The EPA can do better on pollution monitoring

Of the approximately 140 industrial toxic-air-pollution regulations, not one requires direct monitoring or measurements of the almost 190 toxic air pollutants that the EPA is charged with regulating. The EPA and the states instead often rely on monitoring other pollutants, such as particulate matter, as an indicator of compliance and monitor certain operating parameters at industrial sources. These often have extremely poor correlations to the actual toxic pollutants of concern. The most stringent emissions limits are worthless if we are not effectively monitoring what is being released.

Worse, the EPA’s inspection policies require inspections by the EPA or state agencies at least every two years, but large industrial sources can go uninspected for several years. State agency inspectors often have little to no experience and don’t understand the EPA’s very complex regulations. Consequently, the chances of finding serious violations that result in large toxic-emission releases are slim.

We can do better. The EPA needs to significantly update the monitoring provisions in Clean Air Act regulations and stop relying on monitoring methods that have generally gone unchanged for almost 50 years. We need to invest in training both federal and state inspectors and hold states accountable for implementing and enforcing federal regulations delegated to states. Without these changes, the EPA and the states will continue failing to protect the health and welfare of citizens.

Scott Throwe, Bristol, R.I.