http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-886312.mp3
Keokuk, IA – The national newspaper, USA Today, released a special report in late 2008. It focused on air quality near schools.
The results of the report showed that some of the most toxic air in the nation was near the former Cardinal Stritch Junior and Senior High School. The building on Plank Road currently houses Pre-K through 8th grade students.
Iowa DNR Compliance Supervisor Brian Hutchins says the newspaper cited the presence of manganese in the air. He says extended exposure can lead to developmental problems.
The USA Today Study cited Griffin Wheel Company, Roquette America, and Climax Molybdenum as likely sources of the pollution.
Hutchins says the DNR wants to place monitoring equipment on top of the Keokuk Catholic Schools building. He says, if permission is granted, testing could get underway in May.
Haskins says samples would be taken every six days for about one year. He says the Iowa DNR would work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if the results show a high presence of manganese.
The USA Today study showed that the air quality at other schools around Keokuk is extremely poor.
The Keokuk Catholic School Board could decide on the DNR's request next month. This would be the first location where the DNR has conducted tests based on the USA Today study.