Salmon Air Quality
Particulate pollution has long been a concern in the Salmon area. Salmon’s air quality is impacted by intense smoke events from regional wildfires in the summer and by smoke from residential wood combustion and air stagnation in the winter.
Since 2009, DEQ has collected particulate monitoring data in Salmon. Analysis of the data suggests the area frequently exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM 2.5).
Particulate matter air pollution is of concern because exposure can have significant impacts on public health, particularly for people with heart or lung diseases, children, and older adults. Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution. It is critical for the city to act now to improve the quality of life and health within the community, and to possibly avoid designation as a national nonattainment area.
Salmon Airshed Advisory Group
DEQ and the city of Salmon are establishing a Salmon Airshed Air Quality Advisory Group. The purpose of this group is to allow interested parties to understand and provide input on air quality issues facing the Salmon airshed. The group will spearhead the development and implementation of the PM Advance program, which is a non-regulatory program aimed at reducing fine particulate matter PM2.5 emissions. A proactive and coordinated strategy is needed to help address the history of PM2.5 exceedances in the airshed and protect public health.
Applications are solicited for people who want to participate in the group which will consist of 10-15 people to represent various air quality stakeholders. We are looking for representatives of community groups, the public, industrial facilities, land managers, farming and small business interests from throughout the Lemhi Valley. Fill out the application below if you would like to be considered. Selections will be made by the Salmon City Council in collaboration with DEQ.