190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 1 1 9 0 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Area 20 08

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These complaints logged by the Fairbanks North Star Borough represent a subset of those reported regarding air pollution in the Woodriver Elementary School area

. The Alaska Department of Environmental

Conservation received a pproximately 187 additional complaints

.

Many complaints were filed on behalf of multiple individuals. Many individuals who were harmed did not file a complaint. Individuals submitted their complaints under the presumption that action would be taken.

Prepared from public records from Air Quality Program, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Fairbanks, Alaska by

Clean Air Fairbanks < cleanairfairbanks@gmail.com >. Complainant’s personal identifiers deleted unless involved in their professional responsibility.

Count ID # Occurrence Complainant Complaint

1. 15 8/20/2008 Woodriver neighbor VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE 2 OUTDOOR WOOD BOILERS

INSTALLED ON 5035 PALO VERDE ACROSS FROM WOODRIVER SCHOOL IN UNIVERSITY WEST AREA!! Very concerned that these OWBs

are installed in zero lot line brand new homes, and right across from the school ’ s playground. This is a terrible health risk to everyone around, especially the

children across the street.

2. 29 11/12/2008 Woodriver Elementary nurse On 11

‐ 11

‐ 08 Woodriver School called DEC and complained that heavy wood

smoke from two Outdoor Wood Boilers from across the street was coming directly into the school ’ s air intake system and making teachers and children nauseous and ill. Some teachers even said they m ay have to go home or not come in the next day if it was going to be that bad again. The State DEC office was closed Tuesday (holiday) so they could only respond on the following day.

Moses Coss from DEC called Todd Thompson, FNSB Air Quality, Wednesday the 12th, to see if he could accompany himself and Rob i n from DEC to the

school to assess the situation. Penny Dean waits to testify March 9, 2010190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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3. 32 11/13/2008 Woodriver Elementary nurse

follow

- up Email from DEC: On Novem ber 12, Fairbanks ADEC and Fairbanks North Star

Borough Air Quality staff responded to a wood smoke complaint from Woodriver Elementary School nurse. Upon arrival at the school, the PM monitor system did not pick up particulate levels to cause concern. However, there was visible wood smoke from several nearby residential o utdoor wood boilers with the average opacity above 50%. The smoke levels earlier in the week may have been heavier but may have dissipated with fluctuating air flows and wood boiler operations. Earlier in the week some students and teachers complained of s ore throats at recess, and students had to use their inhalers more

often. Currently the school will notify ADEC immediately and may shut off their ventilation system during peak smoke. Investigation and coordinated plan of action regarding a public health advisory and the sources of wood smoke is ongoing.

4. 48 12/16/2008 Woodriver neighbor [Resident] wrote an email: I live behind Woodriver School on [street name

deleted] Drive. I have only lived here for three years, but this is the worst winter

for smoke t hat I have experienced. Today when I returned home from work (I am employed by the school district as a teacher), I could see the smoke hovering in the schoolyard lights. I parked my car in the garage, closed the door, and stepped out into a very smoky gar age. Luckily, my HRV keeps the smoke out of my home. I have asthma which reacts very negatively to smoke. But why do I have to pay for clean air to come into my home? Also, I cannot use cheap wood to heat my house due to my allergies, so why do I have to b reathe my neighbor ’ s byproducts from a cheaper source of fuel? When I come home, I like to take my dog out on a long walk to exercise both of us. Today this is impossible due to the poor air quality. I ’ d like to know what you are doing for the citizens of the

North Star Borough on days such as today, when it is unhealthy to go outside in the few hours of sunlight that remain. Please let me know if you are enforcing air quality standards in my neighborhood. The residents and school children deserve to breathe more easily than they can today.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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5. 53 1/12/2009 Woodriver

P rincipal Star

Patterson Joan Hardesty [ DEC ] received a call from the principal of Woodriver School,

Star Patterson , and she said a parent had re quested she call (DEC) since her child was the second to go home today due to his/her asthma. The principal said smoke was blowing towards the school today; she ’ s gotten used to smoke in the

school and hadn ’ t noticed until the parent pointed it out.

6. 54 1/12/2009 Woodriver parent Her kids go to Woodr iver School, and she was there around noon to drop off lunch. She noticed that inside the school it smelled very, very bad like wood smoke. Was very concerned for the well

‐ being of her children!!

7. 56 2/17/2009 Woodriver parent [ P arent] called DEC and spoke with [ Joan ] Hardesty [DEC] . She had talked with the school principal who suggested she call DEC

. [Parent ] said she had just picked up her child from school and the air quality was awful around the school, she could see smoke coming out of a stack about 50 ’ from the playground. She said her child said they could smell smoke in the hallways at school. She didn ’ t think it was right that one family could so adversely affect the entire school. She

asked if the area had been monitored and Hardesty said the FNSB had been out

there with their monitoring van. Hardesty said DEC was aware of the problem and asked for her phone # for the record. Hardesty called Jim Conner at FNSB,

Jim said he ’ d try and send someone out to read the smoke, and mayb e send the van if it was available / close by. He, along with Hardesty, also thought that

since it had been snowing, AQ wouldn ’ t have been an issue today.

8. 58 2/26/2009 Woodriver neighbor The Outdoor Wood Boiler located at 58 Trinidad is absolutely a nuis ance!!

Burning all the time, smoking all the time. They are documenting the amount it smokes. It has a very corroded stack, 8 foot high. They approached the owner, and the owner went ballistic on them! Very hostile. The smoke is not only bothering [residen t] and his neighbors but is blowing into the Woodriver Elementary School playground and school building!

9. 69 4/13/2009 Woodriver neighbor They live [location deleted] to W oodriver School

, [location deleted] to the

Outdoor Wood Boiler on 58 Trinidad, and cannot go outside because of the smoke! They can ’ t open windows because it fills house up with smoke, and

can ’ t go outside to work because of smoke from the OWB. What can be done?

10. 70 4/16/2009 Woodriver

nei ghbor [Resident] left message on Todd ’ s phone about the OWB on 58 Trinidad, on

how bad it was smoking at 11:23 a.m. Very concerned with the amount of smoke the unit produces.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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11. 72 4/17/2009 Woodriver neighbor The OWB on 58 Trinidad is producing very thick smoke again at 10:23 a.m.!!

12. 73 4/17/2009 Woodriver neighbor The OWB on 58 Trinidad is smoking really bad again at 11:20 a.m. SECOND

COMPLAINT BEFORE NOON!

13. 75 4/30/2009 Woodriver neighbor The Outdoor Wood Boiler on Trinidad was producing a lot of BLACK

SMOKE, 8:20 p.m., and was very stinky outside. Couldn ’ t enjoy being outside in yard.

14. 77 5/1/2009 Woodriver neighbor [Resident] called and left another message on Todd ’ s phone about the Outdoor

Wood Boiler making a log of black smoke, smoking BAD!! This was at 10:12

a.m. 15. 78 5/4/2009 Woodriver neighbor 9:40 p.m., the OWB at 58 Trinidad, producing black smoke, real

bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

16. 80 5/5/2009 Woodriver neighbor Todd [ Thompson ] talked to [resident] Wednesday morning about her complaint

for the night before, 5

- 5

- 09 at 10:00 pm at night. [Resident] said the outdoor wood boiler at 58 Trinidad was producing thick smoke AGAIN, and has been every night for quite awhile. She is worried about what she is go ing to do when

she starts working outside in the evenings, and has to open her windows at night when it starts getting too hot to keep them closed?????????????????

17. 81 5/6/2009 Woodriver neighbor [Resident ] left a message at 7:57 p.m., 5/6/09, and wanted to make another

official complaint about the OWB on 58 Trinidad and the smoke it is producing.

The b oiler was producing dark smoke, and has been at night for quite awhile.

