Crop residue burning bill addresses small scale projects

DEQ representatives presented an amendment to crop residue burning legislation passed in 2008. In 2007, crop residue burning was prohibited. Temporary rules were approved in spring of 2008, with the practice of crop residue burning reinitiated that fall.

Last year the DEQ was approached by farmers asking for legislation that addresses propane burning of crops on a small scale. This is a practices used heavily by the mint industries. They assert that small scale burns should be legislated differently than large scale burns, specifically propane flaming, broken hay bale burns and small spot burns.

The amendment is a one sentence that eliminates the fees associated normal crop residue burning for propane flaming which burns the soil to control pests. If it passes, DEQ will submit a temporary rule to the EPA and before this committee for their approval next year.

Representative Hartgen asked for a clarification of size limits with regard to these burns. The proposal is to allow for 10 acres a year or what amounts to 2 tons of baled hay per day.

Roger Batt, executive director for the Idaho Mint Growers Association, and VP of Food Producers of Idaho, testified in favor of the bill, saying it was, in fact, the mint growers who initiated this discussion.

The bill was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Representative Harwood will carry the bill to the floor of the House.