5 Questions with Erik Leigh

Erik Leigh, Lincoln County Environmental Health

1. How would you describe the past two months when it comes to Libby’s air quality?

The average P.M. 2.5 (particulate matter) concentrations were 15.27 ug/m^3 and 16.58 ug/m^3 for November and December, respectively. I’m afraid that the final numbers for January are going to be considerably worse.

2. How often do you monitor the particulate levels over the course of the day and week?

Our instruments run continuously and calculate one-hour averages. On a good air quality day we check the readings at least twice a day. On a poor day then we will likely be checking them every hour.   

3. Several advisories have been issued, including a few Stage 2’s. How close have we come to a full air quality alert?

We have been very close. In fact there were a few times when the numbers said that we should issue a full alert but we had a reasonable belief that the ventilation would improve.

4. Do you believe steps have been taken to improve communication with the public?

I have been here since October and, of course, I would like to think that we have improved communications since then. I am always willing to talk to anyone and try to answer any questions. We can’t work around the rules and regulations to make everyone happy but I will do my best to try and explain what we do and why we do it. You can call me, 293-7781, ext. 344 or e-mail eleigh@libby.org . 

5. Are people taking advantage of the electric heater loaner program?

I currently have three people signed up for the program. People just don’t think they need to worry about it until they actually need a heater. I have seven heaters left for loan. If anyone you know has only wood heat in their home and they don’t have any other backup source of heat, then have them call me and we will get them signed up for a loaner. If we do call a full alert then we would be able to get you one of these electric heaters to use during the alert.

(Erik Leigh is an environmental technician with the Lincoln County Environmental Health Department).