18. 82 5/7/2009 Woodriver neighbor [Residents] came by the office and gave Todd [ Thompson, FNSB employee ]

pictures of the OWB next door to them at 58 Trinidad. The pictures show the OWB smoking heavily. [ Resident ] has asthma, and described that ever since the OWB has been installed, last fall, that his asthma has been acting up, and ca n relate it directly to the wood smoke coming from the boiler

19. 83 5/16/2009 Woodriver neighbor Neighbor at 58 Trinidad, next to Woodriver School, has been using his outdoor

wood boilers, both of them, every day. Just calling in this day because it is real bad, smoke, something needs to be done!

20. 11 10/16/2009 Woodriver neighbor A coal burner, three houses down from [resident ’ s] house, is making a lot of

smoke and is terrible. Her 4

- year old daughter has asthma and can ’ t go outside. Very smelly. This is down Chena Small Tracks, near Prospect.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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21. 24 11/18/2009 Woodriver neighbor [ R esident ’ s] neighbor, at 58 Trinidad, has his OHH going again, and when she

was outside today, the smoke was very bad. It was blowing towards the

Wood r iver School. Wante d to know if the borough and state had come up with any regulations yet.

22. 26 12/5/2009 Woodriver neighbor [Resident] left a phone message on Saturday that the OWB on the corner of

Trinidad and Palo Verde was bellowing a huge amount of black smoke, at 1:55

PM.

23. 30 12/9/2009 Woodriver neighbor [Submitted by DEC] On December 8, 2009

, the Fairbanks TV office received a

mes sage concerning excessive woods moke at the Wood r iver Elementary School from the principal ’ s office. Inversion

‐ FNSB advisory in effect. Many homes burning wood in their private residences in that subdivision. Response pending

‐ due to work load.

24. 31 12/9/2009 Woodriver neighbor and

parent When picking up my daughter at Woodriver Elementary School at 3:30 pm

today the air smelled as if someone in the vicinity was burning wet wood in an

outdoor boiler. I also smelled that wet wood smell outside my house. There are two wood boilers very close to my property one behind my house on Purdue Way a cul

‐ de

‐ sac off of Stanford and one in the Yale Way cul

‐ de

‐ sac. 25. 35 12/16/2009 Woodriver

School nurse Bad s moke at school on this day.

26. 61 1/21/2010 Woodriver

teacher T he air quality from wood smoke is very bad at the Woodriver Elementary

school today.

27. 62 1/25/2010 Woodriver

P rincipal Jeffery

Mann The o utdoor wood boilers on the corner of Trinidad and Palo Verde is producing

a lot of smoke. It is very bad, can smell the smoke on the kids after recess.

28. 63 1/26/2010 Woodriver neighbor [Resident] is the grandmother of a child that attends Woodriver Elementary

school. She understands the need to heat, but the smoke is very bad, coming out

of the OWB on the corner of Trinidad and Palo Verde. Her clothes and vehicle smelled like smoke when she got ho me after dropping off her grandchild. She is very concerned ab ou t the health of the children at the school.

29. 64 1/26/2010 Woodriver

teacher [Resident] is a teach er of the Woodriver Elementary S chool and called in to

complain about the amount of black smok e billowing out of the OWB on the

corner of Trinidad and Palo Verde. It stinks, it is thick black smoke, and it is very concerning about how it is a ffecting the kids.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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30. 67 1/27/2010 Woodriver parent [Resident ’ s] son suffers from asthma. He attends Woodriver Elementary school,

and has asthma related symptoms when it is smoky. [Son] h ad asthma attacks recently from the heavy wood smoke in the area.

31. 70 1/29/2010 Woodriver

teacher [Resident] is a teacher with the school district , and is teaching at Woodriver

E lementary right now. [Resident] is an asthma sufferer, and at 9:00 am when he

went to work at W oo driver School, it was very smok y, a nd a ffected him physically. His asthma started to act up. He was pretty sure he could smell coal.

32. 72 1/29/2010 Woodriver parent [Resident ’ s] daughter attends Woodriver School. The smoke is so bad in the area, and she is very concerned about her daughter ’ s asthma.

33. 73 2/1/2010 Woodriver

teacher [Resident] called in to report how very smoky and very stinky it was at the

Woodriver School area.

34. 74 2/1/2010 Woodriver neighbor, grandparent There is a strong smell of wood smoke around the Woodriver Elementary

school this morning at 9:00 AM. I saw the borough [ sniffer] van monitoring in the neighborhood, thank you for keeping a close observation on this area.

35. 81 2/9/2010 Woodriver parent There is a very strong smell of coal and wood smoke at Woodriver Elementary School, very bad!

36. 76 2/10/2010 Woodriver neighbor Woodriver S chool is disgusting and has been for several weeks now. The coal

smoke from a neighboring house has filled the school classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds for most of the winter. Nearly 500 people spend the majority of their day in thi s unhealthy, toxic building. Children run at recess and fill their lungs with pollution, teachers scurry through the halls breathing shallowly so as not to be reminded of their unhealthy workplace. PLEASE CONTACT THE

HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET AND TELL THE OW NERS WHAT THEY

ARE DOING TO A BUNCH OF KIDS AND TEACHERS!

37. 78 2/10/2010 Former

Woodriver neighbor As a former Fairbanks resident, who still has family living there, I am very

concerned with the air quality. I read the News

- M iner daily and was very dismayed by the article about the air quality near Woodriver Elementary, where my niece attends school. It appears that officials would rather endanger the lives of children than to stand up to people who don ’ t mind polluting everyone ’ s airspace.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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38. 79 2/10/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air quality near my daughter ’ s school

‐ Woodriver Elementary

‐ often

seems quite bad. I noticed it this morning and heard other mention it as I walked into the school, so I thought I would write you a note. On warmer days li ke today, the students spend recess outdoors running around

‐ as they should. It worries me that my daughter might be exposed to health

‐ compromising levels of particulates while she is doing otherwise healthy activities. I don ’ t know if FNSB currently moni tors air quality outside the schools, but this would be a good precaution.

39. 80 2/10/2010 Woodriver

P rincipal Jeffery

Mann On the night of Feb. 9th, at Woodriver Elem., during a late night meeting, the

smoke was very bad, smelled very bad. And the next morning, Feb. 10th, at the school it was still very smoky and smelly!

40. 85 2/19/2010 Woodriver

teacher The classroom air is extremely bad due to the smell of woodsmoke. It began

around 2pm today and is lasting through the end of the school day. A s a teacher I am very concerned for my 1st grade students health with this level of exposure. For myself, my sinus membranes are burning, eyes are watery and a headache is beginning. My students also report similar issues and remark o n the

smell of smoke. Anything that can be done to enforce air quality and improve the situation is appreciated.

41. 86 2/19/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air inside Woodriver School became smelling like smoke around 2 pm. This

has happened for a couple days now. I don ’ t know what ’ s causing it, but my students all put their shirt sleeves over their noses and mouths. It a ffected my voice, it was so strong. I have asthma and I could feel the constriction in my chest, so I know the smoke was inside the building.

42. 87 2/19/2010 Woodriver

teacher Smoke coming in to Woodriver School today between 2 and 3 pm from across

the street on Palo Verde. Very strong. Students and staff complaining of burning eyes and those with asthma complaining of bronchial problems, myself included. Today the students, while at their desks, were actually covering their noses with their shirts it was so strong. When is enough going to be enough with this problem? We have been dealing with this smoke for some time

‐‐ this year

and last

‐‐ and these stoves do not bel ong right across the street from an elementary school. It is bad. Come and visit us some afternoon. [Teacher]

, Second grade teacher, Woodriver Elementary School190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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43. 88 2/22/2010 Woodriver nurse Acrid, foul

‐ smelling smok e filled air outside Woodriver S chool

. 44. 89 2/22/2010 Woodriver

teacher Strong smell of smoke in the parking lot when I arrived at Woodriver School

this morning at 7 AM

45. 90 2/22/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air quality around Woodriver Elementary this morning is awful. I work at

Woodriver and have a headache each and every day by mid

‐ morning. During the weekend, when I am not around the smoke, I have no headache. The air quality around the University West neighborhood MUST improve. No one should have to live with this daily.

46. 91 2/22/2010 Woodriver parent I am concerned about the air quality at Woodriver Elementary School. At 8:30 am this morning

, the air was smoky and had a strong wood odor.

47. 96 2/23/2010 Woodriver

teacher Approximately 11 am the air quality around Woodriver Elementary went from

so

‐ so to POOR! This is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. Staff

Action: [During a discussion, the teacher] said that it has been very bad, and she goes home every day smelling of smoke. She has had a severe cold for some

time now, and her doctor told her that it may not get better until she is not around the smoky environment that the Woodriver School area provides.

48. 97 2/23/2010 Woodriver nurse Strong smoke smell, smoke in air, on children ’ s clothing as they entered school

even. 3 students have had asthma symptoms before 11 am. 49. 98 2/23/2010 Woodriver

teacher The smell of woodsmoke is very strong at 11:53 am in my first g rade classroom.

It is causing irritation to eyes and throats.

50. 113 3/1/2010 Woodriver parent I dropped my children off on Monday morning at Woodriver School. The air was hazy and there was a strong coal smoke odor. I want to know what is being done to eliminate solid fuel boilers in populated areas of the borough. I

under stand the borough has been charged with enforcing the PM 2.5 program on behalf of the state. For a moment, why is it considered acceptable for me to

sacrifice the health of my children to subsidize someone ’ s heating bill? I would testify in the “ public ” fo rums the Borough has sponsored on this issue, but I fear for my safety in doin g so. The Borough Assembly has not maintained order in these meetings and the result is a biased presentation from the public. How can I testify without being threatened? I have come prepared to testify on this issue, but left with my testimony in hand out of fear of reprisals by the people on the other side of this issue. What is being done to improve air quality in the Borough now that we all know these boilers are the p roblem?190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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51. 114 3/1/2010 Woodriver neighbor, grandparent Monday, 3

‐ 1

‐ 10, AM and PM, Woodriver Elementary School, strong smell of

smoke air. Tuesday 3

‐ 2

‐ 10, AM, Strong smell of smoke around Woodriver Elementary School.

52. 110 3/2/2010 Woodriver

teacher Please do something to take immediate action agains t the residents around

W oodriver E lementary S chool, and all other offending residents near schools! The air this morning is sickening. Classrooms and hallways are difficult to

breathe in. WHY CAN ’ T WE DO SOMETHIN G FOR AT LEAST THESE

TWO HOUSES?!?!!!?!?!!?

53. 118 3/4/2010 Woodriver

teacher It is the magic fire stoking time

‐ 2 pm and the building smells like I am sitting

around a campfire. The inside and outside air quality is terrible.

54. 105 3/9/2010 Woodriver neighbor H orrible odor of smoke in Woodriver area. Like a forest fire!!

55. 128 3/18/2010 Woodriver parent [ Parent ] concerne d about the air quality at Woodr iver School. There is persistent smog. Why haven ’ t those boilers been shut down? Is something being done about this? What is the next step in this process with the new ordinance?

56. 133 3/18/2010 Woodriver neighbor, grandparent Extreme wood smoke smell. Woodriver Elem entary and surrounding area.

57. 134 3/18/2010 Woodriver parent To Whom It May Concern: At this moment, the air quality index noted on the Borough ’ s air quality program ’ s web page indicates “ GOOD. ” I just dropped

my two daughters off at Woodriver S chool and had to breathe what I describe as

“ DENSE SMOG ” which had a source at two, perhaps mor e, outdoor boilers immediately across from the school. I saw the Borough ’ s draft air quality

ordinance that will seek to “ grandfather ” these boilers. These boilers are a huge health risk problem around schools, hospitals, and old

‐ folks homes. A safe

‐ zone

m ust be established around these areas. A health study in the school next year finding adverse impacts would seriously erode the public ’ s opinion of the Borough ’ s capacity to manage this issue. Thanks Todd [ Thompson, FNSB employee] , please call me when you receive this message.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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58. 135 3/18/2010 Woodriver parent I live in the Uni versity West area. I drove my 8

- year old daughter to Wood r iver school this morning. While the air seemed fine at my house by the time I reached the road beside the school my eyes were beginning to burn. By the time I was in the parking lot and my daughter opened the car door, we were both coughing and having trouble breathing. Neither of us have breathing problems normally. Some of the children that were walking into the school had their hands covering their mouths and noses. When I checked the air quality on your website, it said it is good but at the same time is horrible over at the school. I did contact the school after I arrived at work and let them know my concerns. I

asked if they have a way to check the air quality and they said no. At the very least, I think the borough should give them a way to check the air quality so they

can determine if the kids should go out for recess or not. Again, at my home the

air seemed fine but blocks away at the school it was terrible. I understand that the borough is working on a solution for this. While I don ’ t feel everyone that owns the wood burning boilers should be punished for a few that are causing these problems, something has to be don e. I would like to know how often the borough is measuring the air quality in this area especially at the school and what is being done to help protect these school children and homeowners that live in the area from breathing this unhealthy air. I look for ward to hearing back from you.

59. 136 3/19/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air in our first g rade classroom is acrid this morning. It is causing coughing

and burning in air passages for teacher and students alike. Yesterday was bad as

well

, and I took a photo of the low

- lying smoke hovering around our building.

60. 137 3/19/2010 Woodriver nurse Smoke in school building, air around building and playground filled with heavy smoke, difficulty breathing x2 students. Pictures taken.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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61. 138 3/19/2010 Woodriver

teacher I am an employee at Woodriver Elementary School. During the school years 08

‐

09 AND 09

‐ 10 the school, both INSIDE and outside, has been plagued with visible smoke as well as a burning odor of fumes. Last year I had scores of days with burning eyes, irritated throat and a running nose. This year, I have had a sinus infection since Sept 09 and have been treated for the past 6 months with antibiotics. I have been under the care of an E.N.T. specialist, Dr. Raugust. I have undergone allergy testing, two CAT scans and I am currently on my 6th week of yet another round of antibiotics. On Tues, March 16, 2010, Dr. Raugust stated that my severe sinusitis is NOT cause by allergies and it IS caused by poor air quality. Particulates in the a ir have damaged the cilia in my sinuses and they are unable to drain any of the infection. Dr. Raugust stated that to stop being “ sick and tired ” I will need surgery to remove the infected mucus. This surgery will keep me out of work for two weeks. Also, m y son is a student her at Woodriver. Last year and this year, he has had a series of sinus infections and respiratory problems. This year is much worse. He has been diagnosed and

treated for bronchitis and two sinus infections in the fall of ‘ 09 through Ta nana Valley Clinic. Currently, he is under the care of E.N.T. specialist Dr. Raugust. Currently he has been on antibiotics for 10 weeks with no symptom change. His

CAT scan is next week. The doctor anticipates that with no symptom change, my 10

- year

- old so n will also be a candidate for sinus surgery. I am tired of living in a toxic environment. On Wednesday, March 17 at 2:15 I was outside for recess duty with 70 first grade students. Six students commented to me that

the “ air was stinky, ” or “ the air hurts my nose, ” or “ the air smells like someone is barbequing. ” Every week on my Wednesday duty, the air smells bad, stings the nose and is often visibly smoky. I am VERY TIRED of working in this toxic poisonous environment. Please contact me to let me know how I may influence change to make our air quality AT A MINIMUM breathable.

62. 144 3/26/2010 Woodriver

teacher The smoke smell was bad today, multiple times. I am keeping a log and had

forgotten to report this.

63. 140 3/30/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air quality in the Woodriver Building is poor this morning

‐ smell of

woodsmoke is heavy in the air.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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64. 145 4/2/2010 Woodriver

teacher Terrible smoke smell today, the haze as I drove into the neighborhood at 8:00

am was awful. This should not have to happen in April, a time of the year when it is fairly warm out in the morning. It is ridiculous that I have to wash my hair when I go home f

ro m work each night because I smell like smoke.

65. 146 4/2/2010 Woodriver neighbor The smoke smell is so bad anymore that I feel lik e I cannot breathe out of my

nose . This happens early in the morning, at 11:00 am and in the evening.

66. 147 4/2/2010 Woodriver nurse Foul smoke filled air around school building and within building.

67. 152 4/12/2010 Woodriver

teacher and neighbor I noticed the smoke in the air this morning as I got out of my car at the

Woodriver Parking lot. I live a few blocks from the school, and often notice my dog coming back in the house smelling of smoke. I teach kindergarten at Woodriver, and today the smoke is not only stronger than usual, but I can see the haze. I can smell the smoke in the multipurpose room and in my classroom.

Other staff members have complained of breathing issues this morning. My eyes are becoming irritated. I am worried about not only my famil y ’ s health, but the health of my young students who will have to come to school and breath e in this

haze. Thanks.

68. 159 5/24/2010 Woodriver neighbor [ Neighbor ] called and talked to Todd Thompson [FNSB employee] about her

nearby neighbor burning coal and producing smoke and a terrible smell. Her

gr andson has asthma and is being a ffected by the smoke, and has to stay inside.

69. 3 9/16/2010 Woodriver

teacher Wood smoke smell in the building at 10:50

‐ 11:10 am.

70. 8 10/4/2010 Woodriver employee The school ’ s library and some of the classrooms have a strong burning odor.

71. 12 10/21/2010 Woodriver

teacher At 11:35 a very strong smell of woodsmoke came through the building from the

neighbor ’ s property.

72. 13 10/21/2010 Woodriver

teacher Woodsmoke smell is strong in the school again today. Started mid

‐ morning.

Noses and eyes are burning. Coughing and complaints from students.

73. 17 10/25/2010 Woodriver

teacher Air in our first grade classroom is acrid this morning. Throats are burning.

74. 21 10/27/2010 Woodriver

teacher Woodsmoke smell and irritated airways started at about 12 pm today. Kids are

just headed out to recess.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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75. 29 11/3/2010 Woodriver

teacher Complaint: The students will be arriving under a thick covering of smoke. There

is a direct plume extending from a house across the street. It is settled over the building and is directly entering the air intake. On entering the building the

smell of smoke is hea vy and sinuses are immediately a ffected.

76. 31 11/3/2010 Woodriver School emplo yee On Wednesday Nov. 3 around 4:05 PM the smell of campfire was very strong

on the side of the staff parking lot at Woodriver Elementary.

77. 32 11/10/2010 Woodriver neighbor Air quality concern noted near Woodriver Elementery school. Outdoor burner

near corner of Trinidad and Palo Verde producing visual smoke discharge circa

9 am. Distinct smell of coal or some other non

‐ wood product in the air.

78. 35 11/5/2010 Woodriver parent Very smoky and smelly at Woodriver School during k indergarten recess at 1:00

pm
79. 36 11/5/2010 Woodriver parent Outdoor wood boiler on Trinidad is smoking at 9:00 am. Possibly coal smoke.

80. 37 11/5/2010 Woodriver neighbor Smoke getting bad from outdoor wood boiler on Trinidad. Smoke from boiler is

“ getting bad ” Woke up with headache (9:12 am)

81. 38 11/5/2010 Woodriver parent 12:02 pm (possibly 11/4/2010)

‐ Outdoor wood boiler on Trinidad. Smoke drifting toward Woodriver Elementary School.

82. 32 11/10/2010 Woodriver neighbor Air quality concern n oted near Woodriver Elementery S chool. Outdoor burner

near corner of Trinidad and Palo Verde producing visual smoke discharge circa

9 am. Distinct smell of coal or some other non

‐ wood product in the air.

83. 39 1 1/10/2010 Woodriver neighbor 2:00 pm

‐ Outdoor wood boiler smoking badly

84. 34 11/15/2010 Woodriver

teacher At 3:45 air quality decreased inside with strong smell of woodsmoke

.

85. 40 1 1/18/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air quality as a whole may be “ good ” today, but at Woodriver Elementary it

is POOR and UNHEALTHY as of 8:15 am

.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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86. 42 11/22/2010 Woodriver

teacher and neighbor I am concerned with the quality of air in my neighborhood. I live in a newer

house with a HRV system to help me breathe clean air since I have asthma. However, when I walk my dog outside, I have to breathe the stagnant wood smoke from my neighbor ’ s wood burning stove. He lives [number deleted ]

doors down from me, but the smoke does not dissipate in our geographically low spot. If I had known all this, I may not have bu ilt my house in this neighborhood. I have to live with the smoke from the wildfires in the summer,

and now the wood stoves in the winter. I believe in individual freedoms, as long as they do not harm the lives of others in our society. I believe I have as much right to breathe, without resorting to my rescue inhaler, as my neighbor does. He has a right to heat his home the way he likes, but within certain guidelines so that he does not impact my winter activity and the health of the children at

Woodriver El ementary. I am not attending the public hearing due to the weather and evening classes, but I truly hope you take my comments into consideration. Thank you for your public service and all you do for the community.

87. 45 12/1/2010 Woodriver

teacher The air h as become very bad in the classroom this afternoon. Strong smoke and

fume smells.

88. 46 12/2/2010 Woodriver parent I just dropped my daughters off at Woodriver E l ementary S chool. The air was so polluted with coal and wood smoke that I started coughing and choking the moment I got out of the truck to walk my daughters across the parking lot to the school. My youngest daughter started coughing and complained of feeling

nauseated with a headache. For the record, my youngest daughter is seven years old, in firs t grade at Woodriver, and has developed a chronic cough since attending kindergarten in the 2009

‐ 2010 school year. By the time we got to her classroom she was crying and complaining of a headache. I will likely have to retrieve her today because the air is so polluted at that location from a handful of wood and coal fired boilers. Why can ’ t or won ’ t you do anything about this?

89. 59 12/7/2010 Woodriver neighbor Outdoor boiler on Trinidad

‐ dark smoke

90. 60 12/10/2010 Woodriver

teacher Complaints about the smell outside Woodriver Elementary School.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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91. 55 12/14/2010 Woodriver parent Air at Woodriver School this morning at 0900 was very bad. Wood smoke was visible in the lamps in the school parking lot. Smoke filled the air when I dropped my kids off for school

, and I am concerned for their health going to school there with so many dirty outdoor boilers nearby.

92. 67 12/15/2010 Woodriver

teacher [Teacher] had several complaints about air quality today. Please send a sniffer

vehicle by. Please call to report status.

93. 75 1/4/2011 Woodriver

teacher OMG!! The wood smoke smell in the middle of my classroom is AWFUL!!!! It

is the worst I have ever smelled!!! This is not okay!!

94. 76 1/4/2011 Woodriver

teacher The air in my first grade classroom is very bad this morning. I can ’ t see the

source but the air is irritating our eyes and throats.

95. 77 1/4/2011 Woodriver parent Daughter attends school at W oodriver S chool. Coal outdoor stove is noxious. Upset regarding health effects on child and other kids at the bus stop.

96. 78 1/5/2011 Woodriver

teacher At about 2:35 the air quality was extremely poor. Smelled of wood smoke inside

the building! I kid you not, we are not making this up!

97. 101 1/21/2011 Woodriver neighbor I have been home all day with my new baby, yet it feels as though I have been

in a smoky bar all night!!! I have a horrible headache from this smoke smell, and I cannot imagine what this is doing to my beautiful baby. I am disappointed

that local officials cannot do their job and protect our most innocent and important citizens

‐‐ our children.

98. 105 1/24/2011 Woodriver

teacher My classroom has a very strong smoke smell this morning.

