What is the Purpose of an AERA?
The AERA is intended to answer questions regarding potential human health risks from air emissions within a facility’s controlled boundary. In general, the AERA is designed to inform the environmental review and permitting processes where potential health risks may exist. The AERA may accompany the facility’s air permit application, provide information to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet, or assist in scoping an Environmental Impact Statement. The AERA results are detailed in a MPCA staff conclusion that states whether or not the analysis is adequate and provides a recommendation as to whether permitting should include any actions to assure protection of the public health. MPCA risk managers then use the information summarized in the AERA to consider the potential for mitigation or risk/emissions reduction activities to be addressed in an EAW or a permit. The AERA also provides useful information to the public and to the MPCA Citizens’ Board to help determine if an Environmental I
