Designating the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire an Exceptional Event

The DNR is currently accepting public comments on a report designating the air quality impacts from the 2011 Pagami Creek wildfire as an exceptional event.

Sometimes naturally-occurring events such as forest fires or wind storms can result in a violation of a National Ambient Air Quality Standard. In these instances, emissions from anthropogenic sources such as cars, factories, and power plants, were not responsible for violation of the Air Quality Standard. EPA then allows states to request to have the naturally-occurring event designated as an "Exceptional Event". If EPA approves the state's request, all high pollutant values associated with the event can be flagged by DNR and allowed to be no longer considered for comparison with a National Ambient Air Quality Standard.

The DNR is accepting public comments on the documentation for this request. Written comments should be sent by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2012. Comments should be sent to:

Bill Adamski
DNR Bureau of Air Management
PO Box 7291 - AM/7
Madison, WI 53707-7921