Heating Methods Could Cost you in Fines

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Story Published: Dec 31, 2009 at 12:56 AM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

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YAKIMA COUNTY --- "That would still be a violation because they're not operating it according to the law," complains manager, Dustin Harrington.

When Action News rode along with him, we notice a few homeowners bending the rules. Thick, dark smoke means they're using wood or pellet burning stoves.

"Could he get a fine this time?" Action News asked, after Harrington noticed a repeat offender. "Yes. Now he'll get a fine. I'll knock on the door," Harrington replied.

Yakima County is in a stage two burn ban which means even certified stoves aren't allowed unless you go the clean air authority and explain it's your only source of heat. Repeat offenders could have to pay big.

"Fines start anywhere from 500 to 12 thousand dollars," enforcement officer, Mark Edler explained.

"The concerns are that we're breathing these articles into our lungs that are very tiny and tend to remain there and damage the farthest reaches of the lungs," Dave Caprile told Action News. He's the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency information officer.

The weather this time of year holds the smoke dangerously close to the ground. Not only could that be a health hazard, it could violate federal federal clean-air guidelines. And that could result in even more restrictions.

"Other businesses may decide not to relocate here because they don't want to have to deal with the more stringent requirements," Caprile said.

"With the right reflection from the sun, you can see them from miles and miles," Harrington said, speaking of the dark smoke.

The Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency usually counts on you to tip them off about homeowners who are not following the rules.

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