HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Environmental Quality says that a permanent air quality monitor will be placed in Havre sometime in the coming months, but is not expected to up and running in time for this year’s wildfire season.
Without an air quality monitor currently in place, Hill County Health Officer Kim Berg says there are still ways to estimate air quality.
“If you can see 10 miles, then the air quality is considered good. Basically, if you get down below 9 miles of visibility, then it is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. And that’s when you should be limiting outdoor activity you’re doing. Limit how vigorous it is, the time you’re out there. Take more breaks than normal.”
A temporary air quality monitor was previously placed on top of the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Line, but that is no longer operational, and DEQ expressed concerns about difficulty and safety regarding accessing its location on the roof.
The new location for the permanent air quality monitor has not yet been determined. DEQ says funds for the monitor will come from COVID-relief funds.
