[AGRICULTURAL BURNING, cont.]
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Do I need a permit to burn and how do I get one?
Most commercial burning of agricultural fields or for agricultural purposes requires a permit from the BCAA.
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Agricultural Permit is required for ... |
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Orchard or vineyard takeout Vineyard prunings Disease or weed control Residue removal Research/demonstration project Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or renovation purposes "Flaming" of hop roots |
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Agricultural Permit is not required* for .. |
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Orchard prunings Natural vegetation along fencelines, irrigation canals, or drainage ditches. Tumbleweeds |
*NOTE: Conversion of agricultural property to commercial or residential use, such as removal of an orchard to put in a housing development is not considered agricultural burning and is not allowed with an agricultural burn permit.
Regardless of whether the agricultural burn requires a permit, you must contact your local fire department and inform them prior to burning.
Permit Application
Before an agricultural burn permit is issued, an application must be submitted and processed. You will need both the permit application and a copy of one of the Best Management Guidelines documents:
- BCAA Agricultural Burning Permit Application (PDF)
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Agricultural Burning Best Management Practices - Cereal Crops*
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Agricultural Burning Best Management Practices - Non-Cereal Crops
The following steps describe the application procedure:
1. Fill out the application. Be specific and COMPLETE. Refer to the Best Management Practices Guidance document as necessary. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
2. Calculate the total acres and fee. In the space provided, write the number of acres from each of the proposed burns. Add together the acres of each proposed burn, this is the number of acres proposed.
Acres proposed x $1.50 = Total fee amount
3. Make checks payable to BCAA. Please do not send cash.
4. Sign and date the applicant statement portion.
5. Send the application and check for the permit fee to:
Benton Clean Air Agency
526 S. Clodfelter Rd.
Kennewick, WA 99336
Receiving Your Permit
The BCAA will evaluate your application and determine if you have shown, as required by law, that the burning is necessary to carry out your enterprise. This determination will be based upon BMPs or other recognized agronomic expertise. The BCAA will act on a complete application within seven (7) days and either send to you a permit or written reason why the application has been denied. If an incomplete application is submitted, it will be returned along with the fee.
Agricultural Burning Regulations
There are three sources of agricultural burning regulations which pertain to the residents of Benton County:
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Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-430
- BCAA Regulation 1
