5.7
Dust / Smoke / Steam (DSS)
Dust results from the suspension of particulate matter in the air. Dust (and
smoke) can be created by fire (controlled or prescribed burns, agricultural
burning, and artillery exercises), ground disturbance (agricultural activities,
military operations, grading), industrial activities, or other similar processes.
Dust, smoke and steam are compatibility issues if sufficient in quantity to
impact flight operations (such as reduced visibility or cause equipment
damage).
Prescribed agricultural burns usually occur the first week of July, as most
farmers are burning off their wheat fields in preparation to plant soybeans.
There is typically 5‐8 inches of stubble left during this time of the season.
Farmers need to smooth the area before they drill in soybeans. The burning
process takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Once the straw burns out,
the fire will extinguish itself and farmers will be ready for a new grain crop.
Existing Tools
ISSUE
DSS‐1
North Carolina Prescribed Burning Act
The General Assembly finds that prescribed burning of forestlands is a
management tool that is beneficial to North Carolina's public safety, forest
and wildlife resources, environment, and economy.
Prescribed Burns from Agricultural Farming
Some farmers in Hyde and Tyrrell Counties use fire to
clear wheat straw prior to replanting. Concern that
prescribed burns can impact flight training activities.
Immunity from liability is grated to any prescribed burning conducted in
compliance with North Carolina Prescribed Burning Act in the public interest
and does not constitute a public or private nuisance. Additionally, a
landowner or the landowner's agent who conducts a prescribed burning in
compliance with the act shall not be liable in any civil action for any damage
or injury caused by or resulting from smoke.
Compatibility Assessment
Each year, farmers intentionally burn off their wheat fields to prepare for the
next cycle of grain crops. The process, called agricultural burning, rids the
land of excess straw and stubble. Once farmers have harvested the wheat,
they cut a perimeter of the field and set it to flames. The farmers turn the
ground up around the perimeter and monitor the area as prevention
methods, making containing the fire is their main concern. However, the
process produces large amounts of smoke, which can impact visibility for
both pilots and drivers along nearby roads. Pilots travelling along Military
Training Routes (MTRs) in the area around the DCR are permitted to fly at
500 feet AGL. This low level flying leaves them vulnerable to this type of
smoke.
Background Report
Prior to conducting a prescribed burning, the landowner shall obtain a
prescription for the prescribed burning prepared by a certified prescribed
burner and filed with the North Carolina Forest Service of the Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services. A copy of the prescription shall be
provided to the landowner. A copy of this prescription shall be in the
possession of the responsible burner on site throughout the duration of the
prescribed burning.
The act requires that prescribed burning is to be conducted by a certified
prescribed burner and that they be present and in charge of the burning
throughout the burning period. A landowner is allowed to conduct a
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