The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau reminds Hamilton County residents that seasonal burning will be allowed beginning Sunday, for residents who obtain a valid permit. This allows residents of Hamilton County, with a valid permit issued by the Air Pollution Control Bureau, to burn brush and vegetation from their property on approved burning days until April 30, 2018.
To obtain a permit application, residents may:
· request one by phone at 423-643-5970
· download one at apcb.org
· or apply in person at 6125 Preservation Drive, Ste 140, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416.
Residents will be charged a processing fee to help cover the expense of the program. All burning must be compliant with the regulations of seasonal burning.
In addition to obtaining a burning permit from the Bureau, anyone burning in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County must obtain a daily permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry each time they burn. This permit can be obtained online at burnsafetn.org or by calling a local Division of Forestry phone number listed on the Bureau-issued burning permit.
The seasonal burn ban was implemented in 2005 as part of an Early Action Compact initiative to help Hamilton County, along with Meigs, Marion, Walker and Catoosa counties, meet the federal health standards. Seasonal burning restrictions are proven methods of improving air quality. They also encourage residents to seek out alternatives to burning, like chipping, composting, and recycling.
For more information, contact the Air Pollution Control Bureau at 423 643-5970 or go online to www.apcb.org, or Facebook and Twitter.