Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions concerning the following can be found below.
Answers to questions concerning the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency, its structure, how it is funded, and how it operates can be found in this section.
The Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) is an air pollution control authority formed under the authority of RCW 70A.15.1500 and RCW 70A.15.1510. It is a regulatory agency that controls the emission of pollutants in the air in accordance with state and federal statutes and regulations and is considered a municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Washington.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1510, "The legislative authority of any county may activate an air pollution control authority following a public hearing on its own motion, or upon a filing of a petition signed by one hundred property owners within the county...."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1560, "An activated authority shall be deemed a municipal corporation; have right to perpetual succession; adopt and use a seal; may sue and be sued in the name of the authority in all courts and in all proceedings; and, may receive, account for, and disburse funds, employ personnel, and acquire or dispose of any interest in real or personal property within or without the authority in the furtherance of its purposes."
RCW means Revised Code of Washington.
The YRCAA ensures compliance with the state and state Clean Air Acts and the regulations pursuant to them. This is accomplished through monitoring air quality, controlling emissions, assisting businesses in complying with various applicable rules, investigating complaints about air pollution, and providing information about the existence and prevention of air pollution.
Despite its name, the YRCAA is a regulatory agency and serves neither as a clean air advocacy organization nor a pollution elimination authority. Instead, it works to limit air contaminants to those levels deemed safe by state and federal authorities.
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 (EPA) 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. See this map to view 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) under the authority of RCW 70A.15.1580. However, the Agency has never done so. It does, however, receive some tax revenue indirectly through a per capita assessment on each of the incorporated cities within Yakima County and the County itself. See "How is the YRCAA funded?" for more information.
RCW means Revised Code of Washington.
The YRCAA is funded primarily through fees charged to industry. However, it does receive some funds through an annual per capita assessment of $0.55 per person (as of 2026) on each of the incorporated cities within Yakima County and the County itself (for the unincorporated areas) under the authority of RCW 70A.15.1600. The Agency also receives certain monies through various federal and state grants.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1005, "...It is the policy of the state that the costs of protecting the air resource and operating state and local air pollution control programs shall be shared as equitably as possible among all sources whose emissions cause air pollution...."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1590, "...The remaining funds required to meet budget expenditures, if any, shall be designated as 'supplemental income' and shall be obtained from the component cities, towns, and counties in the manner provided in this chapter...."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1600(1)(b), "Each component city or town shall pay such proportion of the supplemental income as the total population of such city or town bears to the total population of the activated authority. The population of the city or town shall be determined by the most recent census, estimate or survey by the federal bureau of census or any state board or commission authorized to make such a census, estimate or survey."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1600(2)(b), "Each component county shall pay such proportion of the supplemental income as the total population of the unincorporated area of such county bears to the total population of the activated authority. The population of the county shall be determined by the most recent census, estimate or survey by the federal bureau of census or any state board or commission authorized to make such a census, estimate or survey."
RCW means Revised Code of Washington.
Indoor Air Quality refers to the air quality within buildings and structures and particularly with respect to the health and comfort of building occupants. This includes residences (single-family and multi-family), commercial and industrial facilities, and other enclosed structures. Answers to questions concerning indoor air quality can be found in this section.
No. 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. Concerns regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) in private residences or public areas of commercial/industrial facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Yakima Health District (YHD). Concerns regarding IAQ in non-public areas of commercial/industrial facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (LNI).
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.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indoor air quality web page contains helpful information. Consulting industrial hygienists can sample for the agents causing indoor air quality problems and make recommendations.
Even when burning clean, dry wood, wood stoves produce air pollutants like carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a number of other toxic compounds that may cause cancer and exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. If you have a wood stove, consider replacing it with an electric, propane, natural gas, or other clean burning heating appliance. Check the Agency wood stove replacement program to see if you are eligible for financial assistance.
Outdoor air quality (OAQ) concerns pollution levels in the ambient air found outside residences, commercial and industrial facilities, and other structures. Answers to questions concerning outdoor air quality can be found in this section.