99. 106 1/24/2011 Woodriver

teacher Nasty smoke smell inside the school building. This is the 2nd time today!! First

one was at about 9:30 this morning.

100. 107 1/24/2011 Woodriver school employee School hallways and computer lab have a very strong smoke o dor.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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101. 108 1/24/2011 Woodriver school employee Today, January 24, 2011

, the staff at Woodriver Elementary School are smelling

the strong odor of woodsmoke IN THE BUILDING. It is currently throughout the entire building. Also, the recess duty staff were outside from 1:00

‐ 1:30 and could smell the VERY strong odor of smoke and clearly see smoke pouring out

of the smoke stack from the house directly across from the playground and the staff parking lot. [ Woodriver Elementary employee] is currently having an allergic reaction to the smoke (her lips are getting numb and irritat ed). My air cleaner in my office has gone from low to “ turbo ” (the settings are low, med, high and turbo) in the past half an hour.

102. 123 1/27/2011 Woodriver

teacher Hello, I am one of the very lucky people that gets to work with 460+ wonderful

children ev ery day at Woodriver Elementary. Unfortunately, I am not so lucky when it comes to getting the opportunity to breathe clean air at my work place. There are a few people, who are in very close proximity (100ft of school grounds) to Woodriver, that believe their right to burn dirty wood in their wood stoves outweighs the majorities right to breathe clean air. Should a couple people burning wood affect the ability of 460+ children ’ s ability to go to recess? Because it does. Should a couple people burning wood affect whether or not a

child or staff member has to get sent home for the day because the air quality is making them sick? Because it does. Should a couple people burning wood affect the way I smell when I go home from work? Because it does. I think you get my point, and if you don ’ t think those people have an effect on those things, I invite you to spend a day in the shoes of the 460+ children and 100+ staff here at Woodriver. Where are our rights? This is not a once in awhile issue that the

school and n eighborhood deals with, this is a daily occurrence. A problem that I encounter when coming to work Monday

‐ Friday. Thankfully for me I don ’ t
live in this neighborhood, and am able to escape in the evenings and on the weekends, but the children that live i n this neighborhood are not so lucky, and neither are the residents, some who have resided here for over 30 years, and until recently have been able to breathe relatively clean air until the not so nice neighbors decided to install their exterior wood burn ing stoves. There are other means to heat a home, but there is not another means for us to enjoy clean air

outside at recess or in the halls of our school. If the borough doesn ’ t have the balls to stand up to those people then you might as well prepare you rself for the190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 17 federal government to step in and do the job themselves. Thank you for the consideration of my rights too.

103. 125 1/27/2011 Woodriver neighbor We live 3

‐ 4 blocks away from Wood r iver school and feel strongly the owner

across the street should be more responsive than he has been and be prevented from using an outdoor boiler. Removing enforcement options for wood smoke will not make this problem go away, especially with this owner

.... Please consider the health of the many citizens who are affected by this smoke. It is incredible that many of these smoke emitters can easily afford other means of heating. This issue always brings me back to past days where smokers were allowed to fill a restaurant or bar with their smoke because they had a right to. [My spouse] and I long ago quit patronizing those establishments. Where I work

and live cannot be moved

, and I ’ m forced to breath whatever air is present outside my home and office. We all have the right to breathe clean air. Please do

the right thing and protect what is left of our clean air.

104. 114 1/28/2011 Woodriver school employee As of 10:00 am Friday, January 28, 2011 the front office staff and myself have

smelled smoke in the front hallway of Woodriver. The smell is also in the prima ry wing of the building. When students left their room to walk to P.E. they said, “ There ’ s the smell of smoke again. ” Another staff member complained of dry itchy eyes. My own sinuses feel irritated, my eyes are watering and I am sneezing.

105. 115 1/28/2011 Woodriver

teacher Too bad about the meeting last night on air quality enforcement. Smell is very

strong in my classroom this morning! It smelled when I came in just after 8, but

it ’ s gotten very thick in the last 1/2 hour (9:30

‐ 10am).

106. 116 1/28/2011 Woodr iver

teacher My goodness

‐ you should be in my classroom right now as we are breathing in

noxious smoke fumes from our kind neighbors!!!

107. 129 1/28/2011 Woodriver

teacher As the students came in from recess today the house across the street from the

first g rade playground appeared to be on fire the cloud of smoke from the

outdoor wood boiler was so thick. This is at 12: 48 pm

. 108. 130 1/31/2011 Woodriver

teacher We arrived to heavy, heavy smoke surrounding the front of the building. Eyes

red, airways irritated. Kids are supposed to snowshoe outside today. Very unfortunate. Crossing fingers on regulations coming.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 18

109. 140 1/31/2011 Woodriver school employee I just returned to the building from a meeting at Central Office. Several teachers

immediately approached me and asked how I handled the smoke this afternoon. Although I was not here personally, the staff stated that the smell was IN THE BUILDING, was very foul smelling and was burning their lungs. When I drove

down Palo Verde at 3:50, I could see black smoke rea ching out from one of the

outdoor wood burning furnaces and hanging over Palo Verde Avenue and the playground.

110. 142 1/31/2011 Woodriver neighbor The wood boiler at the rental house at Trinidad and Palo Verde is again stinking

up the neighborhood. This provides heat for 4 people? Are the majority of people going to continue to suffer so the local slum lord can save money ? I ’ m just recovering from $ 32K of sinus surgery which I never needed until now.

111. 153 1/31/2011 Woodriver neighbor As I drive home with my baby into the Woodriver neighborhood, the outdoor

boiler near the corner is billowing horrible, toxic smoke. Why must I dread coming home? Because my neighbors are polluting the air in my home...making my lungs ache and my head hurt....doing who knows what damage to my tiny beautiful baby? Why are just a few people allowed to give me and my baby lifelong health problems??? Why are the people who are supposed to be protecting the public good from this excessive pollution? Please do not delay

action any l onger! Protect my baby and the other children in this neighborhood.

112. 144 2/2/2011 Woodriver parent The air this morning at Woodriver School was bad with wood smoke. I am concerned for the health of my children at that location. I noticed this at 0900

this morning. Please do something about the outdoor boilers in this area.

113. 158 2/5/2011 Resident Your complaint form isn ’ t working for me, so I am sending this as an email message. On 2/5/2011 at about 3:00 PM [family members] and I were driving past Woodrive r Elementary School. The two outdoor wood boilers in the area (5065 Palo Verde Ave and 58 Trinidad) were smoking heavily. I took photos of both houses and have attached them to this message. Note that this was a day when DEC had declared an air advisory fo r the Fairbanks area. Something should be done to stop the use of these wood boilers on these small lots so close to the school. Note that I have reduced the file size of these photos so they will email easily. I can send you higher res photos if you like.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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114. 150 2/7/2011 Woodriver School employee [ School employee ] called at 12:15 about the smoke coming from the corner

OHH on Trinidad and Palo Verde. The smoke was blowing right towards the school, creating a nuisance for the kids outside.

115. 151 [no date

recorded] Woodriver

neighbor Wood

‐ boiler near corner by Woodriver polluting the entire neighborhood

AGAIN tonight. Why is ONE person allowed to pollute an entire neighborhood? This pollution is beyond a nuisance....it ’ s toxic, and it ’ s deadly.

Enforce the law please!!!!!! This person can ’ t go and poison our food or water, so why is he allowed to pollute our air?!?! Someone has to STEP UP and make a real change for our community. Let ’ s not think about these people with wood

boilers who want to save a few bucks. Instead let ’ s think about the babies and

children in this town who want to LIVE and breathe healthy air in their own home and school. Alaska should be a beautiful, healthy, wild and free place to

grow up, but right now it ’ s just a big smoky, toxic disappointment.

116. 152 2/4/2011 Woodriver neighbor It ’ s 9:30 pm, and we just drove home back into the Woodriver neighborhood.

