SWCAA - News Releases

News Releases

Experts Present Results from Air Quality Study at Public Meeting
March 15 meeting with experts will highlight findings from an outdoor
air quality study at St. Helens Elementary School.

VANCOUVER, Wash. - On Tuesday, March 15, the Southwest Clean Air Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a meeting to discuss the results of the 2009 outdoor air quality monitoring study at St. Helens Elementary School. Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington Department of Ecology and the Southwest Clean Air Agency will give brief presentations. These speakers will join experts from the Cowlitz County Health Department to answer questions about the school study findings and other outdoor air quality issues as time allows. This meeting is open to the public and will be in the gymnasium at St. Helens Elementary School, 431 27th Ave. in Longview at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. A Spanish-language interpreter will be available to facilitate discussion.

“We hope that by offering this public meeting, parents and community members will take the opportunity to learn about this study and become more informed about the air quality in their own backyard,” said Laurie Hulse-Moyer, air quality specialist and study coordinator. “It’s a unique opportunity having these experts available all together for one night to answer questions.”

In 2009 the Southwest Clean Air Agency partnered with the U.S. EPA and St. Helens Elementary School to conduct a study that measured air toxics at the school. St. Helens was one of 63 schools in 22 states that participated in this program. In December 2010 the U.S. EPA released the final report on this study, available online here. Based on the monitoring results, air toxics concentrations are below the levels of concern associated with health problems from short-term or long-term exposures to acetaldehyde, manganese, and nickel or other toxic metals. While the results confirm some impact from a nearby source, the monitored results are not as high as was suggested by USA Today modeling data published as a feature article in December 2008. Because no concentrations of concern were found, no additional monitoring will be done at the school. For more information about this study and to read the final report, click here. More information about the U.S. EPA’s nationwide outdoor air toxics monitoring is available at www.epa.gov/schoolair.

Founded in 1968, the mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public’s health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

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Clark County Stage 2 Burn Ban Lifting Friday Afternoon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 6, 2011

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Due to favorable weather patterns and improving air quality conditions, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is removing the Stage 2 Burn Ban for Clark County effective 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The restrictions on using wood stoves and fireplaces in Clark County will then be lifted. Tomorrow afternoon residents may once again use their wood stoves and fireplaces, but are asked to burn as cleanly as possible. For those who heat with wood, please remember that it is always illegal to produce excess chimney smoke and to smoke out your neighbor. You know you are burning properly when you do not see any smoke coming from your chimney. (Read more).

Stage 1 Burn Ban Lifted for Cowlitz and Lewis Counties
Stage 2 Burn Ban in Clark County Remains in Effect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 5, 2011

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Due to favorable weather patterns and improving air quality conditions, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is removing the Stage 1 Burn Ban called for Cowlitz County and Lewis County effective 5:00 p.m. on January 5, 2011. The restrictions on using wood stoves and fireplaces in Cowlitz County and Lewis County will then be lifted. Residents may once again use their wood stoves and fireplaces, but are asked to burn as cleanly as possible. For those who heat with wood, please remember that it is always illegal to produce excess chimney smoke and to smoke out your neighbor. You know you are burning properly when you do not see any smoke coming from your chimney. (Read more.)

Unhealthy Air Quality Leads to a Stage Two
Burn Ban for Clark County
The use of all fireplaces, inserts, wood stoves and pellet stoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative source of heat are exempt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 3, 2011

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Due to persistent unhealthy levels of air pollution in Clark County, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 2 Burn Ban effective immediately throughout Clark County. The use of all fireplaces, pellet stoves, wood stoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 2 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt from this curtailment and we ask that you burn as clean as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 2 Burn Ban.

Air pollution at the level Clark County is currently experiencing is especially harmful to people with heart and lung problems, children, and adults over 65. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Fine particulate matter pollution in smoke released from wood stoves, fireplaces and other wood burning are of concern because they can reach deep into the lungs. Episodes of high fine particle pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing and make lung and heart problems worse.

“We are already exceeding the federal health-based standard for fine particulate matter pollution and are hoping this Stage 2 Burn Ban will keep our air quality from getting even worse,” said Bob Elliott, executive director for the agency. “We are not asking anyone to go without heat, but to use an alternative source of heat if possible until weather patterns change and our air quality returns to healthy levels.” (Read more.)

Stage 1 Burn Ban Now in Effect for Clark,
Cowlitz and Lewis Counties
The use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 30, 2010

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban, effective immediately until further notice for all of Clark, Cowlitz and Lewis Counties, due to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of persistent air stagnation. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If burning wood is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as clean as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban.

