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. For current information and maps, click here or call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058, extension 10.

Washington's Clean Air Act (RCW 70.94.743) prohibits outdoor burning in all urban growth areas and adjacent high density areas throughout Washington. Consequently, as urban growth areas expand, so do their corresponding permanent no-burn areas. State law also prohibits the use of burn barrels and garbage burning throughout the state of Washington.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is encouraging residents to explore their alternatives to outdoor burning, such as arranging for yard debris pick-up service, composting, chipping or recycling yard debris.

"Composting is a good alternative to outdoor burning and creates a resource instead of air pollution," says Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. "It is an easy and inexpensive way to turn yard and garden waste into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass, weeds and wood chips into a rich soil amendment." In addition, H & H Wood Recyclers, located at 8401 NE 117th Ave. in Vancouver, is a large composting facility that accepts any quantity of material and a large variety of materials.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency responds to smoke nuisance complaints and may issue citations that may result in civil penalties for anyone burning illegally. To report illegal burning or file a complaint, call SWCAA at 360-574-3058 or click here.

"Smoke generated from outdoor burning is a health hazard and a public nuisance," says Elliott. Particularly at risk to the effects of smoke are children, the elderly and those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory ailments.

The legislative mandate to establish a program implementing a limited burning policy is specified by RCW 70.94.743 through 70.94.765 of the Washington Clean Air Act. Penalties can be imposed for violating these state laws. SWCAA Regulation 425 and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 173-425) implement these laws.

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.

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

# # #

For more information contact:

Robert Elliott, Executive Director
Southwest Clean Air Agency
(360) 574-3058, ext. 12

Kathy Finkle, Public Information Specialist
Southwest Clean Air Agency
(360) 574-3058, ext. 39