The outdoor wood boiler near the corner is blowing a nasty, choking smoke into

the a ir tonight, and we can see a cloudy haze in the light of the street lamps. Oh my gosh, just the smell from the car is horrible. It is so strong that it almost makes you catch your breath. Please do not make my baby breathe this toxic

smoke from ONE or TWO homes. They are doing the most damage to this neighborhood and our children here. These people are across the street from a school in a high

‐ density neighborhood, not out in a more rural setting. What is the point of having a Department of Environmental Qu ality when it does NOTHING to enforce or uphold actual environmental quality?

117. 158 2/5/2011 Resident On 2/5/2011 at about 3:00 PM my wife, two daughters and I were driving past the Woodriver Elementary School. The two outdoor wood boilers in the area (5065 Palo Verde Ave and 58 Trinidad) were smoking heavily. I took photos of both houses and have attached them to this message. Note that this was a day

when DEC had declared an air advisory for the Fairbanks area. Something should be done to stop the use of these wood boilers on these small lots so close

to the school. Note that I have reduced the file size of these photos so they will email easily. I can send you higher res photos if you like.

118. 160 [no date

recorded] Woodriver

neighbor Apparently we are back at square one. This boiler is again stinking up the

neighborhood when the air quality is rated as unhealthy.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 20

119. 162 2/11/2011 R esident At 9:30am wood boiler, which appears to be in a shed, on 73 Trinidad, was pouring out a thick, heavy smoke plume with was covering the immedi ate area,
across the road from W oodriver School

. 120. 167 2/13/2011 Woodriver neighbor This is regarding 73 Trinidad Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709: I don ’ t think smoke

complaints about this property are new, smoke is too often coming out thick and slow from there, but I have also observed that the chimney from the outdoor boiler is not to building code. It is neither above the roof ridge nor does it have

any cap to arrest sparks. It looks like there may have been another section of

chi mney that was removed. If i t was to code

, at least the smoke would be exiting another couple of meters higher and would draw better instead of the way it spills out of the low stack and degrades living air space. I know the Borough’s

hands are tied when it comes to some aspects of enforcing the nuisance of this

anti

‐ social neighbor, but there must be a way to enforce the building

‐ Fire and Safety code.

121. 174 2/23/2011 Woodriver school employee At 12:15 pm during primary recess the chimney on Palo Verde Ave closer to

Trinidad began billowing.

122. 181 2/28/2011 Woodriver

teacher The smoke smell in our building is bad again today. It started about 10:20 and

the smoke lingering in the neighborhood was very visible at this time.

123. 183 3/1/2011 Woodriver parent At 9:00am while drop ping off his kids at Woodriver E lementary, both of the

boilers next to the school on Palo Verde were producing a lot of smoke. The opacity appeared to be 100 percent on both of them at the time.

124. 187 3/2/2011 Woodriver s chool employee [Wo odriver Elementary employee] called and talked to Todd about how bad it

was at the time inside and outside at Woodriver School, 10:15am. She said that

she doesn ’ t call every time there is smoke, but this occurrence was significantly

worse than most others. [FNSB staff report] Todd said the mobile sniffer vehicle was in her neighborhood at the time, and was collecting data. We will review the data as soon as it gets to the office.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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125. 190 3/2/2011 Woodriver

teacher Phone message: [ T eacher ] just started working at Woodriver Elementary

School, and the last few days the smoke in the area from wood burning devices, has been terrible. The air inside the school has been filling up with the smoke from outside, and she has had to go home early due to respiratory issues from breathing the indoor air filled with the smoke from outside. She wanted someone to call her back to discuss what is being done about this serious health issue, and to offer any kind of help she may be able to assist with. [ Woodri ver Elementary employee] explained that she was having a hard time breathing, and talking, due to breathing the air inside of Woodriver s chool. She said she had

made a doctor ’ s appointment because of how bad it was.

126. 193 3/5/2011 Woodriver neighbor It ’ s 7 :30 pm in the Woodriver neighborhood on Saturday night, and the smoke

outside is suddenly so thick that I almost can ’ t believe it. I am not sure that people living outside of this area understand that it isn ’ t just the smell of

smoke......it ’ s like having your face right in a choking cloud of campfire smoke

with no relief. This is a PUBLIC HEALTH issue, and it is a disgrace to this town and this state to let it continue. Anyone in public office or public service

who sits on their hands while babies and chil dren breathe this smoke should be

ashamed.

127. 196 3/7/2011 Woodriver parent [Woodriver parent] called and left a message about the 2 outdoor wood boilers next to Woodriver school. At 9:15, both boilers appeared to have over 50% opacity, and the whole area was polluted with wood smoke from the boilers.

128. 197 3/7/2011 Woodriver parent The two outdoor wood boilers next to Woodriver school are both smoking, very thick smoke, the whole area is filled with smoke.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 22

129. 198 3/9/2011 Woodriver

S chool employee RIGHT NOW, 9:50 AM ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2011 we are once

again experiencing smoke IN THE BUILDING at Woodriver Elementary School in Fairbanks, Alaska. The smoke is coming from two outdoor

woodbur n ing furnaces located directly across the street from the school. This has been occurring on a regular basis since September of 2008 when the OWB

furnaces were installed across the street. Regular basis means this: September 2008

‐ April 2009 we had the smell of smoke IN the building every day and visible smoke IN the buil ding 1

‐ 3 days per week. September 2009

‐ April 2010 we had the smell of smoke IN the building every day and visible smoke IN the building 1

‐ 3 days per week. September 2010

‐ NOW we have the smell of smoke several times per week and

visible smoke IN the building a couple of times per month Please work to mitigate this immediate health hazard as well as to legislate measures that will protect our health (60 staff members and 456 students).

130. 199 3/10/2011 Woodriver

S chool employee This is a new email. I just opened the door, stepped out of my windowless office

and was immediately hit with the smell of smoke IN THE BUILDING at Woodriver Elementary School.
RIGHT NOW, 10:19 AM ON THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2011 we are once again experiencing smoke IN THE BUILDING a t Woodriver Elementary School in Fairbanks, Alaska. The smoke is coming from two outdoor woodbur n ing furnaces located directly

across the street from the school. This has been occurring on a regular basis since September of 2008 when the OWB furnaces were installed across the

street. Regular basis means this: September 2008

‐ April 2009 we had the smell of smoke IN the building every day and visible smoke IN the building 1

‐ 3 days per week. September 2009

‐ April 2010 we had the smell of smoke IN the building ev ery day and visible smoke IN the building 1

‐ 3 days per week. September 2010

‐ NOW we have the smell of smoke several times per week and visible smoke IN the building a couple of times per month

Plea se work to mitigate this immediate health hazard as well as to legislate measures that will protect our health (60 staff members and 456 students).190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 23

131. 200 [no date

recorded] Woodriver

neighbor It ’ s 8 pm in the Woodriver neighborhood, and the two outdoor boilers near the

school and the coal boiler nearby are all chugging out smoke again. I have a headache from this heavy air, and my baby is crying. It makes me wonder,

“ Does my innocent baby have a smoke headache too? ” There has been nothing

done about these boilers, so apparently the Borough and the DEC think that

babies don ’ t need to breathe....

132. 204 3/11/2011 Woodriver neighbor It ’ s 7:45 pm Friday, and the 2 OWB ’ s across from Woodriver are both pushing

out heavy plumes of smoke tonight. Since there is more light in the sky now, you can actually see the thick haz e coming straight from these two boilers and then spreading across a neighborhood full of families. The air is visibly cloudy and smoky in the light of the street lamps. And I know the smoke isn ’ t just a problem in my neighborhood

‐‐ these wood and coal boilers are popping up everywhere. The Fairbanks Visitors Bureau, the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation and the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce should just start warning people that Fairbanks is a toxic town to visit, start a business, or

raise a fa mily. Fairbanks has no future with this kind of pollution.