Air quality forecasters expect the stagnation may continue through Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. If air quality continues to deteriorate, SWCAA may have to issue a Stage 2 Burn Ban which would prohibit all wood burning, including fireplaces, certified wood stoves, inserts and pellet stoves. Again, if this is your sole source of heat, you are exempt from these burn bans. (Read more).

Air Quality Suffers from Stagnant Weather
Agency asks for voluntary measures to reduce wood smoke pollution.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 19, 2010

VANCOUVER, Wash. –Stagnant weather conditions over Lewis County are trapping air pollution at ground level, causing local air pollution levels to rise. Air quality forecasters do not expect the stagnation to clear out until Thursday afternoon.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency encourages residents to postpone their outdoor burning projects, if possible, until favorable weather patterns return. Those who heat their homes with wood are asked to burn as clean as possible, using only dry, seasoned firewood. For clean burning tips, click here.

“Lewis County residents may have noticed increased smoke in their neighborhoods yesterday,” remarked Randy Peltier, operations manager of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. “During an inversion such as we are experiencing, air pollution from fine particulate matter gets trapped and builds up as people continue to use their wood stoves and burn their yard or land clearing debris.”

Please be aware of the conditions in your area if you need to burn, said Jackie Brown, air quality specialist. “If the smoke is not dispersing or we have foggy, dry conditions, it’s not a good idea to burn.”

Fine particles released by smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces, outdoor burning and automobiles are of concern because they can reach deep into the lungs. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems and adults over age 65.

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Agreement Will Reduce Odors from Asphalt Terminal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 7, 2010

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) and Albina Asphalt have agreed to the terms and conditions of a Consent Order that will reduce emissions and odors from the Albina Asphalt terminal in downtown Vancouver, Washington. SWCAA has evaluated odor emissions, complaints, facility configuration, operating practices and facility equipment at Albina’s Vancouver terminal, and determined that nuisance odors are being generated by the facility. Under the terms of the Consent Order Albina Asphalt will install new control equipment and revise work practices to significantly improve control of process emissions and reduce odor impacts. Read more. To read the Consent Order (PDF), click here.

Stage 1 Burn Ban for Cowlitz County Tonight
Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 8, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 5 p.m. today, December 8, 2009 for all of Cowlitz County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of stagnant weather conditions that allows air pollution to accumulate at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban. Read more.

Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County Ending Friday at Noon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 3, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Due to favorable weather patterns and improving air quality in the near term, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is lifting the Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County effective at noon on Friday, Dec. 4. SWCAA will continue to monitor weather patterns and air quality on a daily basis. We encourage the public to burn as clean as possible if heating with wood. Outdoor burning is again allowed in areas where burning has not been permanently banned; a burn permit may be required. As always, please check with SWCAA for locations where burning is prohibited, permit requirements and fire danger conditions prior to burning.

If you are going to heat with wood, please burn it as cleanly as possible to minimize the impact on your neighbors. For more information about cleaner wood burning techniques, please click here. To sign up to receive e-mail notifications of future burn bans, click here.

The mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency, founded in 1968, is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public’s health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

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Stage 1 Burn Ban Now in Effect for Clark County
Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 1, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 1, 2009 for all of Clark County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of an inversion that is trapping air pollution at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified woodstoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban. Read more.

Guidance for Flood Victims Cleaning Up Asbestos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 3, 2008

VANCOUVER, Wash. - In light of the recent floods that ravaged southwest Washington, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is making an effort to facilitate the clean-up process. If you own and reside in a single-family home, you are allowed to do your own asbestos removal during home renovation projects, but asbestos demolition and removal notification forms must be filed with the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Read more.

No-Burn Areas Expanding in Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 1, 2008

VANCOUVER, Wash. - On January 1, 2008 the permanent No-Burn Areas of Ridgefield, La Center, Battle Ground and parts of Vancouver will expand to reflect the changes in Clark County's new Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, as approved on September 25, 2007. The Yacolt No-Burn Area will not be expanding at this time. Read more.

Southwest Clean Air Agency Updates Vancouver Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan - seeks comments, announces public hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2007

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is updating the Vancouver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan. The Agency seeks public comment on this Plan. The public comment period begins January 25, 2007. (Read more.)

Air Inversion over Vancouver Leads to Poor Air Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 15, 2007

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As strong high pressure remains over the region, the combination of calm winds and warming aloft is inhibiting the dispersion of pollutants and degrading air quality in Vancouver. The cold air mass over western Washington is expected to remain through midday Tuesday.(Read more.)

