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Yakima’s air quality worst in nation on Monday

By Phil Ferolito, Yakima Herald-Republic
Published: December 22, 2016, 9:33am

YAKIMA — After experiencing the worst air quality in the nation on Monday, the Yakima County skies could be clean enough that burn bans could be downgraded or even lifted this weekend.

“I’d like to see (burn bans) all the way off this weekend, that way people can enjoy the holiday weekend with a nice fire,” said Mark Edler, Yakima Clean Air Agency executive division supervisor.

But that depends on how much a snowstorm expected on Friday will clear out stagnant air, he said.

On Monday, Yakima topped out with an air quality index of 160, eight times greater than a 20, which is considered good, according to Environmental Protection Agency data.

“Yeah we had some pretty high readings, not only on Monday but on Sunday, too,” Edler said.

But that has since dropped to 33 on Tuesday, and slightly higher on Wednesday, he said.

Thursday’s air quality is expected to begin improving again in the afternoon and continue through Friday, when anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected in the Valley with some slight winds in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Ore.

Poor air quality often is fostered by the use of wood stoves and fireplaces combined with stagnant air, creating an unhealthy mix for people, especially those with respiratory problems, Edler said.

“That’s why we have burn bans,” he said.

Burn bans are in place in the Upper and Lower Yakima valleys.

The Lower Valley is under a stage 1 burn ban, meaning only certified heating stoves can be used to heat homes and outdoor burning is prohibited.

A stage 2 burn ban is in place in the Upper Valley, meaning all burning is prohibited, but heating stoves and fireplaces may be used if they are the only adequate source of heat.

Burn ban violations can result in fines up to $500, depending on the violation, Edler said.

Hoping to reduce wood smoke, Edler’s agency has programs to encourage and even help people replace old inefficient heating stoves with ones certified to burn cleaner and heat more efficiently.

Many residents changing out stoves can receive a rebate, while low-income families can qualify for a grant to make the upgrade, Edler said.

Over the past two years, his agency has helped 90 people upgrade heating stoves under the grant program.

“Every two years we go after grant money,” he said.

As far as Monday’s exceedingly high reading, it’s nothing new for the Yakima area, Edler said.

“We’ve been up there before when it’s really cold and it’s stagnant up there,” he said. “Best thing for us is when it’s nice and windy – that’s what cleans us out.”

More information about air quality and programs helping to replace heating stoves can be found at www.yakimacleanair.org.

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