FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 3, 2010
10-230

     Winds expected to kick up unhealthy dust in southeast and
south-central Washington

      SPOKANE -Winds up to 28 miles per hour Saturday across much of
south-central and southeastern Washington may stir up loose dirt from
harvest operations and residents are asked to take precautions. 

	The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a forecast for
winds after 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) blowing from the west between 8
and 17 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Saturday night's
forecast is for areas of blowing dust until 8 p.m. with gusts up to 26
mph.  

	The wind is expected to affect Yakima, Sunnyside, Ellensburg,
Goldendale, Connell, Pasco, Walla Walla and many parts of northeastern
Oregon. With the freshly disturbed soils from harvest operations, the
potential exists for dust concentrations to be high enough to affect
sensitive people Saturday afternoon and evening.

      Winds stir up dust particles, which can be inhaled deeply into
lungs. Dust particles can irritate or damage sensitive tissues in the
respiratory system. People with respiratory illnesses, the elderly,
young children, pregnant women and anyone engaged in strenuous physical
activity outdoors are most at risk. 

      Here's how you can protect yourself during a dust event:

* Stay indoors as much as possible.
* Wear a mask designed to block small particles.
* Watch for sudden changes in visibility while driving.
* Avoid driving during windy conditions when windblown dust is likely.
* Turn on headlights as a safety precaution.

      After the wind stops blowing, fine dust can remain suspended in
the air as traffic grinds up dust deposited from the storm. In some
low-lying areas, the air can become "stagnant," and particles may settle
out of the air slowly. 

      Residents can help reduce airborne dust by driving slower on
unpaved roads and by postponing projects at home that stir up dust. 

      Dust control is required for all construction projects. Control
measures include clearing no more land than necessary, working in phases
to minimize the amount of exposed land area, using a commercial dust
suppressant to replace or reduce the use of water, covering bare ground
with gravel, and curtailing activities on windy days. 

      For more information, contact Ecology's Eastern Regional Office in
Spokane, 509-329-3574; Ecology's Central Regional Office in Yakima,
509-454-4193; or your local air quality agency: 

* In Spokane County, call the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency at
509-477-4727.
* In Benton County, call the Benton Clean Air Agency at 509-783-1304.
* In Yakima County, call the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency at
509-834-2050.