This Wednesday, May 1, the Management of Critical Episodes (GEC) 2024 begins, which extends to August 31 and is part of the Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) for particulate matter (PM) 2.5 of the Central Valley of O ‘Higgins, applying special measures during the fall and winter months to prevent the population’s exposure to high rates of air pollution.
The measure, which covers the 17 communes that make up the central valley of O’Higgins, this year has differentiated measures applied in an episode of Alert, Pre-Emergency or Environmental Emergency, to regulate the residential use of wood-burning appliances, sports activities in educational establishments and activities organized by the National Sports Institute (IND) and the operation of fixed sources such as furnaces and boilers.
“This year the emphasis will be on inspection, because the restrictions must be respected in each episode in the communes of the central valley of our region, since the Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) of the saturated zone seeks to protect the health of the population, preventing exposure to high rates of air pollution due to fine particulate matter resulting from the use of wood-burning heating devices,” said the Presidential Delegate of O’Higgins, Fabio López.
For her part, the Seremi del Medio Ambiente, Giovanna Amaya, indicated that this year the Management of Critical Episodes has completely differentiated measures per episode, detailing that “This new PDA brings different measures, whether in Alert, Pre-Emergency or Emergency. On Alert Day we will prohibit the use of wood heaters. In addition, we have a measure that is different and special because schools will be able to carry out physical education, but moderate activities and they will be able to carry out the competitions of the National System of Competencies organized by the IND, and the prohibition of the industry that has boilers or that works based on firewood.”
He added that “In the case of Pre-Emergency, wood-burning appliances cannot be used; In the case of industry, heating means that use solid fuels cannot be used. In addition, there is a prohibition on physical education on school grounds and the free competition sports activities that the IND has are exempt,” said the regional environmental authority.
And for Emergencies, Amaya explained that “as in previous years, that day there was a total ban on wood heating. No massive sporting activity or physical education is carried out, and competitions that are in the IND National Competence System cannot be carried out. In the case of industry, ovens that indicate the higher quantities that are established within the Air Pollution Plan cannot be occupied. Different measures that we are not rushing, and we are already warning the population of what is going to come next year with the total ban on wood heating starting in 2025 in Rancagua and Machalí Urbano.”
It should be noted that measures established in the GEC apply only in an Episode situation, that is, when an Alert, Pre-Emergency or Environmental Emergency is declared, for the 17 communes of the saturated zone of the O’Higgins Region: Rancagua, Graneros, Doñihue, Olivar , Coltauco, Coínco, Quinta de Tilcoco, San Vicente, Placilla, Mostazal, Codegua, Machalí, Malloa, Rengo, Requínoa, San Fernando and Chimbarongo.
INSPECTION
Inspection during episodes of the use of wood heaters in homes is the responsibility of the Seremi de Salud O’Higgins, who, through their inspection teams, will visit various points in the communes to verify compliance with environmental regulations.
“Last year we processed nearly 200 summaries, which is a favorable figure. We see that there is a behavior of citizens to be responsible, in addition to the complaints that the neighbors themselves make when they identify emission bridges that are generating pollution. Ask them to maintain this virtuous bond and that people can help us be our eyes in the territory,” said Seremi Salud, Carolina Torres.
He explained, “We have our inspection team and they are the ones who, in some way, redirect efforts in the winter period so that we can, at appropriate times, where this lack is identified. We have a total of six offices in the territory and there must be approximately 30 people and that can be reinforced by redirecting and reconverting teams. So we have the possibility of reinforcing when required.”
Regarding the fines, the health authority indicated that they range from 1 to 1000 UTM, “which is evaluated according to the repetition of the offense.” He added that there are different mechanisms for complaints. “Municipalities, for example, also help us identify citizens directly. It can also be done through the OIRS,” said Torres.
In the line of inspection, it is necessary to highlight that the Superintendency of the Environment is the body in charge of supervising bakeries and the sale of firewood throughout the year, tasks that will be intensified during the GEC in order to safeguard compliance with environmental regulations. .
It is important to note that the air quality forecast will be published daily, starting April 30, on the social networks of the Seremi del Medio Ambiente O’Higgins, the Regional Presidential Delegation and on the site airechile.mma.gob.cl
PHOTO READING
PDA 1: Seremi del Medio Ambiente, Giovanna Amaya
PDA 2: Presidential Delegate of O’Higgins, Fabio López.
PDA 3: Seremi Salud, Carolina Torres.
PDA 4: This Wednesday the GEC begins with differentiated measures applied in an Alert, Pre-Emergency or Environmental Emergency episode.
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FORECAST LEVEL AND MEASURES
ALERT
Prohibition of operation of heating boilers for home use, wood heaters (certified and not certified by the SEC) and wood stoves. Only pellet heaters certified by the SEC may be used. Seremi Health Inspection.
•Performance of intense physical and sports activity Moderate (such as walks of more than 30 minutes, cycling, skating, entertaining dancing, physical conditioning, etc.), in closed areas, avoiding prolonged or very intense physical efforts, for the entire school community in the saturated area. The activities linked to the National System of Sports Competitions (SNCD) are carried out at every event.
• Carrying out physical activity of Moderate intensity, avoiding prolonged or very intense physical efforts, in closed areas. Activities linked to the SNDC are carried out at all events.
•Prohibition of the operation of wood or coal-fired boilers, unless they prove PM emissions lower than 30 mg/m³N
PRE-EMERGENCY
Prohibition of operation of heating boilers for home use, wood heaters (certified and not certified by the SEC) and wood stoves. Only pellet heaters certified by the SEC may be used. Seremi Health Inspection.
• Physical and sports activities outdoors and indoors are suspended for the entire school community in the saturated area. The activities linked to the National System of Sports Competitions (SNCD) are carried out at every event.
• Carrying out intense physical activity light (such as gentle walks, a stationary bike, yoga, Pilates, weights, etc.), avoiding prolonged or very intense physical exertion in closed spaces. Activities linked to the SNCD are carried out at all events.
•Massive outdoor sports activities must be suspended. That is, one in which more than 100 people participate in a physical activity. Seremi Health Inspection.
•Prohibition of the operation of boilers that use solid fuels, unless they demonstrate PM emissions lower than 30 mg/m3N.
EMERGENCY
Prohibition of operation of heating boilers for home use, wood heaters (certified and not certified by the SEC) and wood stoves. Only pellet heaters certified by the SEC may be used. Seremi Health Inspection.
•Suspension of physical and sports activities outdoors and indoors, for the entire school community in the saturated area.
•Massive outdoor sports activities must be suspended. Mass activity will be understood as one in which more than 100 people participate in physical activity. Seremi Health Inspection.
•Prohibition of the operation of boilers that use solid fuels, unless they demonstrate PM emissions lower than 30 mg/m3N. Seremi Health Inspection.
•Prohibition of the operation of ovens, except bread ovens, with a thermal power greater than 75 kWt that use solid fuels, unless they certify PM emissions lower than 30 mg/m3N. Seremi Health Inspection.
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