Burn Ban Update

Jim Nolan, Director of Compliance at the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), provided an update on burn ban policies. The PSCAA covers the four-county region of King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish. Previously, Mr. Nolan spoke at the Area Council’s May meeting seeking information from rural residents on issues related to removing excess natural debris on their properties without burning. PSCAA also was worried about the interaction between property owners along the Urban Growth Boundary in Rural Areas that “look urban” due to higher densities. At that meeting Area Council members recommended that existing laws simply be enforced without having to impose new restrictions.

After also seeking comments from other rural communities, Mr. Nolan returned to report that the PSCAA agrees with the Area Council’s recommendation to enforce existing laws and not impose any new restrictions on burning. Mr. Nolan described existing law as requiring a 50-ft setback from both home and property line. He displayed a map of Fire District #43 properties where ~95% are one or more acres, which easily can accommodate the 50-ft setback.

Mr. Nolan stated that the local fire district handles both burn permits and nuisance complaints. However, repeated problem nuisances are referred to the PSCAA. State law requires that any burn pile larger than 4-ft diameter necessitates a written permit from the Fire District. Such permits are usually good for one year. Agricultural permits are issued directly by the PSCAA.

The public can contact Mr. Nolan at: (206) 689-4053 or jimn@pscleanair.org. Detailed information on burn bans can be found at www.pscleanair.org/airq/burnban/default.aspx.

Focal Points and Committees

The Area Council reviewed the status of its assigned Focal Points and Standing and Ad Hoc Committees. Pending further review the following assignments were updated and/or confirmed (all listed alphabetically):

Focal Points

Environmental Services: Susan Dawson

Governance/Legislative Affairs: Steve Hiester

Parks/Recreation: Gordon Moorman

Public Safety: Dave Fields

School District Affairs: Warren Iverson

Social Services: Dave Fields

Standing Committees (Chair listed)

Executive Committee: Steve Hiester

By-Laws: Peter Rimbos

Train Show: Steve Hiester

Ad Hoc Committees (Chair listed)

Flood Control/Surface Water Management: Dave Fields

Growth Management: Peter Rimbos

Sheriff's Community Involvement Program: Steve Hiester

Transportation: Gordon Moorman

For a detailed description of the assignments and missions of all Area Council Focal Points and Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, along with member' names, see our Committees page.