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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Grant will address wood smoke pollution in Silver Valley

From staff reports

Reducing pollution from wood smoke in Idaho’s Silver Valley is the focus of a $2.48 million federal grant.

The grant was announced Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The money was awarded to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, which will use the money to address unhealthy levels of pollutants from wood stoves and open burning in the western portion of the Silver Valley.

The money will be used for projects such a changing out stoves for cleaner-burning models, building wood-drying sheds and home weatherization.

Fine particles in smoke are associated with serious health problems, including premature death in people with heart and lung disease, heart attacks and increased hospitalization and emergency room visits.