Forest Service accused of polluting Yakima air

YAKIMA — The Yakima Regional Clean air agency has issued a notice of violation against the Forest Service.

The agency says a 2,000-acre controlled burn on Sept. 28 sent thick smoke into the Yakima Valley, resulting in at least 17 complaints from people with irritated eyes, runny noses and scratchy throats.

The Naches Ranger District has 10 days to respond to the notice or face fines. Ranger Randy Shepard told The Yakima Herald-Republic the agency’s lawyer is reviewing the notice.

The Forest Service planned the fire in the Bethel Ridge area west of Yakima to reduce brush and debris. A wind shift sent the smoke in the wrong direction.

Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, www.yakima-herald.com

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