02/15/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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more to particulates in Eugene.s air than was previously estimated, which results in Eugene's violation of secondary standards. e Continuing, Mr. Smith said these estimates had allowed the determi- nation that field burning contributes to pollutants in the air about as much as slash burning. He said if the concentration of high par- ticulates caused by field burning create air pollution problems, it follows that other pollutants in smoke will create have some concern. Field burning releases small amounts of carcinogens called poly-cyclic organic materials. It is not known at this time if the ground level concentrations of these materials pose any serious health hazard. A preliminary evaluation of these problems has indicated cause for concern and the need for further research. . Mr. Smith said there were several ways in which emission from field burning smoke could be reduced: 1) reduce acreage burned; 2) schedule burning to take advantage of good weather; and 3) use an alternate year burning plan. He cited an example in California in which rice field growers had used two techniques to reduce air pollutants: 1) moisture content regulations (the drier the straw, the less the pollutants in the air); and 2) backfiring (where the fire advances into the wind). Mr. Smith then showed slides of the effects of these two techniques, which considerably reduce the pollutants in the air. He said one problem with the use of backfiring was that it was a slow process and pollutants do not rise as rapidly above ground. A modifi- cation technique called strip lighting would allow the fields to burn more rapidly. He cautioned Council, while there is no reason to expect these methods would not be successful in Oregon, they had never been used extensively in the state. Also, regarding carcino- gens, one piece of evidence indicated the use of backfiring substan- tially increases the emission of such carcinogens. In conclusion, Mr. Smith said Eugene field burning pollutants were high enough that certain adverse health effects should be expected to be encountered. Field burning smoke is especially potent in causing these health effects. Field burning contributes about the same amount of pollutants as slash burning. There are practical methods that can be used to reduce these effects. Manager said this information will be given to the DEQ and others involved. Staff will continue pursuing the matter with the hope of reducing acreage burned and putting into practice other techniques. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley to reaffirm the Council.s desire to keep Eugene's environment safe and pleasant for its inhabitants; and to advocate the implementation of new burning techniques and urge that adequate monitoring, commencing immedia- tely, be included in any DEQ/EPA agreement; and commended staff for its intensive in-depth progress that has been made on this issue. Motion carried unanimously. e 2/15/78--3 I 0....