133. 212 3/21/2011 Woodriver neighbor Complaint: 8:45 pm Monday. It ’ s totally smoky over near Woodriver and

University West AGAIN tonight. And this weekend, we pulled our stroller out

of the outdoor storage shed, and it REEKED OF SMOKE from sitting out in the

woodsmoke all winter. Unbelievable. I can ’ t stand to have the stroller in the

house because the smell was so horrible, let alone put THE BABY in it. Way to go, Fairbanks Assembly, Alaska DEC, and legislators! Let people burn whatever they want, whenever they want to heat their homes. This plan is working great!

134. 215 3/25/2011 Woodriver neighbor 8:45pm Monday. It ’ s totally smoky over near Woodriver and University West

AGAIN tonight. And this weeke nd, we pulled our stroller out of the outdoor storage shed, and it REEKED OF SMOKE from sitting out in the woodsmoke

all winter. Unbelievable. I can ’ t stand to have the stroller in the house because

the smell was so horrible, let alone put THE BABY in it. Way to go, Fairbanks Assembly, Alaska DEC, and legislators! Let people burn whatever they want, whenever they want to heat their homes. This plan is working great!190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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135. 3 8/2/2011 Woodriver

teacher My name is [Woodriver teacher], and I am concerned with the air quality at the

Woodriver Elementary School. I am concerned about potential health effects of

the smoke at the school both on myself and on my four children, who all attend school there. During this past school year (2010

- 2011), I worked at Woodriver

f our days a week as a reading instructor for children who needed some extra

assistance. I began to have some breathing problems in the fall of 2010. My doctor prescribed an inhaler. I had never had breathing problems or used an inhaler before. I am 32 years old. I continued to have breathing problems and also suffered from low energy, even to the point of physical exhaustion by the end of the day and sometimes throughout the day. Again, this was a new experience for me, as I have always been a very active an d productive person. I

didn ’ t really notice the smoke smell so much myself, as I do not have a very

sensitive sense of smell. But some of my co

- workers at the school suggested that my breathing and fatigue symptoms could be caused by exposure to smoke. My health problems became acute in early March of 2011. I was at the Woodriver playground, where it smelled like forest fires, and I began to have trouble breathing. I went home early, and used my inhaler, but was still struggling to breath e . This condition persisted for a few days, my heart rate was up and I was not improving. Finally, on March 6, 2011, I took three of my

children to the doctor because they were all complaining about sore throats. But when I told the doctor about my own symptoms, they checke d my vital signs and became concerned. My heart rate was elevated and my breathing was still impaired. I ended up going from the Tanana Valley Clinic to the hospital via ambulance and was put on oxygen [complaint cut off] [ Teacher reported problems breathi ng 3/2/2011.]

136. 17 9/27/2011 Woodriver neighbor Outdoor wood boiler next to Woodriver S chool on Trinidad is making a lot of

smoke, still bad even after they have been working on it. The smoke is going

into [neighbor ’ s] house, and across the street into the school yard. The stack

seems to have been lowered as well? Staff Action : Todd explained that a company has installed some emissions control devices [ClearStak CS

- 100] , and that they have been working to make them lower the s moke emissions.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 25

137. 22 9/30/2011 Woodriver s chool employee Subject: 2 children reported sore throats from smoke at recess

Message: At Woodriver today, September 30 around 11:50, I was approached by 2 primary students on the playground that were complaining that the smoke smell was stinging their throats. They asked to go in. I escorted them to our

school nurse.

138. 31 10/11/2011 Woodriver

teacher [ Teacher ] works at Woodriver and in the last few weeks (especially Tuesday,

Oct. 11, 2011), the smoke was so bad in the building that her airways began to get really tight and sore; to the point where she almost had to leave work due to the pain. She was not able to concentrate or help her students learn. She feels this is extremely frustrating and unacceptable.

139. 61 11/4/2011 Woodriver parent Bad wood smoke at 3:30 at Woodriver School

. Photos are attach ed to complaint

to the state. Wo od smoke emanating from outdoor wood boiler on Palo Verde across from school. I smelled of smoke after only 15 minutes in the smog. My kids were clearing their throats for an hour after getting home from school. See attached photos of smog and plume. Thanks.

140. 66 12/2/2011 Woodriver School employee There ’ s very strong smoke smell inside the school. The smoke is coming from

the yellow house across the street on Palo Verde.

141. 69 12/2/2011 Woodriver

teacher Strong smoke in the school and our eyes are burning. The smoke is from

Trinidad.

142. 67 12/3/2011 Woodriver

teacher and neighbor This morning at 8:30 I could smell a very strong wood smoke smell outside my

home and also inside. My house does not have a fireplace. I am experiencing a headache, which I am not prone to, and pain in my sinuses. I have two children who are also being exposed to this nuisance smoke. I have chores that need to

be done on the outside of my house, and I am unable to them do due to the strong smoke. This has become a chronic problem in the University West area during the last 3 y ears. We never had smoke issues when I first purchased my house 7 years ago. This neighborhood was great, and now it is a mess. My family can ’ t enjoy the outside. I am very worried about the long

- term effects of this exposure.

143. 75 12/16/2011 Woodriver

Sch ool employee a very strong wood smoke smell inside the building, students and staff are

complaining190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 26

144. 76 12/16/2011 Woodriver

teacher [Smoke] is coming from a stack across from Woodriver Elementary, toward the

school and playground. You can smell it inside the school and on the playground. I have a students who reports “ not being able to breathe very well

. ”

145. 79 12/19/2011 Woodriver School emplo yee Complaint: There is a terrible campfire type smell inside the building. There ’ s

smoke coming from the outdoor wood burning stack on the house across the street, the smoke is bluish in color.

146. 84 1/12/2012 Woodriver

teacher The students came in from recess complaining about the wood smoke on the

playground. They said it made them cough and made it hard to breathe. Playground duty staff told students to move to other areas of the playground where it was less smoky. One of my s tudents N.L. came in from recess early because the smoke made it too hard for her to breathe. The smoke was coming

from across the street on Palo Verde. Two houses.

147. 97 2/6/2012 Woodriver neighbor I live near the Woodriver school, and this evening upon re turning home from

work, the smoke in the area surrounding my home was so dense it was visible, a smoky haze enveloping the neighborhood. Although the warmer temperatures are a welcome respite, I cannot walk outside without my eyes stinging and my breathing impaired. Please document and attempt some sort of follow up to rectify this problem. Thank you.

148. 98 2/10/2012 Woodriver neighbor Current air quality in u west near Woodriver School is poor. Literally choking in

my backyard watching my dog cough and sneeze. Kids are playing in a faint pall of smoke. Thanks again for doing nothing. Don ’ t bother calling, you never do anyways.

149. 101 2/13/2012 Woodriver School employee The smoke smell is horrid, is coming from both sides of the neighborhood. Eyes

are wate ring; students, parents, staff have come in to the building to complain.

150. 115 3/5/2012 Woodriver neighbor I stopped to pick up my mail when my daughter noticed the foul, yellow

- brown

smoke coming from a neighbor ’ s back yard. His address is 89 Trinidad, and I have pictures of it. Between this residence and the one on the corner of Trinidad and Palo Verde, it is impossible to breathe in this neighborhood! Please do something!

151. 123 4/6/2012 Woodriver School employee There is smoke billowing from the house next to the playground coming down

straight towards the school ’ s main door.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 27

152. 124 4/6/2012 Woodriver

teacher [Teacher] sent pictures to Todd of the smoke and house (685 Audrey) noted in

complaint 123. “ All I did was get out of my car,(between 8

- 8:30 AM) snap 3 pictures and come inside and at 11:45 (AM) I still smell like smoke ” [ C omplaint

# 123 was from different individual.]

153. 36 10/19/2012 Woodriver

teacher and

parent [Teacher and parent] called at 8:45am and said that when she dropped off her

children a t Woodriver Elementary, there was a strong smell/ odor of wood

smoke at the school.

