Press Releases

March 24, 2009

Outdoor Burn Period in Electoral Areas B and C Begins

COLDSTREAM, BC - The spring open burning period for residents of the BX Swan Lake and Silver Star Village Fire Protection Service Areas is on now and runs until April 30.

Residents of these Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Fire Protection Service Areas must obtain a permit from the RDNO prior to burning; only properties one hectare (2.47 acres) or larger are eligible.

Open burning must only be done when the Ventilation lndex is 55 or greater and the Air Quality lndex is 35 or less. This information is updated daily and can be accessed at www.rdno.ca, by calling 250-550-3700 during regular office hours or 250-503-3227 after hours.

Only permitted materials may be burned. These include prunings, branches, stumps and other vegetation that has been allowed to dry for at least one year. The burning of compostable materials is not allowed. For the full bylaw and regulations, please contact the RDNO.

Since improving our air quality is important for many residents, the RDNO has other programs in place to provide alternatives to burning and to reduce the smoke in our airshed. Until April 30th residential yard waste is accepted free-of-charge at all RDNO Recycling and Disposal Facilities. ln addition, the RDNO is encouraging residents to participate in the Great Okanagan Wood Stove Change Out program. The Wood Stove Change Out program gives consumers with older, inefficient wood stoves the opportunity to replace them with new EPA/CSA emission-approved wood, gas, pellet or electric appliances at reduced costs. The program runs until April 30rh, 2OOg. Please contact the Regional District for more information.

For more information:

Nicole Marzinzik
Air Quality Coordinator
250-550-3773

 

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