Open Burning Forms and Guidance
What is opacity?
Opacity is a measure of the degree to which emissions reduce the transmission of light and obscure the view of an object in the background. Many times opacity is referred to as visible emissions. Several state and federal rules limit the amount of opacity allowed, including 326 IAC 5-1 and various subparts of 40 CFR 60. Compliance with these limitations is determined by visual observations using 40 CFR 60, Appendix A, Method 9 or using a continuous opacity monitoring system (COMS). Method 9 requires that a certified observer make visual observations at 15 second intervals. To comply with Method 9, 24 observations are taken and the values are averaged to determine a 6 minute average.
- Open Burning Brochure [PDF]: Download a copy of IDEM's Open Burning Brochure. The brochure can be photocopied for use by cities, towns, fire departments, or sharing with neighbors.
- Fire Training [DOC] (Request for Variance from 326 IAC 4-1) (State Form 49634): This form needs to be filled out by any person, contractor, or fire contractor, or fire department that plans on conducting any fire training.
- Motor Vehicle Fire Training [DOC] (Request for Variance from 326 IAC 4-1) (State Form 50337): This is an application for open burning approval for fire training using motor vehicles to comply with 326 IAC 4-1.
- Non Rule Policy Document for Open Burning of Motor Vehicles for Firefighter Training [PDF]: This document provides guidance for IDEM and fire departments for conditions upon which approval may be granted for open burning of motor vehicles for purposes of firefighter training.
- Request for Use of an Air Curtain Open Pit Destructor [DOC] (State Form 43688): This form needs to be filled out by any person, contractor operating an air curtain. This form can be printed and or submitted electronically to the Office of Air Quality, Air Compliance Branch.
- Prescribed Vegetation Burn (Request for Variance from 326 IAC 4-1)[DOC] (State Form 50864) This is an application for prescribed vegetation open burning approval to comply with 326 IAC 4-1. This form can be printed and or submitted electronically to the Office of Air Quality, Air Compliance Branch.
- Tree Waste or Clean Wood Waste (Request for Variance from 326 IAC 4-1) [DOC] (State Form 43692): This Request for Variance for burning tree waste or clean wood waste can be printed and or electronically submitted to the Office of Air Quality, Air Compliance Branch.
- Open Burning Variance Criteria and Letter Concerning Potentially Affected Persons [DOC]: This document provides information on open burning variances along with a letter concerning potentially affected persons from the Office of Air Quality's Commissioner. The letter concerning potentially affected persons outlines who should receive information regarding a proposed burn site.
- Identification of Potentially Affected Persons Form [DOC] (State Form 49635): This form can be printed and or submitted electronically to the Office of Air Quality, Air Compliance Branch. This form needs to be included with Request for Fire Training, Request for Use of an Air Curtain Open Pit Destructor, and a Request for Tree Waste or Clean Wood Waste Variance.
- Indiana's Administrative Code for Open Burning Regulations 326 IAC 4-1
: This site provides legislative information on Title 326 Indiana's Administrative Code, which includes all adopted air rules.
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