Winter Spare The Air Season Ends With 91 Violations

The Bay Area Spare the Air season ended on the last day of February with 1,542 complaints and 91 violations of a wood smoke rule, Bay Area Air Quality District officials said last week. First-time violators were given the option of paying a $100 fine or taking a wood smoke awareness class. People who are issued a second violation must pay a $500 fine and fines are currently higher for subsequent violations.

Seven Winter Spare the Air Alerts were issued this season, which runs from November to February.
During no day of the season did pollution from fine particulates, such as wood smoke, exceed federal health standards, according to air district officials.

Air quality benefited from abundant rain this winter as rain and wind help clean the air. Air district officials are urging residents to replace older, more polluting fireplaces with cleaner heating options because wood smoke is harmful, especially to people with respiratory illnesses.

Wood smoke pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, air district officials said. Wood smoke is the largest source of pollution during Bay Area winters. Air district rules require residents who use a fireplace or outdoor fire pit to burn dry, seasoned firewood and avoid burning garbage,
leaves or other material that creates excessive smoke.

By Bay City News

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