FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2004
Contacts:
Rick Sprott, Division of Air Quality Director, 801.536.4000
Cheryl Heying, Division of Air Quality Planning Manager, 801.536.4015
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - The Department of Environmental Quality's "Red Light - Green Light" program, which curtails wood burning during winter inversions, has been extended two weeks to March 14 in Cache, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties.
State air quality officials and the Bear River Health Department have extended the program, which normally runs Nov. 1 to March 1, because of continuing winter conditions and the possibility of more inversions. Inversions trap pollution near the ground where it can impact respiratory health, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses.
"With snow still on the ground and inversions still hanging around, it makes sense to extend the program so that people know when to protect themselves and how they can help keep the air clean," said Division of Air Quality Director Rick Sprott.
"When it comes to public health, it's better to be cautious and protective," he said. "We've had a challenging winter, especially in Cache County."
Through March 14, residents are asked to adhere to the wood-burn control program and follow any health advisories that may be issued.
As a reminder, wood-burn conditions are identified as "red, yellow, and green." A "red" condition indicates burning is prohibited, "yellow" means a voluntary no burn, and "green" means burning is allowed.
Residents are asked to drive as little as possible during "red" and "yellow" days because cars contribute significantly to the area's air pollution. More information on actions residents can take to reduce pollution is available on the "Clean Air Utah" web site at www.cleanair.utah.gov.
Also, during this extension period, fines can be levied against individuals who use a wood-burning fireplace or stove during a red-burn condition. A first-time offender is charged up to $25; a second-time offender pays $50 to $150; and a third-time offender faces fines from $150 to $299.
The "Red Light - Green Light" program reduces particulate air pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) and carbon monoxide. PM10 particles are 10 microns or less in diameter, approximately 1/10 of the diameter of human hair. PM2.5 are particles smaller than PM10.
Pollution conditions are monitored by DEQ's Division of Air Quality and announced daily by newspapers, television and radio stations. Recorded updates can be obtained from the Air Pollution Index Hotline at 975-4009 for Salt Lake and Davis counties and (800) 228-5434 elsewhere, and on the "Clean Air Utah" web site at www.cleanair.utah.gov.
Cache County residents may call (435) 792-6612 for recorded daily updates on the wood- burn conditions in their area. Residents may also report illegal burning on "red days" by calling (435) 792-6611.