Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 15 of 22 results

  • Will boiling my water help?

    No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.

    • Last published:

  • Where can I download hourly emissions data from continuous monitoring?

    Hourly emissions data files are available from the Clean Air Markets Division of EPA, collected as part of 40 CFR Part 75. The download location has changed in February, 2023. The new location is https://campd.epa.gov/data/bulk-data-files . Once on this new site, use the menu (at the left) and the Keyword…

    • Last published:

  • Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?

    Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.

    • Last published:

  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

    • Last published:

  • What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?

    If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…

    • Last published:

  • Why is nitrate contamination a concern?

    Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some…

    • Last published:

  • How complete are the data in the National Emissions Inventory?

    While the goal of the National Emissions Inventory (NEI) program is to include all emissions data, there are always challenges meeting this goal. The answer about completeness of coverage of sources depends on the emissions sector and pollutant. In general, the criteria air pollutants and precursors (CAPs) are expected to…

    • Last published:

  • Where is more information available about emissions estimation methods used by the EPA?

    For criteria air pollutants and precursors as well as for hazardous air pollutants, the methods are described in the technical support document (TSD) for the latest National Emissions Inventory (NEI) available from the main NEI page . For greenhouse gas emissions, you can find greenhouse gas inventory methods from the…

    • Last published:

  • When renovating the exterior of a high-rise building, does the requirement to close and seal doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation include closing those openings two-plus floors above the floor where work is to be performed?

    Not necessarily. When establishing containment for an exterior renovation on a multi-story building, you must close all doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation on the same floor as the renovation, and close all doors and windows on all floors below that are the same horizontal distance from…

    • Last published:

  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

    • Last published:

  • How are emissions trends compiled?

    For criteria air pollutants and precursors, the emissions trends are based on the triennial National Emissions Inventory data, with some interim year data included for non-triennial years. The methods and interim-year approaches are described on the “Development of Data” tab included with the data provided on the Air Pollutant Emissions…

    • Last published:

  • How do I determine what SCCs have changed between inventory years?

    These are available in the EIS (Reporting Code table) or public website: https://sor-scc-api.epa.gov/sccwebservices/sccsearch/ Filter on “last inventory year” to remove SCCs no longer active. If this column has a date in it, then the SCC has been retired as of that date. The “last updated date” (column J) indicates when…

    • Last published:

  • Where are the NAICS/ SIC and SCC codes changes that have been implemented for the 2017NEI?

    Please refer to the NEI webpage for 2017 documentation , and follow the link for Appendix 2 - 2017 NEI Plan Code Changes. That Excel file describes anticipated changes for the SCCs and NAICS and includes a helpful read me. I'll just note in the next NEI/EIS email that SCC…

    • Last published:

  • Are the GHGs in the National Emissions Inventory Complete?

    No, the 2020 National Emissions Inventory (NEI) does not comprehensively capture all sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the United States. For this information, users should review the EPA’s annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks . However, the NEI does report GHG emissions for select…

    • Last published:

  • What are EPA’s plans for the 2020 National Emissions Inventory given the atypical situation from COVID-19 that is impacting emissions? What will it be used for?

    The EPA intends to prepare a 2020 National Emissions Inventory in collaboration with state, local, and tribal air agency partners. The Air Emissions Reporting Rule (AERR) requires states and delegated local and tribal agencies to report emissions from stationary sources and provide model inputs for onroad and nonroad sources (except…

    • Last published: