Past News Clips from ORCAA's Home Page
Air Quality Awareness Week:
Wednesday – Ways to Keep Your School Clean and Green
April 30, 2008
Students, teachers and administrators: You can reduce air pollution by the making smart choices at your school.You can all play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a number of suggestions on who you can make a difference in your school.
Students: Bring science to life by using EPA's web-based tools such as "Explore the Climate Change Kids Site" and "Climate Animations." These bring to life the science and impacts of climate change. The site also provides games that help students, their parents and their teachers learn about both the science of climate change and what actions they can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Air Quality Awareness Week:
Tuesday – Ways to Drive Clean and Green
April 29, 2008
You can reduce air pollution by the driving choices you make. Start by driving less. Ways to drive less include:
- Car pooling
- Walking or riding a bike
- Shopping by phone or mail
- Riding public transit
- Telecommuting
When you do drive, you can reduce air pollution as well. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW.
Air Quality Awareness Week:
Monday – Ways to Live Clean and Green
April 28, 2008
The average home in Washington produced approximately the same amount of pollution as an average family car (i.e., over 7,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nearly 10 pounds of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), based upon the average monthly residential electricity consumption. To estimate YOUR home's emission rates, use this calculator. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a number of ways you can help reduce the amounts of air pollution and greenhouse gases you produce in your home and office. CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE.
Exploring Alternatives Great Way
to Kick off Air Quality Awareness Week
April 25, 2008
Now is the time to become more Air Aware.
The week of April 28-May 2 has been declared Air Quality Awareness Week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and residents are encouraged to participate by taking steps to make small changes in their daily lives to help improve the air we share.
To help people become more "Air Aware," the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) offers a series of ideas for actions individuals can take at home, on the road, in schools, at the office, and throughout their communities. These simple, yet effective, measures can help create better air quality for all of us.
Although air quality in Washington generally earns high marks, and the six counties served by Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) enjoy clear, clean air much of the year, serious issues continue to threaten this vital resource. Exhaust from diesel vehicles and smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces and outdoor burning pose the greatest risks to human health in our state.
According to Richard Stedman, ORCAA's Executive Director, the attention of everyone – including the public, the business sector, and the government – must stay focused on the issue of clean air.
"Clean air can't be taken for granted," Stedman said. "With increasing population and associated development, maintaining our good air quality will be a great challenge. We must continually look for ways to reduce air pollution, especially from diesel combustion and outdoor burning sources whose emissions have the greatest impacts on public health."
Several studies have clearly proven that air pollution causes cancer and harms the heart, lungs and immune systems, especially in individuals with pre-existing health conditions, infants, young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The cost of these health impacts will further burden our health care system.
Throughout Air Quality Awareness Week, ORCAA will share specific ideas for what residents can do on a daily basis. More details HERE.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Changes to Ocean Protein's Facility
April 21, 2008
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) works closely with businesses within its jurisdiction to ensure air quality concerns are addressed as businesses grow and develop. ORCAA also encourages public involvement in the permitting process.
Toward that end, a public hearing is scheduled for May 21 in Hoquiam regarding a permit application from Ocean Protein, LLC, to modify the odor control system at the Ocean Protein fishmeal production facility at 518 22nd Street in Hoquiam. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Hoquiam High School’s Little Theatre, 501 W. Emerson, Hoquiam, Washington.
As the administrator of state and federal clean air laws within the six counties of its jurisdiction, ORCAA’s approval is required in advance for installation, modification or construction of businesses that may emit air pollutants.
Ocean Protein proposes three significant modifications to existing odor control equipment aimed at improving overall odor control efficiency. The existing Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) will be improved by adding a booster fan to aid in purging exhaust gases while the unit cycles between preheat chambers. This improvement is intended to eliminate the potential for short bursts of odors while the preheat beds are being cycled. Second, a capture fan will be added to the fish scrap receiving area to better capture fugitive odors from fish receiving operations. Lastly, a new odor control device will be added downstream of the existing RTO and scrubbers. The new device will use a non-thermal plasma process to remove pollutants and will generate minor amounts of ozone as a consequence. Ozone is a regulated air pollutant and will be required to be monitored and regulated to acceptable levels.
ORCAA completed a preliminary review of Ocean Protein’s proposal and has determined that the proposed modifications will likely improve odor control at the facility. On this basis, ORCAA’s Preliminary Determination is to approve Ocean Protein’s NOC application.
The permitting process administered by ORCAA includes providing public notices and opportunities for public comment on permit applications. Copies of ORCAA’s Preliminary Determination are on file and available for review at Hoquiam’s Timberland Public Library located 420 7th Street in Hoquiam, and at ORCAA’s office in Olympia. The documents are also available HERE.
Join our Email Network – and be air aware!
April 14, 2008
Join our email network to receive breaking news about local air issues!
As a brand new service, ORCAA now offers you personalized Clean Air news as it becomes available. By signing up for the new Email Alerts newsletter program, you will be among the first to know when we issue a burn ban, call to voluntary restrictions, issue an air quality alert, or have other news to share.
ORCAA Celebrates 40 Years of Cleaner Air
April 2, 2008
OLYMPIA – In 1968, Dan Evans was Washington's Governor, Boeing rolled out its first 747 Jumbo Jet, Jimi Hendrix moved back to Seattle, Washington's North Cascades National Park was created and residents in western Washington breathed a little easier.
On March 24, 1968, following passage of Washington's Clean Air Act, the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority was born. Today, that age
ncy – now the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) – continues to protect public health and the environment by working with businesses and individuals to reduce air pollution in its jurisdiction.
Now celebrating its 40th Anniversary, ORCAA continues the work it began in 1968 – the challenges and threats to public health have changed over time, but the work to keep our air clean and healthful goes on. Today, ORCAA works closely with business and industry to find solutions that reduce pollution in a positive and supportive manner. Through ORCAA's involvement, innovative solutions have been found to problems ranging from what do to with excess wood waste in lumber mills (now used as fuel in electricity-generating boilers at industrial sources) to how to curb toxic emissions from school buses (retrofit aging buses with modern emissions control technology). In 2000, ORCAA achieved attainment with the federal ambient air quality standards for particulate matter. Challenges remain ahead for the agency for continued attainment of these standards.
In honor of ORCAA's 40 years of Public Service, the agency staff and Board of Directors invite all members of the public to attend a 40th Anniversary Celebration April 9, 2008, during the regularly scheduled Board of Director's Meeting at ORCAA Headquarters (2940-B Limited Lane NW, Olympia).
- What: ORCAA's 40th Anniversary
- When: April 9, 2008, 10 a.m. to noon.
- Where: ORCAA Headquarters, 2940-B Limited Lane NW, Olympia, WA 98502
Black carbon pollution emerges as major player in global warming
March 31, 2008
As reported in the Environmental News Network: Soot from biomass burning and diesel exhaust has 60 percent of the effect of carbon dioxide on warming but mitigation offers immediate benefits. Black carbon, a form of particulate air pollution most often produced from biomass burning, cooking with solid fuels and diesel exhaust, has a warming effect in the atmosphere three to four times greater than prevailing estimates, according to scientists in an upcoming review article in the journal Nature Geoscience. MORE
"Pristine" parks tainted by pollution, study finds
March 20, 2008
What goes up, must come down, even if its tiny particles of air pollution, and that's exactly what's happening around the country. Air pollution is filtering down into remote waterways, causing pollution levels to spike in some the most remote, seeminly pristing lakes and streams in our wilderness areas and National Parks.
A sweeping, six-year federal study released Tuesday found evidence of 70 contaminants in 20 national parks and monuments – from Denali in Alaska and Glacier in Montana, to Big Bend in Texas and Yosemite in California.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Shelton Wood Pellet Facility
March 14, 2008
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) works closely with businesses within its jurisdiction to ensure air quality concerns are addressed as businesses grow and develop. ORCAA also encourages public involvement in the permitting process.
Toward that end, a public hearing is scheduled for April 17 in Shelton regarding a permit application from Atlas Shelton, a subsidiary of Coeur d'Alene Fiber Fuels, to construct and operate a wood-pellet production facility at 1333 East John's Prairie Road in Shelton. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 North 5th St. Shelton. As the administrator of state and federal clean air laws within the six counties of its jurisdiction, ORCAA's approval is required in advance for installation, modification or construction of businesses that may emit air pollutants.
Atlas Shelton's proposed facility will have the capacity to produce 10.8 oven dry tons per hour of pellet fuel produced from waste wood. This facility will have the potential to emit 54 tons per year (tpy) of particulate matter, 49 tpy of reactive oxides of nitrogen, and 46 tpy of volatile organic compounds, as well as other combustion byproducts.
ORCAA has assessed air quality implications of Atlas' proposed facility and concluded that compliance with applicable air regulations and standards will likely be maintained. On this basis, ORCAA's Preliminary Determination is to approve the Notice of Construction application.
Pollution in air taints U.S. parks
February 29, 2008
FROM THE OREGONIAN – The snow-covered evergreen trees around Crater Lake National Park may be miles from civilization, but they still contain industrial PCBs, the banned pesticide DDT and at least two currently used pesticides.
The fish in Golden Lake at Mount Rainier National Park carry relatively high levels of toxic flame retardant.
And the DDT measured in fish at Montana's Glacier National Park is higher than levels found in fish studies from Africa, even though the United States phased out DDT production in 1972 and Africa still uses it for mosquito control.
Those findings come from a six-year study of airborne contamination in 20 Western national parks and monuments released this week. Yosemite and Kings Canyon, in California, and Rocky Mountain, in Colorado, also are cited as having some of the higher levels of pollution. MORE
Join our Email Network – and be air aware!
February 28,2008
Join our email network to receive breaking news about local air issues!
As a brand new service, ORCAA now offers you personalized Clean Air news as it becomes available. By signing up for the new Email Alerts newsletter program, you will be among the first to know when we issue a burn ban, call to voluntary restrictions, issue an air quality alert, or have other news to share.
You Burn It, You Breathe It
Smoke Poses Serious Health Concerns
February 27, 2008
Smoke from yard waste and land clearing burning causes substantial air pollution in the area.
Burning wood and other plant material creates smoke composed of fine and very fine particles. This small particulate matter (PM) creates significant health risks, especially the very fine particles – smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). These tiny particles can remain in that sensitive tissue for months, slowly causing tissue damage and chemical changes within the lungs. That means that exposure to wood smoke may, at the very least, cause breathing problems and can increase – sometimes substantially increase – the severity of existing lung disease, such as asthma. Smoke also has been shown to aggravate heart disease. Carbon monoxide is also a component of wood smoke that can build up inside the residence during the use of woodstoves or fireplaces. Carbon monoxide may cause chest pain, strain on the heart, and even death.
Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to problems associated with smoke. The types of problems associated with smoke exposure include lower respiratory infections, acute pneumonia, and bronchitis, as well as severe aggravation of existing conditions such asthma and emphysema. Substantial evidence also suggests a strong link between wood smoke inhalation and cancer. As with cigarette smoking, wood smoke includes components such as benzo-a-pyrene and coal tar – both of which were identified as substantial carcinogens in tobacco.
There are measures people can take to reduce the amount of smoke they produce. Instead of putting yard waste in a burn pile, it may be composted or disposed of at the local waste collection center (where it will be composted). Residents should also be aware that burning of household waste or any form of trash – whether in a woodstove or outdoors – is illegal under state law. Burn barrels are also illegal throughout Washington state. MORE
Biofuels losing steam in Europe but barreling ahead in the U.S.
February 22, 2008
FROM GRIST.org: In the European Union, politicians are starting to rethink their enthusiasm for biofuel. There, government programs affect biodiesel much more than ethanol, because most cars run on diesel engines. Recently, a spate of studies has exposed the severe ecological and social implications of vegetable-oil crop production in Southeast Asia and Brazil, where palm-oil and soy plantations have ramped up dramatically, in part to satisfy rising European biodiesel demand.
According to a University of Minnesota study, 27 percent of new concessions for palm-oil plantations in Indonesia lie on peatlands -- representing a rich store of carbon built up over eons. As a result, the study found, "converting peatlands in Indonesia into palm oil plantations ran up a carbon debt that would take 423 years to pay off." Already, conversions of peatlands and rainforest into plantations have made Indonesia the third-largest greenhouse-gas emitter in the world, behind the U.S. and China. MORE
Groups threaten to sue port over marine diesel emissions
February 7, 2008
Two environmental groups on Wednesday gave California's Port of Long Beach 90 days to reduce diesel soot and smog or face a lawsuit in federal court.
The 13-page ultimatum from the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Coalition for a Safe Environment is a prerequisite for a lawsuit that is likely to ignite a protracted battle over how to manage the potentially cancer-causing pollution spewed into the air from ships, big rigs and locomotives at the busy port. MORE
Outside Air Pollution Comes Inside
Indoor Air Pollution Levels Higher Than You Think
January 31, 2008
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS reports that there's plenty of concern with good reason - about air pollution. But many people are unaware that indoor pollution can be just as bad as, or even worse than, the outdoor kind.
Studies of human exposure to air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. MORE
Weekend rain results in end of Burn Ban
January 26, q008
The change in weather this morning caused air quality to improve significantly, allowing ORCAA to lift the Stage 1 Burn Ban that had been called for Thurston County.
No additional burn restrictions now exist for the ORCAA jurisdiction, but all existing laws and regulations are in place. That means burning is allowed only in those areas without a permanent burn ban, and only with the required permits. Additionally, residents who heat their homes with woodheat are asked to continue to burn smart. That means, small, hot fires that fully combust the wood with little or no smoke production.
More information on proper woodstove use can be found here.
Degrading Air Quality prompts Stage 1 Burn Ban in Thurston County
January 24, 2008
Because of concerns over degrading air quality, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency has called a Stage 1 Burn Ban in Thurston Country, effective immediately.
Under a Stage 1 Ban, residents are not allowed to use fireplaces or uncertified woodstoves, and all outdoor burning and land clearing burning is prohibited. Additionally, residents with certified woodstoves are asked to voluntarily refrain from using those devices until air quality improves – forecasts suggest that will occur over the weekend.
A system of stable, high pressure over Western Washington, coupled with overnight temperatures well below freezing, caused air pollution levels to climb. A change in weather will be needed to restore cleaner air quality, but the current weather pattern is expected to remain unchanged until Saturday at the earliest. The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency monitors the situation continuously and will lift the burn restrictions as soon as conditions allow. In the meantime, here are some other things people can do to help protect the air we breathe:
- Do NOT use an uncertified woodstove or fireplace until further notice.
- When possible, do not use any woodstove or fireplace.
- If you do have a fire in a certified stove or fireplace, consider using manufactured logs if you must burn. They are made from recycled wood products and burn cleaner than cut wood.
- Always use your woodstove or fireplace properly to ensure the cleanest burning possible. Remember that excess smoke is always illegal. To learn more about clean burning techniques and to find a current list of certified woodstoves and fireplaces, visit www.orcaa.org and click on the “Woodstoves” links in the left menu bar.
- Limit your driving as much as possible, since vehicles are a big source of air pollution year round.
- Check air-quality forecasts and current conditions at www.orcaa.org. The current and forecasted air-quality conditions are available via the links on the right.
To learn about the health effects of air pollution, check out the American Lung Association of Washington’s Web site at www.alaw.org.
Air Quality suffers from cold weather:
Residents Asked to Reduce Burning
January 22, , 2008
Air quality seems to be the first casualty from this week's cold snap.
With temperatures dipping into the teens – and lower – overnight, many folks fire up their old woodstoves and fireplaces to beat back the intense chill. Unfortunately, the same conditions that lead to the cold temperatures – still, stagnant air held down by a high pressure system – means any smoke we put into the air around us, stays in the air around us. The result is rapidly rising levels of air pollution. Our region experienced unusually high levels of air pollution in recent cold days as a result of outdoor burning and home-heating with woodstoves and fireplaces. In the interest of public health and safety, all residents are asked to refrain from burning unless absolutely necessary.
ORCAA asks that residents who have alternative forms of home heating refrain from use of their woodstoves and fireplaces at least until air quality improves throughout the region. We also ask that homeowners use alternative means of disposal to clean up their yards. Chipping and composting are the best option, though other alternatives to burning are also available.
Residents who must rely on fireplaces or woodstoves for home heating should burn as cleanly and as efficiently as possible. By using dry wood and burning small, hot fires, residents get more heat with less smoke.
To learn about the health effects of air pollution, check out the American Lung Association of Washington's Web site at www.alaw.org.
More Evidence that Air Pollution Leads to Heart Disease
January 17, 2008
The Arizona Daily Star reports that a new healthy study shows unregulated air pollution particles about one-thousandth the width of a human hair may be a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
Nano-size pollutants from vehicles can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, putting people at risk of cardiovascular problems, researchers said in a study published today in Circulation Research, a journal of the American Heart Association. The pollutants may cause arteries to harden by impairing the protective qualities of so-called good cholesterol.
Climate Change Already Impacting our Health
January 3, 2008
The San Jose Mercury News reports that climate change and associated air pollution problems will increase the death rate in the United States by several hundreds of people each year from air pollution as temperatures increase from carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas blamed for global warming. This is according to a new Stanford University study.
The study by Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, directly links increased carbon dioxide, or CO2, in the air to human deaths. The report will be published this week in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
"I think this is really important because it definitively in my mind shows the causal effect of CO2 on health," Jacobson said. MORE
Breathe Easy with a Healthful Holiday
Avoid dangerous – and illegal – practice of burning holiday waste
December 20, 2007
OLYMPIA – The holidays bring joy and happiness as families and friend gather together to celebrate the season. As fun and enjoyable as the get-togethers can be, however, there is a downside - trash! When groups gather for food and drink, garbage can pile up. Parties produce sacks full of dirty paper plates, discarded decorations, gift-wrapping, and more. All too frequently, that waste overflows the household's normal allotment of garbage cans and homeowners choose to burn the excess trash.
"That's a bad solution for everyone," says Dan Nelson, spokesman for Olympic Region Clean Air Agency. "Burning trash of any kind produces very toxic air pollution, as well as creating fire hazards. For these reasons, all trash burning is illegal in the State of Washington."
Smoke from the burning of household waste contains dangerous chemicals that can cause health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), trash burning is one of the nation's largest known sources of dioxins – highly toxic compounds linked to several health problems, including cancer and reproductive disorders.
Because of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, even the burning of plain paper releases these toxic compounds into the air. What's more, in addition to the toxic compounds, trash burning creates particulate matter (PM) air pollution. That is, fine and very fine particles that can be absorbed deep into the lungs, creating immediate – as well as long-term – health problems.
Health problems that have been linked to exposure to air pollution that result from trash burning include respiratory illness (including aggravation of pre-existing cases of asthma and emphysema), kidney and liver damage, nervous system disruptions and reproductive and developmental disorders. Because of their small size and growing bodies, children are especially at risk. Pound for pound, they are exposed to greater pollutant concentrations than adults.
Rather than burning household waste, ORCAA reminds residents to recycle as much of the material in the waste as possible, and then dispose of the remainder through their regular trash service. Excess holiday waste can be taken directly to waste disposal stations, or it may be bagged and disposed of the following week when the household's waste stream is back at a normal level.
