DEQ Air Quality Forecast and Caution-Lift

Air Quality Advisory Lifted for the Nez Perce Reservation

Monday, August 25, 2014

 

Description of Air Quality Event:

Air quality has improved throughout the Nez Perce Reservation.  The Air Quality Advisory is lifted.

Although air quality conditions have improved, wildfire smoke may continue to move in and out of the area throughout the weekend. Some areas may be more impacted than others, so please take appropriate precautions.

Affected Areas:      

All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation.

AQI Category:

Air quality is in the “Good” category of the Air Quality Index.

Restrictions:           

No restrictions.

 

AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR PARTICLE POLLUTION http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
Air Quality Category	Health Advisory
Good	None.
Moderate	Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous	Everyone should avoid any exertion. Sensitive people should remain indoors.

 

Sensitive groups include infants, children, pregnant women, elders, people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors), and those with existing health conditions or chronic diseases like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, or diabetes.

 

Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program

208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089

airquality@nezperce.org | www.nezperce.org

 

DEQ Air Quality Forecast and Caution

DEQ is issuing an  Air Quality Forecast & Caution Date/Time Issued: Friday, August 22, 2014/10:00 a.m. Next Update: Tuesday, August 26, 2014/10:00 a.m.

Due to smoke from the Johnson Bar fire in Idaho County, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of northeast Idaho County, east of the Nez Perce Reservation line (near Kooskia/Stites) to the Montana border, and from the northern Idaho County line south to Hwy 14; communities include, Syringa, Lowell, Elk City, and those within the defined area of degraded air quality.  Air quality is currently in the MODERATE category and is forecast to remain in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category over the next few days.The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is moderate, air quality is acceptable;  however, people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health impacts and should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Lewiston at (208) 799-4370. For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov. For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

08/22/14 Idaho DEQ Smoke Forecast

DEQ has stopped issuing daily smoke forecasts due to reduced wildfire activity and improved air quality throughout the state. Air quality is forecast to remain in the Good air quality category for at least the next couple of days.

The emergency monitor in Fenn has gone down and will not be replaced unless conditions worsen. 

To find an air quality forecast for your area, visit the DEQ's Daily Air Quality Reports and Forecasts webpage.

To find real-time air quality for your area, visit the DEQ’s real-time air quality page

To find information on wildfire activity, visit Inciweb

DEQ will start issuing daily smoke forecasts again if wildfire activity increases.Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather.  If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur.  When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities.  Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors.  

Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information. 

Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside.  Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good. 

AQI Category	Visibility (miles)
Good	11+
Moderate	6-10
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	3-5
Unhealthy	1½  -2¾
Very Unhealthy	1-1¼
Hazardous	Less than 1

Air Quality Advisory for the Clearwater River Corridor on the Nez Perce Reservation

Thursday, August 21^st, 2014 

 

Description of Air Quality Event:

Wildfire smoke from the Johnson Bar Fire continues to impact communities along the Clearwater River Corridor from Orofino to Stites.  The Air Quality Advisory remains in effect for this area of the Nez Perce Reservation through 10:00am Monday, August 25^th, 2014.  For all other areas of the Reservation, the advisory has been lifted; however, wildfire smoke may continue to move in and out of the area. Some areas may be more impacted than others, so please take appropriate precautions.

Affected Areas:      

All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation.

AQI Category:

Air quality along the Clearwater River Corridor is currently in the “Good” category, but may trend toward the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category as the day progresses.  See health-related information below. 

Restrictions:           

No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved. This action does not apply to camping and

recreational fires or fires set for cultural or traditional purposes (FARR General Rule for Open Burning, Section 49.131).

Next Update:          

These restrictions are in effect through 10:00am Monday, August 25^th, 2014. Conditions will be reassessed at that time.

 

AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR PARTICLE POLLUTION http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
Air Quality Category	Health Advisory
Good	None.
Moderate	Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous	Everyone should avoid any exertion. Sensitive people should remain indoors.

 

Sensitive groups include infants, children, pregnant women, elders, people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors), and those with existing health conditions or chronic diseases like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, or diabetes.

 

Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program

208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089

airquality@nezperce.org | www.nezperce.org

 

 

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

Wednesday, August 20^th, 2014

 

Description of Air Quality Event:

The Air Quality Advisory remains in effect for the Nez Perce Reservation through 10:00am Thursday, August 21^st , 2014.  Wildfire smoke may continue to move in and out of the area during the day and overnight. Some areas may be more impacted than others, so please take appropriate precautions.

Affected Areas:      

All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation.

AQI Category:

Current air quality readings vary throughout the Reservation. The Lapwai, Culdesac, Craigmont and Reubens areas are in the “Good” category of the Air Quality Index. Nezperce is in the “Moderate” category. Communities located along the Clearwater River corridor can expect to see air quality range from “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Unhealthy” before improving later in the day.  See health-related information below.

Restrictions:           

No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved. This action does not apply to camping and

recreational fires or fires set for cultural or traditional purposes (FARR General Rule for Open Burning, Section 49.131).

Next Update:          

These restrictions are in effect through 10:00am Thursday, August 21st, 2014. Conditions will be reassessed at that time.

 

AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR PARTICLE POLLUTION http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
Air Quality Category	Health Advisory
Good	None.
Moderate	Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous	Everyone should avoid any exertion. Sensitive people should remain indoors.

 

Sensitive groups include infants, children, pregnant women, elders, people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors), and those with existing health conditions or chronic diseases like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, or diabetes.

