By Pete McIntyre

UPDATE: Road dust advisory remains in place

Mar 20, 2020 | 10:14 AM

UPDATE March 20

A dust advisory issued for Vernon Thursday has been extended to a second day.

The Environment Ministry said the levels of road dust in the air remain higher than the air quality objectives at 86 milograms per cubic metre as of Friday morning.

“This air quality episode is caused by high levels of road dust, measured as PM10. Roaddust is emitted into the air when traffic volumes are high and winter traction material is present on dry road surfaces,” said Graham Veale, air quality meteorologist.

The provincial air quality objective for PM10, is 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3 ), averaged over 24 hours.

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The 24-hour average PM10 concentrations are summarized below for Okanagan communities as of March 20, 2020 at 9 a.m.:

Vernon (µg/m3 ) 86.1
Kelowna 29.9

The levels can be an issue for people with breathing or other medical conditions.

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Road dust advisory issued March 19

Another dust advisory has been issued for Vernon.

There have been several issued by the Environment Ministry over the last month or so, due to dust in the air from road grit which municipal crews are in the process of cleaning off the streets.

The ministry said the levels are higher than the air quality objectives and can be an issue for people with underlying medical conditions.

The conditions are expected to continue until there is precipitation or dust suppression.

“Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations. This advisory is in effect until further notice,” said Graham Veale, air quality meteorologist.

The provincial air quality objective for PM10, is 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3 ), averaged over 24 hours.

Vernon’s reading as of 9 a.m. March 19 was 57, while Kelowna’s was 27.1.

by Pete McIntyre

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