SWCAA - News Releases

News Releases

Stage 1 Burn Ban for Cowlitz County Tonight
Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 8, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 5 p.m. today, December 8, 2009 for all of Cowlitz County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of stagnant weather conditions that allows air pollution to accumulate at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban. Read more.

Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County Ending Friday at Noon

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Due to favorable weather patterns and improving air quality in the near term, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is lifting the Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County effective at noon on Friday, Dec. 4. SWCAA will continue to monitor weather patterns and air quality on a daily basis. We encourage the public to burn as clean as possible if heating with wood. Outdoor burning is again allowed in areas where burning has not been permanently banned; a burn permit may be required. As always, please check with SWCAA for locations where burning is prohibited, permit requirements and fire danger conditions prior to burning.

If you are going to heat with wood, please burn it as cleanly as possible to minimize the impact on your neighbors. For more information about cleaner wood burning techniques, please click here. To sign up to receive e-mail notifications of future burn bans, click here.

The mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency, founded in 1968, is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public’s health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

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Stage 1 Burn Ban Now in Effect for Clark County
Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 1, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 1, 2009 for all of Clark County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of an inversion that is trapping air pollution at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified woodstoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban. Read more.

Guidance for Flood Victims Cleaning Up Asbestos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 3, 2008

VANCOUVER, Wash. - In light of the recent floods that ravaged southwest Washington, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is making an effort to facilitate the clean-up process. If you own and reside in a single-family home, you are allowed to do your own asbestos removal during home renovation projects, but asbestos demolition and removal notification forms must be filed with the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Read more.

No-Burn Areas Expanding in Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 1, 2008

VANCOUVER, Wash. - On January 1, 2008 the permanent No-Burn Areas of Ridgefield, La Center, Battle Ground and parts of Vancouver will expand to reflect the changes in Clark County's new Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, as approved on September 25, 2007. The Yacolt No-Burn Area will not be expanding at this time. Read more.

Southwest Clean Air Agency Updates Vancouver Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan - seeks comments, announces public hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2007

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is updating the Vancouver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan. The Agency seeks public comment on this Plan. The public comment period begins January 25, 2007. (Read more.)

Air Inversion over Vancouver Leads to Poor Air Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 15, 2007

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As strong high pressure remains over the region, the combination of calm winds and warming aloft is inhibiting the dispersion of pollutants and degrading air quality in Vancouver. The cold air mass over western Washington is expected to remain through midday Tuesday.(Read more.)

New and Expanded Lewis County No Burn Areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2006

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As of Jan. 1, 2007 all of the smaller urban growth areas in the state of Washington will become new permanent no burn areas. This will be the latest phase in a series of legislative mandates in the Washington Clean Air Act to progressively restrict outdoor burning. For Lewis County, the newly affected urban growth areas will be Napavine, Pe Ell, Winlock, Vader, Toledo, Mossyrock and Morton. The existing Centralia/Chehalis No Burn Area was established by earlier phases of the same legislation and will expand with any expansion of the urban growth areas of Centralia and Chehalis. (Read more.)

New Cowlitz County No Burn Areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2006

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As of Jan. 1, 2007 new no burn areas will impact Castle Rock and Woodland. The existing Longview/Kelso No Burn Area was established by an earlier phase of the same legislation. Beginning in January, only small recreational campfires will be allowed within the new no burn areas, as has always been the case for the existing Longview/Kelso No Burn Area. (Read more.)

Southwest Clean Air Agency Opens Public
Comment Period for Ozone Maintenance Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 28, 2006

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is updating the Vancouver portion of the Portland-Vancouver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Ozone Maintenance Plan. Currently the area meets the federal eight-hour air quality health standard for ozone; this proposed Ozone Maintenance Plan demonstrates that the area will continue to meet the standard with existing controls. The public is welcome to comment on this plan beginning Oct. 2, 2006. (Read more.)

Burn Barrel Roundup Coming to Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 14, 2004

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency and Clark County Public Works invite Clark County residents to turn in their burn barrels. The first 50 residents to turn in burn barrels on Saturday, October 2 will receive a free compost bin and all burn barrels that are turned in will be recycled. The collection begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. at the Central Transfer and Recycling Center at 11034 NE 117th Ave. in Vancouver. Burn barrels must be free of all materials and ash, cold (not recently used), open-topped, and made of metal to be eligible for this program.

Burn barrels are still a common sight throughout southwest Washington, even though their use was banned in the state of Washington in 2000. Garbage burning is a more serious threat to public health and the environment than previously believed and has been illegal here since 1967.

Burning household waste produces many toxic chemicals and is one of the largest known sources of dioxin in the nation. In fact, two households burning their garbage emit more cancer-causing substances than a state-of-the-art municipal solid waste incinerator serving tens of thousands of homes.

"Smoke from garbage burning is a health hazard and a public nuisance," says Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Particularly at risk to the effects of smoke are the elderly, children and those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory ailments.

For any outdoor burning complaints or questions, please call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058.

"Composting is a good alternative to outdoor burning and creates a resource instead of air pollution," says Pete DuBois from Clark County Public Works. "It is an easy and inexpensive way to turn yard and garden refuse into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass, weeds and wood chips into a rich soil conditioner."

Founded in 1968, the mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public's health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

For more information about outdoor burning, please visit the Southwest Clean Air Agency website at www.swcleanair.org or call 360-574-3058.

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Forecast for Hot, Still Weather Causes Clean Air Action Day Smog Advisory for July 23 and 24

VANCOUVER, Wash.--The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have issued a Clean Air Action Day smog advisory for tomorrow, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 for the Vancouver-Portland area. Metro area smog levels are expected to reach high levels, so please use alternative transportation where possible to spare our air. On Clean Air Action Days C-Tran offers free rides to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

The weather forecast is for high temperatures and low winds, which may cause higher-than-normal smog levels in the Vancouver-Portland area. When smog levels are at this level, people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, may feel the effects of air pollution and are encouraged to limit physical activity outdoors. If air quality conditions deteriorate further, active children and adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Smog is especially harmful to children, people with asthma and other lung problems, and people over the age of 50. Local residents can take action to keep air quality in the green and help reduce health problems associated with smog.

Gas-powered engines are the top source of smog. Here is a list of what you can do to reduce smog levels:

On very hot summer days, pollution from cars, other gas-powered engines, and smog-producing chemicals in paints and aerosol sprays can create unhealthy levels of smog. Also known as ground-level ozone, smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma.

For information about using C-TRAN or alternative forms of transportation in the Vancouver area, call 360-695-0123 or visit the C-TRAN website at www.c-tran.com. For information about using Tri-Met or alternative forms of transportation in the Portland area, call 503-238-RIDE (503-238-7433) or visit www.trimet.org.

Notice of Rule Changes - SWCAA 400
The Southwest Clean Air Agency has revised selected portions of SWCAA 400 "General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources."

These changes became effective November 9, 2003. To read a summary of the changes, click here. To read the final version of SWCAA 400, click here.

For more information about the changes to SWCAA 400, call Wess Safford at 360-574-3058, ext. 126.




