With spring around the corner, many are thinking about cleaning up yards and disposing of debris that has accumulated over the winter. Instead of burning, North Cowichan is encouraging composting at home, utilizing a wood chipper, or taking yard waste, free of charge, to one of the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s recycling facilities.
“Recent studies have found that total particulate matter less than 2.5 microns is the air quality contaminant of concern in the Cowichan region, and the leading cause of these emissions is open burning,” noted Mayor Jon Lefebure. “Accordingly, residents are encouraged to use other means of disposing of yard waste to reduce the volume of fine particulate matter being discharged into the air.”
Anyone burning yard waste must adhere to local and provincial guidelines and restrictions. New this year in North Cowichan, residents should be aware that open burning is restricted on properties within the urban containment boundary because these areas have the highest density of homes and businesses that can be adversely affected by smoke.
Specifically, a burning permit is required to burn yard waste on any property within the UCB that is two acres or greater; open burns are entirely prohibited on any property within the UCB that is less than two acres (this excludes campfires); burning can only occur during the windows of March 15-April 15 and Sept. 15-Nov. 30; and burning can only occur when the provincial venting index is ‘good.’
There are roughly 195 properties within the UCB that are greater than two acres, and therefore eligible to receive a burning permit. Burning permits are free of charge and can typically be obtained from North Cowichan within a day.
There is an online map tool to help residents easily confirm whether their property is within the UCB. To use the tool, open the map, type an address into the search bar, and click enter. www.northcowichan.ca/UCB.
There is a comprehensive description of burning restrictions and instructions on how to obtain a burning permit at www.northcowichan.ca/airquality.
The CVRD solid waste management and recycling facilities that accept yard waste are: Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex, 3900 Drinkwater Rd., Duncan, open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Peerless Road Drop-Off Depot, 10830 Westdowne Rd., Ladysmith. Check the website or call to confirm hours.