FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2004
Contacts:
Rick Sprott, Division of Air Quality Director, 801.536.4000
Laura Vernon, UDEQ Public Information Officer, 801.536.4484
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - The particulate matter pollution level in Cache County is getting worse as the inversion persists. The level is at 184 micrograms per cubic meter, which is two and a half times above the health standard of 65. This level is the highest ever recorded in Utah since monitoring of fine particulate matter began four years ago.
"The air is very unhealthy and we are concerned about the high level of pollution," said Division of Air Quality Director Rick Sprott.
A red wood-burn condition and a health advisory for the general population are in effect for Cache County. All individuals should avoid prolonged exertion outdoors. A red wood-burn condition prohibits the use of wood- and coal-burning fireplaces and stoves.
Sprott said that everyone can help reduce pollution. "We all need to take action. Since cars cause 50 percent of the pollution, driving less or not at all will make a difference."
Activities that will help bring pollution levels down include carpooling, using mass transit, postponing errands, consolidating trips, conserving energy, telecommuting, avoiding traffic delays, limiting your car's idling time, obeying the speed limit and keeping your car well-tuned.
More ideas are available on the Web at www.cleanair.utah.gov.
According to Sprott, the Bear River Health Department and City of Logan have proactively implemented a number of programs in the last two years to help curb pollution.
They include a mandatory wood-burn control program and a smoking vehicle program. The Logan City Power Plant has replaced diesel engines with natural gas. The lights on Main Street in downtown Logan are timed to ease congestion. The heating plant at Utah State University now runs on natural gas instead of coal.
"City and county leaders, the university and the local health department have implemented a variety of voluntary measures to bring pollution levels down, but we still need help from everyone during this time," Sprott said.
State air quality officials are consulting with city, county, local health department and university leaders to discuss more ways to reduce pollution.
As always, monitoring of the air will continue during the weekend.