Photo: Contributed

Air quality was once again a hot topic at the Regional District of North Okanagan, Wednesday.

Meteorologist Ralph Adams said the North Okanagan is currently near acceptable provincial limits.

However, when an air-quality monitoring station is installed in Lavington and a more accurate picture is painted, those numbers could put the region in the red.

The new station is being installed as part of a deal to build a pellet plant in Lavington. While the plant generated much controversy, Adams said it won't generate much particulate because it will be powered by natural gas.

The biggest culprits that pump particulates into the air are inefficient wood stoves and open burning.

Coldstream Coun. Doug Dirk pointed out, in the past, people have been resistant to change when it comes to wood stoves and burning.

“Especially in rural areas,” he said. “People didn't like controls put on their burning.”

Adams said local government can take a lead role, but admits there is friction between rural and urban residents on the issue.

Strides have been taken by many municipalities to deal with wood stoves – such as exchange programs where people can get rid of old stoves for discounts on new ones.

Adams also told officials that industry is cleaning up its act, but wood smoke remains a problem.

Some smaller, rural centres, like Princeton, have high levels of smoke particulates, but a small industrial base.

Dirk said any program cannot be done piecemeal – all areas must be on board – and smoke from one area can have a negative impact on another.

In the end, RDNO officials agreed to further look into the matter.

Last month, Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick called for a defunct air quality committee to be hauled out of mothballs at the RDNO.

"We need to know more about air quality and where can we make improvements to reduce particulate matter in the air shed," said the mayor.