DEP Declares Saturday Code Orange Air Quality Day

Even though we are moving away from the hottest days of the year, that doesn’t mean that the air quality warnings are over. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared Saturday a Code Orange Air Quality Day for fine particulate matter in both the Pittsburgh and Susquehanna Valley Region. Strong temperature inversions in southwest and south-central Pennsylvania will increase fine particle pollution concentrations into the Code Orange range Saturday morning. Sensitive groups of the population including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions should avoid heavy outdoor activity during this time. Residents are encouraged to reduce or eliminate the use of fireplaces, avoid the open burning of leaves, trash and other materials, and avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.