Where The Spare The Air Violators Are Found

San Ramon leads the valley region in the number of people who were caught violating the no-burn rules on Spare The Air days the past three winters.

In contrast, Danville, Livermore and Pleasanton show no air quality citations issued since 2010. 

The findings are part of a study recently released by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District that focused on the number of days our air is unhealthy, according to a story in the Contra Costa Times.

Overall, the Bay Area's air is cleaner than it was a decade ago.

District officials reported 39 days in winter 2000-2001 when the Bay Area's air exceeded federal pollution standards. During this past winter reporting season, which ended Feb. 28, there was only one.

The previous winter there were 10 days above federal standards. There was just one in winter 2010-2011.

Since 2009, Contra Costa County residents have filed 1,795 complaints against their neighbors for burning wood on Spare The Air days, according to The Times. There were 192 citations issued.

In Alameda County, there were 1,479 violations reported and 75 citations issued.

Here's a breakdown of the no-burn violators city by city in the Tri-Valley and San Ramon Valley from 2010-2012, according to a map put together by The Times.

Bay Area air quality officials credit the Spare The Air days with reducing air pollution during winter months.

The no-burn days are declared when air pollution levels start to edge toward federal maximums.

Officials said that preemptive action has kept the Bay Area from violating those standards in recent years.

Critics, including  have said the Spare The Air days are an example of big government intruding into people's lives.

However, air quality officials say the program is working, helping keep the air clean and helping people with asthma and other ailments to breathe easier.