			News Releases Stage 1 Burn Ban for Cowlitz County Tonight Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 8, 2009 VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 5 p.m. today, December 8, 2009 for all of Cowlitz County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of stagnant weather conditions that allows air pollution to accumulate at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban. Read more. Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County Ending Friday at Noon VANCOUVER, Wash. – Due to favorable weather patterns and improving air quality in the near term, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is lifting the Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County effective at noon on Friday, Dec. 4. SWCAA will continue to monitor weather patterns and air quality on a daily basis. We encourage the public to burn as clean as possible if heating with wood. Outdoor burning is again allowed in areas where burning has not been permanently banned; a burn permit may be required. As always, please check with SWCAA for locations where burning is prohibited, permit requirements and fire danger conditions prior to burning. If you are going to heat with wood, please burn it as cleanly as possible to minimize the impact on your neighbors. For more information about cleaner wood burning techniques, please click here. To sign up to receive e-mail notifications of future burn bans, click here. The mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency, founded in 1968, is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public’s health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations. # # # Stage 1 Burn Ban Now in Effect for Clark County Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 1, 2009 VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 1, 2009 for all of Clark County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of an inversion that is trapping air pollution at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified woodstoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban. Read more. Guidance for Flood Victims Cleaning Up Asbestos FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 3, 2008 VANCOUVER, Wash. - In light of the recent floods that ravaged southwest Washington, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is making an effort to facilitate the clean-up process. If you own and reside in a single-family home, you are allowed to do your own asbestos removal during home renovation projects, but asbestos demolition and removal notification forms must be filed with the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Read more. No-Burn Areas Expanding in Clark County FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 1, 2008 VANCOUVER, Wash. - On January 1, 2008 the permanent No-Burn Areas of Ridgefield, La Center, Battle Ground and parts of Vancouver will expand to reflect the changes in Clark County's new Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, as approved on September 25, 2007. The Yacolt No-Burn Area will not be expanding at this time. Read more. Southwest Clean Air Agency Updates Vancouver Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan - seeks comments, announces public hearing FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 25, 2007 VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is updating the Vancouver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan. The Agency seeks public comment on this Plan. The public comment period begins January 25, 2007. (Read more.) Air Inversion over Vancouver Leads to Poor Air Quality FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 15, 2007 VANCOUVER, Wash. - As strong high pressure remains over the region, the combination of calm winds and warming aloft is inhibiting the dispersion of pollutants and degrading air quality in Vancouver. The cold air mass over western Washington is expected to remain through midday Tuesday.(Read more.) New and Expanded Lewis County No Burn Areas FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 13, 2006 VANCOUVER, Wash. - As of Jan. 1, 2007 all of the smaller urban growth areas in the state of Washington will become new permanent no burn areas. This will be the latest phase in a series of legislative mandates in the Washington Clean Air Act to progressively restrict outdoor burning. For Lewis County, the newly affected urban growth areas will be Napavine, Pe Ell, Winlock, Vader, Toledo, Mossyrock and Morton. The existing Centralia/Chehalis No Burn Area was established by earlier phases of the same legislation and will expand with any expansion of the urban growth areas of Centralia and Chehalis. (Read more.) New Cowlitz County No Burn Areas FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 13, 2006 VANCOUVER, Wash. - As of Jan. 1, 2007 new no burn areas will impact Castle Rock and Woodland. The existing Longview/Kelso No Burn Area was established by an earlier phase of the same legislation. Beginning in January, only small recreational campfires will be allowed within the new no burn areas, as has always been the case for the existing Longview/Kelso No Burn Area. (Read more.) Southwest Clean Air Agency Opens Public Comment Period for Ozone Maintenance Plan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 28, 2006 VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is updating the Vancouver portion of the Portland-Vancouver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Ozone Maintenance Plan. Currently the area meets the federal eight-hour air quality health standard for ozone; this proposed Ozone Maintenance Plan demonstrates that the area will continue to meet the standard with existing controls. The public is welcome to comment on this plan beginning Oct. 2, 2006. (Read more.) Burn Barrel Roundup Coming to Clark County FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 14, 2004 VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency and Clark County Public Works invite Clark County residents to turn in their burn barrels. The first 50 residents to turn in burn barrels on Saturday, October 2 will receive a free compost bin and all burn barrels that are turned in will be recycled. The collection begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. at the Central Transfer and Recycling Center at 11034 NE 117th Ave. in Vancouver. Burn barrels must be free of all materials and ash, cold (not recently used), open-topped, and made of metal to be eligible for this program. Burn barrels are still a common sight throughout southwest Washington, even though their use was banned in the state of Washington in 2000. Garbage burning is a more serious threat to public health and the environment than previously believed and has been illegal here since 1967. Burning household waste produces many toxic chemicals and is one of the largest known sources of dioxin in the nation. In fact, two households burning their garbage emit more cancer-causing substances than a state-of-the-art municipal solid waste incinerator serving tens of thousands of homes. "Smoke from garbage burning is a health hazard and a public nuisance," says Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Particularly at risk to the effects of smoke are the elderly, children and those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory ailments. For any outdoor burning complaints or questions, please call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058. "Composting is a good alternative to outdoor burning and creates a resource instead of air pollution," says Pete DuBois from Clark County Public Works. "It is an easy and inexpensive way to turn yard and garden refuse into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass, weeds and wood chips into a rich soil conditioner." Founded in 1968, the mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public's health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations. For more information about outdoor burning, please visit the Southwest Clean Air Agency website at www.swcleanair.org or call 360-574-3058. # # # Forecast for Hot, Still Weather Causes Clean Air Action Day Smog Advisory for July 23 and 24 VANCOUVER, Wash.--The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have issued a Clean Air Action Day smog advisory for tomorrow, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 for the Vancouver-Portland area. Metro area smog levels are expected to reach high levels, so please use alternative transportation where possible to spare our air. On Clean Air Action Days C-Tran offers free rides to encourage people to leave their cars at home. The weather forecast is for high temperatures and low winds, which may cause higher-than-normal smog levels in the Vancouver-Portland area. When smog levels are at this level, people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, may feel the effects of air pollution and are encouraged to limit physical activity outdoors. If air quality conditions deteriorate further, active children and adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Smog is especially harmful to children, people with asthma and other lung problems, and people over the age of 50. Local residents can take action to keep air quality in the green and help reduce health problems associated with smog. Gas-powered engines are the top source of smog. Here is a list of what you can do to reduce smog levels: To the extent possible, limit driving, link trips and carpool or take mass transit to work. Wait until the weather cools down to use gas-powered yard equipment. Avoid using aerosol hair spray, air fresheners, solvents and oil-based paint. Use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid to start your barbecue. Bring a bag lunch to work instead of driving elsewhere to eat, or work from home if that is an option. On very hot summer days, pollution from cars, other gas-powered engines, and smog-producing chemicals in paints and aerosol sprays can create unhealthy levels of smog. Also known as ground-level ozone, smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma. For information about using C-TRAN or alternative forms of transportation in the Vancouver area, call 360-695-0123 or visit the C-TRAN website at www.c-tran.com. For information about using Tri-Met or alternative forms of transportation in the Portland area, call 503-238-RIDE (503-238-7433) or visit www.trimet.org. For more information about the Clean Air Action Day program and other ways to keep the air clean, visit www.deq.state.or.us/aq/education/caad/index.htm. # # # Governor Locke Honors Innovative Diesel Locomotive Engine Project Congressman Brian Baird Joins in Praise of This Innovative Technology The city of Vancouver, Wash. now leads the Western United States with innovative technology that reduces emissions from idling switchyard diesel locomotive engines. Three switchyard diesel locomotive engines in Vancouver now demonstrate how cutting-edge technology can improve a community and help the environment. This diesel emissions reduction initiative was achieved at a total cost of $122,500, which includes the assistance of an $85,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Read more about this project here. Notice of Rule Changes - SWCAA 400 The Southwest Clean Air Agency has revised selected portions of SWCAA 400 "General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources." These changes became effective November 9, 2003. To read a summary of the changes, click here. To read the final version of SWCAA 400, click here. For more information about the changes to SWCAA 400, call Wess Safford at 360-574-3058, ext. 126. Hearing Notice - State Implementation Plan Revision (December 11, 2003) Ecology Hearing on State Implementation Plan Revision Dec. 10 (December 5, 2003) SWCAA Joins Innovative Approach to Cleaner Air (April 30, 2003)