05/05/08 EPA taking field burning comments

A rule proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency would allow Idaho to modify its state plan and allow the resumption of field burning with advance permission from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. EPA air quality coordinator Doug Cole says the proposed rule changes from DEQ are now open to public comment through May 29th. Cole says the state of Idaho has already wrapped up its comment period on proposed rule changes. COLE "It is conceivable that the state would have to make changes to their plan before they submit it to us so its really hard to predict right now exactly what will happen but again our preliminary assessment is that the plan that's been submitted does meet the requirements of the federal Clear Air Act." Idaho growers were barred from burning last year after a federal appeals court said burning violated federal environmental laws and posed a health risk. Growers, state officials and health activists negotiated a settlement late last year that resulted in the proposed rules change which Cole says may be challenged during the comment period. COLE "Because there was such an open and collaborative process I think that it minimizes the potential for that to happen." He says he understands the urgency on the part of farmers but insists EPA will do a thorough review and make changes where needed before burning can resume. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott