Welcome to Selkirk Alliance for Science
We are an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit alliance of scientist and nonscientist volunteers who advocate an increased understanding of the nature, value, and integrity of science to benefit our communities. Our members have expertise in applying and teaching earth, life, and physical sciences. The communities we call home are located in northeast Washington and northern Idaho.
NEWS UPDATE
Air Quality Citizen Science Project
The Pend Oreille Conservation District (POCD) and the nonprofit Selkirk Alliance for Science (SAS) are organizing and implementing a voluntary citizen science air quality monitoring program throughout Pend Oreille County. The Northeast Tri-County Health District, Kalispel Tribe’s Natural Resources Department, plus the municipalities of Newport and Metaline are current partners.
This effort will install consumer-grade monitoring devices that measure and record the concentration of tiny airborne particulate matter in real time day or night. The devices transmit data directly to the PurpleAir website and interactive map, which is linked locally to the POCD website (https://www.pocd.org/airquality) for free public viewing.
Scientific research has discovered that outdoor air pollution containing particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) increases the incidence rates of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, respiratory symptoms, asthma, and outcomes during pregnancy or after birth. Deaths associated with PM2.5 are reportedly higher in socio-economically disadvantaged communities such as Pend Oreille County. PM2.5 can be solid substances such as carbon or metal compounds. It is produced from burning materials, combustion engines, road dust, tobacco smoke, and furnaces.
Wildfires are a major contributor of PM2.5 and large conflagrations are increasing in frequency, duration, and size. In recent years, severe wildfire smoke in Pend Oreille County lingered summer-long, but no air monitoring system was in place to measure any threat to residents and visitors. This citizen science program will address that gap and provide people with information to consider in planning their outdoor activities during conditions of unhealthy airborne pollution.
The monitoring devices are the size of a softball, sturdy for outdoor installation, and will be placed at public or private locations only with the landowner’s permission. They require continuous AC electricity, a continuous WiFi connection/signal, and yearlong physical access for possible maintenance. Private or public landowners who are interested in hosting an air monitoring device are encouraged to visit the POCD website identified above or email SAS at selkirkallianceforscience@gmail.com.
Data from this new citizen science air monitoring program is not precise enough for use by regulating officials, but it can indicate the influence of time of day or season, atmospheric conditions, and human activity on air quality. It may also indicate a need for more detailed study.
The Pend Oreille Conservation District (POCD) and the nonprofit Selkirk Alliance for Science (SAS) are organizing and implementing a voluntary citizen science air quality monitoring program throughout Pend Oreille County. The Northeast Tri-County Health District, Kalispel Tribe’s Natural Resources Department, plus the municipalities of Newport and Metaline are current partners.
This effort will install consumer-grade monitoring devices that measure and record the concentration of tiny airborne particulate matter in real time day or night. The devices transmit data directly to the PurpleAir website and interactive map, which is linked locally to the POCD website (https://www.pocd.org/airquality) for free public viewing.
Scientific research has discovered that outdoor air pollution containing particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) increases the incidence rates of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, respiratory symptoms, asthma, and outcomes during pregnancy or after birth. Deaths associated with PM2.5 are reportedly higher in socio-economically disadvantaged communities such as Pend Oreille County. PM2.5 can be solid substances such as carbon or metal compounds. It is produced from burning materials, combustion engines, road dust, tobacco smoke, and furnaces.
Wildfires are a major contributor of PM2.5 and large conflagrations are increasing in frequency, duration, and size. In recent years, severe wildfire smoke in Pend Oreille County lingered summer-long, but no air monitoring system was in place to measure any threat to residents and visitors. This citizen science program will address that gap and provide people with information to consider in planning their outdoor activities during conditions of unhealthy airborne pollution.
The monitoring devices are the size of a softball, sturdy for outdoor installation, and will be placed at public or private locations only with the landowner’s permission. They require continuous AC electricity, a continuous WiFi connection/signal, and yearlong physical access for possible maintenance. Private or public landowners who are interested in hosting an air monitoring device are encouraged to visit the POCD website identified above or email SAS at selkirkallianceforscience@gmail.com.
Data from this new citizen science air monitoring program is not precise enough for use by regulating officials, but it can indicate the influence of time of day or season, atmospheric conditions, and human activity on air quality. It may also indicate a need for more detailed study.
COVID19
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Selkirk Alliance for Science is postponing all activities that do not allow for adequate social distancing, face-masking, or other safety restrictions. In the meantime, we are planning (virtually) our Power of Science Series of presentations for this fall and winter, and will continue to work on rolling out our Air Quality Citizen Science Project collaboratively with the Pend Oreille Conservation District. Board of Directors meetings will be less frequent and take place online until further notice. If you have interests or activities you would like us to pursue, please contact our President, Ed Styskel at 541-678-1144. Be safe, stay healthy, and check back to this website for new features and science information.Board of Directors meetings will be less frenotice
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Selkirk Alliance for Science is postponing all activities that do not allow for adequate social distancing, face-masking, or other safety restrictions. In the meantime, we are planning (virtually) our Power of Science Series of presentations for this fall and winter, and will continue to work on rolling out our Air Quality Citizen Science Project collaboratively with the Pend Oreille Conservation District. Board of Directors meetings will be less frequent and take place online until further notice. If you have interests or activities you would like us to pursue, please contact our President, Ed Styskel at 541-678-1144. Be safe, stay healthy, and check back to this website for new features and science information.Board of Directors meetings will be less frenotice