Prince George, B.C. – High concentrations of coarse particulate matter means Prince George’s dust advisory will stay in place a while longer.

According to the Ministry of Environment it will stay in place until one of three things happen: it rains, meteorological conditions change, or the streets are cleared of traction material.

“While the current (6am) hourly concentrations of PM₁₀ have decreased significantly (11 micrograms per cubic metre) the rolling 24 hour concentration is still above the provincial objective (63.3 micrograms per cubic metre) and conditions which can result in high concentrations are still present,” says air quality meteorologist Gavin King. “The provincial air quality objective for coarse particles (PM₁₀) is 50 micrograms per cubic metre, averaged over 24 hours.

In the meantime, hew says persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise near busy streets until the advisory is lifted.

In addition, the City has updated its Clean Air Bylaw which now prohibits all open burning, including backyard burning and land clearing burning.

This bylaw also prohibits recreational fires and street sweeping activities (unless approved by an authorized person) and bans the use of wood-burning appliances, except for Sole Wood Burning Heat Users during air quality advisories.

Industry is asked to reduce emissions wherever possible during advisories.

More information can be found at www.bcairquality.ca.