Department of Ecology
Committees, Boards, and Workgroups

The Agricultural Burning and Research Task Force conducts research to develop best practices to reduce air pollution.

Ecology leads a task force called the Agricultural Burning and Research Task Force. The task force was established by the Washington State Clean Air Act with the goal of reducing air pollution from agricultural burning. It is comprised of a broad array of interest groups who develop best management practices for agricultural burning, and identify and fund research projects. The group also determines the appropriate level for Ecology's agricultural burning air permit fees. Read the Governance Statement, updated June 2018.

The Agricultural Burning and Research Task Force is chaired by an Ecology representative and includes interest groups such as:

• Local clean air agencies
• The agricultural community
• Local research universities
• Public health groups

Task Force Members

Research

Research is funded by fees collected through the purchase of agricultural burn permits.  Below are links to research projects and research proposals recommended for funding.

2024 Research Updates:

• Vermi-Treatment Solutions
  • Enhancing air quality and toxic chemical removal through sustainable orchard wood utilization and Vermi-Treatment filtration systems.

2023 Research Updates:

• Vermi-Treatment Solutions Final Grant Presentation June 2023

2022 Research Updates:

• Economic Evaluation of Orchard Chips Neiberg's Presentation Fall 2022
• Economic Evaluation of Orchard Chips Davis' Presentation Fall 2022

2019 Research Proposals:

• Ecology Request for Research Proposals on Alternatives to Agricultural Burning, March 2019

2017 Research Proposals:

• Alternatives for Managing Wheat Stubble, 2017
• Canola Research Presentation, 2017
• Ecology Smoke Planner Wildfire Presentation, 2017

2016 Research Proposals:

• Alternatives for Managing Wheat Stubble, Research Update, June 2016
• 2013 EPA Agricultural Burn Study, Feb 2016

2015 Research Proposals:

• Straw Management and Crop Rotation Alternatives to Stubble Burning, June 2015
• Develop and Evaluate Lignin-Lime Soil Amendment from Wheat Straw Harvesting and Pulping, June 2015
• Straw Gasification with Biochar: An Alternative to Open Field Burning, June 2015

2014 Research Updates:

• Straw Management Presentation Spring 2014
• Canola Research Presentation Spring 2014
• Straw Management Presentation Fall 2014
• Canola Research Presentation Fall 2014
• Columbia Pulp Proposed Project

Governance Statement