OLYMPIA - The state Department of Ecology invites comments on the state's proposed plan to reduce pollution that causes haze in national parks and on other federal lands, including the North Cascades and Pasayten Wilderness.
     In the western U.S., haze has reduced views from an average of 140 miles to 35-90 miles. Many of the same pollutants that impact visibility also can harm people, including contributing to heart and lung problems, the DOE said.
     They also can damage plants and degrade water quality in streams and lakes.
     Federal law requires states to submit plans to reduce air pollutants that affect visibility in 156 national parks and wilderness areas. Washington has eight of the mandatory Class 1 areas: North Cascades, Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks, and the Pasayten, Glacier Peak, Alpine Lakes, Goat Rocks and Mount Adams wilderness areas.
     Federal law set a national goal to return visibility to "natural conditions" in Class 1 areas by 2064. To work toward that goal, states must develop regional haze state implementation plans for specific time periods between now and 2064.
     DOE is seeking public comments on its first draft plan. Comments can be submitted until Oct. 6 by e-mail at AQcomments@ecy.wa.gov or by mail to Doug Schneider, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia 98504-7600.
     A public hearing will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at DOE headquarters, 300 Desmond Drive S.E., Lacey.
     The proposed plan and related documents can be viewed at the Twisp Public Library, 2100 N. Methow Valley Highway or online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/globalwarm_RegHaze/regional_haze.html.