The Hamilton-County Air Pollution Control Bureau is reminding Hamilton County residents that seasonal burning will be allowed starting Saturday for residents who obtain a valid permit.
This allows residents of Hamilton County, with a valid permit issued by the Air Pollution Control Bureau, to burn brush and vegetation on approved burning days until April 30, 2017.
To obtain a permit application, residents may:
· request one by phone at 423-643-5970;
· download one at apcb.org; or
· apply in person at 6125 Preservation Drive, Ste 140 in Chattanooga.
Residents will be charged a processing fee to help cover the expense of the program. Burning sites within the city limits of Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, Red Bank, and Ridgeside require a $50 fee and an inspection, completed by the bureau investigator, prior to receiving a permit. All other areas in Hamilton County require a $5 fee and usually do not need an inspection.
“Because of the extreme drought conditions we are experiencing, there is little to no moisture in most of our vegetation,” said Bob Colby, director of the Air Pollution Control Bureau. “We urge everyone to use extra caution while burning on allowed burning days, and to ensure they have immediate fire control available.” 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.
In addition to the Bureau’s burning permit, anyone burning in the unincorporated areas of the county must obtain a daily permit from the Tennessee Department of Forestry each time they burn. This permit can be obtained online at burnsafetn.org or by calling your local Department 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, along with Meigs, Marion, Walker and Catoosa counties, 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.
For more information, contact the Air Pollution Control Bureau at 423-643-5970 or go online to www.apcb.org.