 

Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program

208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089

airquality@nezperce.org | www.nezperce.org

 

DEQ Air Quality Forecast and Caution-Extension

DEQ is issuing an  Air Quality Forecast & Caution Date/Time Issued: Tuesday, August 19, 2014/10:00 a.m. Next Update: Friday, August 22, 2014/10:00 a.m.

Due to smoke from the Johnson Bar fire in Idaho County, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of northeast Idaho County, east of the Nez Perce Reservation line (near Kooskia/Stites) to the Montana border, and from the northern Idaho County line south to Hwy 14; communities include, Syringa, Lowell, Elk City, and those within the defined area of degraded air quality.  Air quality is currently in the MODERATE category and is forecast to remain in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category over the next few days.The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is moderate, air quality is acceptable;  however, people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health impacts and should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Lewiston at (208) 799-4370. For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov. For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

Range Category Meaning 0 to 50 Good Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk 51 to 100 Moderate Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. 101 to 150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. 151 to 200 Unhealthy Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. 201 to 300 Very Unhealthy Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. 301 to 500 Hazardous Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.

For more information on the AQI, read EPA’s AQI brochure at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

* Sensitive groups for particulate matter include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups for ozone include those with lung disease, older adults, and children.

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

Tuesday, August 19^th, 2014

 

Description of Air Quality Event:

The Air Quality Advisory remains in effect for the Nez Perce Reservation through 10:00am Wednesday, August 20^th, 2014.  Wildfire smoke may continue to move in and out of the area during the day and overnight. Some areas may be more impacted than others, so please take appropriate precautions.

Affected Areas:      

All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation.

AQI Category:

Current air quality readings vary throughout the Reservation. The Lapwai, Culdesac, Craigmont and Reubens areas are in the “Good” category of the Air Quality Index.  Communities located along the Clearwater River corridor can expect to see air quality range from “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Unhealthy” before improving later in the day.  See health-related information below.

Restrictions:           

No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved. This action does not apply to camping and

recreational fires or fires set for cultural or traditional purposes (FARR General Rule for Open Burning, Section 49.131).

Next Update:          

These restrictions are in effect through 10:00am Tuesday, August 20^th, 2014. Conditions will be reassessed at that time.

 

AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR PARTICLE POLLUTION http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
Air Quality Category	Health Advisory
Good	None.
Moderate	Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous	Everyone should avoid any exertion. Sensitive people should remain indoors.

 

Sensitive groups include infants, children, pregnant women, elders, people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors), and those with existing health conditions or chronic diseases like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, or diabetes.

 

Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program

208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089

airquality@nezperce.org | www.nezperce.org

 

08/19/14 Idaho DEQ Smoke Forecast

Updated 1000am MDT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Valid through Noon MDT Friday, August 22, 2014

Smoke Outlook

Idaho DEQ has issued a Stage 1 Forecast and Caution for the following areas:

• Idaho County (Off the Nez Perce Reservation)-effective  through 10:00am PDT August 19, 2014, at which time is will be re-evaluated and either extended or lifted.

The areas of concern continue to be in the Clearwater Basin due to the proximity of local fires, there is some transport of smoke from fires burning in California, Oregon, and Washington.  Smoke impacts were limited to regions close to fires as DEQ’s monitors were slightly elevated and in the Good and Moderate categories yesterday.  The emergency monitor at the Fenn Ranger Station was also in the Moderate yesterday.  The Idaho Panhandle saw slightly elevated values in some spots due to fires burning in Washington state.

The shortwave trough currently located over Canada will sag and bring a cold front over Idaho this evening.  Leading up to this passage, we will experience a more active weather day with respect to winds, thunderstorms and showers.  The closed low over California will continue to funnel monsoon moisture into southern Idaho before shearing to the east.  The cold front is forecast to pass through Idaho beginning late this morning in the north while not passing through southern Idaho until late afternoon and into early Wednesday morning.  As this front approaches, there is an increased chance for showers along the Southern Highlands and Central Idaho Mountains.  Generally, the surface winds will be from the southwest and will be moderate in speed due to the surface pressure gradient tightening in response to the approaching front.  Skies are expected to be mostly sunny all day.  Transport wind direction is forecast to be from the south-southwest over southern Idaho at 5-20 mph with faster speeds over the southeastern part of the state.  Temperatures are forecast to be slightly cooler through the week with increasing chance for showers and higher relative humidity levels.  The low over Canada will be relatively stationary, keeping much of Idaho in the nadir of a shortwave trough for much of the week.

Smoke impacts today will continue to be strongest across the Clearwater with locally heavy impacts near fires with some light transport into central and north Idaho.  Smoke will settle into the drainages again this evening.  This weekend will bring light smoke through the Snake River Plain.  Higher values should be expected in the morning before the inversion breaks.  Smoke from fires burning in Washington will be transported into the Panhandle region once more this afternoon.

The USFS has installed a monitor at the Fenn Ranger Station.  The information can be found at  http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/smoke.pl

·         Fenn monitor is Smoke#25

·         Users should be aware that the Forest Service site reports the data in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).  To convert from UTC to Mountain Daylight Time, subtract 6 hours

View DEQ near-real time monitoring at:  http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/

Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather.  If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur.  When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities.  Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors.  Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information. 

Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside.  Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good. 

AQI Category	Visibility (miles)
Good	11+
Moderate	6-10
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	3-5
Unhealthy	1½  -2¾
Very Unhealthy	1-1¼
Hazardous	Less than 1