Air pollution alert in effect for parts of Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. — An air pollution alert has been issued for dust for Rapid City west of ‘The Gap’. The alert is effective until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. The alert is issued by the National Weather Service in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Northwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour are expected. The gusty winds will suspend fine dust in the air and produce poor air quality.

The Rapid City Air Quality Office recommends the elderly, young, and anyone with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during the alert period.

Voluntary actions to reduce dust pollution include ceasing or reducing the manipulation of soil in construction, industrial and agricultural activities, and increasing the use of pollution co trims for soil stabilization, waste pits, stock piles, and construction sites.