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Department of Ecology News Release - June 2, 2004
04-102
YAKIMA - A new state law goes into effect on June 10 allowing developers to burn orchards in urban-growth areas to clear the land when the spread of disease or pests is a concern.
Burning is generally not allowed within the urban-growth boundary unless related to farming activities. The new legislation clarifies when developers can burn orchard debris.
The state's Agricultural Burning Practices and Research Task Force is working with orchardists, pest experts, and solid-waste and public-health authorities to develop best management practices for implementing the new law in time for the fall burning season.
"The intent is to help streamline the process for landowners who need pest-burning permits," explained Sue Billings, an air quality manager for Ecology.
Burning cultivated orchard trees may occur within urban-growth areas to control or prevent insect infestation or disease, even if agricultural crops will not be replanted on the land. Agricultural burn permits are required from the Department of Ecology before orchards or fields may be burned.
Before applying for a permit, a pest or disease problem must be documented by a local horticultural pest and disease board, a Washington State University extension agent or a state Department of Agriculture entomologist.
Agricultural burning permits are required before orchards or fields may be burned. Farmers and developers also must consider alternatives to burning before applying for a permit.
For more information, call Ecology's burn team at (509) 575-2490 in Yakima or (509) 329-3400 in Spokane.
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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.
