FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5407
C 353 L 93
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
Brief Description: Regarding county administration of agricultural burning permits.
SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Loveland, Barr and M. Rasmussen)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
BACKGROUND:
A permit is required for agricultural open burning, burning for weed abatement, and for fires set for fire fighting training. The permit system is administered by the Department of Ecology, and by local air pollution control authorities where such authorities exist. Permits may be issued on a seasonal or individual fire basis, and are to comply with statewide standards adopted by the department. Applicants for permits are to show that the setting of fires is reasonably necessary, and permits are to be designed to minimize air pollution. Time limits for acting upon permit applications are specified in circumstances such as controlling diseases, insects, weed abatement, and increasing crop yield. Permit fees are to be assessed to cover the administrative costs.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Ecology and local air authorities are required to provide convenient methods for issuance and oversight of agricultural burn permits. Convenient methods for obtaining an agricultural burning permit may include telephone, facsimile transmission and issuance from local city or county offices. Fees collected by a local entity for the costs of administering the program may be retained by the local entity. Local air authorities may delegate a part or all of the program to a fire protection agency, county or conservation district desiring to administer the program and found to be capable of effectively administering the program.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 48 0
House 97 0 (House amended)
Senate (Senate refused to concur)
Conference Committee
House 96 0
Senate 42 0
EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993