Helping to keep our air clean and healthful is a great reason to avoid trash burning, but it's also worth remembering that trash burning IS illegal, and could result in fines. Washington State law (WAC 173-425-050) prohibits the burning of all forms of trash, including (but not limited to): paper or newspaper (except what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, household garbage, treated, painted or stained wood, plywood, construction debris, paints, tires and other rubber products, plastics, asphalt and building materials, chemicals, petroleum products and metal.
Additionally, burn barrels of any kind are illegal throughout Washington.
Pacific County Storm Debris Clean-up:
Free Alternatives Help Keep Air Clean
December 13, 2007
Our region took a drastic hit from this week's storms, yet even as the floods start to recede we face another threat from the storms: high levels of air pollution.
The drenching rains and hurricane-force winds covered our counties with fallen trees, broken tree limbs, and uprooted brush. As residents strive to restore order to their property, the first reaction is often to simply burn the woody debris that litters our yards. Unfortunately, that wet, green wood will smolder rather than burn, creating vast plumes of smoke and ash.
Burning, though, isn't necessary. Residents of Pacific County may dispose of both woody debris, and damaged household goods for free, thanks to new collection programs established by their county leaders in cooperation with commercial businesses.
To get rid of woody debris (trees, limbs, brush, etc), residents should haul the natural vegetation materials to one of the two locations set up in the county:
- North County - Stan Hatfield Industrial Park off Hwy 101
- South County - 7013 Sandridge Road
Only natural vegetation will be accepted at these locations. Please contact the county's Department of Community Development with any questions (360) 875-9356. Vancouver-based H&H Wood Recycles will grind the materials on site and truck them to facilities for use as fuel in industrial boilers. Rob Borberg, General Manager of H&H, said the company knows the communities have been hit hard and H&H is trying to assist as much as possible. "We'll be lucky to break even," he said. "But this needs to be done to help get these communities back on their feet."
Pacific County has also arranged for the disposal of storm-damaged household goods such as appliances, furniture, and building materials (sheetrock, carpet, etc.) from private citizens. Royal Heights and Peninsula Sanitation will accept storm-related debris free of charge for all residents within the county and it's cities.
Materials may be dropped off daily (except Sunday) through Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Heights facility located at 876 SR 105. Contact (360) 942-3417 with any questions. The waste can also be taken to Peninsula Sanitation at 4404 E 67th Street (off of Sandridge) weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Closed on Sunday) through the 18th.
States petition U.S. EPA to regulate airline emissions
December 5, 2007
A coalition of states and environmental groups is urging the federal government to curb global warming pollution from planes and other aircraft.
California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia plan to file a petition Wednesday asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from domestic and foreign aircraft departing or landing at American airports. MORE
ORCAA NEWS: Burn Restrictions LIFTED
November 27, 2007
Last week's call for voluntary reductions in outdoor burning and the use of woodstoves proved that residents do care about air quality.
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) issued the voluntary burn restriction notice the day before Thanksgiving to try to curb rising levels of fine particular matter pollution (PM2.5). The region's citizens responded and the pollution levels never rose to the level that a full burn ban would need to be called. The return of rain this week, meanwile, ensures that the air will stay clean for the near future, so all burn restrictions are lifted, effective immediately.
"We have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season,' said ORCAA spokesman Dan Nelson. "While conditions were perfect last weekend for the development of poor air quality through the region, the residents of western Washington really came through to help ensure our air quality didn't degrade into unhealthful levels."
ORCAA NEWS:
Degrading Air Quality Prompts Voluntary Burn Restrictions
November 21, 2007
A regional weather pattern forecast for the next several days indicates that air quality will worsen throughout the Pacific Northwest. As a result of this on-going air stagnation, Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) requests residents to voluntarily refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces until further notice.
A system of stable, high pressure over Western Washington, coupled with overnight temperatures below freezing, caused air pollution levels to begin climbing early this week. A change in weather will be needed to restore cleaner air quality, but the current weather pattern is expected to remain unchanged possibly through the Thanksgiving weekend.
