Emergency Alerts and Updates

Air Quality Update for September 17

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Announced: September 17, 2020, 5:15 p.m.

To: Faculty & Staff
From: Environmental Health & Safety

While the winds have picked up this afternoon, the air quality has so far remained fairly steady in the 155-165 AQI range through the day.  Despite the increase in winds, the Butte County Air Quality Management District and AirNow have listed tomorrow’s forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) as “Unhealthy.” This level carries the advisory that “people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.” 

The University has applied the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory to campus operations as follows:  

If the AQI is 151 – 200 (unhealthy), EVERYONE must be concerned. Campus remains open. Campus events and activities scheduled outdoors that involve prolonged or heavy exertion will be rescheduled to a time when the air quality is better. Outdoor work and prolonged or heavy exertion should be limited where practicable. Employees who work outdoors for more than one hour should be reassigned or provided N95 masks for voluntary use. Indoor work and/or activities will continue as scheduled.

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.