New and Expanded Lewis County No Burn Areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2006

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As of Jan. 1, 2007 all of the smaller urban growth areas in the state of Washington will become new permanent no burn areas. This will be the latest phase in a series of legislative mandates in the Washington Clean Air Act to progressively restrict outdoor burning. For Lewis County, the newly affected urban growth areas will be Napavine, Pe Ell, Winlock, Vader, Toledo, Mossyrock and Morton. The existing Centralia/Chehalis No Burn Area was established by earlier phases of the same legislation and will expand with any expansion of the urban growth areas of Centralia and Chehalis. (Read more.)

New Cowlitz County No Burn Areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2006

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As of Jan. 1, 2007 new no burn areas will impact Castle Rock and Woodland. The existing Longview/Kelso No Burn Area was established by an earlier phase of the same legislation. Beginning in January, only small recreational campfires will be allowed within the new no burn areas, as has always been the case for the existing Longview/Kelso No Burn Area. (Read more.)

Southwest Clean Air Agency Opens Public
Comment Period for Ozone Maintenance Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 28, 2006

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is updating the Vancouver portion of the Portland-Vancouver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Ozone Maintenance Plan. Currently the area meets the federal eight-hour air quality health standard for ozone; this proposed Ozone Maintenance Plan demonstrates that the area will continue to meet the standard with existing controls. The public is welcome to comment on this plan beginning Oct. 2, 2006. (Read more.)

Burn Barrel Roundup Coming to Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 14, 2004

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency and Clark County Public Works invite Clark County residents to turn in their burn barrels. The first 50 residents to turn in burn barrels on Saturday, October 2 will receive a free compost bin and all burn barrels that are turned in will be recycled. The collection begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. at the Central Transfer and Recycling Center at 11034 NE 117th Ave. in Vancouver. Burn barrels must be free of all materials and ash, cold (not recently used), open-topped, and made of metal to be eligible for this program.

Burn barrels are still a common sight throughout southwest Washington, even though their use was banned in the state of Washington in 2000. Garbage burning is a more serious threat to public health and the environment than previously believed and has been illegal here since 1967.

Burning household waste produces many toxic chemicals and is one of the largest known sources of dioxin in the nation. In fact, two households burning their garbage emit more cancer-causing substances than a state-of-the-art municipal solid waste incinerator serving tens of thousands of homes.

"Smoke from garbage burning is a health hazard and a public nuisance," says Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Particularly at risk to the effects of smoke are the elderly, children and those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory ailments.

For any outdoor burning complaints or questions, please call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058.

"Composting is a good alternative to outdoor burning and creates a resource instead of air pollution," says Pete DuBois from Clark County Public Works. "It is an easy and inexpensive way to turn yard and garden refuse into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass, weeds and wood chips into a rich soil conditioner."

Founded in 1968, the mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public's health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

For more information about outdoor burning, please visit the Southwest Clean Air Agency website at www.swcleanair.org or call 360-574-3058.

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Forecast for Hot, Still Weather Causes Clean Air Action Day Smog Advisory for July 23 and 24

VANCOUVER, Wash.--The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have issued a Clean Air Action Day smog advisory for tomorrow, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 for the Vancouver-Portland area. Metro area smog levels are expected to reach high levels, so please use alternative transportation where possible to spare our air. On Clean Air Action Days C-Tran offers free rides to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

The weather forecast is for high temperatures and low winds, which may cause higher-than-normal smog levels in the Vancouver-Portland area. When smog levels are at this level, people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, may feel the effects of air pollution and are encouraged to limit physical activity outdoors. If air quality conditions deteriorate further, active children and adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Smog is especially harmful to children, people with asthma and other lung problems, and people over the age of 50. Local residents can take action to keep air quality in the green and help reduce health problems associated with smog.

Gas-powered engines are the top source of smog. Here is a list of what you can do to reduce smog levels:

On very hot summer days, pollution from cars, other gas-powered engines, and smog-producing chemicals in paints and aerosol sprays can create unhealthy levels of smog. Also known as ground-level ozone, smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma.

For information about using C-TRAN or alternative forms of transportation in the Vancouver area, call 360-695-0123 or visit the C-TRAN website at www.c-tran.com. For information about using Tri-Met or alternative forms of transportation in the Portland area, call 503-238-RIDE (503-238-7433) or visit www.trimet.org.

Notice of Rule Changes - SWCAA 400
The Southwest Clean Air Agency has revised selected portions of SWCAA 400 "General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources."

These changes became effective November 9, 2003. To read a summary of the changes, click here. To read the final version of SWCAA 400, click here.

For more information about the changes to SWCAA 400, call Wess Safford at 360-574-3058, ext. 126.