The air quality in Yakima County remains within federal standards as established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the six criteria air pollutants (CAPs) when pollution levels during wildfire events are excluded. Unusual, unpredictable, and unplanned occurrences such a wildfires (known as "Exceptional Events") are not considered due to the following:
At present, the only CAP of concern in Yakima County is fine particulate matter (often referred to as PM2.5). The area has remained in attainment despite reductions in the standard for PM2.5 totaling forty percent (40%) and forty-six percent (46%) for the annual and 24-hour standards, respectively, as shown below (source: EPA Timeline of Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards):
| Year | PM2.5 Annual | PM2.5 24-hour |
| 1997 | 15 μg/m³ | 65 μg/m³ |
| 2006 | 15 μg/m³ | 35 μg/m³ |
| 2013 | 12 μg/m³ | 35 μg/m³ |
| 2024 | 9 μg/m³ | 35 μg/m³ |
Although Yakima County has the second highest (following Okanogan County) levels of PM2.5 when compared to other counties in Washington State, it does not exceed acceptable limits. This is analogous to a road with a 60 mile per hour (mph) speed limit on which nine out of ten drivers are traveling at 40 mph and the tenth is traveling at 50 mph so that s/he is going faster than the others, yet is not "speeding".
Air quality in the lower Yakima Valley (LYV) is not generally worse than the air quality in the upper Yakima Valley (UYV) and the two are consistently similar to each other. For example, during the period April 2025 through March 2026, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were as follows :
| Upper Valley | Lower Valley | |
| Average | 8.3 μg/m³ | 7.6 μg/m³ |
| Over 35 μg/m³ | 36 days | 41 days |
μg/m³ means micrograms per cubic meter.
Note: The above were not adjusted for the "exceptional event" that occurred in September 2025 (which would further reduce the figures shown).
This was confirmed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a winter (January/February 2024) study of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the upper and lower valley which found similar levels of PM2.5 in both areas. It also found air stagnation to be a significant cause of higher PM2.5 levels due largely to the geography of the two areas which are surrounded by large hills that slow the dispersion of air pollutants.
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. A federal reference method (FRM) monitor for coarse particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (PM10) and fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) is located at the Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health Building in Yakima. A federal equivalent method (FEM) monitor for PM2.5 is located at the Harrison Middle School in Sunnyside.
Monitoring locations are selected pursuant to 40 CFR 58 Appendix D.
Pursuant to 40 CFR 50.1(f), "Reference method means a method of sampling and analyzing the ambient air for an air pollutant that is specified as a reference method in an appendix to this part, or a method that has been designated as a reference method in accordance with part 53 of this chapter...."
Pursuant to 40 CFR 50.1(g), "Equivalent method means a method of sampling and analyzing the ambient air for an air pollutant that has been designated as an equivalent method in accordance with part 53 of this chapter...."
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 and should not be confused with Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or Toxic Air Pollutants (TAPs).
CFR means Code of Federal Regulations.
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 upper Yakima valley (from Tampico to Moxee) and the lower Yakima valley (from Donald to Prosser) are located in the Yakima Fold Belt and ringed by large hills (with small gaps near Selah, Union Gap, and Benton City). The upper valley is bordered by the Yakima Ridge to the north and the Rattlesnake Hills (aka Ahtanum Ridge) to the south. The lower valley is bordered by the Rattlesnake Hills (aka Ahtanum Ridge) to the north and the Toppenish Ridge and Horse Heaven Hills to the south. This unique geography limits air movement and significantly slows the dispersion of air pollutants—especially during periods of air stagnation (including frequent air inversions) common during the winter months.
In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitored winter (January/February) fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels for one month each in the City of Yakima (upper valley) and City of Wapato (lower valley). Consistent with the above, it found air stagnation to be a significant cause of higher PM2.5 levels in both areas. It also determined air does not rapidly mix between the upper and lower valleys.
Three direct, organic sources of PM2.5 were identified by the EPA: cooking, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions. A fourth indirect, inorganic source was ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) which forms in the atmosphere from the reaction of an ammonia (NH₃) molecule and a nitric acid (HNO₃) molecule, resulting in an ammonium nitrate molecule (HNO₃ + NH₃ → NH₄NO₃). Ammonia in the Yakima Valley comes primarily from agricultural activities including animals and the application of fertilizers. Nitric acid is formed in the atmosphere from nitric oxides that are primarily emitted by vehicles through the combustion of gasoline and diesel.
Because the creation of one ammonium nitrate molecule requires one ammonia molecule and one nitric acid molecule, whichever of these is available in the smallest quantity is known as the "limiting factor". In the case of Yakima County, the limiting factor is nitric oxides (which are necessary to form nitric acid). As a result, reductions in ammonia (until the quantity falls below the quantity of nitric acid) do not affect the formation of PM2.5.
The terms "attainment" and "nonattainment" are official designations made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Areas deemed "in attainment" have been found to meet the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for all criteria pollutants. Areas deemed "in nonattainment" have been found to exceed the NAAQS for one or more criteria pollutants. Areas with neither designation are considered "unclassifiable". Review of an area's status typically occurs when there is a change to a national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), a change to a state implementation plan (SIP), or reason to believe an air quality standard has been consistently exceeded without the presence of one or more exceptional events (or extraordinary circumstances that would otherwise constitute an exception event).
Pursuant to 42 USC 7407(d)(1)(A), "...(i) nonattainment, any area that does not meet (or that contributes to ambient air quality in a nearby area that does not meet) the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for the pollutant, (ii) attainment, any area (other than an area identified in clause (i)) that meets the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for the pollutant, or (iii) unclassifiable, any area that cannot be classified on the basis of available information as meeting or not meeting the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for the pollutant."
Pursuant to 40 CFR 50.1(j), "Exceptional event means an event(s) and its resulting emissions that affect air quality in such a way that there exists a clear causal relationship between the specific event(s) and the monitored exceedance(s) or violation(s), is not reasonably controllable or preventable, is an event(s) caused by human activity that is unlikely to recur at a particular location or a natural event(s), and is determined by the [EPA] Administrator in accordance with 40 CFR 50.14 to be an exceptional event...."
Area designations are set forth in 40 CFR 81. As of 2026, all areas of Yakima County (not including the Yakama Nation Reservation) are designated as "attainment" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
CFR means Code of Federal Regulations. USC means United States Code.
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 compliance with the NAAQS 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 meet the NAAQS 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 actively measures pollutant levels in Yakima County. The air quality monitoring equipment located within the Agency service area (which does not include the area inside the Yakama Nation Reservation) and used to measure pollutant levels is owned by the Washington Department of Ecology which is responsible for testing and recording select airborne pollutant levels across the state and reporting these to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Though the YRCAA does operate the equipment located within its service area in cooperation, and under an agreement, with the Department, it is the Department (not the Agency) that determines the number and location of monitoring sites and the equipment used.
As a regulatory authority, the Agency utilizes data only from devices that meet regulatory requirements—known as Federal Reference Method (FRM) or Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) monitors. The Washington Dept. of Ecology and others may install and use monitors for non-regulatory purposes that do not meet these requirements. As of 2026, there are four such non-regulatory devices in the City of Yakima and one (each) in the cities of Grandview, Granger, Mabton, and Moxee.
Excluding non-regulatory equipment, only King County and Snohomish County have more PM2.5 monitors than Yakima County. As shown in the table below, of the remaining thirty-six counties, one has the same number of sites, nine have fewer sites, and twenty-seven have no sites at all. Of the thirty-nine counties in the State, only four have more monitor sites (which may contain multiple pollutant monitors) than Yakima County. Four have the same number of sites, eight have fewer sites, and twenty-three have no sites at all.
| Statewide | Counties With | Yakima County |
||||
| None | One | Two | Three+ | |||
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | 3 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | 5 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Ozone (O3) | 13 | 30 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10) | 8 | 32 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) | 23 | 27 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | 2 | 37 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sites (one or more monitors) | 34 | 23 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Figures are for regulatory monitors only.
Excludes regulatory monitors located inside the Yakama Nation Reservation.
It is a common misconception the Agency determines which pollutants are monitored in Yakima County. The air quality monitoring equipment located within the Agency service area (which does not include the area inside the Yakama Nation Reservation) is owned by the Washington Department of Ecology which determines the pollutants monitored in any given area.
In general, permanent regulatory monitoring sites are not installed in an area until the sustained (over time) presence of a criteria pollutant at levels approaching the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) has been established through other testing methods. This is due to the substantial initial expense to acquire and install a monitor and the ongoing cost of operating it. As a result, regulatory monitors are not typically installed when the need to monitor a criteria pollutant is largely speculative.
Currently (as of 2026), neither the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nor the Washington Dept. of Ecology have found any criteria pollutant—except fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—to be sufficiently elevated in Yakima County as to warrant ongoing monitoring. Information regarding the quantity and location of monitors in the state for the various Criteria Air Pollutants follows:
| Statewide | Counties With | Yakima County |
||
| None | One+ | |||
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | 3 | 37 | 2 | 0 |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | 5 | 36 | 3 | 0 |
| Ozone (O3) | 13 | 30 | 9 | 0 |
| Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10) | 8 | 32 | 7 | 1 |
| Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) | 23 | 27 | 12 | 2 |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | 2 | 37 | 2 | 0 |
Figures are for regulatory monitors only.
Excludes regulatory monitors located inside the Yakama Nation Reservation.
Monitoring in Yakima County is not inconsistent with the rest of Washington State wherein more than half of the counties do not have levels of any criteria pollutant found to be consistently present in such quantity as to warrant a regulatory monitoring site.
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:
CFR means Code of Federal Regulations.
The annual summer burn restriction is for fire safety purposes under the authority of Yakima County (Yakima County Code Chapter 8.50) and the Yakima County Fire Marshal. The Agency is not responsible for these restrictions and does not have authority to limit burning due to fire safety concerns (only concerns regarding air quality). The Agency may issue air quality burn restrictions or curtailments during summer months if the air quality is poor–often due to wildfire smoke. However, apart from the latter, air quality is poorest in the Yakima Valley during the winter months.
Report the following to the Yakima County Fire Marshal:
Report the following to the Agency:
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...."
WAC means Washington Administrative Code.
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."
Yes. Charcoal and other barbecues, consumer (commonly found in hardware and patio stored) or homeowner-constructed fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and small bonfires are considered a "recreational fire" and allowed in all areas including within urban growth areas.
If the fuel box (the area where wood or other solid fuel is placed) is no more than two feet (2') in height and three feet (3') in diameter, no permit is required. However, if the fuel box is larger than either of these dimensions, a permit is required!
The burning of yard debris, garbage, lumber, plastics, or other prohibited items in any of the devices listed above is strictly prohibited!
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(21) "Recreational fire" means cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires."
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."
Debris resulting from a storm or flood, located in an area where an emergency has been declared by the city or county, and deposited within the prior two years may be burned with a permit obtained from the Agency. Burning is not restricted to areas outside urban growth areas (UGAs).
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. However, this is strictly limited to specific 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).
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: (a) 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; (b) irrigation/drainage districts when burning is part of water system management; and (c) weed control boards when burning is necessary for the eradication of invasive/noxious weeds. 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."
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-040(3)(b), "To qualify for an agricultural burning permit the farmer must be an agricultural operation or government entity with specific agricultural burning needs, such as irrigation districts, drainage districts, and weed control boards."
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."
To receive approval, a permit application must demonstrate burning is the most reasonable procedure to protect life or property or is reasonably necessary to successfully carry out the enterprise in which the applicant is engaged. In many cases, this is accomplished by citing a best management practice (BMP) established by the Agricultural Burning Practices and Research Task Force (available at www.yakimacleanair.org/services/forms.html) showing burning to be the optimal alternative for the subject agricultural product.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5090(4), "In addition to following 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.
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 has no desire to know, nor is it 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.
A valid Schedule F that has been submitted to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service must be provided (the use of a false or fraudulent Schedule F form will result in denial of the permit).
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)(a), orchard prunings are the result of a routine and periodic operation to remove overly vigorous or nonfruiting tree limbs or branches to improve fruit quality, assist with tree canopy training, and improve the management of plant and disease, and pest infestations.
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:...(i) Orchard prunings...."
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 (RCW 70A.15.5070). 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:
No. Organic debris along fence lines may be burned without a permit when it is 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 restriction) 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...."
No. Organic debris along fence lines may be burned without a permit when it is 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 restriction) 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...."
Yes, with a permit. A beekeeper that is registered with the State of Washington is considered a farmer and may apply for a permit to burn for the purpose of controlling contagious disease such as American foulbrood (AFB).
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 RCW 70A.15.5090(2)(c), "[The authority shall] act upon...an application for a permit to set fires in the course of agricultural burning for controlling diseases...."
Pursuant to RCW 82.04.213(3)(a), "'Farmer' means any person engaged in the business of growing, raising, or producing, upon the person's own lands or upon the lands in which the person has a present right of possession, any agricultural product to be sold, and the growing, raising, or producing honey bee products for sale, or providing bee pollination services, by an eligible apiarist...."
Pursuant to RCW 82.04.213(3)(b) "'Eligible apiarist' means a person who owns or keeps one or more bee colonies and who grows, raises, or produces honey bee products for sale at wholesale and is registered under RCW 15.60.021."
Yes. The definition of an agricultural operation includes irrigation and drainage districts and these can burn under an agricultural burning permit issued by the Agency.
Pursuant to WAC 173-430-030(2), "Agricultural operation...also includes burning conducted by irrigation district or drainage district personnel as part of water system management."
"'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 bu
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(16),"'Outdoor burning' means the combustion of material of any type in an open fire or in an outdoor container without providing for the control of combustion or the control of emissions from the combustion. For the purposes of this rule, 'outdoor burning' means all types of outdoor burning except agricultural burning and silvicultural burning."
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(22), "'Residential burning' means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee.
Residential outdoor burning is the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and garden debris originating near a residence and conducted by a property owner using an open fire or outdoor container that does not control combustion or emissions. It does not include agricultural or silvicultural burning.
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(16),"'Outdoor burning' means the combustion of material of any type in an open fire or in an outdoor container without providing for the control of combustion or the control of emissions from the combustion. For the purposes of this rule, 'outdoor burning' means all types of outdoor burning except agricultural burning and silvicultural burning."
Pursuant to WAC 173-425-030(22), "'Residential burning' means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee.
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)."
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.
Note: There is an exemption for tumbleweeds where the county population is 250,000 or below that does not apply because the population of Yakima County is approximately 260,000 (as of 2025) as established by the Office of Financial Management.
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.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.5070(5), "Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, neither a permit nor the payment of a fee shall be required for outdoor burning for the purpose of disposal of tumbleweeds blown by wind. Such burning shall not be conducted during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality declared under RCW 70A.15.6010. This subsection (5) shall only apply within counties with a population less than two hundred fifty thousand."
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.
Dust (aka particulate matter) in agricultural areas can spread Bovine Respiratory Disease and Acute Interstitial Pneumonia infections between animals. In addition, cattle exposed to excessive dust may suffer respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, and other health issues resulting in higher veterinary costs. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic respiratory ailments as well as reduced feed efficiency and weight gain. Dust is also an indication of soil loss. It can alter soil fertility/health and affect plant growth. As a result, controlling dust not only maintains ecological health, it ensures the financial health of the agricultural operation. This is why the Agency encourages agricultural operations to follow the guidelines below and considers their implementation to qualify as "good agricultural practices":
For information and assistance with soil conservation, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Yakima Service Center, at 509-454-5743 or 1606 Perry St. Ste. F; Yakima, WA 98902-5795.
