The Ministry of Environment (the ministry) is in the process of revising the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR). The OBSCR regulates most open burning of vegetative debris in BC. Following extensive consultations, including intentions papers in 2008 and 2010 and engagement with a stakeholder review group through 2011-13, the ministry has updated proposed revisions to the regulation.

The proposed revisions are intended to: 1) improve air quality in populated areas; 2) simplify burning requirements in remote areas; and 3) support enforcement, encourage use of cleaner technologies and provide flexibility for community wildfire protection.

An information update describing the proposed approach is now posted on the ministry’s open burning regulatory review website and available for public comment until July 21, 2016.

The ministry plans to conduct a series of webinars on the proposed revisions, including a general overview webinar and information targeted to municipal, agriculture and forestry interests. If you are interested in participating in one of these webinars, please contact the email or mail addresses below. If you are an “association”, please forward this correspondence and web site address to your members. You are also encouraged to forward this information to others who you feel may wish to comment on this guideline.

If you have any questions or comments about the min­istry’s proposed revisions, please submit them by e-mail or mail to the addresses below by July 21, 2016.

Email:   [email protected]

Mail:     PO Box 28159 Westshore RPO
Victoria B.C. V9B 6K8

All comments received through the webinars, mail or email will be compiled and reviewed by ministry staff prior to final drafting of the revised regulation. The ministry in­tends to complete revisions to the regulation in 2016.

Thank you for your time and consideration – we look forward to receiving your comments.

Sincerely,

Glen Okrainetz

Manager, Clean Air Section

Environmental Standards Branch

Ministry of Environment