In January 2017, the Doe Run Co. began monitoring sulfur dioxide at three new sites in the vicinity of its Buick Resource Recovery Facility near Boss. Doe Run is operating the monitors under a quality assurance project plan (QAPP) approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Although Doe Run owns and operates the three sites, the department provides quality assurance. Environmental specialists with the department conduct periodic on-side performance audits, just as they do at state-operated sites.
According to the federal SO2 Data Requirements Rule finalized in August 2015, state's must characterize air quality around sources that emit 2,000 tons or more of SO2 per year. EPA gave two options for characterization: modeling or monitoring. The department included the Buick Resource Recovery Facility on Missouri's list of affected facilities, even though reported emissions were below 2,000 tons per year. At that time, the department was reviewing data from the facility, in part, because of uncertainty over emission figures. In consultation with Doe Run, the department chose air monitoring to meet the EPA rule, which covers the third and fourth steps toward implementing the 2010 SO2 standard. Data from monitors and audits are reported to EPA's Air Quality System. EPA will use the data collected over an initial three-year period to determine compliance with the standard.
To learn about other air monitoring sites the department operates as part of the state's ambient air monitoring network, visit Air Monitoring Sites.
Pollutants
Sulfur Dioxide
In 2010, EPA not only established a new one-hour standard, but also introduced a new form for determining compliance. The primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), based on health effects, for SO2 is 75 parts per billion (ppb) averaged over one hour. The new form requires three years of data — the average SO2 concentration from each hour of the year. The department and EPA calculate the design value, using the 99th percentile of one-hour daily maximum concentrations, averaged over three years.
*All times listed in reports reflect Central Standard Time (CST).
- One-hour SO2 design values
- Four highest one-hour SO2 values year-to-date
- Map of Missouri's SO2 monitoring sites
Additional information about Sulfur Dioxide State Planning efforts
Technical issues can affect ability to deliver quality data. Access a table of symbols with explanation of the problems they represent.
1582 Highway 32
Bixby, MO 65439
United States
Air Pollution Control Program
Division of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
United States