By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Open burning is a source of air pollution that is regulated by the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) and Nephi City Council reviewed those regulations at the latest meeting.
"Kurtis Park, our fire chief, and Brett Ostler, county fire marshal, were going to come tonight to council meeting and talk to us about the open burn window but they were called out to fight a wildfire," said Mark Jones, mayor.
"A controlled burn got away in Spring Canyon," said Kent Park, council member.
There are statewide rules in place that regulate open burning activities to help minimize emissions and ensure that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are met.
Jones said the council could review the open burn window and rules concerning it as part of the information from the Juab County Special Service Fire District. That information had been electronically sent to council members prior to meeting.
In addition, he said, the information is to be published so that all those who plan to burn may realize that there are restrictions that will prevent burning whenever and wherever.
"Recent modifications to these rules change the open burn periods and include a statewide requirement to obtain a permit from the local county or municipal fire authority prior to burning," said Jones.
DAQ rules governing open burning can be found in the Utah Administrative Code (UAC) R307-202. This rule allows open burning of clippings, bushes, plants, and pruning's from trees incident to property and residential clean-up activities.
"The clearing index has to be 500 or greater," said Jones.
The clearing index is a measure of the atmospheric mixing and wind speed. A clearing index of 500 or less is considered poor atmospheric ventilation.
"People also need to know that they must have an application to burn," said Jones.
An open burn permit application must be completed and a valid permit issued by the county or municipal fire authority prior to burning.
In Juab County, permits may be issued between March 30 and May 30 and between September 15 and October 30. The dates are different in some other counties and areas of the state.
Materials to be burned must be thoroughly dry and no trash, rubbish, tires, or oil are included in the material to be burned, used to start fires, or used to keep fires burning.
Prior to completing the open burn permit application, please consider the following: the location and proximity of the proposed burning to any building, other structures, neighbors, or other public areas (parks, schools, businesses, hospital, etc.) that might be impacted by the smoke and emissions from the burn.
Residents must also consider whether there is any practical alternative method for the disposal of the material to be burned and methods to minimize emissions and smoke impacts such as using clean auxiliary fuel, drying the material prior to ignition, and/or separation for alternative disposal of materials that produce higher levels of emissions and smoke during the combustion process.
For burns of piled material, all piles are to be reasonably dry and free of dirt.
He said that people need to know that open burns are to be supervised by a responsible person who shall notify the local fire department and have available, either on-site or by the local fire department, the means to suppress the burn.
"Applicants statewide are required to complete the open burn permit application prior to igniting an open burn," said Jones.
After the application process is completed, a copy of the application is sent electronically to the county or municipal fire authority having jurisdiction in the area where the open burning will take place.
Though the application process is the same statewide, some county and municipal fire authorities require additional steps to be taken prior to issuing a valid open burn permit. Applicants should contact their local fire authority once the open burn permit application is complete to ensure all local open burning requirements are met.
The open burn permit application program is tied to two items: first, it checks to see if there is an active open burn window and second, it checks the clearing index to see if it is forecast to be above 500.
If there is not an open burn window, or if the clearing index is forecast to be below 500, the program will not allow a person to complete the application.
The clearing index is only forecast for a three day period, including the current day. The open burn permit application may be completed up to two days in advance.
In addition, a permit applicant must provide all information requested on the application, an application is required for each separate burn, the permit is valid only on the lands specified in the application and is required to be on site at the time of the burn and all materials to be burned must be clearly described and quantified in the application.
Applicants must be aware of any and all local, state, and federal rules and regulations applicable to their area.
The open burn permit application can be completed online. Completing this form online is the easiest and fastest way to complete the open burn permit application. An electronic copy of the application is automatically submitted to the county or municipal fire authority upon completion.
