  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - Oct. 13, 2003
03-202
YAKIMA - Farmers are reminded that permits are needed before orchard debris or wheat stubble may be burned on their farmland. Permits also are needed for clearing land that will no longer be in agricultural production or for other development.
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) will help farmers and developers explore alternatives to burning, including chipping, shredding or grinding to help improve the region's air quality.
Those who do wish to burn commercial crop residue, such as wheat fields, fruit trees and tear-out debris, should apply early for an agricultural burning permit. Information about burning permits is available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/airhome.html, then click on "agricultural burning."
Land-clearing burning permits are required before trees and vegetation can be burned on non-farmland developments. Permits are available either locally or through Ecology. Land-clearing fires are prohibited in communities of more than 10,000 people.
For burn-permit applications and specific information on these programs, call:
* Local air authorities in Benton, Spokane and Yakima counties.
* 509-575-2490 for Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat and Okanogan counties.
* 509-329-3400 for Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant,
Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla and Whitman counties.
###
Media contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
