Air Quality Update for September 14
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Announced: September 13, 2020, 6 p.m.
To: Faculty & Staff
From: Environmental Health & Safety
As the fires continue to burn in California, the weather pattern has prevented much of the smoke from being pushed out of the valley. According to Butte County Air Quality Management District, “Stronger south winds are expected to increase fire activity today which will keep our area’s air quality very unhealthy to hazardous; like yesterday, many locations may see hazardous air quality conditions in the afternoon.” As a reminder, the forecast is an average of 24-hours and current conditions hour by hour may be different than forecasted.
The Butte County Air Quality Management District and AirNow have listed tomorrow’s 24-hour average forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) as “VeryUnhealthy.” This level carries the advisory that “people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.”
The University has applied the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory to campus operations as follows:
If AQI is 201–300 (very unhealthy) EVERYONE must be concerned. Campus remains open. All outdoor physical activity/work will be suspended until the air quality is better. If outdoor work is absolutely necessary, N95 respirators will be provided for voluntary use. Indoor work/events/activities/academic classes will continue as scheduled, per consultation with the President and Cabinet. If available, the University will issue N95 masks to persons in sensitive groups.
Due to the suspension of outdoor activity/work employees should contact their manager upon arrival to campus, unless they have received instructions related to work details.
While on campus, the best air quality is inside buildings due to air filtration. All individuals should limit their time outdoors, and if outdoors choose less strenuous activities.
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will continue monitoring the AQI. Updated guidance will be sent accordingly. For additional information about air quality, please visit the Environmental Health & Safety website. You can also monitor current quality conditions at AirNow.
If you have any questions, please contact your manager or EHS Director Marvin Pratt at 530-898-5126.