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Department of Ecology News Release - September 27, 2001
01-173
YAKIMA - As the fall burn season approaches, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) reminds farmers, landowners and developers that permits are required for agricultural and land-clearing burning. In some areas, burning is banned altogether.
Residents are encouraged to explore alternatives to burning as they consider how to dispose of trees, stumps, shrubbery and other natural vegetation.
"The health implications of smoke in our breathing air are well documented," said Sue Billings, with Ecology's air program in Yakima. "We're glad to see alternatives such as composting, chipping, grinding, or cutting for firewood, catching on."
Okanogan County is offering a cost-share program for orchardists who want to try chipping. In Chelan County, the PUD is offering chipping services for orchard lands. Privately owned chipping and grinding companies are also available for contract work. Often, the chips may be spread on the ground.
Some communities offer neighborhood chipping services, and most have "master composting" programs where residents can learn how to convert kitchen waste and yard trimmings into rich mulch and compost for yards and gardens.
Ecology manages burn permits for a variety of programs. Land-clearing permits are required before trees and vegetation can be burned on property being cleared for development. Permits are available either locally or through Ecology. Land-clearing fires are prohibited in communities of more than 10,000 people.
Farmers who wish to burn commercial crop residue, such as wheat fields, or fruit trees and tear-out debris, should apply early for an agricultural burning permit. Farmers must consider alternatives to burning when they are reasonably available. Information about agricultural burning permits is available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/Agriculture_Folder/agricultural_information.htm. (Link updated)
For burn permit applications and specific information on these programs, call:
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
