DUE TO POOR VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONS THE INTENDENCIA METROPOLITANA HAS DECLARED THE FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL PRE-EMERGENCY OF 2014.

SANTIAGO — High levels of pollution have always been a problem in the history of Santiago. The air gets trapped between the mountains and this poor ventilation causes bad air quality in the city. Currently, there are 11 monitoring stations that monitor environmental conditions in the region of Santiago.

This past Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, the Intendencia Metropolitana issued an “alert” status regarding the pollution in Santiago. Today, the Intendencia Metropolitana issued the first “pre-emergency” status of 2014. This means that the levels of pollution fall somewhere between 300-499 on the scale. In 2013, there were only 5 environmental alerts, but there never was a recorded pre-emergency. However, today there are high levels of pollution in Santiago and it is considered one of the most polluted days recorded.

The Intendencia Metropolitana prohibits vehicles with green stamped license plates ending in 9 and 0 from driving in the city today. Also, cars ending with license plates 3,4,5,6,7 are restricted. These vehicles are restricted between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 in Santiago, Puente Alto and San Bernardo.

The Intendencia Metropolitana also has banned outside sports activities, specifically those at schools and universities. This includes the possible restriction of P.E. classes. The Ministerio de Educación is in charge of monitoring these suspensions.

The general population is recommended to refrain from outside physical activity. Additionally, 1,215 sources of pollution in industrial firms and sites are prohibited. This includes the prohibition of burning wood stoves during this time. People with complaints about burning fires can contact the Seremi de Salud Metropolitana. This also affects those who were planning to grill some meat to enjoy an asado during the game.

Complaints about motorists driving with prohibited vehicles are invited to call the number on the Intendencia Metropolitana webpage. Chileans can visit the Intendencia Metropolitana webpage for further updates about the levels of pollution in Santiago.

via First Air Quality Pre-Emergency in Santiago | I Love Chile News.