SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS RECEIVED AT WORKSHOPS AND FSC 

MEETINGS REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO RULE 300

T:\Planning\Air Quality Planning\Attainment Plans\Attainment Plan - PM2.5\PM 2.5 SIP\Rule 300 SIP Submittal\BCAQMD Draft Rule 300 Public 

Comments Apr 2010.docx

Suggested Regulatory Changes

• Change proposed burn hours. (O) (M)

• Burning green Manzanita should be allowed. (O)

• Prohibit poison oak burning. (FF)

• Clarify AQMD fee requirements. (O)

• Lot size used for prohibition on residential open burning in Chico should be changed to 1⁄2 acre - 3⁄4 acre. (C) 

• Residential lot size regulations should be changed. (M)

• Consider waiving the drying time requirements for fire hazard reduction burning on lots >35 acres. (B)

• More permissive burn days. (M)

• Drying time requirements be relaxed. (M)

• Kids can’t play outside and this reduces their quality of life. (M)

• We should have a minimum pile size restriction to discourage people from lighting several very small piles 

throughout their property. (M)

• CDF Meteorologists in Sacramento may be able to help with spot forecasts in foothill areas (would be helpful for 

above 1500 burn determinations when no burn on the valley floor). (FR)

• Opinion that Manzanita should be burned when green (O)

• Opinion that burning dry manzanita is preferable (burning green manzanita produces embers that travel 400-600 

feet or more). (FR)

• Concern about the time the burn day determinations are made. (O) (FF) (M)

• Concern about the length of time a fire reduction burn can be “hot”. (O)

• The restriction on pine needles/leaves in Magalia/Upper Ridge is not feasible. (M) (P) (BCFSC)

• We need to know burn day status at sunrise, not at 9 am; the District should consider forecasts for Fire Hazard 

Reduction burning. (B) (YH) (BCFSC)

• People who live on larger lots are going to be confused about whether they are burning residential or fire hazard 

reduction material. (YH)

Alternatives:

• Enlist the help of service organization such as the Elks and Rotary Club to help fund green waste service for low 

income and elderly or disabled residents in the foot hill areas.(FR) 

• The District should provide cost assistance with green waste removal. (M)

• Partner with CSU Chico/Butte College on public education and composting. (FR) (O)

• Info should be on web sites with information on fuel moisture and drying times. (FR)

• Consider on-going education articles on proper burning techniques. (FR)

• Change proposed burn hours. (O) (M)

• Burning green Manzanita should be allowed. (O)

• Prohibit poison oak burning. (FF)

• Clarify AQMD fee requirements. (O)

• Lot size used for prohibition on residential open burning in Chico should be changed to 1⁄2 acre - 3⁄4 acre. (C) 

• Residential lot size regulations should be changed. (M)

• Consider waiving the drying time requirements for fire hazard reduction burning on lots >35 acres. (B)
SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS RECEIVED AT WORKSHOPS AND FSC 

MEETINGS REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO RULE 300

T:\Planning\Air Quality Planning\Attainment Plans\Attainment Plan - PM2.5\PM 2.5 SIP\Rule 300 SIP Submittal\BCAQMD Draft Rule 300 Public 

Comments Apr 2010.docx

• More permissive burn days. (M)

• Drying time requirements be relaxed. (M)

• It is difficult for some people to use the green waste containers. (M)

• There is too much government intervention already. (M)

• Many of Magalia’s residents are renters and are unaware of the burning regulations. (M)

• Burning might be banned altogether/higher restrictions on pine needles/leaves. (M)

• It is easy to use green waste pick up and you can get an extra can for free. (M)

• Even without a medical condition, the smoke in the air causes breathing problems and is a quality of life issue. (M)

• There should be a ban on residential burning. (M)

• Kids can’t play outside and this reduces their quality of life. (M)

• We should have a minimum pile size restriction to discourage people from lighting several very small piles 

throughout their property. (M)

• Grub holds composting workshops. (FR) 

• CDF Meteorologists in Sacramento may be able to help with spot forecasts in foothill areas (would be helpful for 

above 1500 burn determinations when no burn on the valley floor). (FR)

• Opinion that Manzanita should be burned when green (O)

• Opinion that burning dry manzanita is preferable (burning green manzanita produces embers that travel 400-600 

feet or more). (FR)

• Concern about the time the burn day determinations are made. (O) (FF) (M)

• Concern about the length of time a fire reduction burn can be “hot”. (O)

• The restriction on pine needles/leaves in Magalia/Upper Ridge is not feasible. (M) (P) (BCFSC)

• It doesn’t make sense when it is a burn day and it is raining and/or a wind advisory has been issued. (P)

• We need to know burn day status at sunrise, not at 9 am; the District should consider forecasts for Fire Hazard 

Reduction burning. (B) (YH) (BCFSC)

• People who live on larger lots are going to be confused about whether they are burning residential or fire hazard 

reduction material. (YH)

B= Berry Creek BCFSC=Butte County Fire Safe Council C=Chico FF=Feather Falls

FR= Forest Ranch M=Magalia O=Oroville P= Paradise YH=Yankee Hill