Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cord of wood?
Firewood is sold by a measurement called a "cord." A
cord must equal 128 cubic feet. To be sure you have a cord, stack the
wood neatly by placing the wood in a line or a row, with individual
pieces touching and parallel to each other. Make sure that the wood is
compact and has as few gaps as possible. Then measure the stack.
Multiply the width times the height times the length of the stack and if
it equals 128 cubic feet, you have a cord of firewood.
A cord, like other measurements such as a foot, gallon,
or ton, is defined by law. A seller may not legitimately use terms such
as "truckload," "face cord," "rack," or "pile" because these terms have
no legally defined meaning and, therefore, you have no way of
determining how much firewood you are actually receiving. If a seller
uses such terms, it should alert you to a possible problem. Wood can
only be sold by the cord or by fractions of a cord.
How can you make sure you are getting what you pay for when buying
firewood ?
When you buy firewood make sure to get a receipt which
shows the seller's name and address, as well as the price, the amount,
and kind of wood purchased. If possible, get the seller's phone number
and write down the license plate number of the delivery vehicle.
What should I do if I think a wood seller cheated me?
In order to determine if you have been cheated, the wood
will need to be stacked and measured. You may ask the seller to stack it
(you may have to pay extra for this service) or stack the wood yourself
. Measure the wood when it is delivered or as soon after purchase as
possible. If the cubic measurement indicates that you did not receive
the correct volume contact the seller before you burn any wood and see
if the seller will correct the problem. If the problem continues,
contact the County Department of Weights and Measures before you burn
any wood.
How often does the County Weights and Measures Department check
commercial weighing and measuring devices and gas station pumps?
The Yuba County Department of Weights and Measures
inspects these devices annually. When a device successfully passes
inspection a seal (or sticker) is placed on it which has the date it was
last tested.
I have an 18 gallon gas tank, but the pump says I put 18.5 gallons
into my empty tank. Is this possible?
Yes. The capacity of your gasoline tank found in your
owners manual is only an estimate. The actual volume it holds can be
higher or lower than the stated capacity. If you still feel that you are
being cheated, contact the County Department of Weights and Measures to
file a complaint.
What is tare weight?
This is the weight of all wrapping, packaging, or any
other material used to contain or transport the product. Items must be
sold by net weight (the weight of the product itself). Selling a product
by gross weight (net weight plus tare weight) is illegal.
What should I do if I think I have received an under weight
packaged commodity or received less than I paid for at a gas station or
store?
The first thing to do is to get as much information as
possible. If at a gas station, write down the pump number and grade of
gas. If at a store write down the check stand number or the aisle number
where the item is located and the address of the establishment. Gather
any other information you think might be pertinent. Call the County
Department of Weights and Measures with this information. The inspector
will ask for your name, address and daytime phone number since this
information will assist in the investigation, however, you may remain
anonymous if you wish. Complaints are vital to our department. We take
all complaints very seriously, and we respond to each complaint as
quickly as we possible.
When are the pesticide use reports due?
Use reports are due in by the 10th of the month
following the month in which the work was performed.
Do I need a certificate, permit or license before I can purchase a
pesticide for use on my own property?
Generally, if you purchase pesticides labeled for “home
use†you would not need a certificate, permit or license. If you are
growing an agricultural crop or commodity then you will most likely be
required to obtain a certificate, permit or license in order to purchase
a pesticide and should contact your County Agricultural Commissioner’s
Office to find out what the requirements are.
Helpful Web
Links
California Department of Food and Agriculture
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/
California Dept. of Food and Agriculture - Division of Weights and
Measures
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/
California Law California Law consists of 29 codes, covering various
subject areas, the State Constitution and Statutes.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
Feather River Air Quality District (FRAQMD) serving Yuba and Sutter
counties.
http://www.fraqmd.org/
USDA Farm Service Agency California
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/CA/
US Department of Agriculture - Census of Agriculture
http://www.nass.usda.gov/census/