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Department of Ecology News Release - Oct. 30, 2003
03-211
YAKIMA - By next spring, Methow Valley residents will be able to log onto the Internet and obtain "real-time" air-quality information that can easily be understood.
Air monitoring equipment is now being installed at the Twisp town hall that will continuously measure small pollution particles primarily caused by smoke. These fine particles, known as PM 2.5, can cause health problems for those with respiratory illness as well as the very young and elderly.
Since the fall of 2002, the U.S. Forest Service has measured smoke in terms of visibility standards. The new samplers, being installed in cooperation with the Forest Service, will provide residents with data relating to national ambient air quality standards.
The national Pollution Standards Index (PSI) is commonly published in newspapers around the country. The PSI data and graphics are presented in a way that tells residents whether the air quality is considered "good," "moderate," "unhealthy for sensitive groups," or "unhealthy" for everyone.
Once initial testing of the new samplers is completed, results from the sampler will be transmitted by telephone lines and will be available on the Department of Ecology (Ecology) Web site at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/, as early as next spring.
"The ability to readily tap into this information will help people to make informed decisions about their personal health and welfare," said Sue Billings, an Ecology air quality manager.
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Media contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
