10/4/12 Air Quality Burn Advisory for the Colville Reservation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 has issued an Air Quality Burn Advisory on the Colville Reservation.  This advisory will be in effect through Tuesday, October 9th  when the situation will be reassessed. 
 
Currently a wild fire in the Omak area is producing smoke that is impacting the Reservation's air quality.  Monitor readings are showing periods of time when the air quality is in the unhealthy for sensitive groups.  Air quality conditions will vary based on wind direction and speed and dispersion conditions.  

Current weather forecasts for the reservation indicate that night time temperatures will be fairly cool. This means that during overnight hours as well as in the early morning the chance for smoke building to levels that impact health are greater.  It is important to consider this when being involved with outdoor activities. The  EPA also requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution and the use of wood stoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts.  Cooperation from the community will help people who are at risk during this period.  Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with difficulty breathing and with heart and lung problems.  Those at risk should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. Please call 1-800-424-4EPA and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm

Gary Olson
OAWT  Suite 900
EPA Region 10
1200 6th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
206-553-0977