Description: Facing the highest levels of ground water nitrate in the U.S., the city of Des Moines constructed the world’s largest nitrate removal facility. The facility operates when nitrate levels exceed a regulatory threshold. This session presents an empirical study evaluating how Des Moines’ nitrate removal facility impacted birth outcomes.

Authors: Jason Semprini (Des Moines University ); Audrey Tran Lam (Center for Energy and Environmental Education)*

Author Bio: Jason Semprini is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Des Moines University. He earned his PhD in Health Services & Policy from the University of Iowa and his Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. A lifelong Iowan, he lives in Iowa City with his wife and two daughters.