As of January 1, 2007, land-clearing and residential outdoor burning will no longer be legal in any area designated as an Urban Growth Area (UGA) under the Growth Management Act.

The City of Colville, and several other cities in Stevens County, were designated Urban Growth Areas by Stevens County when the county decided to plan under the Growth Management Act several years ago.  The Department of Ecology is committed to working with cities, counties, and citizens groups to promote viable alternatives to burning in all communities, especially those where the ban on open burning takes effect in 2007.

The applicable law and rule involved are RCW 70.94.6514 and WAC 173-425-040 and Ordinance No. 1619 N.S.