The Kalispel Tribe has contracted the following report (237 pages, pdf document) -
Clean Air Act Class I Redesignation Technical Report
Re-designation the current air quality from Class II to Class I will offer essential protections to the Kalispel Tribe and Pend Oreille County residents. The Tribe is among the most affected inhabitants in very close proximity to the Ponderay Newsprint paper mill and the formerly designated site of the silicon smelter.
Re-designation of air quality to Class I will have no impact upon the use of wood stoves or other economic activity within the designated area. But it will help prevent more repeated violations by the Ponderay Newsprint, and will help prevent other toxic polluting industries from impacting environmental and public health against the well-being of local residents.
As a nearby resident, I am appalled at the lackadaisical approach by county officials to repeated violations by the Ponderay Newsprint. I have reported toxic, choking levels of emissions during the 2016 / 2017 winter season (during times of air inversions) and was totally ignored. In effect, you could not go outside without fouling your lungs with sulfur dioxide.
County agencies and officials appear to have a improper economic relationship with violators while ignoring the concerns of local residents.
Many residents may not realize the dangers of these emissions, but they are harmful to human health, wildlife, soils and water. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses and is particularly harmful to the young, elderly and those with diabetes.
This move by the Kalispel Tribe for clean air is necessary and needed to protect the health of the Tribe and surrounding residents. Air quality standards are essential for all residents.
The Tribe has published a Fact Sheet and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
