All News Releases By Date

As Heatwave Persists, Poor Air Quality Expected to Continue in Southern New England on Thursday, Aug 3

Release Date: 08/02/2006
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. – August 2, 2006) – Unhealthy air quality is predicted to continue into Thursday for coastal Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts (including the Cape and Islands) due to ground-level ozone. Additionally, elevated levels of fine particle pollution are expected throughout southern New England for Thursday. Air quality monitors are also recording poor air quality in southern New England today (Aug. 2).

Relief is expected to come Thursday night as a cold front sweeps through Southern New England.

Due to the forecast of hot weather for today and tomorrow, the demand for electricity in New England is forecast to reach high load levels. Given the air pollution and high load forecasts, EPA is asking homeowners and employers to make a special effort to reduce their electricity consumption. Employers may consider asking employees to dress casually and turn their air conditioning to a higher temperature setting. Businesses and homeowners can help by turning off any unnecessary lights, computers and appliances when not in use.

"As this hot summer weather continues, we predict that southern New England will continue to experience unhealthy air quality," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England regional office. "Everybody can help reduce smog-forming emissions by driving less, by using public transportation and by setting air conditioner thermostats a few degrees higher."

EPA and the New England states provide real-time ozone data and air quality forecasts (epa.gov/ne/aqi/index.html). People can also sign up at this web address to receive air quality alerts from EPA’s New England office. The alert program is a free service provided by EPA in conjunction with the New England states which automatically notifies you by e-mail or fax when poor air quality is predicted in your area.

# # #