District Operations During COVID19
To protect the health of our employees and the public, the District is remaining open and will continue to provide essential services during the COVID-19 public health event, but the office will continue to be closed to the public until further notice.
Those needing to conduct business with the District can still do so by telephone, online, by email, by regular mail, or by dropping off documents in the drop box at our office.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The District may be contacted by the following means:
Main telephone: 530-634-7659
Agricultural burning or to renew a burn permit: 530-634-7659 ext 201
Residential burn line: 530-741-6299
Website: www.fraqmd.org
General District email: fraqmd@fraqmd.org
Mailing address/drop off address: 541 Washington Avenue, Yuba City, CA. 95991
Permits for Stationary or Portable Sources: 530-634-7659 ext 212
Agricultural Engine Registration Program: 530-634-7659 ext 208
Grants: 530-634-7659 ext 210 or sspaethe@fraqmd.org
Updates on specific District programs are provided below to assist the public, regulated community, and other local agencies on the best way to conduct business with the District during the public health emergency.
Open Burning
All open burn requirements, including burn day status, burn hours and burn permit requirements are still in effect. Burn day status is updated daily. To renew your burn permit please call 530-634-7659 ext 201.
Complaints
The District will respond to public nuisance complaints. Please call the general line at 530-634-7659 extension 201 to log a complaint.
Permits for Stationary or Portable Sources and Registration Holders
Applications for permits and registrations will continue to be accepted during the office shutdown. All applications should be mailed or emailed. The permit fee may be paid via our website or by mailing a check with your application. Applications will be processed in the order that they are excepted. If you wish to have your permit expedited, please be sure to check the appropriate box on the Authority to Construct application. Please be aware that there is a rate increase for the expedited option. Due to COVID-19, the District will be conducting in-person inspections on a case by case basis while respecting the appropriate health guidelines.
All Stationary Source, permitting, and agricultural registration requirements are still in effect. District Staff will continue to perform priority and drive by facility inspections while observing social distancing techniques and decontamination measures. No waiver is granted from permit conditions during this time unless specifically approved by the District. Requests for a waiver should be sent in writing and include your Permit Number in your request.
Please remember to schedule your initial inspection at least ten days before the expiration of your Authority to Construct permit. To set an appointment for initial inspections, please call or email the District.
Grant Programs
During the shutdown, the District’s grant programs will continue to operate in a capacity similar to before however slight delay (week or less) may occur with documentation processing. New applications are currently being accepted for the Mini Grant Program.
Applications submitted to the Carl Moyer Year 22/FARMER Year 3 programs have been reviewed, and completeness notifications should have been mailed or emailed for all applications. The District expects to send tentative award letters in May 2020.
New Development: Environmental Review Under CEQA/Project Sign-Offs/ISR Fees
Projects submitted to the District for environmental review by mail and email will be reviewed by staff. For projects that have completed the environmental review, are going to bid or construction, and need air district review/approval as a part of their requirements, requests should be sent by email to sspaethe@fraqmd.org. For projects paying Indirect Source Fees, please call or email the District with your request and someone will get back to you on the amount of the fee, how to pay, and how to get any forms signed off. There may be a slight (1-3 day) delay in responding to your request.
AB 617 Community Air Protection Program
As of March 17, 2020, the District is suspending all in-person meetings and staff participation at community events. The District will still accept community feedback on the AB 617 Community Air Protection Program in writing or over the phone.
The daily air quality forecasts will continue. To sign up for an air quality forecast and/or alerts by email or text message, visit http://www.fraqmd.enviroflash.org/.
Public Records Act Request
The District is accepting PRA requests. Please allow additional time to process each request due to the office closure.