AIR QUALITY

Vision

The vision of the Air Quality office is to develop a long-term air program strategy to improve and/or maintain air quality on the Nez Perce Reservation.

Staff                                                                        

Julie Simpson, Air Quality Coordinator
Andrea Boyer, Environmental Specialist
Mary Fauci, Environmental Specialist
Johna Boulafentis, Environmental Outreach Specialist

Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) and
the Nez Perce Reservation Burn Permit Program

The Nez Perce Tribe operates a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegated burn permit program within the exterior boundaries of the 1863 Nez Perce Reservation pursuant to the EPA Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR).  The FARR protects human health and the environment through the administration of agricultural, open, and forestry burn permitting. EPA retains enforcement authority of the rules.

For current information about agricultural, open and forestry burning on the Nez Perce Reservation, or to submit a smoke-related comment or complaint, call 1.800.345.1007.
 

Air Quality and FARR Information

FARR (Federal Air Rules for Reservations)
FARR Air Quality Burn Permits on the Nez Perce Reservation
Air Now: Air Quality Index (AQI)
Clearwater Airshed Real Time Air Quality Data (**From drop down menu, select: Clearwater Current PM 2.5, or Clearwater PM 2.5 10-day History **)   
Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke Read about what steps to take during the wildfire season

  NEWS ALERT---Clarification of July 19, 2007 Lewiston Tribune Article on burning

In regard to Kathy Hedberg’s article “Bluegrass growers expect good crop”, and the quotes by Jack Bell, Land Services Director for the Nez Perce Tribe, referring to bluegrass and wheat stubble burning, please note that Mr. Bell was referring to burning on tribally-owned land leased by growers.  The Land Services Program manages tribal leases and farming operations related to those leases.  This management program does not apply to non-tribally owned farmed lands within the 1863 Reservation boundaries.  Therefore burning of crop residue other than bluegrass is allowed on these lands.  All burners of crop residue within the 1863 Nez Perce Reservation boundaries, regardless of land ownership, must obtain a Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) air quality burn permit from the Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality office prior to burning.  Burners on tribally-leased land must also have a permit from the Tribe’s Land Services Program.  Other fire safety permits may apply.  Please contact the ERWM Air Quality Program for more information.

Comments or Questions?

airquality@nezperce.org

To contact us:

Nez Perce Tribe
ERWM Air Quality Program
109 Lolo Street
P.O. Box 365
Lapwai, ID  83540