Photo: Contributed

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is trying to keep the air clear by encouraging vineyards and orchards to grind rather than burn.

In Penticton, Oliver and Keremeos areas the RDOS will pay 75 per cent of the cost of onsite grinding of trees and vines. Chips will be left on site as mulch.

“The Okanagan and Similkameen valleys trap smoke creating problems for people with breathing difficulties,” an RDOS new release explains. “Agriculturists are asked to contact the RDOS by the end of October if they require chipping this year.”

Agriculturists in the Campbell Mountain, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Keremeos Landfill service areas can also contact the RDOS to bring agricultural trees, prunings and vines to local RDOS landfills. Materials will be ground and used at the landfill.