North Dakota Ag Connection - North Dakota Seeks Comments on Volkswagen Mitigation Plan

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North Dakota Seeks Comments on Volkswagen Mitigation Plan
North Dakota Ag Connection - 07/20/2018

On October 2, 2017, an environmental mitigation trust was finalized as part of the nationwide Volkswagen Settlement. Funding will be available to all states to mitigate negative air quality impacts caused by Volkswagen's use of emissions testing defeat devices in vehicles sold and operated in the U.S. The devices violated the Clean Air Act and increased emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx). North Dakota's share will be approximately $8.1 million.

To receive funding, a state must outline the mitigation actions planned to reduce NOx emissions. The Governor's Office has appointed the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) to develop and implement a mitigation plan. The plan must be based on the settlement's list of eligible actions to reduce NOx emissions and provide the greatest air quality benefit. A copy of the mitigation plan, as well as other Volkswagen Settlement information, can be found at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/planning/VW.aspx

The NDDoH is not currently requesting project proposals but is seeking public comment to help finalize the mitigation plan. The 45-day comment period begins July 17 and ends August 31, 2018. Written comments can be sent to the Division of Air Quality, 918 E Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501-1947 or emailed to airquality@nd.gov.

Two public information meetings also have been scheduled.

Fargo - July 30, 6 p.m. - A. Glenn Hill Center, Rm 112, 1306 Centennial Blvd, NDSU (parking available at Memorial Union lot)

Bismarck - July 31, 6 p.m. - NDDoH Environmental Training Center, 2639 E Main

For more information, visit https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/planning/VW.aspx, or call Keith Hinnenkamp, Division of Air Quality, at 701.328.5188.

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