FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2023 

MEDIA CONTACT: Neil Shader, ra-epnews@pa.gov

Pennsylvania under Code Red Air Quality Alert Due to Wildfire Smoke

Residents encouraged to limit outdoor activity, especially vulnerable populations

Harrisburg, PA – Today, June 7, 2023, The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day throughout the entire Commonwealth for fine particulate matter. Pennsylvania residents should limit their outdoor activities. Children, sensitive populations such as older people, those who exercise or work outdoors and those with lung or respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.  

Smoke due to wildfires in eastern Canada will likely contribute to daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Code Red range on Wednesday, with areas farther east experiencing worse air quality, possibly into Code Purple ranges. For areas in Code Purple, all residents should limit outdoor exertion, and sensitive populations should avoid all outdoor exertion.  

Residents are encouraged to limit their time outdoors but do not need to shelter in place. Pets and other animals should be kept indoors. 

The weather pattern pushing the smoke from wildfires in eastern Quebec is forecast to continue until Friday for most of Pennsylvania. DEP will continue to update the forecast to determine ongoing needs for Air Quality Alerts. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI) provides standardized color codes for forecasting and reporting daily air quality. Green signifies good air quality; Yellow means moderate air quality; Orange represents unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive groups of people; and Red warns of unhealthy pollution levels for all.

An Air Quality Action Day is declared when the AQI is forecasted to be Code Orange or higher. On an Air Quality Action Day, young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities.

For more information, visit DEP at www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/AQPartnersWeb and EPA’s AirNow at www.airnow.gov. 

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, please visit the website or follow DEP on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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Tree City USA Application 

Did you know that the Ephrata Borough Shade Tree Commission has applied for Ephrata Borough to become a Tree City USA?  Achieving this recognition would not only showcase the Borough’s dedication to nurturing the local tree population but also help grant access to valuable resources and grant opportunities to further enhance the community's green spaces. 

Tree City USA Program History

Beginning in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs to date with the founders envisioning a healthier and greener America.  The first cohort of the Tree City USA program comprised of 42 communities within 16 states. Today, there are 3,652 recognized cities (www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa), with over 941,725 trees planted. 

Why Become a Tree City USA? 

Having additional green space within the Borough has many advantages to our community: 

• Reduce the noise from a busy Main St.

• Reduce energy costs, up to 25%, by shading buildings from harsh Ephrata winds.

• Green space improves mental and physical health.

• Homes with additional trees have a higher property value.

• Mitigation of climate change. 

How to Become a Tree City USA?

Our Ephrata Borough can become a Tree City USA, by meeting four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.  

• A Tree Board of Department - There must be an individual or group legally responsible for the care of all the trees on city-or-town owned property.

• A Public Tree Care Ordinance - The Borough must have a qualifying ordinance that provides clear guidance for “planting, maintaining, and/or removing trees from streets, parks, and other public spaces” (arborday.org) and must be in effect 24/7. 

• A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita - The Borough must provide support at or above the $2 per capita minimum for the trees within Borough green spaces. 

• An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation - The Borough must celebrate all the hard work that goes into providing residents and business owners a clean and green space! 

The Borough, along with the assistance of the Shade Tree Commission, want to create and maintain a clean and green space for all Ephrata Borough residents, business owners, and visitors and are dedicated and excited for this recognition. 

Ephrata Borough Community Pool 

Summer days are right around the corner meaning picnics, fireworks, campfire, and pool time! The Ephrata Borough owns and operates the Community Pool for residents within the Borough complete with 3 main pools, flume slides, and even a climbing wall.  The Community Pool is located in the Grater Park, adjacent to tennis courts, a large park, and a walking trail.  Residents and visitors can enjoy the sun in the various pools and amenities of the Ephrata Borough Community Pool. 

Zero-Depth Entry Tot Pool (up to 4 years of age)

Water in this pool is entry level and gradually increases in depth to allow access for small children.  Kids can enjoy a shower tower, aqua hoop, and otter slide! As this pool has a gradual incline, guests can obtain a water access chair from the pool house lobby. 

Zero-Depth Entry Intermediate Pool (4-7 years of age)

For older kids who are not yet ready for the main pool, this option offers a water entry that is gradual and features a drop jet, rain drop, and storm spinner. This pool also offers a gradual incline for guests that need easy entry through a pool chair. 

Flume Slides

The flume slides that accompany the main pool are 7 feet in height and feature a dual action red drop slide and yellow tube slide.  All slides are managed by a lifeguard and all guests wishing to utilize these fun slides must be a minimum of 48 inches tall, or who have passed the deep water swim test. 

Climbing Walls

There are two climbing walls within the pool, an intermediate 2 meter high wall, and an advanced 3 meter high wall. Each wall has a textured non-slip design tilted slightly over the water.  Life guards oversee each wall  as guests can climb and then jump into the deep water below. 

Competition Pool 

The Ephrata Community Pool has a 6 lane, 25 meter competition pool that features water 4-5 feet in depth and is fully equipped with Kiefer anti-turbulent lanes, KDI Paragon starting blocks, and a fully automatic Colorado timing system.  Children ages 12 and under must pass the deep water test to use this pool without an adult. 

ADA Accessibility 

All pools are ADA accessible and lifts for guests with disabilities are stations at the edge of each pool and shall be used under the direction of deck management. 

The Ephrata Borough Community Pool strives to provide a safe and fun pool environment for residents and guests with the use of lifeguards and several general rules and regulations.  It is the utmost goal to keep everyone safe.  To view these rules, view rates, learn about events, or learn more please visit the pool website at http://ephratarec.com/communitypool/index.php