Okanogan River Airshed Partnership
Air Quality Achieved Through Community Action
Statues at the Omak Stampede Museum, good air day
Who We Are
The Okanogan River Airshed Partnership, (ORAP) seeks to improve the quality of life for residents of the Okanogan. We believe that, through outreach and stakeholder engagement, we can reduce our yearly exposure to wood smoke particles in our communities and valley.
In December of 2015 a small group of stakeholders were brought together to provide background information, identify potential emission reduction projects and develop a vision for a larger stakeholder group formation. The purpose of the meeting focused on strategies to minimize the PM2.5 emissions in the area and prevent the trend toward non-attainment that monitoring data suggests. The group has met twice yearly sense then to discuss emission reduction projects, coordinate funding and implementation of project.
What is PM2.5?
PM 2.5 refers to atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3% the diameter of a human hair. Particles in this category are so small that they can only be detected with an electron microscope.
These fine particulates consist of a mixture of solid particle and liquid droplets that can be inhaled and cause health problems. Exposure to these particles can affect both your lungs and heart. People with heart or lung diseases, children, and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure.
High PM2.5 causes reduced visibility or haze that can have social and economic consequences. The topography of the Okanogan Valley encourages the formation of inversions that trap smoke from vegetation debris burning and wood heating close to the ground. We see that haze in the fall and winter months.
Learn Before you Burn
Wood smoke is harmful to your health, and smoke has no boundaries. Take these steps to protect yourself and your community.
Burn the right wood
Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood that has been split properly. Test wood with a moisture meter (20% moisture or less is best).
The right way
Provide sufficient air to the fire; never let it smolder. The right way is hot and bright.
In the right appliance
The right appliance is an EPA-approved appliance, inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep. EPA-approved wood-burning appliances not only reduce smoke, but also are more efficient and require less cords of wood. Switch to a heat pump, or use a cleaner-burning gas, wood, or pellet stove. Need to upgrade to an EPA-certified wood stove? Check out our program.