DEQ has extended an Air Quality Forecast & Caution for the Southwest Idaho Area

Air Pollution Forecast &Caution Extended

Date/Time Issued: Friday, August 24, 2018/2:00 p.m.

Next Update: Monday, August 27, 2018/3:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Ada,  Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington County of degraded air quality.   Due to a stagnant atmosphere and elevated pollutant levels, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. Air quality is currently in the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS* category and is forecast to remain in the upper Moderate to low Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups through the weekend. The pollutants of concern are Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Ozone.

Woodstove Burning Restrictions

Residential wood burning activities are restricted.

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).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, sensitive persons* may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. The general public is unlikely to be affected.

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Boise at (208) 373-0550.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.