The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau is reminding Hamilton County residents that beginning May 1 seasonal burning restrictions will take effect and continue through September 30. During this period no brush burning, commercial or residential, will be allowed in Hamilton County.
Burn permits should be obtained from the bureau prior to April 30. To obtain a permit application, residents may request one by phone at 423-643-5970, download one at www.apcb.org, or pick one up at the bureau, 6125 Preservation Dr., Ste. 140 in Chattanooga.
Residents will be charged a processing fee to help cover the expense of the program. Burning sites within the city limits of Chattanooga, Collegedale, East, Ridge, Red Bank and Ridgeside require a $60 fee and an inspection prior to receiving a permit. This inspection will be completed by the bureau investigator and can take up to a week to be completed. All city applications must be turned in by noon on April 26 to receive a permit prior to the end of the season. Burning sites for areas outside of the city limits listed above require a $10 fee and usually do not need an inspection.
Recreational fires are allowed during the restriction period. A recreational fire is a cooking or campfire, using charcoal or clean untreated firewood, that is limited to two feet by three feet in size. These can occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure or ceremonial purposes.
“We realize that seasonal burning restrictions cause a level of inconvenience for our community,” said Bob Colby, director of the bureau. “However, enacting the restrictions during the five hottest months of the year—when both ozone and fine particles are at high levels—gives us a real air quality advantage. It also encourages people to look into alternatives to burning, like chipping or composting.”
"Burning leaves, brush, and other vegetation creates smoke, resulting in a number of hazardous air pollutants. In addition to the increased pollution levels from burning, exposure to these pollutants can result in health effects ranging from allergies to cancer. Burning restriction is a proven method of controlling air quality. Residents and companies are encouraged to use alternative methods to burning, like chipping, composting and recycling," officials said.
Become part of the solution by visiting the bureau’s website at www.apcb.org or contact Amber Boles, Public Relations coordinator, at 423-643-5970 or aboles@chattanooga.gov.