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Department of Ecology News Release - Feb. 14, 2004
04-038
OLYMPIA – Stagnant air that settled over the Pacific Northwest on Monday has moved through Eastern Washington, returning the region's air quality to healthier levels.
As a result, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) has lifted its air quality advisory that asked residents to refrain from unnecessary burning.
Historically, stagnant air occurs in the Northwest from about mid-November to mid-March when high-pressure ridges stall over the area and trap a layer of cold air beneath a layer of warm air.
"We'll continue to monitor the situation as the season winds down," said Ecology meteorologist Richard Stender. "Meanwhile, people should do all they can to get ready for the next stagnant air episode."
Stender recommended getting cars tuned so they burn cleaner, replacing older wood stoves with certified stoves or cleaner fuels, and burning only small, hot fires using dry, well-seasoned wood.
People should call their local clean-air agency to find out whether it's okay to use a wood stove or fireplace.
A good rule is that if it is windy or rainy outside, it's probably okay to burn. If the air is very foggy or still, air quality may be poor and burning is not a good idea.
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Contact: Leslie Thorpe, public information manager, 360-534-8590 (pager)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
