Whereas data from the BC Ministries of Environment and Health indicate that seasonal air quality concerns from outdoor wood burning combined with common air inversion events greatly impact the health of residents, and noting that municipalities and regional districts have taken strong measures to limit or ban outdoor burning by residents; And whereas the BC Wildfire Act and Environmental Management Act permit the burning of woody debris slash from forestry operations on private and Crown land within community air-sheds that often contribute to poor seasonal air quality: Therefore be it resolved that the BC Ministry of Environment bring forward new regulations to further limit or ban the burning of wood debris piles on private and crown forest lands within community air-sheds in order to ensure communities and industry are synchronized in working toward the same goal of a safe and healthy environment for all; And be it further resolved that the Province encourage industry to chip wood debris for biofuel or sell it for heating homes in energy efficient woodstoves.
Ministry of Environment The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation OBSCR governs the burning of vegetative material associated with a range of activities, including land clearing and forestry. It sets out the conditions under which the open burning of vegetative debris can be authorized. This regulation has not been substantively revised since enacted in 1993. The regulation is currently under review. A revised regulation will support the Provinces objectives of reducing impacts to human health, enabling and encouraging compliance, and minimizing undue costs to industry. The policy proposal posted for public comment in April 2016 would create three smoke sensitivity zones in the province. The high smoke sensitivity zone surrounding populated areas would have burning rules stricter than the current OBSCR. The medium smoke sensitivity zone surrounding smaller communities and rural areas would have burning requirements similar to the current OBSCR. The low smoke sensitivity zone, comprising the large portion of the province that is distant from communities, would have simpler requirements than the current OBSCR. In all areas where it is currently legal to burn vegetative debris, it will remain so. However, near populated areas stricter requirements will apply, while in remote areas less strict requirements will apply. However, it should be emphasized that in both the current and revised versions of the regulation, alternative uses of the vegetative debris are promoted as first considerations and burning as the last resort. Economics and technical feasibility are factors that are considered when determining the fate of vegetative debris.