To the Editor:
I encourage everyone to attend the Public Hearing for the proposed Acid Rain Permit which Sunflower Electric Power Corporation in Great Bend is seeking. They want to emit up to a ton of Sulfur Dioxide annually for the next five years, beginning January 2025. Sulfur Dioxide is a leading cause of Acid Rain and can be extremely damaging to the health of humans, wildlife, soil and water. The Public Information and Hearing will be December 30th at 6:00 pm, at the Great Bend Chamber Office.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s own website; Sulfur Dioxide contributes to respiratory illness and aggravates existing heart and lung diseases, especially in children and the elderly. People with asthma are affected by peak levels of SO2. It also contributes to the formation of acid rain, which damages trees, crops, historic buildings, monuments, and makes soils, lakes, and streams acidic. SO2 is not confined to areas where it is emitted. Sulfur dioxide and sulfate particles can be transported and deposited far from the point of origin. It also contributes to the formation of atmospheric particles that cause visibility impairment.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency; SO2 and NOX react in the atmosphere to form fine sulfate and nitrate particles that people can inhale into their lungs. Many scientific studies have shown a relationship between these particles and effects on heart function, such as heart attacks resulting in death for people with increased heart disease risk, and effects on lung function, such as breathing difficulties for people with asthma. In addition to being detrimental to our wildlife.
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects-acid-rain
Please consider attending the Acid Rain Public Hearing on December 30th at 6:00 pm, at the Great Bend Chamber Office.
Jettie Zoller
Hoisington
