Oregon Public Broadcasting

Seattle may join Boise as the second Northwest metro area in violation of federal clean air standards.  

The standards got tougher earlier this year.  The greater Seattle area is under a smog watch for the second time this month. 

Dave Kirchner, a manager at the Pugest Sound Clean Air Agency, says two more days over the limit for ozone -- or smog -- will land the Seattle area on a federal “dirty air” list.

Dave Kirchner: “We have a tighter standard.  Our air quality hasn’t gotten worse in this area.   We just are faced with a goal that is more stringent and more protective of public health.”

If smog violations become a regular occurrence, the central Puget Sound area will be declared in “non-attainment.”

That would require the region to clamp down further on pollution sources and could make it difficult for some factories to expand.

Air quality is expected to improve by Sunday when a strong push of marine air is forecast.

Online:

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency