[ADEQ Media] ADEQ is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Sunday, April 3 for coarse particulate matter [PM-10]

Fri Apr 1 13:46:23 MST 2011

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is issuing a High
Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Sunday, April 3 for coarse particulate
matter [PM-10].

This HPA is being issued because anticipated high winds from a front
moving through the area on Sunday are expected to generate large amounts
of dust.

In an effort to reduce blowing dust, businesses and residents are asked
to stabilize loose dirt on their property. Off-highway vehicle use will
be prohibited within areas of Maricopa County during the HPA.

This HPA also includes the following restrictions:

*        Residents and businesses must refrain from burning wood in
fireplaces, woodstoves or outdoor fire pits. This restriction includes
individuals and businesses who have burn permits for open burning.

*        Contractors cannot use leaf blowers on governmental properties
on HPA days.

*        Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used during a
PM-10 HPA. 

ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid
outdoor activities on Sunday and suggests the general public limit
outdoor activity throughout the day. 

Valley Metro requests employers activate their HPA Plan. Residents and
employers are asked to use these tips to help make the air healthier to
breathe: 

*	Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimineas and
outdoor fire pits.
*	Drive as little as possible: car pool, use public transit or
telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit
Valley Metro: www.valleymetro.org
<http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cb3930b22b57043fdeec6178d3ad1de27eefe8c62c6871b
b4c19bf392db2899> .
*	Avoid using leaf blowers.
*	Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt
roads.
*	To learn more about the air you're breathing, visit:
www.CleanAirMakeMore.com <http://www.cleanairmakemore.com/> 

PARTICULATE MATTER BACKGROUND: State and county agencies measure PM-10
and PM-2.5 which are extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets
found circulating in the air. PM, or particulate matter, comes from
either combustion (cars, industry, woodburning) or dust stirred up into
the air. High levels of PM are typically created when the air is
especially stagnant or especially windy. 

PM-10 stands for particulate matter measuring 10 microns or less. PM-2.5
stands for particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less. To put this
in perspective, one strand of human hair is 70-100 microns in size.  

WHO'S WHO? 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality [ADEQ] provides a daily
forecast for air quality. When conditions exist, ADEQ will issue high
pollution advisories or health watches. Please visit
www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or call (602) 771-2367. To
receive the air quality forecast via email and/or text message please
visit www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department issues No Burn Day
restrictions based on a high pollution advisory or health watch. These
No Burn Day restrictions typically occur during the winter months. To
find out if any burn restrictions are in place, call (602) 506-6400 or
visit www.cleanairmakemore.com. Information is given in both English and
Spanish. You may report an air quality problem or polluter on our
website or by calling (602) 372-2703. 

To learn more about the Maricopa County residential woodburning
restriction ordinance, view a copy on our website www.maricopa.gov/aq.
Click on the direct link to the residential woodburning restriction
ordinance:
http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/divisions/planning_analysis/rules/docs/P26-08
03.pdf 

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to
residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel
bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, online carpool matching and bus
trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided
by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 16
governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit
system. www.ValleyMetro.org <http://www.valleymetro.org/> 

Media contacts: 

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality [ADEQ]

Mark Shaffer - (602) 771-2215 desk / (480) 433-9551 cell

Maricopa County Air Quality Department

Holly Ward - (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell

Valley Metro

Susan Tierney - (602) 523-6004 desk / (602) 292-4093 cell

-30-

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