Lewiston Region Air Quality Plans & Reports
Air quality in the Lewiston Region is typically good, although seasonal burning activities and industrial emissions have been known to elevate pollutant levels in some areas. This region covers five north central Idaho counties: Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho. DEQ has regulatory authority over portions of these counties located outside the Nez Perce Reservation.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is monitored in Moscow, Lewiston, and Grangeville. Although pollutant levels rarely exceed national health-based standards in these cities, air pollution is of concern when meteorological conditions become stagnant, which is often the case during the wintertime and early in the morning. Vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, woodstove smoke, and smoke from fires are common sources that impact air quality.
A stringent permit program limits emissions from large stationary sources to levels below those considered harmful to citizens and the environment. In addition, industrial sources are routinely inspected and air quality is closely evaluated prior to allowing agricultural burning.
To protect air quality, residents in this area are advised to call the air quality toll-free hotline at 1-855-401-4636 before burning. And, those who are looking to replace old wood stoves are encouraged to take advantage of the wood stove program that offers tax deductions to replace old, uncertified wood stoves.
2009
- Evaluation of Potential Health Effects from Air Toxics: Lewiston Air Toxics Monitoring 2006-2007
- Health Consultation for the Potlatch Pulp Mill