Air Quality Advisory Committee Charter

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legislature as a vulnerable community for PM 2.5. Over the past few years, fine particle air pollution in the Ellensburg area has reached unhealthy levels several times. This is a concern not only for health reasons, but also because higher levels of fine particles could cause the Ellensburg area to violate the federal health-based air quality standard. KCPHD has evaluated air monitoring data from ECOLOGY’s air monitoring station in Ellensburg, Washington since at least 1999 as an environmental health indicator. In the 2012 Kittitas County Community Health Assessment, poor air quality was identified as an area of concern by a group of key community partners that were gathered to identify and bring focus to concerns affecting the health of the local community. In this assessment, it was also noted that Kittitas County has a significantly higher mortality rate for influenza and pneumonia compared to Washington State as a whole. This may be one of many factors related to poor air quality. Ecology approached KCPHD in late 2013 asking if they were interested in acting as the lead for a community effort using State funding to reduce PM2.5 in Ellensburg. Efforts to reduce air pollution now could avoid violating federal health-based air quality standards in the future. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT: 1. Assess current practices, beliefs, attitudes, habits and culture around air quality and burning in Kittitas County with input and feedback from the Air Quality Advisory Committee. a. Convene at least five community partners to form an Air Quality Advisory Committee. b. By May 31, 2014 conduct an inventory of the number of local wood burning households and catalogue wood burning behaviors in Kittitas County. c. By May 31, 2014 conduct a community survey, sampling at least 2 % of the county population. d. By May 31, 2014, collect qualitative information from at least 10 individuals in Kittitas County. 2. Utilize assessment results and known evidence-based or best practices to develop and implement an education and outreach plan to reduce PM2.5 in Ellensburg with input and feedback from the Air Quality Advisory Council a. By August 15, 2014 develop and implement an outreach and education action plan which includes at least three different activities. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Kittitas County Public Health Department – Robin Read – Administrator, Holly Myers – Environmental Health Supervisor, Amy Fuller – Assessment Coordinator, Alisa Spieckerman – CDC Public Health Associate − Convene and facilitate the AQAC − Incorporate input and feedback of AQAC and Ecology in all aspects of the project − Assists with development of charter, and project goals − Oversee implementation of goals and objectives for all aspects of this project 507 N. Nanum Street, St. 102 · Ellensburg, WA 98926 T: 509.962.7515 · F: 509.962.7581 www.co.kittitas.wa.us/health/