“Spare the Air” alerts in the San Lorenzo Valley have begun. The Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District will send out notifications by 3 p.m. each day when conditions warrant a “Spare the Air” alert.
The alerts will routinely apply to San Lorenzo Valley, but there may also be times when an alert will be issued for areas in Monterey and San Benito Counties.
The Air District is implementing this voluntary program as a means to address unhealthy air quality conditions that routinely occur in San Lorenzo Valley. The purpose of the Spare the Air alert is to reduce the amount of pollution from wood smoke.
During an alert, residents are asked to choose an alternative heating source.
Public response is critical to lower pollution levels during stagnant winter conditions. If air quality conditions do not improve, the Air District will take steps toward a mandatory program. The voluntary program will run from November through February.