Air curtain incinerators (ACIs), also known as air curtain burners, incinerate wood waste and brush in a controlled manner, reducing smoke and particulate matter compared to open burning. A “curtain” of air is projected across the top of the incinerator, trapping smoke particles and returning them to the incinerator to be reburned, reducing pollution.
On April 11, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed Title V requirements for ACIs that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a mixture of these three. As a result, DEQ determined that using an ACI as an alternative to prescribed burning will be regulated under Idaho’s Smoke Management Program through a registration program. DEQ’s registration program is only applicable to ACIs used outside of Indian reservation boundaries. For ACIs operated within Indian reservation boundaries, operators should contact the applicable Tribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
This accordion will not appear on the screen
No, DEQ determined that ACIs used to burn wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a mixture of these three are a “fugitive source” of emissions and do not need a Permit to Construct.
No, a Title V permit is not required for ACIs that only burn wood waste, yard waste, clean lumber, or a mixture of these three. Operators must register each ACI and submit a relocation form when moving portable incinerators to new locations.
Wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste are the only acceptable materials to burn in an ACI without a permit. If the ACI will be used for other materials, contact the Air Quality Permitting Hotline ([877] 573-7648) for assistance.
Yes, operators must complete occasional opacity testing and submit the results to DEQ.
No, requesting approval is not necessary, but operators must ensure no Air Quality Advisories are in place where the ACI will be operating. Check the Air Quality Advisories and Outdoor Burning Map daily before operating the ACI.
Yes, some ACIs may only burn up to 35 tons per day. Operators will be notified if this requirement applies to them during the ACI registration process.