NORTHERN SIERRA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

RULE 203 - EXCEPTIONS
(Adopted: September 11, 1991)

The provisions of Rule 202 do not apply to:

1. Smoke from fires set or permitted by any public fire officer, if such fire is set by or permission given in the performance of the official duty of such officer, and such fire in the opinion of such officer is necessary:
   1. For the purpose of the prevention of a fire hazard. (or health hazard as determined by the Health Officer) which cannot be abated by any other means, or
   2. The instruction of public employees and/or volunteer firemen in the methods of fighting fires.
2. Smoke from fires set pursuant to permit on property used for industrial purposes for the purpose of instruction of employees in methods of fighting fires.
3. Open outdoor fires used for recreational purposes or for cooking of food for human consumption.
4. The use of an experimental device, system, or method to study or research open burning authorized by Section 41707 and 41805 (b) of the Health and Safety Code and these Rules and Regulations.
5. Agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops, or raising of fowl or animals.
6. Use of any aircraft to distribute seed, fertilizer, insecticides, or other agriculture aids over lands devoted to the growing of crops, or the raising of fowl or animals.
7. The use of other equipment in agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops, or the raising of fowl or animals.
8. Orchard or citrus grove heaters that are on the approved list published by the State Air Resources Board.
9. The governing board of the district may by Rule provide for the issuance by the Air Pollution Control Officer of permits for open burning. The provisions of Rule 202 do not apply to smoke from fires set pursuant to such permit.
10. Smoke emissions from tepee burners operating in compliance with Section 4438 of the Public Resources Code during the disposal of forestry and agricultural residues with supplemental fossil fuels, and burners used to produce energy and fired with such fuels, when such emissions result from startup or shutdown of the combustion process or from the malfunction of emissions control equipment. This subdivision shall not apply to emissions which exceed a period or periods of time aggregating more than 30 minutes in any 24-hour period. This subdivision shall not apply to emissions which result from the failure to operate and maintain in good working order any emission control equipment.