The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau reminds Hamilton County residents that seasonal burning will be allowed beginning Monday, Oct. 1, for residents who obtain a valid permit issued by the Air Pollution Control Bureau. Residents with a permit can burn brush and vegetation from their property on approved burning days until April 30.
To obtain a permit application, residents may:
• request one by phone at 423-643-5970
• or apply in person at 6125 Preservation Drive, Suite 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, beginning
Oct. 15. This permit can be obtained online at
burnsafetn.org or by calling your 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 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.
Officials said, "We want to make sure that residents in Hamilton County know they will need to obtain a burning permit from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau in addition to a forestry permit. The charge is either $10 or $60, depending on where you live in the county."
For more information, contact the Air Pollution Control Bureau at 423 643-5970 or go online to