Shutdown Notice and Health Alert Information

The Air Quality Program constantly evaluates current pollutant levels, daily weather patterns, air movement, and temperature levels in Albuquerque - Bernalillo County. From time to time, we may notify the public to take action based on the conditions we are monitoring.

First, as a precautionary step, we may issue a Shutdown Notice to Albuquerque-Bernalillo County contractors and businesses that might generate fugitive dust. Learn more about Shutdown Notices.

Next, if conditions continue to worsen, we may issue a Health Alert to all Albuquerque - Bernalillo County residents. Learn more about Health Alerts.

Shutdown Notices

• Shutdown Notices are issued pursuant to 20.11.20 NMAC, Fugitive Dust Control.
• Shutdown Notices will only be issued if the Air Quality Program documents a high wind event.
• During a high wind event, all persons who own or operate a fugitive dust source where active operations have occurred or are occurring must use reasonably available control measures found in Paragraph 5 of subsection C of 20.11.20.16 NMAC. 
• Paragraph 5 states that it is MANDATORY during a high wind event that all active operations that are capable of producing fugitive dust be stopped. Active operations are defined as earth moving, discing, trenching, blading, scraping, clearing, detonation and demolition activities, movement of any motorized vehicles on any unpaved roadway or surface.

Steps that you can take during Shutdown Notices

• The Air Quality Program encourages individuals to report any contractors or other businesses that you believe are not complying with the Shutdown Notice.
• For assistance in complying with the Shutdown Notice, call Jon Lutz at 505-768-1957 or Tony Romero at 505-228-6989

Health Alerts

• The Air Quality Program issues health alerts if conditions worsen to the point that individuals with respiratory conditions may be adversely impacted by outdoor activity.
• Health Alerts are typically issued because of elevated levels of dust or smoke. Both dust and smoke are types of particulate matter.
• The Air Quality Program issues health alerts for ozone when ozone levels exceed 70 parts per billion (ppb) over an 8-hour average or 120 ppb in one hour.
• People who are sensitive to particulate matter, such as those with asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory and heart diseases, are encouraged to limit outdoor activity.
• Children and older adults may also be affected by particulate pollution.

Steps that you can take during Health Alerts

• Limit your time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
• Schools and senior citizen facilities may want to provide indoor activities to minimize exposure to elevated outdoor particulate levels.
• Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode.
• If symptoms of heart or lung disease occur, (including shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations or unusual fatigue) contact your health care provider.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their health management plan from their health care provider.
• Asthmatic individuals should follow a prescribed asthma management plan.