Air stagnation predicted this weekend

Air stagnation predicted for Lane County this weekend

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency is predicting a period of air stagnation and issuing a “YELLOW” home wood heating advisory starting Friday January 11th, at 4 p.m. and into next week, possibly breaking by Monday evening, January 14th.

Forecasting from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and National Weather Service declared stagnation in parts of the lower and central Willamette Valley as well as other parts of Oregon for the next few days.

“There will be little to no ventilation in our area this weekend,” said Jo Niehaus, LRAPA spokesperson. “Pollution we emit will linger and increase at the ground levels until the inversion breaks early next week. Smoke bans for home wood heating may go into effect if particulate levels increase.”

Outdoor burning will be temporarily prohibited this weekend throughout the county. Please check before burning by calling the advisory line 541-726-3976 or going online: http://www.lrapa.org. ;

Wood combustion is the biggest cause of winter-time air pollution in Lane County. Degraded air quality can trigger asthma attacks or increase negative long-term health impacts including cancer, for children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

During a YELLOW home wood heating advisory, people are asked to use alternative heating devices. They can also burn extremely clean by building small, hot fires with dry, seasoned wood and open dampers. LRAPA is sensitive to the fact that many Lane County residents rely heavily on wood for their primary heat and economic exemptions are available in the LRAPA office or online.

LRAPA reminds residents that anytime noxious, thick smoke is emitted from a chimney, it can result in enforcement action and a fine.

The agency forecasts pollution levels 24/7 and provides the community with a daily home wood heating advisory. Call the Home Wood Heating Hotline, 541-746-4328, or check www.LRAPA.org for current advisories and up-to-date air quality information.

McKenzie River Reflections