Document text
Winter air quality restrictions begin Ashland, Phoenix, Jacksonville added By BETH QUINN Oxygenated gas and woodsmoke curtailment return to Jackson County on Sunday. For the first time since woodstove restrictions went into effect in Jackson County in 1989, citizens across the valley -- including for the first time residents of Jacksonville, Phoenix and Talent -- will operate under uniform rules. "One standard fits all; one advisory means the same thing no matter where you are," said Gary Stevens, coordinator of Jackson County's environmental health services. The uniform woodstove rules are part of an effort to head off future air quality problems in the Rogue Valley, which once ranked among the nation's dozen worst places for air quality. The last "red" day for woodsmoke pollution occurred in 1991, but Stevens said a recent study by the state Department of Environmental Quality suggested that with the area's explosive growth, and given the right weather conditions, Jackson County's air would still be too dirty. The right conditions include extended periods of air stagnation, which occurred often in the 1980s but not in this decade, and colder winters, which are predicted in coming years. Add to that an expected tightening in acceptable pollution levels by federal regulators and local officials decided to make the push for a uniform standard. "We need to be proactive. We're not required to do anything right now," Stevens said. But with a solid 32 percent of residents still heating with wood, officials anticipated future problems and decided to deal with them right now. "One of the strategies was the unified ordinance," he said. The clean-air rules in effect from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28 include: Oxygenated gasoline. Only gasoline with an oxygen content of 2.7 percent by weight may be sold in Jackson County, Grants Pass and Klamath Falls. Wood-burning restrictions. These rules now apply in Medford, Central Point, Ashland, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Talent and the valley portion of Jackson County, including White City. Fireplace use is also restricted. Following is a list of restriction levels and what they mean: GREEN means smoke levels are low and good air circulation is predicted. All woodstove use permitted. But on woodstoves not certified by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality or the federal Environmental Protection Agency, smoke emissions may not exceed 50 percent opacity. That means the smoke plume obscures 50 percent of objects viewed through it. YELLOW means smoke levels are rising and poor air circulation is predicted. Woodstove use is limited to certified woodstoves and users with exemptions because they have no other source of heat. RED means smoke is approaching unhealthy levels and stagnant air conditions are predicted. Woodstove use is limited to certified woodstoves and stove users with exemptions. Households seen violating the ordinance will first be sent letters explaining the restrictions. A second violation triggers a mailed notice of violation and a personal visit to the home, and a third violation means a citation carrying a fine of up to $500. To find out the day's air quality conditions, call 776-9000. For other information, call the Jackson County Air Quality Program at 776-7318. Open burning. Residential open burning is banned in Medford and Jacksonville at all times, and within the valley portion of Jackson County, including other cities, from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. Burning is allowed outside the area if the ventilation index exceeds 400. Check with fire protection districts, which may require permits. Only open and barrel burning are allowed, not garbage or other material. Call 776-7007, or (800) 452-5021, ext. 7007, for daily advisories on open burning, which have no connection to those for woodstove and fireplace use. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA