WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program 09-23
Project Name or Title:	Burn Covers
Submitted by (your name):	Mike McCorison
Unit name and address:	Angeles NF, 701 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006
Telephone:	626-437-0624
IBM or Internet Address:	mmccorison@fs.fed.us
Date:	March 4, 2008
OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)
The practice of covering the ignition site of piled fuels with polyethylene is common practice in forest management throughout the west at least. There are only one or two states where this practice is officially approved. In most cases where burn approvals are authorized and covers are unknown to be present they are ignored. The concern is the open burning of trash, plastic specially is prohibited. Being able to burn piles during the ozone season and under cooler conditions generally reduce smoke impacts.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)
Using burn chambers determine the total emissions from wood and small amounts of polyethylene.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.) Determine if we are exposing the public and our selves to toxic air emissions from burning plastic in piled wood wastes that is greater than then burning wood alone with the extra accelerant.