Kansas county no longer has too much lead in its air

US environmental regulators are proposing to declare a part of Saline County, Kansas, has met federal air quality standards for lead. This means the area will no longer be considered in violation of the 2008 lead standard.

When an area is designated as not meeting air quality standards, it faces restrictions on industrial development and must implement plans to reduce pollution. Removing this designation means the area can pursue new industrial projects without the same environmental hurdles. It also means the existing lead reduction measures are considered successful enough to maintain clean air for the next decade.