Kalispell says new burning regulations are too lenient

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell's government complained Thursday that individuals and small companies are not required to get burning permits under a proposed set of countywide outdoor burning rules.

A letter from City Manager Jim Patrick voicing that complaint was read at a Thursday hearing on the proposed rules.

The Flathead City-County Board of Health held the hearing to prepare for a March 19 vote on the new regulations.

Patrick's letter contended that regulations for large corporations are being tightened while no burn permits will be required for small firms and individuals.

The city and Citizens For A Better Flathead also contended that the proposed time in which a permit could be obtained - March through November - should be shortened.

In general, the proposed rules expand the burn-control areas around Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls.

They also will enable the health department to pursue burning violations through criminal court as well as slower-moving civil court.

On Thursday, the board agreed to a request from F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. request to tweak some language to clarify that some of its gravel forest roads within the pollution-control areas would not require permits when fixing those roads.