PGAQ #56 by Vic Steblin, Nov 30, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

The mega polluters of Prince George must enjoy the squabbles over residential wood burning. Even PACHA (People’s Action Committee for Healthy Air) members have differences over heating with wood. The more the minor squabbles the more the spotlight is off the mega polluters. Residential burners also seem to feel free to pursue their pollution as long as burning is a contentious issue.

Many PACHA members say they burn wood responsibly. They may have a pellet stove and claim that it burns up to 90% efficiency. Higher heat prevents seeing as much smoke but the finer particles are still there to do their damage during cold air inversions. I do not believe there is any responsible burning below natural gas.

In my opinion, all burning is bad. If we are to care about reducing the fine particulate that causes the most damage then we must have a true change in attitude. Stop all burning wherever possible. Citizens have to clean up their act along with government and industry. To change policy and practice we all need to be committed and involved.