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Department of Ecology News Release - October 1, 2001
01-172
SPOKANE - In an ongoing effort to reduce air pollution from agricultural burning, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined a Tekoa grass-seed grower $10,000 for illegally burning 100 acres of grass-seed fields in October 1999.
On Oct.12, 1999, during an aerial compliance check, inspectors discovered the charred acreage that was identified later as being operated by Ted Rasmussen Farms LLC. Ted Rasmussen Farms LLC received the penalty because it had no valid permit to burn and because it is illegal in Washington state to burn grass-seed fields without a waiver.
Burning of grass-seed stubble was halted in Washington in 1998 because Ecology certified "mechanical residue removal" (raking and baling) as a viable alternative to burning. In some areas, such as on steep slopes, farmers are still allowed to burn if they receive a special waiver.
Ted Rasmussen Farms LLC had applied for a waiver to burn the land but Ecology denied the waiver because the acreage did not qualify.
A large component of emissions from agricultural burning is fine particles (dust and soot), which often carry toxic and carcinogenic materials. The small particles remain suspended for long periods of time and travel significant distances, and they can travel deep into the respiratory system where they are not easily expelled.
Ted Rasmussen Farms LLC has 15 days in which to file an application for relief with Ecology, or it may appeal to the state's Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.
Contact: Jani Gilbert, public information manger, (509-)456-4464; pager, (509) 622-1289
Agricultural burning Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/Agriculture_Folder/agricultural_information.htm (Link updated)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
