DAQ Urges Use of Utah Air App as Burning Rules Go Into Effect: Seasonal wood burning restrictions begin November 1

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

DAQ Urges Use of Utah Air App as Burning Rules Go Into Effect

Seasonal wood burning restrictions begin November 1

Salt Lake City, Utah – With the air turning cold, the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) reminds Utahns that wood burning restrictions go into effect November 1, 2014, and urges the use of online and mobile tools for better monitoring of daily air particulates.

Wood burning restrictions aim to help reduce hard-to-see particle pollution that builds up during winter inversion periods. Restrictions are implemented as a proactive measure when fine particle matter (PM 2.5) has the potential to reach unhealthy levels from emission sources such as vehicles, as well as wood and coal burning fireplaces or stoves.

The DAQ air quality alert system, developed with input from the public, aims to better communicate the complex health implications and activity restrictions related to air pollution. A phone app, Utah Air, that employs DAQ’s air quality alert system is now available for both Android and iOS users at airquality.utah.gov/aqp/currentcondition. App users will receive burn-ban alerts and three-day forecasts to help plan the best times to exercise outdoors, or when to make consolidated trip for errands based on current conditions.

“The Utah Air app is our most popular tool because Utahns can quickly click on the information they need at anytime and anywhere,” said Bryce Bird, director of DAQ. “This is important information people can access in order to make daily decisions that will improve air quality during the upcoming winter inversion season.”

The DAQ’s alert system consists of two parts:

Part 1—Action Alerts: Three basic symbols to indicate unrestricted, voluntary and mandatory actions.

· Unrestricted Action (symbol = circle): Wood and coal burning stoves or fireplaces may be used, but please use them in a proper manner to reduce smoke emissions.
· Voluntary Action (symbol = inverted triangle): Voluntarily do not use wood and coal burning stoves or fireplaces. Reduce vehicle use by consolidating trips. Industry should optimize operating conditions to minimize air pollution emissions.

· Mandatory Action (symbol = X): Wood and coal burning stoves or fireplaces must not be used. Reduce vehicle use by consolidating trips. Industry should optimize operating conditions to minimize air pollution emissions.

When mandatory restrictions are in place the use of solid fuel appliances may result in penalties ranging up to $299 per day. If violations of the burning restrictions are observed by the public, they should be reported to DAQ by calling 801-536-4000 during business hours or by filling out a simple form online at: airquality.utah.gov/Compliance/complaint.htm.

Part 2—Health Guidance: The EPA’s national standard Air Quality Index (AQI), which is divided into six, color-coded categories that correspond to different levels of pollution and related guidance for individuals with health concerns.

The DAQ monitors air pollution hourly and provides a three-day “action forecast” on its website (airquality.utah.gov) to help residents plan ahead and adjust their activities during periods of winter inversion. In addition, for current conditions and updates, residents, businesses and visitors can call 801-536-0072 or 1-800-228-5434, and subscribe to the Choose Clean Air email alerts (deq.utah.gov/ListServ).

Contact:
Donna Kemp Spangler
Communications Director
801.536.4484 (office)
801.554-4944 (cell)
dspangler@utah.gov

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About DEQ
Established in 1991, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) mission is to safeguard public health and quality of life by protecting and enhancing the environment. DEQ implements state and federal environmental laws and works with individuals, community groups and businesses to protect the quality of Utah’s air, land and water. For more information, visit www.deq.utah.gov, follow DEQ on Facebook (utahdeq) and Twitter (UtahDEQ), or call 1-800-458-0145.