The Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau will begin allowing city and county residents to burn yard waste Wednesday, but it’s going to cost you.

The summer ban on burning ended today and permits will begin being granted Wednesday. Permit applications will be available through April 30.

Burning sites within the county’s 10 municipalities have a $50 fee and require an inspection prior to receiving a permit, said Amber McCorvie, a bureau spokeswoman.

Burning sites outside city limits have a $5 fee and usually do not require an inspection, she said.

The air pollution prohibitions began in 2005 to reduce air pollution in the county. Summer sun mixes with toxic air and causes ozone which impacts the area’s air quality.

Beginning Oct. 15, burning in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County also requires a permit from the Division of Forestry, if the burning is within 500 feet of woods, grasslands or forests, said Robert Rhinehart, assistant district forester.

To obtain a pollution control bureau application, burners can call (423) 643-5970, visit www.pollutionsolution.org or go to the bureau’s office at 6125 Preservation Drive, Chattanooga.

Forestry permits may be obtained by calling (423) 478-0335.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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