SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY UNIFIED AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT
RULE 4303 - ORCHARD HEATERS
(Adopted May 21, 1992; Amended December 17, 1992; Amended December 16, 1993)
1.0 Purpose
The purpose of this rule is to limit the emissions of air contaminants from the use of orchard heaters.
2.0 Applicability
This rule shall apply to orchard heaters used for the protection of crops against frost.
3.0 Definition
3.1 Orchard Heater: any article, machine, equipment, or other contrivance burning any type of fuel or charcoal briquettes, or similar substances burned by an open flame, capable of being used for the purpose of giving protection from frost damage. For the purpose of this section, "orchard heater" shall include heaters used for frost protection for orchards, vineyards, field crops, and truck crops. The contrivance commonly known as a wind machine is not included.
4.0 Requirements
4.1 No new orchard heater produced or manufactured shall be sold for use against frost damage after January 1, 1971, unless it has been approved by the ARB.
4.2 No person shall use any orchard heater after January 1, 1973, unless it has been approved by the ARB or does not produce more than one (1) gram per minute of unconsumed solid carbonaceous material, as determined by the ARB test method entitled, "Recommended Procedure for Determining Emissions from Orchard Heaters," January 1971.
4.3 It shall be unlawful to sell, or offer to sell for frost protection any orchard heater which does not comply with section 4.2.
4.4 All orchard heaters in use shall be maintained in reasonably clean condition, good repair and working order. Whenever orchard heaters are burning, they must be adequately attended and supervised to maintain the condition, adjustment and proper operation of the orchard heaters.
4.5 It shall be unlawful for any person, for the purpose of frost protection, to burn any rubber, rubber tires, or other substance containing rubber, or to burn oil or other combustible substances in drums, pails, or other containers except orchard heaters.