DEBRIS BURNING IN FIVE HURRICANE DISASTER COUNTIES NOT ALLOWED

RALEIGH - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Bill Ross reaffirmed today that, to prevent health and air quality problems, the state Open Burning Rule prohibits open burning of debris in any situations that create a nuisance.

Based on reports from county officials, nuisance conditions exist in Chowan, Dare, Gates, Perquimans and Tyrrell counties due to smoke from the widespread burning of debris from Hurricane Isabel. All debris burning in these counties should be ceased immediately, unless approved by state air quality officials. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will consider expanding the prohibition to other counties where smoke from fires is causing a similar nuisance.

"Smoke from burning storm debris has created nuisance conditions in counties hit hard by Hurricane Isabel," Ross said. "This smoke is unhealthy to breathe, particularly for people with asthma and other respiratory problems. Burning also poses a fire risk because water pressures are low, and many fire fighters are already busy dealing with other emergency response efforts."

Burning trees, branches and other storm debris creates a lot of smoke because the wood is still green with a lot of sap. The smoke from fires in these disaster counties is particularly troublesome because many areas are without electricity for air conditioning, so many residents have the windows open in their homes.

Residents in affected counties should contact their county managers or solid waste offices for alternative disposal methods, such as chipping machines that turn wood into mulch. Many counties are in the process of locating areas for chipping machines and debris disposal.

The state Division of Air Quality (DAQ) can approve exceptions to allow debris burning where there are no other disposal alternatives. DAQ regional supervisor in Washington must approve exceptions. The number to that office is 252-946-6481.

"We sympathize with the plight of those suffering from storm damage, but we don't want people to cause more problems while trying to get rid of debris," said Keith Overcash, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ). "Smoke from outdoor fires is unhealthy to breathe and pollutes the air."

North Carolina law prohibits most open burning because the smoke from outdoor fires can cause serious health and air quality problems. For example, a recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that backyard burning of trash from a family of four can emit as much of some pollutants, such as dioxin and furan, as a well-controlled municipal incinerator serving tens of thousands of households. Under the state open burning rule, it is always illegal to burn:

• Garbage, paper and cardboard;
• Tires and other rubber products;
• Building materials, including lumber;
• Wire, plastics and other synthetic materials;
• Asphalt shingles and heavy oils;
• Paints, and household and agricultural chemicals.

Many municipalities will pick up limbs and other debris if they are piled along the curb, or debris can be hauled to approved landfills. It is illegal to burn debris if public pickup is available.

Under normal conditions, homeowners can burn yard trimmings - excluding stumps and logs over 6 inches in diameter - if it's allowed under local ordinances, no public pickup is available, and it doesn't cause a public nuisance. Other allowable burning includes fireplaces, campfires, outdoor barbecues, and bonfires for festive occasions. Landowners may be allowed to burn vegetation to clear land or clean up storm debris, but they should check first with the nearest DAQ regional office. People seeking to burn also may need permits from the Division of Forest Resources.

Under the open burning rule, the DAQ can assess fines as high as $10,000 per violation, but most fines are less than $1,000 for first-time offenders. Larger fines can be assessed in cases involving repeat violations, and people who knowingly violate the law.

A free brochure describing what is allowed and prohibited under the open burning rule can be obtained by calling (919) 733-3340, or writing to the Division of Air Quality at 1641 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1641, or checking the DAQ web site at www.ncair.org/

Contractors and municipalities are encouraged to grind debris into wood chips, but should call the nearest DAQ regional office for more detailed guidelines on allowable burning. Following are phone numbers for DAQ regional offices: Raleigh, 919-571-4700; Winston-Salem, 336-771-4600; Mooresville, 704-663-1699; Asheville, 828-251-6208; Fayetteville, 910-486-1541; Washington 252-946-6481; Wilmington, 910-395-3900.

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