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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2003
Contacts:
Rick Sprott, Director, Division of Air Quality, (801) 536-4000
Bob Dalley, Manager, Air Monitoring Center, (801) 887-0760
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality announces the end of this season's "Red Light, Green Light" air quality program, which curtails wood burning along the Wasatch Front during winter inversions.
During the four-month season, which began Nov. 1, 2002, the Division of Air Quality called 2 "red" days and 5 "yellow" days in Salt Lake and Davis counties. Both Utah County and Weber County had all "green" days.
Furthermore, in January 2003, the Bear River Health Department implemented a mandatory wood-burn program for Cache County as a measure to improve air quality. The local health department called 1 "red" and 1 "yellow" day in Cache County.
"The lack of inversions, coupled with reduced pollution in recent years, resulted in improved air quality this winter," Air Quality Director Rick Sprott said. "Utahns and industry have been doing a great job at reducing pollution along the Wasatch Front."
Wood-burning conditions are identified as "Red, Yellow, Green" - similar to traffic lights. The program is used to notify citizens when they can burn wood in a fireplace, depending upon pollution levels. "Red" means burning is prohibited and people are asked to reduce vehicle trips, use mass transit and conserve energy. Likewise, industries are asked to minimize their release of air pollutants and ensure that air pollution control equipment is functioning properly. "Yellow" means a voluntary no burn, and "green" means burning is allowed.
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is the primary winter pollutant. Wood burning produces soot and dust that are components of particulate, as are emissions from vehicles and other engines. Fine particles can become lodged in delicate lung tissue, decreasing lung function, especially for people with respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
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