CITIZENS URGED NOT TO BURN STORM DEBRIS

RALEIGH - Home owners and contractors who are cleaning up damage from Hurricane Ophelia should keep in mind that it often is illegal to burn logs, branches and other debris, according to state environmental regulations. You should never burn trash, paper, lumber, tires, plastics and other man-made materials.

"Although we sympathize with the plight of those suffering from storm damage, 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, particularly for people with respiratory problems, and it harms the environment."

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.

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.

North Carolina law prohibits most open burning because the smoke from outdoor fires can cause serious health problems and pollute the air. 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 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.

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 visiting 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, 919-791-4200; Winston-Salem, 336-771-4600; Mooresville, 704-663-1699; Asheville, 828-296-4500; Fayetteville, 910-486-1541; Washington 252-946-6481; Wilmington, 910-796-7215.

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