Yes. However, fugitive dust caused by agricultural activities on agricultural land that are consistent with good agricultural practices are exempt from regulation. Any enforcement action by the Agency regarding dust from agricultural operations must be supported by evidence as to how, and be able to prove, the activity is inconsistent with good agricultural practices or has a substantial adverse effect on public health.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.4530(1), "Odors or fugitive dust caused by agricultural activity consistent with good agricultural practices on agricultural land are exempt from the requirements of this chapter unless they have a substantial adverse effect on public health. In determining whether agricultural activity is consistent with good agricultural practices, the department of ecology or board of any authority shall consult with a recognized third-party expert in the activity prior to issuing any notice of violation."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.4530(2), "Any notice of violation issued under this chapter pertaining to odors or fugitive dust caused by agricultural activity shall include a detailed statement with evidence as to why the activity is inconsistent with good agricultural practices, or a detailed statement with evidence that the odors or fugitive dust have substantial adverse effect on public health.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.4530(3), "In any appeal to the pollution control hearings board or any judicial appeal, the agency issuing a final order pertaining to odors or fugitive dust caused by agricultural activity shall prove the activity is inconsistent with good agricultural practices or that the odors or fugitive dust have a substantial adverse impact on public health."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.4530(4), "If a person engaged in agricultural activity on a contiguous piece of agricultural land sells or has sold a portion of that land for residential purposes, the exemption of this section shall not apply."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.4530(5), "As used in this section:
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.4530(6), "The exemption for fugitive dust provided in subsection (1) of this section does not apply to facilities subject to RCW 70A.15.220 as specified in WAC 173-400-100 as of July 24, 2005, RCW 70A.15.2210, or RCW 70A.15.2260. The exemption for fugitive dust provided in subsection (1) of this section applies to cattle feedlots with operational facilities which have an inventory of one thousand or more cattle in operation between June 1st and October 1st, where vegetation forage growth is not sustained over the majority of the lot during the normal growing season; except that the cattle feedlots must comply with applicable requirements included in the approved state implementation plan for air quality as of July 23, 2017; and except if an area in which a cattle feedlot is located is at any time in the future designated nonattainment for a national ambient air quality standard for particulate matter, additional control measures may be required for cattle feedlots as part of a state implementation plan's control strategy for that area and as necessary to ensure the area returns to attainment.
No. The Agency regulates dust created by the action of a specific party where such action is of sufficient duration and/or frequency. This includes road construction, road repairs, and street sweeping, but it is the activity that is regulated—not the condition of the road or road surface. Where these activities create excessive fugitive dust, the Agency may cite the person/company performing the activity. The Agency cannot require a private party or government (city, county, or federal) agency to gravel, pave, or otherwise surface a road and does not enforce speed limits (except where such limits are a condition of a permit).
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."
Within five (5) business days. The response may provide the records requested, but it is not required. The response may provide a link to the Agency website where the request records are already available; acknowledge receipt of the request and provide a reasonable estimate of the time the Agency will need to produce the records; acknowledge receipt of the request and seek additional clarification if needed and a reasonable estimate of the time the Agency will need to produce the records if no clarification is received; or deny the request (and provide the basis for the denial).
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520(1), "Responses to requests for public records shall be made promptly by agencies.... Within five business days of receiving a public record request, an agency...must respond in one of the ways provided in this subsection (1):
Yes. However, if the Agency acted in "good faith" it is protected from such action under the provisions of RCW 42.56.060.
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.060, "No public agency, public official, public employee, or custodian shall be liable, nor shall a cause of action exist, for any loss or damage based upon the release of a public record if the public agency, public official, public employee, or custodian acted in good faith in attempting to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
The answer depends upon several factors. including the following:
Agencies must continue to fulfill their primary duties and, as a result, the Public Records Act allows them "to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency" when fulfilling their public records obligations. This gives the Agency the ability to set a reasonable period of time to process records requests that does not significantly interfere with its normal operation.
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520(2), "Additional time required to respond to a request may be based upon the need to clarify the intent of the request, to locate and assemble the information requested, to notify third persons or agencies affected by the request, or to determine whether any of the information requested is exempt and that a denial should be made as to all or part of the request.
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520(3), "(a) In acknowledging receipt of a public record request that is unclear, an agency...may ask the requestor to clarify what information the requestor is seeking; (b) If the requestor fails to respond to an agency request to clarify the request, and the entire request is unclear, the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives need not respond to it. Otherwise, the agency must respond, pursuant to this section, to those portions of the request that are clear."
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.100, "Agencies shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations...consonant with the intent of this chapter to provide full public access to public records, to protect public records from damage or disorganization, and to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency.... Such rules and regulations shall provide for the fullest assistance to inquirers and the most timely possible action on requests for information."
Records may be personally inspected, but doing so must be scheduled in advance. The Agency is obligated "to protect public records from damage or disorganization" in accordance with RCW 42.56.100. Furthermore, certain records may require specific technology resources to be viewed. Together, these require the presence of one or more staff members during inspection and sufficient time to ensure necessary technology systems are available.
