Prince George, B.C. - The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority is continuing the Dust Advisory for Prince George due to high levels of particulate matter.

The provincial air quality objective for fine particles, PM_2.5, is 25 micrograms per cubic metre, averaged over 24 hours. The 24 hour PM_2.5 rolling average was 18 µg/m³ at the Plaza 400 downtown site and 15 µg/m³ at College Heights at 4 pm today.

 

The provincial air quality objective for coarse particles, PM₁₀, is 50 micrograms per cubic metre, averaged over 24 hours. The 24 hour PM₁₀ rolling average was 64 µg/m³ at the Plaza 400 downtown, 36 µg/m³ at College Heights and 44 µg/m³ at BCR at 4 pm today. 

 

Based on the air quality data, the high levels are mainly due to road dust.

 

Calm winds and dry conditions contributed to dust accumulating in the air shed. Winds are expected to remain light tonight but are expected to increase somewhat tomorrow. There is a chance of a few very light showers over the area which may help improve conditions slightly. Air quality is expected to be better at higher elevations.