PGAQ #19 (Cit) by Vic Steblin, March 1, 2008

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

The ancients realized the importance of wind. The Trinity was one third wind which was considered the spirit of God. The breath of life was just as important as the life-giving blood. We look forward to a positive idea as a change in the wind.

For decent air quality Prince George needs wind since so many of us keep on burning. The calm, cold winter days trap pollutants as dense cold air stays in lower areas. Hence the curse of our otherwise beautiful location where the Nechako meets the Fraser in a valley amidst surrounding ridges.

Poor air also comes mostly from a wood-burning, forestry-based industry of pulp mills and sawmills as they produce the worst PM2.5 pollution in British Columbia and often in Canada. Poor air also comes from residents who burn cheap beetle-killed wood for heat.

A steady wind can clear the haze in 30 minutes. I have watched amazed from a corner window of the UNBC library as a south wind arising at noon cleared two days worth of pollution in about half an hour. A whole city with clear buildings actually emerged out of the smog! A steady wind refreshes us with some of the best air on the planet. How I enjoy any weather forecast that involves wind!