The statute also acknowledges that agencies must continue to fulfill their primary duties and, as a result, allows them "to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency" when fulfilling its public records obligations. This gives the Agency the ability to set a reasonable viewing schedule that does not significantly interfere with its normal operation.
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.100, "Agencies shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations...consonant with the intent of this chapter to provide full public access to public records, to protect public records from damage or disorganization, and to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency.... Such rules and regulations shall provide for the fullest assistance to inquirers and the most timely possible action on requests for information."
No. Statutes RCW 42.56.210 through 42.56.475 establish various exemptions to the requirement to disclose public records. These range from agriculture to cybersecurity to employee information to archaeological sites, among many others. Some records may be withheld in their entirety, but it is more common for a record to be made available with portions of it redacted to prevent the disclosure of statutorily exempt information.
If your operation uses or produces toxic or hazardous air pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (e.g. dust), or other air pollutants, it may be subject to registration unless it falls within one of the exemptions described below:
Exceptions
In accordance with the provisions of the Washington Clean Air Act (Revised Code of Washington [RCW] Section 70A.15.2200), the General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources (Washington Administrative Code [WAC] Section 173-400-099), and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) Registration Program (Regulation 1 Section 4.01), certain facilities are required to register with the Agency and pay an annual fee. The information provided is used by the Agency to prepare an air emissions inventory and to properly classify each facility. In addition, the YRCAA is funded, in part, from the registration fees it collects consistent with RCW 70A.15.1005. When all organizations subject to the registration program participate in it, the result is more accurate information regarding air quality in our communities and reduced costs to each participant.
Failure to provide the required information by the date due may result in civil penalties pursuant to RCW 70A.15.3160 and YRCAA Regulation 1 Section 5.02 and Section 5.03.
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.1005, "...the costs of protecting the air resource and operating state and local air pollution control programs shall be shared as equitably as possible among all sources whose emissions cause air pollution.”
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.2200(1), "The board of any activated authority or the department, may classify air contaminant sources, by ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation, which in its judgment may cause or contribute to air pollution, according to levels and types of emissions and other characteristics which cause or contribute to air pollution, and may require registration or reporting or both for any such class or classes...."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.2200(2), "Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, any person operating or responsible for the operation of air contaminant sources of any class for which the ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations of the department or board of the authority, require registration or reporting shall register therewith and make reports containing information as may be required by such department or board concerning location, size and height of contaminant outlets, processes employed, nature of the contaminant emission and such other information as is relevant to air pollution and available or reasonably capable of being assembled."
Pursuant to RCW 70A.15.3160(1)(a), "Except as provided in RCW 43.05.060 through 43.05.080 and 43.05.150, and in addition to or as an alternate to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates any of the provisions of [Chapter 70A.15 RCW]...may incur a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per day for each violation. Each such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation, each day's continuance shall be a separate and distinct violation...."
Registration forms are typically sent the end of January each year with completed forms and payment due one month later. Because operating information for a full calendar year must be submitted, registration in one year is always for the prior operating year (e.g. registration received in January 2025 should be completed with operating information for January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025). The fee paid is also always for the prior year (e.g. the payment made in February 2025 is for the 2024 operating year).
Generally, no. Under the Washington Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW), most information provided to public agencies is considered a "public record" and may be disclosed to anyone who files a request for such records.
Nevertheless, if a registration form contains process or production details unique to your business operation and their disclosure would be reasonably expected to adversely affect its competitive position, you may complete and submit a Certification of Confidential Business Information. However, the document submitted must provide a detailed description of each specific item so certified and the reason its disclosure would have an adverse competitive effect. Certifications with broad or general statements (e.g. “All information provided” or “All production quantities”) are not valid.
Pursuant to RCW 70.15.2510, "Whenever any records or other information, other than ambient air quality data or emission data, furnished to or obtained by the department of ecology or the board of any authority under this chapter, relate to processes or production unique to the owner or operator, or is likely to affect adversely the competitive position of such owner or operator if released to the public or to a competitor, and the owner or operator of such processes or production so certifies, such records or information shall be only for the confidential use 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)