05/24/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- not fully evaluated all of the probable affects on it of such a set of rules and regulations. For the time being, the City must attempt to persuade the EQC to require some actions that will improve Eugene's air qua 1 ity. In summary, he requested authority from Council to urge the following points to the EQC and, if necessary, to the EPA: 1) That there be improvements in the monitoring program to be put in place during this burning season; 2) that all annuals and bent grass perennials be back- fired/striplighted and tests of the aff~cts of such burning practices be conducted on perennials; 3) that moisture control restrictions of between 15 percent and 20 percent be in effect throughout the season; 4) that there be a revision of the south priority rules to ban the practice of permitting intrusions into Eugene of smoke from the north winds; 5) that there be a ban on the north wind burning of fields in the Silverton Hills area; 6) that there be an increased use of good burning days to burn whatever amounts are authorized; 7) that there be an acreage release system (a system that ties the amount of burning to air quality as measured by objective, scientific instrumentation). e If the foregoing restrictions were accepted, it would be justified to hold back as few as 30,000 of the 180,000 acres at the beginning of the season. The additional acres could be burned if there was a suf- ficient improvement in Eugene's air quality. If, on the other hand, the other restrictions are not accepted, more significant acreage reduc- tions would be required. The acreage release system is an important part of the overall program because it represents some hope of removing the issue from political consideration of acreage to resolving questions about when and how much to burn in terms of air quality. It was further recom- mended that staff be permitted to advise the EQC that their failure to consider an acreage release system would be viewed as requiring Eugene to pursue all available means to enforce the existing Federal limitation. It was recognized the 50,000-acre limitation may exist for only one year, but that it was very important that the resolution of the controversy be removed from an essentially arbitrary political arena. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to give authorization for staff to proceed. Motion carried unanimously. III. Response to River Road/Santa Clara Letter--Letter and draft response distributed. Jim Saul, Planner, said the draft response was based on the position City Council took May 11, 1977, regarding annexation and exten- sion of water and sewer service. Regarding the specific questions raised by the Lane County Commissioners, question No.4 dealt with the creation of a special service district to provide water and sewers without annexation. The response, as drafted, would be that the City would oppose such but would encourage willing annexation. Regarding question No.1, consideration of River Road and Santa Clara being treated as a unit, the draft response indicated the City would consi- der a variety of options, i.e., looking at River Road or Santa Clara e 5/24/78--5 .3'3