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Health Watch Tuesday; restrictions in effect

September 20, 2009



Press Release

A Health Watch for course particulates [PM-10] is in effect Tuesday, September 22, 2009.  As a result, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department will enforce its “No Burn Day” restriction for Maricopa County from midnight to midnight on Tuesday.
 
This Health Watch is being issued due to elevated winds expected in the Valley throughout the day on Tuesday.  During the Health Watch, residents must refrain from burning wood in their fireplace, woodstove or outdoor fire pit.  This restriction includes those who have burn permits for open burning as well as woodburning fires at hotels and restaurants.
 
The department recommends children and adults with respiratory problems avoid outdoor activities on Tuesday and suggests the general public limit outdoor activity throughout the day.
 
Follow these tips to help make the air healthier to breathe:
 
Reduce the use of leaf blowers.  Use a rake or a broom instead.

  • Avoid driving on dirt roads or unpaved surfaces.  If there is no alternative route, drive slowly on unpaved surfaces (10 mph or less).
  • Avoid driving on dusty road shoulders.
  • Don’t burn leaves, trash or other material.
  • Do not light a woodburning fire on a designated No Burn Day.
  • Trip link: plan your trips before you go in order to reduce vehicle cold starts.
  • Drive less. To find a carpool or vanpool, visit www.SharetheRide.com <http://www.sharetheride.com/>  or call 602.262.RIDE (7433).

 
Everyone plays a part in pollution prevention.  Please visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com <http://www.cleanairmakemore.com/> and Make the Clean Air Commitment to help us reduce air pollution.
 
PM-10 BACKGROUND:  PM-10 stands for particulate matter measuring 10 microns or less.  State and county agencies measure PM-10 and PM-2.5 which are extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets found circulating in the air.  PM, or particulate matter, comes from either combustion (cars, industry, woodburning) or dust stirred up into the air.  High levels of PM are typically created when the air is especially stagnant.

WHO’S WHO?
 
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality [ADEQ] provides a daily forecast for air quality. When conditions exist, ADEQ will issue high pollution advisories, health watches and alerts. Daily air quality forecasts are on ADEQ's Web site at www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf  or by calling (602) 771-2367. Those interested in receiving the air quality forecast via email can subscribe to ADEQ's forecast list at www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html  and text alerts at www.azdeq.gov/sms.html .
 
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department issues No Burn Day restrictions based on a high pollution advisory or health watch.  These No Burn Day restrictions typically occur during the winter months.  To find out if any burn restrictions are in place, call 602-506-6400.  Information is given in both English and Spanish.
 
To learn more about the Maricopa County residential woodburning restriction ordinance, view a copy on our website www.maricopa.gov/aq Here’s a direct link to the residential woodburning restriction ordinance: www.maricopa.gov/aq/divisions/planning_analysis/rules/docs/rwro9911.pdf
 
Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emission light rail, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle telecommuting assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org .
 
Media contacts:
 
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality [ADEQ]
Mark Shaffer - 602-771-2215 desk / 480-433-9551 cell
 
Maricopa County Air Quality Department
Holly Ward - 602-506-6713 desk / 602-526-7307 cell
 
Valley Metro
Susan Tierney - 602-262-4668 desk / 602-292-4093 cell
 


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