Protect Clean Air during clean-up
Following weeks of powerful storms, our region faces the daunting task of cleaning up.
As residents strive to restore order to their property following heavy snowfall, powerful wind storms, and significant flooding, the first reaction is often to quickly burn woody debris from fallen trees and wind-tossed limbs. Unfortunately, that action creates significant air pollution. That wet, green wood will smolder rather than burn, creating vast plumes of smoke and ash.
ORCAA asks that homeowners simply pile their yard debris in a safe location on their property to let the woody material ‘cure’ (i.e., letting the insides of the wood dry out). If immediate disposal is required, residents should use one of the currently available alternative means of disposal. Curbside pick-up services are available in many areas. Chipping and composting services can also be used. But there are also other alternatives to burning. You can find more details on the options at www.www.orcaa.org or by calling your local waste disposal company.
If homes or other structures are damaged, property owners and residents should contact ORCAA prior to completing repairs or demolitions. The ORCAA Asbestos and Demolition notification program and forms are available online here: https://www.www.orcaa.org/asbestos-demolition-programs/.
Residents must also be aware that burning is NOT an option for the disposal of damaged household goods or building materials — including any lumber or wood products. Trash burning is illegal at all times throughout the state of Washington due to substantial health risks caused by burning manufactured goods. Even where yard waste burning is legally allowed, trash is always illegal to burn.
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