Though air pollution hasn't yet reached the levels that would make residential burning illegal, ORCAA seeks voluntary reductions in the hopes of avoiding mandatory bans.
Land Clearing burns, however, are prohibited until further notice.
For Happy, Healthful Holidays, Don't Smoke!
November 21, 2007
If you think smoking a cigarette is bad, consider what happens when you smoke an entire neighborhood.
Though the weather may be cold and dreary, consider your neighbors before lighting that fireplace or woodstove. If you need a fire to keep your family warm, be sure you burn smart. Use only clean, dry firewood and burn a hot, efficient fire to minimize smoke. Woodsmoke contains many of the same compounds as cigarette smoke — and the same health risks!
Please help ensure everyone has a happy, healthful holiday – Don't Smoke!
ORCAA NEWS:
November Board of Directors Meeting Cancelled
November 8, 2007
Due to conflicting schedules, the regularly scheduled Board of Directors Meeting will be cancelled in November. The Board will reconvene on December 12, 2007.
Dirty Marine Diesel contributes to thousands of deaths annually
November 8, 1007
HONG KONG (AP) – Ships belching toxic fumes from diesel fuel contribute to the deaths of tens of thousands of people in Europe, Asia and the United States each year, claims a U.S. report released this week.
As many as 60,000 people living in coastal communities along major shipping routes died from lung and heart complaints as a result of high sulfate emissions from ships in 2002, according to the study released Wednesday by the American Chemical Society.
With international maritime trade on the rise and little regulation of ship emissions, that death toll could rise to as many as 82,000 by 2012, says the report to be published next month in ACS journal, Environmental Science & Technology. MORE
White House defends 'health benefits' of climate change
October 26, 2007
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The White House on Thursday defended its prediction that climate change would bring some "health benefits" to humans, a forecast unlikely to endear it to critics of the US environmental record.
But a document cited to buttress the claim also warned that the advantages would be "outweighed by the negative health effects of rising temperatures worldwide, especially in developing countries."
On Wednesday, spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters that US experts were trying to determine "what are going to be the health benefits and the health concerns of climate change, of which there are many."
"But it is true that many people die from cold-related deaths every winter. And there are studies that say that climate change in certain areas of the world would help those individuals," she added. "I'm not an expert." MORE
Climate change putting human survival at risk
October 25, 2007
Bloomberg News – Climate change, species extinctions and a growing human population is putting the global economy and even the survival of mankind at risk, a new United Nations study says.
Other problems, driven by increasing human population and a widening wealth gap, include declining fish stocks, loss of fertile land, and dwindling amounts of fresh water, the 540-page report said.
It warns that environmental damage may pass "points of no return." MORE
Power Plant Permits Rejected Over Carbon Dioxide Emissions
October 19, 2007
WASHINGTON POST – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment yesterday became the first government agency in the United States to cite carbon dioxide emissions as the reason for rejecting an air permit for a proposed coal-fired electricity generating plant, saying that the greenhouse gas threatens public health and the environment.
The decision marks a victory for environmental groups that are fighting proposals for new coal-fired plants around the country. It may be the first of a series of similar state actions inspired by a Supreme Court decision in April that asserted that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide should be considered pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
In the past, air permits, which are required before construction of combustion facilities, have been denied over emissions such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. But Roderick L. Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said yesterday that "it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing." MORE
Canada's Air and Water Quality getting worse
October 16, 2007
Canada's air quality is getting worse, and many of its waterways are so polluted they don't meet minimum standards for supporting aquatic life, says a new report released Monday from Canada's national statistical agency.
The Statistics Canada survey, which reviewed key environmental indicators from 1990 to 2005, showed a 12 per cent increase in ground level ozone - a key component of smog - over the 15-year period. Meantime, freshwater quality was rated as "marginal" or "poor" in 23 per cent of the 359 monitored sites in southern Canada and 14 per cent of the 36 sites tested in northern Canada. No trends were noted over time, as the data were only collected over a two-year period. MORE