Clear Full Forecast

Air Quality Advisory In Effect

By 250 News

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:16 PM

Prince George, B.C.- The Ministry of the environment has issued an Air quality Advisory for Prince George.

The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Northern Health, is issuing an Air Quality Advisory for Prince George due to high levels of coarse particulate matter. 
Based on the air quality data, the high levels are mainly due to dust with some contribution from combustion emissions (smoke) this morning. Very dry conditions over the region resulted in particulates accumulating in the air shed. Particulate levels are expected to be high in the mornings and again in the late evenings. The 24 hour PM10 rolling average was 49 µg/m3 at the Plaza 400 downtown at 8:00 am, 42 µg/m3 at BCR and 21 µg/m3 at College Heights. The 24 hour PM2.5 rolling average was 13 µg/m3 at the Plaza 400 downtown site and 7 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.
 
All residents are advised that these high levels of particulate matter could have adverse health effects in children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease. Residents especially those at high risk should consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory and/or adjusting any medication in consultation with their physician.
 
The Air Quality objective for PM10 is 50 µg/m3 for a 24 hour average. Residents should be aware that advisories are only issued when the air quality objective is exceeded but that the majority of adverse health effects are due to long term exposure to particulate matter starting at levels well below 50 µg/m3
 
Residents are reminded that the City’s Clean Air Bylaw prohibits the use of wood-burning appliances, except for Sole Wood Burning Heat Users, and that open burning; including backyard burning and land clearing burning is banned during Air Quality Advisories. Please note that this advisory also prohibits recreational fires and street sweeping activities. Industry is asked to reduce emissions wherever possible during the air quality advisory.
 
 

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Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:16 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Comment Posted by: PaysHisOwnWay on June 10 2009 2:57 PM
We are fine with being able to "smell" the local air so there should be nothing wrong with being able to "see" and "taste" it as well. :-)
Comment Posted by: NMG on June 10 2009 4:52 PM
Well at least it's the time of year where we don't have to deal with "road dust". Now it's just plain ole "dust". Good to see that smoke is still a culprit as well.

Good job MoE, way to look out for us . . . LOL.
Comment Posted by: taxinapothole on June 11 2009 3:07 AM
I don't smell wood burning stoves, I smell pulpmill, and refinery stench. Get real you bunch of knot heads. I have only one lung , you want to tell me what is wrong with the damn air?? The political bullshit, that is what is wrong with our air.

Give it up, what bloody nonsence. You all smell like polution!