Anchorage Daily News

FAIRBANKS -- Municipal officials around Fairbanks want an extra year to study air pollution problems before the federal government imposes rules for clearing particulate from the skies.

The request by mayors and other members of a transportation planning group came as the Environmental Protection Agency prepared to tell seven pollution-prone communities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington where they should focus future prevention measures.

The communities must draft those measures within the three years.

Pollution prevention rules could affect home heating, industry production and future construction projects in the Fairbanks area.

Municipal officials want more information about pollution sources before the federal government decides whether new rules should eventually apply to neighborhoods and small towns outside the Fairbanks city limits.

"Setting an overly large boundary without meaningful data may undermine public support for the hard choices that the community will face in the future to correct and control this health problem," wrote Steve Titus, a state transportation official, in the request for more time.

Particulate pollution consists of airborne particles such as dust and soot. The pollution is generated by inefficient combustion. The pollution peaks during cold winter days in Fairbanks.

Health official say exposure carries long-term risks that includes chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and, for people with heart or lung disease, shorter lives.

Potential sources include inefficient wood stoves and traditional fuel heaters. The dirtiest may be outdoor wood boilers, which burn wood to heat water-based household heating systems.

The transportation group questioned the EPA suggestion that local governments should monitor air pollution emissions in Salcha, Two Rivers, Eielson Air Force Base and other areas that are dozens of miles from the city of Fairbanks.

The group asked the agency to wait until it completes a $2.6 million study reviewing pollution sources.

North Pole Mayor Doug Isaacson said he was frustrated that federal officials want to draw Fairbanks' pollution-prevention boundaries before that study is complete.

"I don't think we should be spending money on projects and be told our money is no good," he said.

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