Announcements____________________________________________
Recruitment for Air Pollution Control Officer 5/30/2023
The Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District is seeking an Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO). After 32 years of service, Mr. Glen E. Stephens, APCO will be retiring. The District will be accepting resumes for the APCO position beginning May 30, 2023 with a closing date of July 14, 2023.
The APCO is the executive officer of the District. This is an at-will position appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Governing Board of the District. The APCO is responsible, within the District’s 3,786 square miles of eastern Kern County, for protecting the general public from unhealthy levels of air contaminants and directing the District’s efforts towards achieving attainment and maintenance of state and federal clean air standards.
The complete recruitment brochure, which includes an overview of employment requirements and minimum qualifications, can be downloaded by clicking this link:
Open Burning on SRA land will close May 15, 2023
Kern County Fire Department announced Open Burning on SRA land within Eastern Kern County for the season will close May 15, 2023. Hazard reduction open burning will still be allowed on non-SRA land durring approved favorable burn days.
Be advised: Hazard reduction open burning requires a burn burmit. You can obtain a burn permit by Clicking Here, or from the link on the hazard reduction pile burning permit application widget on the sidebar.
Instructions for obtaining an Open Burn Permit 12/22/22
Permits for fire hazard reduction and tumbleweed pile burning are now obtained online through Community Connect. You can access Community Connect through the link in the sidebar titled Hazard Reduction Pile Burning Permit Application. Instruction for obtaining a burn permit can be found by Clicking Here.
2023, Attainment Plan for the 2008 and 2015 8-hour Ozone NAAQS
The District has prepared and adopted an Ozone Attainment Plan to satisfy the requirements of the Federal Clean Air ACT (FCAA) pursuant to the 2008 and 2015, 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The plan presents the District’s strategy, which includes mandated elements, to attain the 2008, 8-hour NAAQS by 2027 and the 2015 NAAQS by 2032.
The District held a public hearing May 4, 2023, beginning 2:00 pm at the District Board Room located 414 W. Tehachapi Boulevard, Suite D, Tehachapi, CA 93361 to adopt the 2023 attainment plan. A copy of the 2023, Ozone Attainment Plan and appendicies can be downloaded by Clicking Here.
March 2023 Desert Breeze
March 2023, issue of the District's quarterly news letter "Desert Breeze" is now available. Click the link below to download a pdf copy or contact the District to have a copy mailed to you. All back issues can be found by clicking here.
Health Effects of Inhaling Smoke
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 are even 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.
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.
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Homeowner Guide
