The sixth Check Before You Burn season officially ended on Feb. 28.? From November 2008 until the last week of February, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued 54 “no burn days” in Kern County.? The district planned on 40.
Brenda Turner, the public information representative for the southern region at the control district, explained reasons why Kern County was issued so many days.
“We issued ‘no burn days’ when the particulate matter would reach 30 [microns]?or higher,” Turner said.
Particulate matter is a group of air pollutants composed of various geological materials such as nitrates, acid aerosols and other trace matter.
The government has conducted studies, and evidence shows that particulate matter is absorbed into the bloodstream and lungs and is linked to illnesses such as bronchitis, emphysema and lung disease.? Because of these health concerns, the “no burn” policy was stricter this season compared to previous years.
The “no burn days” are a part of the “Fast-Track” Plan for Cleaner Air by 2024.
This was set by the Federal Government during the summer of 2007 and set a deadline for districts with unhealthy air to clean up the air quality by 2024.? The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is hoping the valley will have cleaner air before then.
Although there are various health and environmental reasons for continuing the “check before you burn” policy, local firewood dealers are losing business.
“We’re down in sales about 30 percent,” said Jack Lancaster, co-owner of Niles Street Firewood.
The business turned to radio promotions hoping to help boost their sales.? Lancaster explained that their business runs from the first weekend in Oct. to the second weekend in March.? He does not believe that the statistics on firewood smoke pollution are right.
“I don’t believe in the figures,” Lancaster said.? “Firewood smoke doesn’t cause pollution or cancer like other smokes.? How they do it is wrong.”
The air district has also affected agricultural burning and it has been regulated or prohibited?and is down 70 percent since 2007.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District will have their Governing Board meeting April 16.? The public is invited to attend and voice any concerns or comments.?
The meeting will be at 9 a.m. at the district office in Fresno, but a teleconference will be held in Bakersfield.? For more information, visit, www.valleyair.org or call the Bakersfield office at 392-5500.