SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2244

As of February 16, 2004

Title: An act relating to limited outdoor burning during periods in which a fire safety burn ban has been declared.

Brief Description: Limiting outdoor burning when a fire safety burn ban is declared.

Sponsors: Representative Delvin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 2/19/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: Local air pollution agencies, fire districts, and the state departments of Ecology, Natural Resources, and Agriculture all share the responsibility to establish a program to allow limited residential and land clearing burning in areas of the state where outdoor burning is not prohibited. This program may not allow burning in areas of the state where: (1) air quality limits are exceeded for the pollutants associated with burning; (2) within the urban growth boundary of any city with a population of greater than 5,000; (3) an area that is located within or contiguous to any area that has been identified as having a history of poor air quality; or (4) where suitable alternatives to burning are available and reasonably economical.

Incidental agricultural burning must always be allowed without having to apply for a permit or pay a fee if the burning: is incidental to commercial agriculture; does not occur during a period of impaired air quality; is limited to orchard prunings, organic debris along fence lines or ditches, or organic debris that is blown by the wind; and only occurs after notification has been provided to the local fire department.

Summary of Bill: Incidental agricultural burning is prohibited during a period in which a fire safety burn ban has been declared.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.