Another air quality advisory issued for Vernon

The City of Vernon has once again been put under an air quality advisory.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy together with Interior Health has issued a Road Dust Advisory for Vernon due to high concentrations of coarse particulate in the air. According to a media release from Environment Canada the poor air quality is expected to continue until there is precipitation or dust suppression.

The government agency says levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations. People with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise near busy roads. The poor air quality is a particular concern for infants, the elderly, and people with diabetes, lung or heart disease.

The air quality advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The situation with poor air quality in the city was raised during Vernon council’s Feb. 24 meeting, following several air quality advisories already released this year. As road grit is a contributing factor in the air quality, Councillor Scott Anderson asked staff how the grit Vernon used on the roads compared to other municipalities. Staff said testing shows the road grit used by the City tested higher than in other municipalities.

The City is in the process of purchasing a street sweeping vacuum, however, staff indicated this purchase would likely not be complete until the summer.

For more information on the air quality advisory go here.

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