154. 37 10/20/2012 Woodriver neighbor Air quality is poor in [University

- West] area. Wood boilers next to school are

smoking and owner appears to be ignoring smoke. My lungs are acting up, and I

can ’ t go outside

155. 43 10/24/2012 Woodriver

teacher Bad smoke smell inside the school building at 12:00

- t he outside air smells the

same!

156. 45 10/25/2012 Woodriver

teacher The air quality is again bad in U

- West. The guy across the street from

Woodriver School is making the entire neighborhood have awful air. The air quality was just as bad at 8:20 this morning.

157. 46 10/25/2012 Woodriver

teacher The air is thick with smoke outside the school.

158. 48 10/30/2012 Woodriver School employee Smoke outside the building is thick. Smoke odor inside the building is at a high

level also.

159. 49 10/30/2012 Woodriver School employee There ’ s a very strong smoke odor coming from the Palo Verde Ave house. We

had several complaints this mor ning by other staff members.

160. 50 10/30/2012 Woodriver

teacher This morning coming into work, there is a smoky smell in the parking lot, which

has permeated the building and making it hard to breathe in my room number 5 as well as other places in the building here at Woodriver Elementary. Thanks.

161. 51 10/30/2012 Woodriver

teacher I am working in my classroom at Woodriver Elementary. It is 8:45am on a

Tuesday. The wood smoke inside my classroom is making my nose run, my eyes water, and I am now coughing . I am having to leave my classroom and move to the other side of the building for cleaner air. I hope it clears up a bit before my students arrive for class in 15 minutes.

162. 52 10/30/2012 Woodriver

teacher Smell of smoke is thick in my first grade classroom this morning. Wood fired

outdoor boilers must be fired up this morning. Known locations around

Woodriver. No follow

- up call to me please

. I ’ m with students the rest of the day.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 28

163. 54 10/30/2012 Woodriver School employee I am an employee at Woodriver Elementary at 5000 Palo Verde. I noticed the

woodsmoke smell and a haze in the air the minute I stepped out of my car in the parking lot this morning. Since I arrived at work, my eyes, nose and throat have

been burning from the smell. Thank you for your concern

. 164. 55 10/30/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Strong smell of smoke at Woodriver Elementary both in and outside of the

building. Measured level of PM 2.5 was 60 outside and 7 inside.

165. 65 11/1/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy There is a strong smell of woodsmoke in our building. We currently have 515

students and staff that are effected by the poor air quality.

166. 66 11/2/2012 Woodriver parent [Parent] called, said it was real smoky when dropping off kids at school.

Smelled real bad.

167. 71 11/5/2012 Woodriver parent At Woodriver dropping off kids, strong odor of woodsmoke around school.

168. 75 11/7/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Smells of wood smoke in our building by the main office. This smell has been

present for about 30 minutes. There are approximately 515 people in our school that could be affected by this smell.

169. 76 11/7/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Strong smell of smoke in the building reported by several staff members in

various locations around the building. This smoke can affect 515 people in the building.

170. 78 11/7/2012 Woodriver parent She picked up her children at Woodriver school and they both wanted to complain about the smoke. One said he was coughing th e whole time he was waiting outside for her and couldn ’ t stop and he hates it, the other said they could smell it in the school also. [Parent] stated that she had a sore and rough throat after having breathed the air while picking up her children. She requ ested

that this be forwarded to ADEC and CC ’ d to her also.

171. 80 11/8/2012 Woodriver parent Message: Just picked up her children at Woodriver School, smells real bad, real smoky. Kids complained how smoky it was at recess outside.

172. 81 11/12/2012 Woodriver parent P icked up daughter at Woodriver S chool, and daughter complained that there was a smell of smoke in her reading class.

173. 83 11/13/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Smoke smell in our building at Woodriver Elementary. This smoke can effect

approximat ely 515 people. I have received complai nts from about 4 staff

members. Smoke smell in the building right before school released. The smoke

can a ffect the approximately 515 people in our school.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 29

174. 84 11/16/2012 Woodriver parent While dropping kids off at Woodriver School, the air was real bad, very smoky. Driving down Dartmouth and down Trinidad was pretty bad as well.

175. 87 11/16/2012 Woodriver parent Called in complaint at 12:10, explained that at lunch at Woodriver School, it

w as very smoky, breathed in the outside air and had a lot of smoke sucked in. It

is real bad!

176. 88 11/21/2012 FNSB AQ employee Called and explained to Todd [Thompson] that she was sitting in the Woodriver

School parking lot, looking at both outdoor wood boilers across the street, Palo Verde, and witnessed heavy smoke from both units coming into the parking lot and playground area. It is very smoky and smells of thick wood smoke. Staff

Action : [Employee] took photos and submitted them.

177. 91 11/26/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Strong smell of wood smoke in our Multipurpose Room and Music room. This

smell has been around for abou t 15 minutes now and can affect 515 people that attend and work at Woodriver Elementary.

178. 93 11/27/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Strong smell of wood smoke in our building at 2:20 this afternoon. This smoke

was reported by four different adults. This smoke can affect 515 people who work or attend school in our building.

179. 95 11/27/2012 Woodriver parent While dropping off her kids at Woodriver Elementary school, could smell smoke, and there was a smoky haze over the school. Could see the smoke coming f rom the boiler on the corner lot near the school.

180. 96 11/28/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Smoke smell in our building at about 12:00 pm today. The smell was reported

by 4 different adults. The smoke has the potential to affect about 515 people that work and attend school in our building.

181. 100 11/28/2012 Woodriver parent [Parent] called and explained that at 8:50 am this morning it was smoky at

Woodriver school.

182. 112 11/29/2012 Woodriver parent [Parent] called at 3:35 pm and left message. Picked up children from Woodriver school, stench is outrageous of smoke. Her children are coughing while getting into vehicle because of smoke. Please respond with a copy of the complaint to

the DEC and herself as well.

183. 119 12/17/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy There was a strong wood smoke smell in our building at approximately 1:15 this

afternoon as reported by a staff member and several students. This smoke has the potential to harm 515 people that attend and work in our school.190 Air Pollution Complaints from the Woodriver Elementary Are a 20 08

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, Fairbanks, Alaska , page 30

184. 122 12/18/2012 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Strong smell of smoke in the building this morning as reported by three separate

staff members, in different parts of the building. There are approximately 515 students and staff that can be affected by this smoke.

185. 133 1/7/2013 Woodr iver Principal Grant Guy Strong smell of smoke in our building as reported by 4 different staff members.

186. 154 2/5/2013 Woodriver parent Caller was dropping of her child at Woodriver and noticed that the house at 660 Aubrey is emitting black smoke.

187. 156 2/6/2013 Woodriver Principal Grant Guy Two outdoor boiler producing large plumes of smoke observed at 9:00 am. At

9:30 I received a report from three adults that there was a strong wood smoke smell in our building near our kindergarten wing.

188. 157 2/6/2013 Woodriver School employee There is a tremendous amount of woodsmoke from a private individual across

the street from Woodriver Elementary S chool at 5000 Palo Verde Drive in Fairbanks. This is my place of employment and the smoke is burning my eyes,

hurtin g my throat, and has given me a headache within the first 30 minutes of being in the building. Please stop this homeowner from continuing this unhealthy burning. It is so irritating and should be taken care of my our State

la ws that prohibit this behavior.

189. 158 2/6/2013 Woodriver

teacher There is a strong smoke smell inside the school building causing eyes and

throats to be irritated. The outdoor boilers across the street are being used at this

time.

190. 159 2/6/2013 Woodriver School employee Nuisance smoke coming from an outdoor wood burner at 5055 Palo Verde. I am

an employee at Woodriver Elementary and I could smell smoke in the hallways as soon as I entered the building at 8:25 this morning.