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.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is encouraging residents to explore their alternatives to outdoor burning, such as 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 refuse into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass, weeds and wood chips into a rich soil conditioner."

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

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

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 1-800-633-0709.

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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