EPA: Region May Have Excessive Sulfur Dioxide Emissions

PASADENA, Md. (AP) -- Federal officials say parts of Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties may be exposed to sulfur dioxide emissions that violate national air quality standards.

The Capital reports that the Environmental Protection Agency said this week that areas within 22 miles of Pasadena's Herbert Wagner Generating Station could be designated as not meeting national standards.

In a letter responding to Gov. Larry Hogan's recommendation that those areas be designated as meeting standards, EPA Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin says exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause adverse health effects such as difficulty breathing and increased asthma symptoms.

State officials say they'll challenge the preliminary decision. Official designations will be announced by July 2.

Todd Martin, a spokesman for Talen Energy, which owns the plant, says the company hasn't violated industrial air quality rules.

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