The Hamilton-County Air Pollution Control Bureau is reminding Hamilton County residents that seasonal burning will be allowed starting Wednesday for residents who obtain a valid permit. This allows residents of Hamilton County, with a permit, to burn brush and vegetation on approved burning days until Apr. 30, 2015. To obtain a permit application, residents may:
· request one by phone at 423-643-5970;
· download one at www.apcb.org; or
· apply in person at 6125 Preservation Drive, Ste 140.
Residents will be charged a processing fee to help cover the expenses of the program.
Burning sites within city limits have a $50 fee and require an inspection, completed by our Bureau Investigator, prior to receiving a permit. Burning sites outside of city limits have a $5 fee and usually do not require an inspection. “We urge citizens to use caution while burning with their permits on allowed burning days,” said Bob Colby, director of the Air Pollution Control Bureau. All burning must be compliant with the regulations of seasonal burning. Burning in a barrel is illegal unless you have a valid permit and are burning appropriate materials during the burn season.
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 and they 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.