News : Residents should be aware fall open burning restrictions begin in state : Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana

Residents should be aware fall open burning restrictions begin in state

Published on Sunday, September 5, 2010 7:12 AM MDT

On Wednesday, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began its fall smoke management program. Both major and minor open burning sources will be required to comply with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for smoke management. This includes calling the DEQ Ventilation Hotline at 800-225-6779 prior to ignition and burning only during time periods specified by the DEQ.

The DEQ operates a monitoring program to regulate open burning based on ventilation conditions in various airsheds during the fall months (Sept. 1 to Nov. 30) when air conditions are worsening due to inversions and stagnant air conditions. During this time, the DEQ will make daily dispersion forecasts based on air quality for all airsheds. Burning will only be allowed if the DEQ has determined that ventilation conditions are good or excellent.

Burners are also cautioned to contact local authorities to determine if additional open burning permits are required. Residents of Yellowstone, Flathead, Missoula, Cascade, and Lincoln counties and all Indian reservations should contact their local air quality agency for regulations. Burners in any county should contact both the local fire control authority and county health department prior to open burning any time of the year to obtain information on local open burning permits and rules.

For more information about the program, including Best Available Control Technology, please contact John Coefield at 406-444-5272 or by e-mail at jcoefield@mt.gov, or Paul Skubinna at 406-444-6711, e-mail at pskubinna@mt.gov.

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