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Department of Ecology News Release - November 16, 2004
04-205
OLYMPIA - Due to improved air circulation, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has lifted the air quality advisory issued last Wednesday for Eastern Washington.
For the past week, stagnant air conditions were trapping smoke particles and other air pollutants in low-lying areas. Those conditions have lifted for now.
Ecology officials warn that this is only a temporary reprieve, since stagnant air is common during the winter.
Historically, stagnant air occurs in the Northwest from about mid-November to mid-March, when cold high-pressure ridges stall over the area and trap a layer of cold air beneath a layer of warm air.
Residents can help prevent air pollution by replacing older wood stoves with certified stoves or using cleaner fuels, and by getting their cars tuned and keeping their tires inflated.
As a general rule, 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: Joye Redfield-Wilder, Public Information Manager, 509-575-2610
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
