07/30/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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; e Mr. Smith said they have tried to prevent the upwind burning of south priority acres (those acres next to airports, highways, or sensitive areas). It has been established that the south priority acres produce 45 percent of the smoke that intrudes Eugene. The EQC is going to attempt some new burning practices designed to send the smoke to 3,000 feet. It has relaxed the south priority burning rules. If this burning technique does not work, they will discontinue the practice. Mr. Smith concluded that the weather last year was very unusual and, with the same rules, Eugene might get more smoke. Mr. Smith said the City has been working on two types of performance standards: 1) if the grass seed, growers were to operate the smoke manage- ment program; and 2) if the EQC were to operate the smoke management program. The performance standards would provide for a reduction in allowable acreage burning if there is an intrusion into the city. It would lower the chance for further intrusions into the city by cutting the allowable burn acreage. Mr. Smith concluded by saying the research from the Univeristy of California-Davis shows that anyone exposed to field burning smoke breaths the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day for that day. Mr. Long closed by saying that proposed state rules for 1979 are, in the City's estimation, a relaxation from 1978. They would like to build on the 1978 rules which controlled burning. If there is a Governor's executive order, it would be possible for the City to formalize and solidify those rules so that there is not an annual argument. e Mr. Haws asked if the City has been sold down the river. How can he know that the City will not be subjected to more relaxation of the rules. Mr. Long responded that it does not, but to pursue the course will mean lengthy litigation to enforce 50,000 acres. The EQC will approve 180,000 and if the City does not ensure controlling how that acreage is burned, the City may have won the battle but lost the war. He noted that they were also asking for authorization to take any legal measures possible to pursue a course of action if the talks break down. Mr. Obie asked how procedurally the City will pursue the change in the burning rules. Mr. Long said they will go before the EQC and consider two questions: 1) what are the rules for this year? and 2) how does the State respond to the Federal action indicating it might approve 180,000 acres if certain conditions are met? He said that proposals the City would accept would have to be acceptable for two or more years. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the staff be directed to do three things: 1) present the compromise package of plans and options that have been described and developed by the staff to the EQC for their consideration for rules pro tern under the Governor's order to suspend and for State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions; 2) continue to polish legal actions which will overturn that suspension order if necessary; 3) continue to empower staff to take whatever action is necessary to protect the - interest of the City in this matter. 7/30/79--3 ~/7