Agricultural Burn Controls in Washington State WESTAR Fall 2006 Meeting

Program Summary Acreage in Production vs. Acres Burned  Cereal Grain: 2.5 million acres: 150,000 burned annually  CRP: 1.3 million acres: Less than 10,000 burned annually  Orchards: 215,000 acres: 1500 burned annually (tear-out)  Grass Seed: 74,000 acres: Approximately 40 burned annually Permits  Approximately 7000 per year  Very restrictive on when burning is allowed  Strict enforcement with significant fines for non-compliance

Program Structure Statute: Reduce burning to greatest extent practicalReduce burning to greatest extent practical Ban grass seed field burning when and where alternatives existBan grass seed field burning when and where alternatives exist Require permits with fees capped at $2.50 per acreRequire permits with fees capped at $2.50 per acre Don’t’ burn during impaired air conditionsDon’t’ burn during impaired air conditions

Keys to success  Manage the smoke to reduce potential for health impacts on people (forget NAAQS) –PM 2.5 short term spikes –vs- 24 hr average –Administrative triggers (not standards)  16  g/ 24 hr avg  spikes > 22  g / 2 hr avg  Use real-time monitors in decision making  Transparency of process- let the public and the burners be part of the process.  Listen to feedback and be willing to change often.  Utilize expertise in research agencies/ universities.

Monitors, modeling, meteorology, & tools… Spokane Pullman Ritzville Walla Yakima Kennewick Rosalia Moses Lake Mesa Starbuck La Crosse Leavenwort h Wenatchee Chelan ColvilleOmak Twisp GIS “real-time” depiction of active burn permits… PM 2.5 “real-time” monitors smoke modeling… MM5 + others

Burn/ No burn decision 1.Meteorology –MM5 ventilation model (+ others) –Wind direction –Meteorologist consultation 2.Existing Air Quality –Monitoring data –Local observations + Experience –Complaints (toll-free hotline) 3.Permitted acreage –Acres available to be burned- by location –Special needs. ie- SSA's, wind direction, etc...

Metering  “… a technique of limiting emissions at specific times and places by taking into account potential emission rates, forecasted weather, & air quality…”  Don’t overfill the tub!

Partner with industry for change- Develop Voluntary Agreements (industry commitment)

Challenges  Funding –Relatively expensive but it works  Time to Invest in Alternatives (biofuels, pulping, alternative crops, direct seeding) –Work with partners in economic development agencies, ag industry groups, energy industry.  Communications  Airshed Capacity