...AIR QUALITY ALERT NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH 6 PM CDT TUESDAY...
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality
Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups category.
* WHERE...Central Minnesota.
* WHEN...Through 6 PM CDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, and children and older
adults, may experience health effects.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of smoke from wildfires in Quebec
will continue to linger across east central and southeast
Minnesota today due to very light winds. Another band of smoke
is also moving into the state off Lake Superior. Air quality
will continue to be poor through Tuesday afternoon across east
central and southeast Minnesota.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should
limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution,
such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning
devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as
possible.
Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting
indoors.
&&
For information on current air quality conditions in your area;
and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert;
notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow;
mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/current-air-;
quality. You can find additional information about health and air;
quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/why-you-should-care-;
air-quality-and-health.
The full length of the proposed power line upgrade would run from Mankato to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, near Kellogg. The proposed power line isn’t going in all the spots shown, rather the spots shown are preliminary options that are subject to change. (Graphic courtesy of Xcel Energy)
West of Faribault, the proposed power line would either go above or below Morristown. Either way, much of the proposed lines follow along existing power-line routes. (Graphic courtesy of Xcel Energy)
The choices presented by Xcel Energy for its new power line would go north or south of Kenyon. The northern option largely follows an existing line, while the southern one would be mostly land that doesn’t currently have a line. (Graphic courtesy of Xcel Energy)
Xcel Energy Public Engagement Specialist Josh Solis and open house attendee Renee Erlandson, a Realtor from Rochester, identify the best spots for the power lines. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)
Rice County Commissioner Jim Purfeerst (center-left) and Rice County Public Health Director Deb Purfeerst, far right, discuss the proposed project with Xcel Energy project management team members Tim Solberg (left) and Justin Lundstrom.
A larger crowd came out for the Wednesday afternoon open house at the Rice County Fairgrounds to gather public input regarding a proposed power-line upgrade by Xcel Energy. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)
As the state moves toward its goal to be carbon-free by 2040, Xcel Energy Transmission Communications and Public Affairs Manager Randy Fordice said he and colleagues have their work cut out for them.
The full length of the proposed power line upgrade would run from Mankato to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, near Kellogg. The proposed power line isn’t going in all the spots shown, rather the spots shown are preliminary options that are subject to change. (Graphic courtesy of Xcel Energy)
Xcel Energy Public Engagement Specialist Josh Solis and open house attendee Renee Erlandson, a Realtor from Rochester, identify the best spots for the power lines. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)
West of Faribault, the proposed power line would either go above or below Morristown. Either way, much of the proposed lines follow along existing power-line routes. (Graphic courtesy of Xcel Energy)
The choices presented by Xcel Energy for its new power line would go north or south of Kenyon. The northern option largely follows an existing line, while the southern one would be mostly land that doesn’t currently have a line. (Graphic courtesy of Xcel Energy)
Rice County Commissioner Jim Purfeerst (center-left) and Rice County Public Health Director Deb Purfeerst, far right, discuss the proposed project with Xcel Energy project management team members Tim Solberg (left) and Justin Lundstrom.
A larger crowd came out for the Wednesday afternoon open house at the Rice County Fairgrounds to gather public input regarding a proposed power-line upgrade by Xcel Energy. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)
