Announcements_____________________________
Open Burn Season Begins 12/21/16
The Kern County Fire Department announced hazard reduction, agricultural crop waste open burn season begins December 21, 2016. Individuals interested in burning must obtain a burn permit from their local fire department and ensure day of scheduled burning is a designated burn day.
Click here for more information
 Residential Wood Burning
Many Eastern Kern County residents
use woodstoves and fireplaces to heat
their homes.
If you burn please remember to do so
as cleanly as possible.
Never burn household waste in your
woodstove or fireplace and only burn
clean, dry, seasoned wood, and maintain
a hot fire.
How Smoke Can Effect Your Health
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burns. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
People with asthma, heart disease, lung disease, older adults, and children are at greater risk of being affected by smoke. If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from smoke but it's still a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. It's important to limit your exposure to smoke, especially if you may be susceptible.
How to tell if smoke is affecting you:
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes or a runny nose. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.
Protect yourself:
Watch local news and weather stations, pay attention to health warning and air quality reports, you can also use the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI). Use common sense; if it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run, or let children play outside.
If your advised to stay indoors take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if needed but make the fresh air intake is closed and the filter is clean. Do not use a swamp cooler as it will pull in lots of smoke from outside. If your house becomes to hot to be comfortable seek alternative shelter. If it is cool outside try to avoid anything that produces heat from burning such as a fireplace, gas logs, or a gas stove.
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December Issue of Desert Breeze Available
The December 2016 issue of the District's quarterly news letter the "Desert Breeze" is now available. Click Here to download a copy. Hard copies are mailed to subscribers and made available at the District office. Future issues can be accessed on this website on the Desert Breeze page.
2017 Board Meeting Schedule
Board Meetings will begin at 2 p.m. Board Meetings are normally held the second Thursday of every odd month (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) except July, which is usually held on the last Thursday. Click here for the 2016 Board Meeting Schedule.
2017 DMV Grant Application Release 10/31/16
The District is requesting proposals for motor vehicle related emission reduction projects located within Eastern Kern County. The District’s 2017 DMV Grant Program offers funding for eligible projects that reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reactive organic gas (ROG), or particulate matter (PM10) emissions from on-road motor vehicle related activities. DMV Grant awards are divided into the following funding categories:
Tier I, Infrastructure, Public Education, and Other
Projects that encourage the use and development of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, or encourage trip reduction can receive up to $50,000. Tier I Projects include:
- Installation of Level II or Level III public EV charging station.
- Installation of Public CNG refilling station.
- Public Education courses designed to deliver focused messages that instill behavioral changes and create lifelong habits geared toward reducing emissions.
- Other includes Video Conferencing, Vanpool, Park & Ride Facilities, and Bike Path.
Tier II, Road Improvement
Projects that reduce fugitive dust (PM10) emissions that result from vehicle activity on public roads may be eligible to receive up to $50,000. Tier II projects include:
- Paving dirt public access roads.
- Application of long-term dust palliative to dirt public access road.
Vehicle Voucher, offers financial incentive in the form of a voucher for the purchase of a new, eligible lower-emitting vehicle. Beginning October 31, 2016, the District’s DMV Grant Voucher Program will be an ongoing program with no application deadline. Applications will be processed first-come first-served and vouchers will be issued accordingly. Voucher awards and associated new vehicle emission classification requirements are as follows:
- $2,000 for purchase of an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
- $3,000 for purchase of a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) includes (ATPZEV).
- $5,000 for purchase of a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV).
2017 DMV Grant Program Guidelines and Applications can be downloaded by clicking the link below. You can also request a package by calling (661) 862-5250 or emailing ekapcd@co.kern.ca.us.
Deadline for submitting Tier I and Tier II project application is February 27, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.
Click Here to Apply
Commercial Solar Plant Permitting Requirements
The District has determined commercial solar power plants generate fugitive dust emissions (PM10) in Eastern Kern County. Therefore, in accordance with Rule 201 (Permits Required) and 210.1 (New and Modified Stationary Source Review, NSR), the District is requiring each commercial solar facility obtain a District Air permit.
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