🔥EPA Approves Removal of Recreational Fires Ban in Washington
Air Plan Approval; Washington; Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, Recreational Fires
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) that was submitted by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) in coordination with the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA). In 2013, Ecology and ORCAA inadvertently submitted for incorporation into the SIP a ban on small, recreational fires in Thurston County. These fires are defined as having a maximum pile size of three feet in diameter by two feet high using seasoned firewood or charcoal, generally associated with backyard, summer campfires. Ecology and ORCAA provided a review of the historical record to demonstrate that the ban on recreational fires was not relied upon for attainment, maintenance, or reasonable further progress in the Thurston County area. Ecology and ORCAA also provided data to demonstrate that removing the ban on recreational fires would not interfere with maintenance of the national ambient air quality standards. Therefore, we are approving the request by Ecology and ORCAA to remove this provision from the SIP.
Agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The approval of a revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan allows for the removal of a ban on small recreational fires, signifying relaxed regulations that may benefit local businesses in outdoor leisure and hospitality sectors. This change could lead to increased consumer activity, directly impacting revenue opportunities.