Wood-Burning Blamed for Poor Air in Fairbanks

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by Steve Brawn

Story Created: Jan 14, 2010 at 5:49 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2010 at 11:53 AM AKDT

You might expect pollution problems in big cities like Los Angeles or New York. But Fairbanks?

Federal environmental officials say Alaska's second largest city is right up there on the list of cities violating fine particle pollution standards.

In Fairbanks, officials say the problem is due in part to wood stoves and outdoor boilers belching small particles into the air. That's forcing residents to breathe some of the worse air in the nation.

The city has three years to take corrective action to get off that list or risk losing federal money. The borough assembly on Thursday will decide if locals come up with that game plan or leave it to the state.

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