Agricultural burning to nearly end in the San Joaquin Valley by 2025

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced yesterday that the practice of burning agricultural waste in the San Joaquin Valley will be reduced to near zero levels by 2025. CARB said it had partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District), farmers, and local communities in negotiating an end to a practice that has been occurring in the Valley for over 160 years.

Photo Credit: San Joaquin Valley APCD

The District has been able to reduce the amount of this burning by nearly 80% since 2013 in an effort to meet federal and state emission limits regarding PM2.5. The action announced yesterday builds upon the District's 2015 phase-down plan, which expired  on December 31, 2020, but had been extended until yesterday.

Current CARB Board member and former state Senator Dean Florez said, “California has accounted for over one-tenth of the value of the U.S. agricultural output - unfortunately part of that statistic is a practice that has been in existence since 1859, the Ag Burn. This dirty practice, utilized yearly for over 160 years, has caused increased ozone pollution, increased asthma rates, and severe health impairments. I began the process of ending agricultural burning 17 years ago with Senate Bill 703, which gave the California Air Board the ability to terminate this feudal practice through its negotiation power.” 

“Today is the day that ag burns will become a thing of the past. Working with health advocates, farmers and regulators, a declining cap starting from a 36 month countdown to a complete phaseout was produced, which is historic and brings finality to a one-cent match solution that has endangered Californian’s lungs for over a century.”

For further information:

CARB Partners with local air quality officials, farmers and communities to nearly eliminate agricultural burning in San Joaquin Valley by 2025

SJVAPCD issues health caution for high winds and blowing dust

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District) today issued a health caution for strong winds and blowing dust. The notice covers Monday through Wednesday of this week.

The windy conditions may result in high concentrations of PM 10 (particulate matter 10 microns and smaller) that can result in serious health problems, including the triggering of asthma and bronchitis attacks, an increased risk of respiratory infections, and aggravate heart and lung disease. The District also recommends that older adults and children avoid prolonged exposures to these conditions.

Impacts are expected Monday and Tuesday in the Northern and Western counties of the District (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, and Kings). The Valley portion of Kern County will be impacted beginning late Monday and lasting through early Wednesday.

The dusty conditions result from exceptionally dry soil in many areas as well as smoke from wood burning fireplaces. The District urges residents to refrain from using wood burning devices to help minimize these impacts.

More information is available at SJVAPCD or District offices in Fresno (559.230.6000), Modesto (209.557.6400), or Bakersfield (661.392.5500).

California's High Speed Rail project wins prestigious Sustainability award

The California High Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announced this week that it has received a national award for its sustainability efforts. The Envision Platinum rating for the Authority was issued by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, a non-profit group founded by the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. 

Photo Credit: California High Speed Rail Authority

The Envision Platinum rating is the highest-level award from the Institute and represents the very first time it has been issued to a project as large and complex as this one.

The award was earned following an independent third party review of the Authority's performance related  to 64 sustainability criteria, including materials, energy, water, environmental impacts, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, just to name a few.

“We are proud to have achieved Envision Platinum for the high-speed rail program. This recognizes the Authority’s progress on delivering a sustainable transportation system for California,” said Meg Cederoth, the Authority’s Director of Planning and Sustainability. “We’ve sought to reflect California’s sustainability ethic while laying the foundation for carbon-free travel. This recognition is a validation of the Authority’s ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure.”

“Sustainable infrastructure is a broad idea made very specific through the Envision verification process. This robust, third-party review of sustainability performance against 64 different issue areas illustrates how the California High-Speed Rail Authority is delivering on its commitment to provide current and future generations a system that protects and restores social, environmental and economic sustainability in its delivery and on into operation,” said Melissa Peneycad, Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director.

Bulky Waste Collection Event for Kern County residents, November 7, 2020

The Kern County Public Works Department is holding a free residential bulky waste event on Saturday, November 7, 2020. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until noon at three separate locations, as shown in the picture.

Please note that ONLY non-hazardous, residential wastes will be accepted, such as mattresses, appliances, furniture, TVs, water heaters, and e-waste. All you have to do is drive in and drop off your articles.

Please note also that face coverings are required!