Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Heavy smoke from wildfires is currently impacting much of Iowa. The sky may appear hazy and smell of smoke even though these fires are far distances away. This air is unhealthy for sensitive groups and people are encouraged to reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks, or do less intense activities to reduce their exposure.
Polk County Air Quality has launched a new online permit portal called EZ Air Permits Portal (EZAPP). With this portal you will be able to submit applications and documentation for Construction Permits, Annual Operating Permits, Burn Permits and Training Fire Permits. You may find a link for the portal on our website https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/public-works/air-quality/
Check out our new Project Viewing Map. It will contain updated information on Air Quality Title V and Construction Permits being issued in Polk County. Follow the "more info" link to see the details of the project and leave public comments.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for all counties in the eastern half of Iowa, approximately from Interstate-35 to the east. Fine particulate levels near or above EPA health standards are expected to remain elevated today and persist in these areas through tomorrow. Elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke moves through the state. The DNR recommends people reduce long or intense outdoor activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for the entire state with the worst air quality expected in the Eastern third of Iowa. Eastern Iowa is currently recording fine particulates at concentrations the EPA considers unhealthy. At this level sensitive groups of people as well as the general public may experience health effects. Fine particulate levels near or above EPA health standards are expected to increase throughout the day and persist in these areas thru tomorrow. Elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke continues to move through the state.
An approaching cold front is pulling smoke from Canadian wildfires down to ground level, and areas of unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous air quality are being measured across much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. This smoke is expected to impact Iowa today and tomorrow. The smoke is expected to impact central Iowa this evening. Unhealthy levels are anticipated across Iowa as the smoke passes through. Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on EPA’s airnow.gov site. A graphic approximation of the extent and trajectory of the smoke plume can be seen on the map at fire.airnow.gov