dancing With the Stars?
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Drugs bring Nevada governor, first lady back together (3 Comments)
Calendar »
- 11 Wed
- 12 Thu
- 13 Fri
- 14 Sat
- 15 Sun
-
Days of the New at Wasted Space
Wasted Space | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
DJ Boris at Godskitchen
Body English | 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
-
Holding on to Sound at Beauty Bar
Beauty Bar | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Rockabilly Wednesay at Revolution Lounge
Beatles Revolution Lounge | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati












