No Change In AQ Advisory
By 250 News
Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:43 AM
Prince George, B.C. - With 24 hour average PM2.5 levels recorded overnight at the downtown site the highest recorded since 2005, the air quality advisory in prince George continues..
Based on the air quality data, the high levels in the past 24 hours were mainly due to combustion emissions (smoke) and some contribution from road dust. Particulate levels are expected to be lower today but there is a slight possibility of a few hours of elevated levels late this morning. The 24 hour PM2.5 rolling average was 47 µg/m3 at the Plaza 400 downtown site at 9:00 am and 21 µg/m3 at College Heights. The 24 hour PM10 rolling average was 81 µg/m3 at the Plaza 400 downtown, 76 µg/m3 at BCR and 50 µg/m3 at College Heights. This Air Quality Advisory is expected to be in effect until further notice, with an update to be provided this afternoon at 4:30 pm., or possibly earlier.
Meantime, PACHA (People's Action Comittee for Healthy Air) is slamming the Air Quality Health Index. The Provincially devised index was at a "healthy" 3 this morning, which, according to the index, means "the conditions are ideal for outdoor activities."
PACHA President Dave Fuller says the AQHI has serious flaws "PACHA has had concerns about this index since its inception and has voiced our concerns to environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of the Environment during the past 3 years. Our concerns are that the weights given to setting these numbers are inappropriate for the airquality conditions of Prince George and other northern communities. Much more weight is given to the dangers of ozone than that of fine particulate . While ozone may be a problem in larger cities because of burning from industry and households we have particulate problems here that do not show up on this index. Yes here we are the worst air quality of the year and we are being told enjoy it!"
Fuller says the seriousness of this inversion, both its length and its intensity of particulate levels leads PACHA to hope that industry will switch immediately from burning hog fuel, chips and wood debris to heat their facilities and produce energy, to natural gas, which does not leave particulate. "To date we have not heard or seen any evidence that this is being done though the capability is available. Individuals have been asked to cut back on burning at their residences and we hope industry will follow suit. Perhaps in situations like this regulation needs to come into effect that will protect the health of all the citizens of Prince George over the profits of a few!"
Previous Story -
Next Story
Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:43 AM in
News by
250 News
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.us
Posted by: Poppa on February 19 2009 12:47 PM