Frequently Asked Questions
The YRCAA is an air pollution control authority formed pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1500 and RCW 70A.15.1510. The YRCAA is a regulatory agency that controls the emission of pollutants in the air in accordance with state statutes and regulations and is considered a municipal corporation and a political subdivision of the State. As a regulatory agency, the YRCAA serves neither as an advocacy organization nor a pollution elimination authority, but works to limit air contaminants to those levels deemed safe by state and federal authorities.
The YRCAA ensures compliance with the federal and state clean air acts and the regulations pursuant to them. This is accomplished through monitoring and reporting the air quality, assisting businesses in complying with various applicable rules, investigating complaints about air pollution, and providing information about the existence and prevention of air pollution.
The YRCAA service area is limited to Yakima County and is generally comprised of that portion of the County outside of the Yakama Nation Reservation. This is the area approximately north of the Ahtanum Ridge and northeast of the Yakima River with the addition of Mabton and the areas to its east and south. It is estimated the Agency serves around 230,000 residents (as of 2025).
The area within the boundary of the Yakama Nation Reservation falls within the jurisdiction of the Yakama Nation and the US Environmental Protection Agency that are responsible for permitting, investigations, inspections, and other compliance and enforcement action. However, the YRCAA does operate certain state-level programs such as the Residential Wood Smoke Reduction Program on non-tribal properties within the Reservation boundaries.
Areas east of the County fall within the jurisdiction of the Benton Clean Air Agency. Areas west of the County fall within the jurisdiction of the Southwest Clean Air Agency. Areas north and south of the County fall within the jurisdiction of the Wash. Dept. of Ecology. Areas northwest of the County fall within the jurisdiction of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. A map is available showing the local air pollution control authorities across the state.
No. Air pollution control authorities are authorized to levy property taxes (upon a three-fifths majority vote) pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1580. However, it has never done so.
The YRCAA is funded primarily through fees charged to industry. However, the YRCAA does receive funding from the incorporated cities within Yakima County and the County itself (for unincorporated areas) at an annual rate of $0.48 per capita (as of 2025) pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1600. The Agency also receives additional monies through certain federal and state grants.
The air quality in Yakima County remains within federal standards (aka being "in attainment") for the six criteria air pollutants (CAPs) established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: The only CAP of concern in Yakima County is fine particulate matter.
The EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for communicating outdoor air quality and the potential health impacts when air quality is poor. The AQI includes six categories that corresponding to a range of index values. Higher AQI values represent a higher level of air pollution and health concerns. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below indicates the air quality is good while a value over 300 indicates the air quality is hazardous. AQI values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory while values above 100 indicate an increasing level of contaminants in the air.
The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. Each category also has a specific color. The color makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities. The levels are as follows:
Green - Air quality is good
Yellow - Air quality is moderate
Orange - Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups
Red - Air quality is unhealthy
Purple - Air quality is very unhealthy
Maroon - Air quality is hazardous
In Yakima County (excluding the Yakama Nation reservation), air quality monitors are located in downtown Yakima and on the east side of Sunnyside. Monitors for coarse particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (PM10) and fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) are located at the Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health Building in Yakima and a monitor for PM2.5 is located at the Harrison Middle School in Sunnyside.
Monitoring locations are selected pursuant to 40 CFR 58 Appendix D (CFR means Code of Federal Regulation).
The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) establish limits on the concentration of six pollutants (known as criteria air pollutants or CAPs) allowed in the ambient air. These are:
The above are established pursuant to 40 CFR 50 (CFR means Code of Federal Regulations) and should not be confused with Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or Toxic Air Pollutants (TAPs).
Particulate matter (aka
Both are unhealthy in high concentrations, but fine particulate matter is of more serious concern as it is small enough to pass through the body's filtering mechanisms and settle deep within the lungs.
The NAAQS limit for coarse particulate matter having a diameter 10 micrometers or smaller (PM10) is comprised of a single criterion: An average of one day per calendar year over a period of three consecutive calendar years in which the 24-hour (midnight to midnight) average is greater than 150 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³). In other words, an area is in attainment for PM10 if it has no more than three days within a period of three consecutive calendar years where the average of the readings for the day exceeds 150 μg/m³.
For example, assuming a year is only five days long and the 24-hour (daily) average of the readings (in μg/m³) for each day over a three-year period are as follows:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Days 150+ | |
| Year 1 | 140 | 149 | 158 | 147 | 135 | 1 |
| Year 2 | 146 | 137 | 133 | 121 | 131 | 0 |
| Year 3 | 148 | 156 | 159 | 148 | 139 | 2 |
Average Days per Year over 150 μg/m³: 1
Based on the above, the area would be deemed "in attainment" (i.e. meeting the NAAQS standard) because the average days per year when the 24-hour average exceeded 150 μg/m³ is one (or less) and despite the fact there were two such days in Year 3.
Conversely, consider a theoretical five-day year where the 24-hour (daily) average of the readings (in μg/m³) for each day over a three-year period are as follows:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Days 150+ | |
| Year 1 | 140 | 149 | 158 | 147 | 135 | 1 |
| Year 2 | 153 | 143 | 134 | 121 | 131 | 1 |
| Year 3 | 148 | 156 | 159 | 148 | 139 | 2 |
Average Days per Year over 150 μg/m³: 1.3
Based on the above, the area would be deemed "in non-attainment" (i.e. failing to meet the NAAQS standard) because the average days per year when the 24-hour average exceeded 150 μg/m³ is greater than one.
The NAAQS limit for coarse particulate matter having a diameter 10 micrometers or smaller (PM10) is comprised of a single criterion: An average of one day per calendar year over a period of three consecutive calendar years in which the 24-hour (midnight to midnight) average is greater than 150 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³). In other words, an area is in attainment for PM10 if it has no more than three days within a period of three consecutive calendar years where the average of the readings for the day exceeds 150 μg/m³.
For example, assuming a year is only five days long and the 24-hour (daily) average of the readings (in μg/m³) for each day over a three-year period are as follows:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Days 150+ | |
| Year 1 | 140 | 149 | 158 | 147 | 135 | 1 |
| Year 2 | 146 | 137 | 133 | 121 | 131 | 0 |
| Year 3 | 148 | 156 | 159 | 148 | 139 | 2 |
Average Days per Year over 150 μg/m³: 1
Based on the above, the area would be deemed "in attainment" (i.e. meeting the NAAQS standard) because the average days per year when the 24-hour average exceeded 150 μg/m³ is one (or less) and despite the fact there were two such days in Year 3.
Conversely, consider a theoretical five-day year where the 24-hour (daily) average of the readings (in μg/m³) for each day over a three-year period are as follows:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Days 150+ | |
| Year 1 | 140 | 149 | 158 | 147 | 135 | 1 |
| Year 2 | 153 | 143 | 134 | 121 | 131 | 1 |
| Year 3 | 148 | 156 | 159 | 148 | 139 | 2 |
Average Days per Year over 150 μg/m³: 1.3
Based on the above, the area would be deemed "in non-attainment" (i.e. failing to meet the NAAQS standard) because the average days per year when the 24-hour average exceeded 150 μg/m³ is greater than one.
It is a common misconception the Agency is responsible for the continuous measurement of pollutant levels in Yakima County (excluding those portions of Yakima County inside the Yakama Nation Reservation). The equipment used to measure pollutant levels (aka "air quality monitors") located within the Agency service area is owned by the Washington Department of Ecology which is responsible for testing and recording select airborne pollutant levels across the state. The Agency does operate the equipment located within its service area in cooperation, and under an agreement, with the Department. However, it is the Department (not the Agency) that determines the number and location of monitoring sites and the equipment used.
It is a common misconception the Agency is responsible for the continuous measurement of pollutant levels in Yakima County (excluding those portions of Yakima County inside the Yakama Nation Reservation). The Washington Department of Ecology is responsible for testing and recording select airborne pollutant levels across the state and determines the pollutants monitored in any given area. Information regarding the quantity of, and distance between, monitors in the state for the various Criteria Air Pollutants follows:
| Criteria Pollutant | Monitors (count) | Distance (miles) | ||||
| Wash. State |
County Average |
Yakima County |
Average | Maximum | Minimum | |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | 2 | 0.051 | 0 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | 4 | 0.103 | 0 | 7.2 | 23.8 | 1.5 |
| Ozone (O3) | 13 | 0.333 | 0 | |||
| Fine Particulates (PM2.5) | ||||||
| Coarse Particulates (PM10) | ||||||
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | ||||||
The Agency uses the information for various purposes (such as determining allocations or starting/ending burn bans) and the data collected is also provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the Department.
Asbestos is a group of naturally-occurring minerals resistant to heat and corrosion. It has been used in various products such as floor tiles, drywall, pipe insulation, and other building materials. Asbestos includes the mineral fibers chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite. Exposure to airborne asbestos often occurs in construction, particularly during the removal of asbestos-containing materials as a result of renovation, repairs, or demolition.
Asbestos is a health hazard. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death.
Pursuant to 40 CFR 61.141:
Only natural, unprocessed vegetative material may be burned (e.g. leaves, limbs, clippings). Material must be allowed to thoroughly dry so it burns cleanly and produces minimal smoke. Burning any of the following items is strictly prohibited and doing so may result in a substantial civil penalty:
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-050(1), "The following materials may not be burned in any outdoor fire: Garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, treated wood, construction/demolition debris, metal, or any substance (other than natural vegetation) that normally releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or obnoxious odors when burned...."
Any outdoor device used for burning must be made of concrete or masonry with an enclosed combustion chamber and spark arrester with openings one-half inch or smaller. "Burn barrels" and other similar devices are prohibited. Beware of "incinerator cans", "burn barrels", and other items sold through Amazon, Tractor Supply, Walmart, and other retailers that fail to meet the above requirements (the fact they are sold does not make their use legal).
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-050(5), "Outdoor containers (such as burn barrels and other incinerators not regulated under WAC 173-400-070(1)) used for outdoor burning, must be constructed of concrete or masonry with a completely enclosed combustion chamber and equipped with a permanently attached spark arrester constructed of iron, heavy wire mesh, or other noncombustible material with openings not larger than one-half inch, and they may only be used in compliance with this chapter."
Maybe. A permit is not required if the fuel box (the area where wood is placed) is no more than two feet (2') in height and three feet (3') in diameter. Burning using such devices (commonly found in hardware and patio stores) is considered a "recreational fire". However, if the fuel box is larger than any dimension described above, a permit is required. Do not burn yard debris, garbage, lumber, plastics, or other prohibited items in a fire pit.
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-060(2), "Except as otherwise stated, a permit is required for the following types of outdoor burning in all areas of the state under the jurisdiction of this chapter:...(i) Recreational fires with a total fuel area that is greater than three feet in diameter and/or two feet in height (except in the nonurban areas of counties with an unincorporated population of less than fifty thousand...."
An allocation is a portion of the total available quantity of material allowed to be burned that is assigned to a specific burn permittee. Allocation (aka metering) is used to limit the impact of potentially large-scale (e.g. agricultural and land clearing) burning when air quality conditions are poor and to avoid having large quantities of material burned within the same area (e.g. upper or lower valley) on the same day when doing so would result in significant, negative air quality impacts.
Allocations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 3:00pm the first business day (excludes weekends and holidays) before the burn is to take place (e.g. Tuesday for a Wednesday burn or Friday for a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday burn).
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-040(2), "For allowed agricultural burning, ecology or local air authorities with jurisdiction will make daily or specific fire burn calls (during times of anticipated burning) and use metering when necessary to minimize the potential for adverse air quality impacts. Metering is a technique of limiting emission from burning at specific times and places by taking into account potential emission rates, forecasted weather (dispersion), and current and projected air quality. The burn decision process will consider: The potential number of burns and their expected size(s) and duration(s); recent and current ambient concentrations of pollutants; other potential emissions sources; and evaluations and judgments about how foreseeable meteorological conditions will affect concentrations of pollutants in the air sheds.
The Agency uses current air quality (including the concentrations of pollutants), other potential sources of contaminants, the anticipated number of burns (including locations and material quantities), and meteorological forecasts as a basis to estimate the capacity of the air shed to accommodate additional burning and how much can be burned without substantially affecting air quality.
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-040(2), "The burn decision process will consider: The potential number of burns and their expected size(s) and duration(s); recent and current ambient concentrations of pollutants; other potential emissions sources; and evaluations and judgments about how foreseeable meteorological conditions will affect concentrations of pollutants in the air sheds."
Maybe. The debris must be located in an area where an emergency has been declared by the city or county, the debris was deposited within the prior two years, and a permit is obtained from the Agency.
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(24), "Storm or flood debris burning" means fires consisting of natural vegetation deposited on lands by storms or floods that have occurred in the previous two years and resulted in an emergency being declared or proclaimed in the area by the city, county, or state government and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5190, "Consistent with RCW 70A.15.5020, outdoor burning may be allowed anywhere in the state for the exclusive purpose of managing storm or flood-related debris.
Yes, with a permit. The permit must be issued by the Agency and all conditions contained in the permit must be met. Only weeds may be burned under a weed abatement permit. The permit applicant must show the setting of fires as requested is the most reasonable procedure to follow in safeguarding life or property or is otherwise reasonably necessary.
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(27), "'Weed abatement fires' means any outdoor burning to dispose of weeds that is not regulated under Chapter 173-430 WAC, which applies to agricultural burning."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5210, "Any person who proposes to set fires in the course of weed abatement shall obtain a permit from an air pollution control authority, the department of ecology, or a local entity delegated permitting authority under RCW 70A.15.5100.... All permits shall be conditioned to insure that the public interest in air, water, and land pollution and safety to life and property is fully considered. In addition to any other requirements established by the department to protect air quality pursuant to other laws, applicants for permits must show that the setting of fires as requested is the most reasonable procedure to follow in safeguarding life or property under all circumstances or is otherwise reasonably necessary to successfully carry out the enterprise in which the applicant is engaged, or both. All burning permits will be designed to minimize air pollution insofar as practical. Nothing in this section relieves the applicant from obtaining permits, licenses, or other approvals required by any other law. An application for a permit to set fires in the course of weed abatement shall be acted upon within seven days from the date such application is filed.
Yes. However, this is strictly limited to certain circumstances. Aircraft crash rescue training fires may use uncontaminated petroleum products and the Agency may allow the limited burning of prohibited materials in conjunction with firefighting instruction fires (typically structure fires).
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-050(1), "...(a) Firefighting instruction fires for aircraft crash rescue training fires approved and conducted in compliance with RCW 70A.15.5180(5) may contain uncontaminated petroleum products.... (RCW 70A.15.5090(6)); [and] (b) Ecology or a local air authority may allow the limited burning of prohibited materials for other firefighting instruction fires, including those that are exempt from permits under WAC WAC 173-425-060 (2)(f), and other outdoor burning necessary to protect public health and safety. (RCW 70A.15.5180(7))
Agricultural burning is the burning of vegetative debris from an agricultural operation necessary for disease or pest control, necessary for crop propagation or crop rotation, or where identified as a best management practice by the agricultural burning practices and research task force...or other authoritative source on agricultural practices. It also includes propane flaming for the purpose of vegetative debris removal (see RCW 70A.15.5090 and WAC 173-430-030(1).
Yes. For example, Natural Selection Farms offers composting for orchard removal and prunings and Northwest Farm Service provides:grinding/chipping services for orchard and vineyard removal.
Because the Yakima Valley has elevated levels of fine particulate matter (a substantial source of which is agricultural burning), the Agency strongly encourages agricultural operations to consider an alternative to the standard method of burning their vegetative waste material. Options include composting, grinding, whole orchard recycling, air curtain incineration, and the production and use of biochar. For additional information, see the links below.
As of 2026, an Agricultural Burn Permit costs one dollar ($1) per ton (pile burning) or three dollars and seventy-five cents ($3.75) per acre (field burning).. There is a minimum eighty dollar ($80) fee that allows for the burning of up to 80 tons (pile burning) and thirty-seven dollar and fifty cent ($37.50) fee that allows for the burning of up to 10 acres (field burning).
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5090(5), "...Fees shall be set by rule by the permitting agency at the level determined by the task force created by subsection (6) of this section, but fees for field burning shall not exceed $3.75 per acre to be burned or, in the case of pile burning, shall not exceed $1.00 per ton of material burned."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5090(6), "An agricultural burning practices and research task force shall be established under the direction of the department..... The task force shall: ...(b) Determine the level of fees to be assessed by the permitting agency pursuant to subsection (5) of this section, based upon the level necessary to cover the costs of administering and enforcing the permit programs, to provide funds for research into alternative methods to reduce emissions from such burning, and to the extent possible be consistent with fees charged for such burning permits in neighboring states. The fee level shall provide, to the extent possible, for lesser fees for permittees who use best management practices to minimize air contaminant emissions."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5090(6), "An agricultural burning practices and research task force shall be established under the direction of the [Department of Ecology]. The task force shall be composed of a representative from the department who shall serve as chair; one representative of eastern Washington local air authorities; three representatives of the agricultural community from different agricultural pursuits; one representative of the department of agriculture; two representatives from universities or colleges knowledgeable in agricultural issues; one representative of the public health or medical community; and one representative of the conservation districts. The task force shall:
Agricultural burning permits may be obtained by irrigation/drainage districts for burning that is part of water system management and by commercial agricultural operations when burning is necessary for disease/pest control or crop propagation/rotation or is deemed a best management practice by the agricultural burning practices and research task force. A commercial agricultural operation is a business that grows or produces agricultural products on land in which they have a present right of possession. It does not include persons growing or producing products primarily for their own consumption.
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-030(1) agricultural burning "means the burning of vegetative debris from an agricultural operation necessary for disease or pest control, necessary for crop propagation or crop rotation, or where identified as a best management practice by the agricultural burning practices and research task force established in RCW 70A.15.5090(6) or other authoritative source on agricultural practices. Propane flaming for the purpose of vegetative debris removal is considered commercial agricultural burning."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-030(2) an agricultural operation "means a farmer who can substantiate that the operation is commercial agriculture by showing the most recent year's IRS schedule F form or its corporate equivalent. It also includes burning conducted by irrigation district or drainage district personnel as part of water system management."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-030(7) a farmer "means any person engaged in the business of growing or producing for sale any agricultural product upon their own lands, or upon the land in which they have a present right of possession, any agricultural product. Farmer does not mean persons growing or producing products primarily for their own consumption."
Up to seven (7) days from the date a permit application is complete and in the possession of the Agency (applications without all of the required information do not qualify as "complete"). If you will be coming to the office to pick up your permit, contact the Agency in advance (509-834-2050 ext. 100 or admin@yrcaa.org) to ensure your permit is ready for pickup.
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-040(5)(c), "The permitting authority must: (i) Act on a complete application (as determined by the permitting authority) within seven days of receipt."
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040 Schedule F is used to report a profit or loss from farming when filing an income tax return. Providing evidence of having filed a Schedule F with the IRS establishes the permittee is engaged in a commercial agricultural operation and, therefore, eligible for an agricultural burning permit.
The Schedule F presented when applying for an agricultural burning permit must be the "most recent year". Because such permits are valid for one calendar year, they are frequently obtained before the IRS April 15 filing deadline. In such cases, the Schedule F required would be the one filed the previous year (e.g. an application filed March 3, 2020, would require the Schedule F filed in 2019 for the tax/calendar year 2018). When the application is submitted after April 15 and an extension has been filed, the same is true, but a copy of the extension must also be provided.
The Agency is neither interested in knowing, nor required to retain, any specific financial information concerning the commercial agricultural operation. As a result, applicants may bring a copy of a Schedule F to the Agency and simply allow a staff member to inspect and verify a valid Schedule F exists (the Agency will not keep a copy) or provide a copy of a Schedule F with any digits to the left of the last comma redacted (blacked out). For example, the number 1,735,196.28 would have the 1,735 redacted leaving only the 196.28 visible.
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-030, "(1) Agricultural burning means the burning of vegetative debris from an agricultural operation...[and] (2) Agricultural operation means a farmer who can substantiate that the operation is commercial agriculture by showing the most recent year's IRS schedule F form or its corporate equivalent.
All agricultural burning must meet the following requirements:
▪ Burn only during daylight hours (unless burning at night is deemed a best management practice by the Agency).
▪ Meet all all local fire protection agency (including County Fire Marshal) fire safety rules in effect at the time of burning.
▪ Confirm burning is allowed before lighting the fire (see Agency web site, sign up for e-mail alerts, or call the Agency).
▪ Winds take the smoke away from roads, homes, population centers, or other public areas, to the greatest extent possible.
▪ Only natural vegetation is burned.
▪ Burning does not occur during an air pollution episode or Agency air quality burn ban.
▪ The fire is attended at all times.
Agricultural burning conducted under a permit must meet the following requirements:
▪ Burning occurs only during times specified by the Agency (met through obtaining an Agency allocation).
▪ Burning does not occur when poor meteorological conditions exist (met through obtaining an Agency allocation).
▪ A post-burn report is submitted to the Agency (complete the last three columns of the table on the permit application form and submit a copy to the agency).
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-070(1), "Permits must include the following general conditions: (a) Do not burn at night unless it is specified as a best management practice; (b) Comply with all fire safety rules of the local fire protection agency including any no-burn directives it may issue; (c) Call the local air authority burning information line (if there is one) before lighting the fire; (d) Burn only during times specified by the permitting authority; (e) Burn when wind takes the smoke away from roads, homes, population centers, or other public areas, to the greatest extent possible; (f) Do not burn when adverse meteorological conditions exist; (g) Burn only natural vegetation; (h) Do not burn or add fuel during any stage of an air pollution episode or local air quality burning ban; (i) Attend the fire at all times; (j) Submit a postburn report to the permitting authority."
No.
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-040(2), "For allowed agricultural burning, ecology or local air authorities with jurisdiction will make daily or specific fire burn calls (during times of anticipated burning) and use metering when necessary to minimize the potential for adverse air quality impacts. Metering is a technique of limiting emission from burning at specific times and places by taking into account potential emission rates, forecasted weather (dispersion), and current and projected air quality. The burn decision process will consider: The potential number of burns and their expected size(s) and duration(s); recent and current ambient concentrations of pollutants; other potential emissions sources; and evaluations and judgments about how foreseeable meteorological conditions will affect concentrations of pollutants in the air sheds.
Agricultural burning requires a permit by law.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5090(1), "Any person who proposes to set fires in the course of agricultural activities shall obtain a permit from an air pollution control authority...."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-020(5), "Burning of organic debris related to agricultural activities requires a permit and fee...."
No. Orchard prunings may be burned without a permit when they are incidental to commercial agricultural activities, provided the fire department/district within which the burn will take place is notified in advance of burning and there is no air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality (i.e. air quality burn ban) in effect at the time of burning.
As set forth in WAC 173-430-020(5)(b), organic debris along fence lines is vegetative material located in the area bordering a commercial agricultural field that is or would be unworkable by equipment used to cultivate the adjacent field.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5070(7), "Incidental agricultural burning must be allowed without applying for any permit and without the payment of any fee if: (a) The burning is incidental to commercial agricultural activities; (b) The operator notifies the local fire department within the area where the burning is to be conducted; (c) The burning does not occur during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality declared under RCW 70A.15.6010; and (d) Only the following items are burned:...(ii) Organic debris along fence lines...."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-020(5), "Burning of organic debris related to agricultural activities requires a permit and fee, except for agricultural burning that is incidental to commercial agricultural activities.... An agricultural operation burning under the incidental agricultural burning exception must still notify the local fire department within the area and not burn during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality. The specific types of burning that qualify as exceptions to the permit requirement are: (a) Orchard prunings...."
No. Organic debris along fence lines may be burned without a permit when they are incidental to commercial agricultural activities, provided the fire department/district within which the burn will take place is notified in advance of burning and there is no air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality (i.e. air quality burn ban) in effect at the time of burning.
As set forth in WAC 173-430-020(5)(b), organic debris along fence lines is vegetative material located in the area bordering a commercial agricultural field that is or would be unworkable by equipment used to cultivate the adjacent field.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5070(7), "Incidental agricultural burning must be allowed without applying for any permit and without the payment of any fee if: (a) The burning is incidental to commercial agricultural activities; (b) The operator notifies the local fire department within the area where the burning is to be conducted; (c) The burning does not occur during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality declared under RCW 70A.15.6010; and (d) Only the following items are burned:...(ii) Organic debris along fence lines...."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-020(5), "Burning of organic debris related to agricultural activities requires a permit and fee, except for agricultural burning that is incidental to commercial agricultural activities.... An agricultural operation burning under the incidental agricultural burning exception must still notify the local fire department within the area and not burn during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality. The specific types of burning that qualify as exceptions to the permit requirement are:...(c) Organic debris along fence lines...."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-030, "Agricultural burning: Means the burning of vegetative debris from an agricultural operation necessary for disease or pest control, necessary for crop propagation or crop rotation, or where identified as a best management practice by the agricultural burning practices and research task force established in RCW 70.94.6528(6) or other authoritative source on agricultural practices. Propane flaming for the purpose of vegetative debris removal is considered commercial agricultural burning
Outdoor burning is the combustion of material in an open fire or in an outdoor container without providing for the control of combustion or the control of emissions from the combustion (see RCW 70A.15.1580 and WAC 173-425-030(16)). Outdoor burning does not include agricultural burning or silvicultural burning.
As of 2026, residential burn permits cost $55. If the permit is purchased from a retail outlet (e.g. hardware store), the seller may add an administrative fee to cover their costs (typically around $5).
Residential burning is allowed from March 15 through October 15 each year with a permit. Residential burn permits can be purchased from the Agency at its office or from various retail outlets (see www.yakimacleanair.org/img/pdf/190.pdf for a list of retail locations). Only natural, unprocessed vegetation may be burned. The burning of other materials is prohibited and may result in a substantial fine!
Residential burning (even with a permit) is not allowed if an air quality (by the Agency), fire safety (by the Yakima County Fire Marshal), or state-wide (by the Governor) burn ban is in effect at the time. It is common for a fire safety burn ban to be in effect during July and August (and may include substantial portions of June and/or September depending on the year).
Residential burning is not allowed during the winter months due to the geography of Yakima County and the air inversions and stagnation that frequently occur and trap contaminants near the ground, resulting in poor air quality. Limiting such burning helps reduce the need for burn bans that restrict the use of wood, pellet, and other stoves for home heating.
No. If the burn site is located within an urban growth area or another area where residential burning is not allowed, you are not permitted to transport material (except firewood) to another location where burning is allowed.
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-050(2), "No outdoor fire may contain material (other than firewood) that has been hauled from an area where outdoor burning of the material is prohibited under WAC 173-425-040. Any outdoor burning of material hauled from areas where outdoor burning of the material is allowed requires an appropriate permit under WAC WAC 173-425-060(2), and any use of property for this purpose on an on-going basis, must be limited to the types of burning listed in WAC 173-351-200(5)(b) (criteria for municipal solid waste landfills) and approved in accordance with other laws, including Chapter 173-304 WAC (Minimum functional standards for solid waste handling) and Chapter 173-400 WAC (General regulations for air pollution sources)."
No. However, you must notify the Agency of your new property/burn site and provide evidence you have fully relinquished your ownership interest (as indicated by a deed, mortgage, lease, rental agreement) in the old property/burn site and have taken an ownership interest in a new property that will become the burn location. If the new property is in a location where outdoor burning is not allowed, the permit is void.
No. The Agency cannot determine whether burning under an issued permit has or has not occurred. The Agency recommends purchasing a permit when material is ready to burn and confirming a county-wide fire safety burn ban is not imminent or already in effect.
The sale of residential burn permits coincides with their effective date by design. In years past, the Agency sold such permits in advance of the date they became valid. However, it was inundated with calls from people asking if they could immediately begin burning or filing complaints regarding people who had overlooked or ignored the effective date and started burning as soon as they purchased a permit—despite the fact it was not yet valid. To avoid this, the Agency adopted the current practice of restricting the sale of Residential Burn Permits until the day they can legally be used. The only exception is when March 15 falls on a weekend and the sale of Residential Burn Permits begins the Friday immediately prior.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within buildings and structures and particularly with respect to the health and comfort of building occupants. Concerns regarding IAQ in private residences or public areas of commercial/industrial facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Yakima Health District. Concerns regarding IAQ in non-public areas of commercial/industrial facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. The authorities granted to the YRCAA under Washington State law pertain to outdoor air quality only and the Agency does not address indoor air quality issues.
The cause of poor indoor air quality can be difficult to determine, but many times it is associated with poor ventilation, high air moisture levels, emissions from new carpet or furniture, or older wood stoves used for heating.
This website has a link to a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency website with indoor air quality information. Consulting industrial hygienists can sample for the agents causing indoor air quality problems and make recommendations.
Burning even clean dry wood produces air pollutants like carbon monoxide, small particulate and a host of toxic compounds that cause cancer and exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
An odor may not unreasonably interfere with another property owner's use and enjoyment of their property. This means it must be of sufficient frequency, intensity, and/or duration (or a combination of these) to reach a level where it causes unreasonable interference. When that is the case the source must reduce the odor(s) to a reasonable minimum (which does not equate to eliminating them).
Pursuant to WAC 173-400-040(5), “Any person who shall cause or allow the generation of any odor from any source or activity which may unreasonably interfere with any other property owner's use and enjoyment of her or his property must use recognized good practice and procedures to reduce these odors to a reasonable minimum.”
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Pursuant to RCW 173-400-010, the regulations to which the Agency is subject serve to control (not eliminate) air pollution from air contaminant sources and to an extent is technically feasible and reasonably attainable.
Under current state regulations, permits (orders of approval and air operating permits) must be approved unless the Agency finds the project fails to meet any of requirements set forth in WAC 173-400-113 and summarized below. An application for a proposed project will be denied only if it does not:
If the above requirements are met, the Agency must approve the application as required. Under the Washington Clean Air Act, the approval of projects is not a popularity contest where those that are liked are approved and those that are disliked are denied.
Pursuant to WAC 173-400-113, "...The permitting authority that is reviewing an application to establish a new source or modification in an attainment or unclassifiable area shall issue an order of approval if it determines that the proposed project satisfies each of the following requirements:
| Table 4a: Cause or Contribute Threshold Values for Nonattainment Area Impacts |
|||||
| Pollutant | Annual Average | 24-Hour Average | 8-Hour Average | 3-Hour Average | 1-Hour Average |
| CO | - | - | 0.5 mg/m3 | - | 2 mg/m3 |
| SO2 | 1.0 µg/m3 | 5 µg/m3 | - | 25 µg/m3 | 30 µg/m3 |
| PM10 | 1.0 µg/m3 | 5 µg/m3 | - | - | - |
| PM2.5 | 0.3 µg/m3 | 1.2 µg/m3 | - | - | - |
| NO2 | 1.0 µg/m3 | - | - | - | - |
No. The Agency does not have jurisdiction over vehicles (except those using "nonroad engines" as set forth in WAC 173-400-030(59)), aircraft, or energy facilities.
Pursuant to WAC 173-400-020(2), "...Unless properly delegated by [the Washington State Department of] Ecology, authorities do not have jurisdiction over the following sources:
The process of evaluating a Notice of Construction (NoC) is called a "New Source Review" (NSR). As of 2026, there is a $400 application fee due when a Notice of Construction is submitted to the Agency. In addition, the actual costs of conducting the NSR incurred by the Agency are billed to—and must be paid by—the applicant prior to issuance of an order. This includes the cost of staff time and a final review by a licensed Professional Engineer as required by law. Each application is unique with some being more complex and requiring more time than others. As a result, there is no set/fixed fee amount. The cost for small, simple projects can be as little as $7,000 while large, complex projects can be $30,000 or more.
Pursuant to WAC 173-400-111(1)(e), "An application is not complete until any permit application fee required by the permitting authority has been paid."
Pursuant to WAC 173-400-111(3), "...An order of approval cannot be issued until the following criteria are met as applicable:...(i) All fees required under Chapter 173-455 WAC (or the applicable new source review fee table of the local air pollution control authority) have been paid."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.2210(3), "...Every order of approval under this chapter must be reviewed prior to issuance by a professional engineer or staff under the supervision of a professional engineer in the employ of the department of ecology or board."
The Agency Wood Stove
Rebate and recycle payments commonly take four to six weeks to process and are mailed to the address provided on the application. Low-income replacement payments are made directly to the vendor(s) involved.
Payments of any kind may be made to the Agency by the following methods:
No. The Agency does not prohibit the use of natural gas (including propane) for heating, cooking, or other similar uses.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1110, "An authority shall not in any way prohibit, penalize, or discourage the use of gas for any form of heating, or for uses related to any appliance or equipment, in any building."
Registration invoices can be paid through YRCAA’s main page or under “Forms and Registration”. Click to select your registration class and pay online.
If you created an account through Express Bill Pay last year, invoices can be paid through that account www.xpressbillpay.com or you can pay using our website as stated above.
If you prefer to open an account with Xpress Bill Pay, the following is how to register through their website:
1. Go to www.xpressbillpay.com;
2. Click the “Go” button below “New to Xpress Bill Pay?” and complete the short registration form including email and password;
3. Select your billing organization and follow the prompts for linking your bill; and
4. Once your bill is added to your account, you can view and pay your bill online or set up a recurring auto payment schedule.
You still have the option of mailing in your registration forms and fees; however, we strongly encourage you to complete your registration online.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (509) 834-2050 ext. 105 or ext. 107.
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Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency
186 Iron Horse Court, Suite 101
Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: 509-834-2050
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday (closed weekends and holidays)