Air Quality
This indicator examines trends in air quality related to the concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. Fine particulate matter is one component of air quality, chosen because of its effect on human health and visibility.

What can I do?

The following links may provide helpful information and, with the exception of the US EPA, are located outside the EPA.gov domain.

As A Citizen

• If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, consider exchanging your older model for newer, certified ones. Burn only dry, seasoned wood at very high heat. For a list of certified stoves and inserts see the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency's List of EPA-Certified Woodstoves in the United States and Natural Resources Canada: Buying a High-Efficiency Wood-Burning Appliance. Also see Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association. You can tell if your wood stove or insert is certified by checking for a plate on the back signifying so.
  
• Recycle or compost yard debris rather than burning it.
  
• Bike to work! See the Bicycle Alliance of Washington or Better Environmentally Sound Transportation.
  
• Use your car less by signing up with FlexCar. Also visit eRideShare.com to find a carpool near you.
  
• Buy a fuel efficient car. See Greener Cars or call the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy at (202) 428-0063. In Canada, please visit Natural Resources Canada: Fuel Consumption Ratings for more information.
  
• Check out biodiesel as a fuel source for your vehicles: (206) 684-0935 and Puget Sound Clean Cities: Biodiesel. You can find biodiesel sources in Washington at Puget Sound Clean Cities: Biodiesel Fueling Information. In Canada, visit the BC Sustainable Energy Association Biodiesel page to find biodiesel sources in BC.
• Recognize the symptoms of asthma: shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing, among others. See the American Lung Association of Washington and the British Columbia Lung Association.
  
• If you are sensitive to air quality, check on local conditions by visiting AirNow in Washington and the Greater Vancouver Regional District's Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Index Reporting System in BC. Be smart and limit outdoor exercise when air quality conditions are poor.
  

As A School Bus Driver

• Turn off your bus when you load or unload children. Please don't idle more than 3-5 minutes, especially in the morning.
  
• If buses need the engine to run flashing lights, consider changing circuit configurations so that the flashing lights can be powered by battery.
  
• Make sure the school district has a space inside for you to wait and be comfortable.
  
• Jump on the biodiesel or ultra low sulphur fuel bandwagon. Visit EPA's Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program, West Coast Collaborative and EPA's Clean School Bus USA Program.
  

As A Business

• Use ultra low sulphur diesel fuels or biodiesel blends.
  
• When you award new contracts that involve shipping and receiving, require that suppliers belong to EPA SmartWay Transport Partners Call (734) 214-4767 to learn more.
  
• Support a commute-trip reduction program.
  
• As part of your community programs and outreach, become a member of the American Lung Association's of Washington's Lung Action Network and support public policies that reduce air pollution. Remember how air pollution decreases productivity and increases health care costs.
  

As A Marine Vessel Manager

Emerging Technologies and Fuels:

Reductions in energy consumption and emissions can be accomplished through:

• Electronic management/Injection equipment such as electronic controlled jerk pumps, electronic controlled unit injectors and common rail systems Learn more at the Southwest Research Institute.
  
• Fuel composition: Low and ultra low sulphur fuels, SO2 reduction and alternative fuel mixes.
  
• Exhaust after-treatment: Particulate Matter traps, oxidation catalysts and selective catalytic reduction.
  

Alternatives to Conventional Number 2 Diesel Fuel:

The five most common alternatives to conventional number 2 diesel fuel include:

1. Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (ULSD)
2. Biodiesel (B20)
3. Number 1 Diesel Fuel
4. Compressed Natural Gas
5. Propane

See Washington State Ferries: Clear Sailing Ahead (PDF; 2pp., 337KB); Northwest Collaborative Air Priorities Partnership; Puget Sound Clean Air Agency; Clean Air Fleets: Alternatives to Conventional Number 2 Diesel Fuel and Environment Canada: Georgia Basin - Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy.

Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has had the sulfur content reduced from approximately 500 parts per million (ppm) to 13 ppm sulfur.

ULSD was formulated to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 emissions standards.

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