Agency begins smoke-management program, restricts burning

The Department of Environmental Quality has begun its fall smoke management program, and urges compliancy.

The program began last Saturday, Sept. 1.

Open burning will be restricted as needed by ventilation and air quality conditions.

Open burners may burn only during the time periods specified by DEQ, which will be posted on DEQ’s special Website at www.burnclosures.mt.gov. 

The department also will make daily dispersion and air quality forecasts for airsheds available at the Website. 

Open burning time periods will also be available by calling the toll-free DEQ Ventilation Hotline at    1-800-225-6779 or at the DEQ Website, at www.deq.mt.gov..   

The residents of Yellowstone, Flathead, Missoula, Cascade, Lewis and Clark, and Lincoln counties and all Indian reservations should contact their local air quality agency for air quality related regulations. 

Burners in any county should contact their local authorities prior to ignition during any time of year to provide notification of the burn and obtain open burning permits as necessary.

Here are telephone numbers for additional assistance:

They include:

• Administrative Rule/Clean Air Act —Debra Wolfe at 406 444-7916;

• Air Compliance — Dan Walsh at 406 444-9786;

• Air Monitoring Quality Assurance — Joe Ugorowski at 406 841-5270.

For more information about air quality regulations visit the DEQ Website at www.deq.mt.gov.