According to officials, Fairbanks' new location in North Star Borough area could indicate much higher official readings; it is a new location for monitoring wintertime air pollution.

The location for the official monitor, which is used to measure fine particulate emitted by wood stoves and other burning devices, is being changed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Earlier the official monitor was located in downtown Fairbanks. Much higher particulate numbers have been shown by the new location east of North Pole.

According to Glenn Miller, air quality director for the borough, the main thing is that it is not a good sign, clearly.

Fine particulate could lead to decreased lung function, heart attacks and premature death in people who have heart or lung disease. It is considered to be especially harmful for the young, elderly and weakened.

Air all the way through the borough has to be cleaned so as to meet federal standards; however the change in the official monitoring station could have an impact on what is observed. Last year, Fairbanks was ranked seventh on the American Lung Association list of dirtiest cities on the basis of fine particulate measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less. The new location readings could take Fairbanks to a higher ranking.

A community's 'design value' was found by averaging three years of EPA data. 'Design value' is a tool used by the EPA in order to measure development in the direction of cleaner air. According to Barbara Trost, environmental program manager for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation 40 micrograms per cubic meter is the new design value for the Fairbanks monitor. The aim is to reach under 35.

On the other hand, 139 micrograms per cubic meter is the preliminary design value at Hurst Road. Lucy Edmondson, EPA air quality planner, said, "The number will go up quite a bit".