The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau reminds Hamilton County residents that seasonal burning begins today for residents who obtain a valid burning permit from the APCB. This allows residents of Hamilton County to burn brush and vegetation from their property on approved burning days until April 30, 2021. Residents will be charged a processing fee to help cover the expense of the program.
To obtain a permit application, residents may:
• request one by phone at 423-643-5970;
• go to apcb.org/burning-permits; or
• apply in person at 6125 Preservation Dr., Suite 140 in Chattanooga
In addition to obtaining a burning permit from the APCB, 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 Tennessee Division of Forestry phone number listed on the burning permit issued by the APCB.
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 air quality health standards. "Seasonal burning restriction is a proven method of improving air quality. It also encourages residents to seek out alternatives to burning, like chipping, composting and recycling," officials said.
For more information, contact the Air Pollution Control Bureau at 423-643-5970 or go online to www.apcb.org.