Klamath Falls, Ore. — Klamath Falls failed to meet federal air quality standards in 2013.
It only takes three ‘non-attainment’ days in a year to make Klamath Falls ‘non-compliant’…but Klamath County Air Quality Specialist Jim Carey notes that there were four non-attainment days in December alone…
“We didn’t do so well in December.”
Klamath Falls was in compliance in 2012, and not in compliance in 2013.
That means 2014 will be critical to meet a three-year average.
Carey notes that attainment could mean the easing of some restrictions…
“We just need to make it through October, November, and December of this year.”
Carey says wood stove users are paying attention to the red, yellow, and green wood burning advisories, and Carey believes those advisories are helping to reduce pollution…
“Really, our compliance is great.”
If the city fails to meet air quality standards this year, there could be more ‘red’ days…and possibly an outright ban on traditional fireplaces.
“You would not be able to burn fireplaces.” States Carey. “Even on ‘green’ days.”
And additional restrictions on commercial operations…which could jeopardize new development.
Those tighter restrictions could also have a big economic impact. If industry and business fails to set up shop in Klamath Falls, the community would then lose out on jobs.
Klamath County will stop issuing daily burn advisories this Saturday, and resume those advisories in mid-October.
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