Sierra County Weighs Green Waste Burning Policies
Green waste disposal and burn policies at Sierra County’s solid waste transfer sites remained a key topic at the Board of Supervisors meeting held February 3 in Downieville. Interim Public Works Director Brandon Pangman updated the board on recent discussions with the Forest Service and Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department following a site visit to the Sierra City transfer station on January 22.
Officials agreed that existing green waste piles can be safely burned, though the process may take time due to large-diameter logs that are no longer accepted. Pangman noted that burning at the Sattley and Sierra City sites carries risks, costs, and both eastside and westside superintendents want to discontinue burning there. For Sierra City, they will not accept green waste until current piles are reduced.
New standard operating procedures are being developed to ensure safe burning practices. Pangman emphasized that no fire had escaped previously, explaining that a rekindle occurred within an ash pile weeks later. Limited staffing remains a challenge for round-the-clock monitoring, prompting proposals for additional night-vision cameras, Starlink internet serv-ice, and onsite water tanks. Sheriff Mike Fisher offered dispatch staff to assist with monitoring during burns.
A recent Solid Waste Task Force meeting focused solely on green waste options, including limiting pile sizes, curtain burners, chipping, and hauling. The group opposed increased fees, citing concerns that higher costs would discourage proper disposal and lead to illegal dumping. Installing water tanks and Starlink at all sites would cost an estimated $40,000. Pangman suggested spending $8,000 to start with the top priority of Sierra City.
He said they are running deficits with green waste disposal and would like long term solutions, suggesting grants to create a regional facility to be shared with Plumas County.
Board Chair Paul Roen stated there was infrastructure money in the solid waste budget to use for a tank at Sierra City and the Fire Safe Council was committed to working with the Solid Waste Task Force. Supervisor Lee Adams felt they needed to have the Forest Service and fire departments agree with when they burn. Supervisor Sharon Dryden said this is not a Sierra County issue, adding every county is dealing with green waste. She didn’t want to discourage home hardening, and suggested working in conjunction with Plumas County. By consensus, the Board approved purchasing a water tank for the Sierra City site and requested staff return with a proposal for addressing the remaining transfer stations.
A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION was presented to Edward Cusato, Sierra County Road Maintenance Supervisor, in recognition of his retirement during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on February 3rd in Downieville.
Cusato commenced employment with the Sierra County Road Maintenance Department February 9, 2001 and served for nearly twenty-five years.
Green waste disposal and burn policies at Sierra County’s solid waste transfer sites remained a key topic at the Board of Supervisors meeting held February 3 in Downieville. Interim Public Works Director Brandon Pangman updated the board on recent discussions with the Forest Service and Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department following a site visit to the Sierra City transfer station on January 22.
Officials agreed that existing green waste piles can be safely burned, though the process may take time due to large-diameter logs that are no longer accepted. Pangman noted that burning at the Sattley and Sierra City sites carries risks, costs, and both eastside and westside superintendents want to discontinue burning there. For Sierra City, they will not accept green waste until current piles are reduced.
New standard operating procedures are being developed to ensure safe burning practices. Pangman emphasized that no fire had escaped previously, explaining that a rekindle occurred within an ash pile weeks later. Limited staffing remains a challenge for round-the-clock monitoring, prompting proposals for additional night-vision cameras, Starlink internet serv-ice, and onsite water tanks. Sheriff Mike Fisher offered dispatch staff to assist with monitoring during burns.
A recent Solid Waste Task Force meeting focused solely on green waste options, including limiting pile sizes, curtain burners, chipping, and hauling. The group opposed increased fees, citing concerns that higher costs would discourage proper disposal and lead to illegal dumping. Installing water tanks and Starlink at all sites would cost an estimated $40,000. Pangman suggested spending $8,000 to start with the top priority of Sierra City.
He said they are running deficits with green waste disposal and would like long term solutions, suggesting grants to create a regional facility to be shared with Plumas County.
Board Chair Paul Roen stated there was infrastructure money in the solid waste budget to use for a tank at Sierra City and the Fire Safe Council was committed to working with the Solid Waste Task Force. Supervisor Lee Adams felt they needed to have the Forest Service and fire departments agree with when they burn. Supervisor Sharon Dryden said this is not a Sierra County issue, adding every county is dealing with green waste. She didn’t want to discourage home hardening, and suggested working in conjunction with Plumas County. By consensus, the Board approved purchasing a water tank for the Sierra City site and requested staff return with a proposal for addressing the remaining transfer stations.
A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION was presented to Edward Cusato, Sierra County Road Maintenance Supervisor, in recognition of his retirement during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on February 3rd in Downieville.
Cusato commenced employment with the Sierra County Road Maintenance Department February 9, 2001 and served for nearly twenty-five years.
