Title
Air Quality Management District (AQMD) recommending the Board, acting as the AQMD Board of Directors, approve and authorize the Air Pollution Control Officer to sign Agreement 5688 (MOU 21-MU-11052012-162), with USDA, Forest Service, Region 5, CalFire and 32 additional entities to support the use of prescribed fire and managed wildfires for the protection of public health, property and ecological benefits.
FUNDING: None.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 17, AQMD implements the prescribed fire permitting program for all prescribed burns occurring in El Dorado County. Prescribed burns are those of 10 acres or more and those generating 1 ton or more of particulate matter (PM) emissions. Prescribed fires conducted when atmospheric conditions promote smoke dispersion minimize the public health impact and decrease the risk of wildfires. Annual amounts of acreage burned with prescribed fire El Dorado County are often the highest in the State.
To increase awareness of actions taken to minimize public health impacts and decrease wildfire risk, this agreement was created to document cooperation between the partners to implement the use of prescribed fire and managed wildfires. The agreement is a declaration of support and cooperation only. It requires no monetary contributions nor any other specific obligations from AQMD.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives the Board may take instead of approving the recommendation include: Not approving the agreement. Under this alternative, AQMD would continue to support prescribed fire and managed wildfire activities but without the declaration of that support made by signing this agreement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On March 2, 2002, the Board approved Resolution 059-2002, adopting AQMD's Smoke Management Program.
On June 4, 2019, with Agenda item 19-10790, the Board approved Resolution 082-2019, approving the acceptance of funds awarded to AQMD to implement projects in accordance with the California Air Resources Board's Prescribed Burn Program Guidelines.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
None
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no cost associated with this item. There are no legally binding obligations and no exchange of funds via this partnership agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to obtain signed minute order and provide copy to AQMD.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
This agreement supports the Healthy Communities strategic plan goal.
CONTACT
Dave Johnston
Air Pollution Control Officer