Special to the Journal
Beginning May 1 and ending September 30, EPD’s open burning
ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The open burning ban has been in
effect for the current areas since 2005.
The open burning ban prohibits citizens and businesses from
burning yard and land- clearing debris during the months of May through
September. This restriction is in addition to a ban on burning household garbage
that exists year-round throughout all of Georgia.
Citizens are reminded that these rules are in place for a
reason – and the reason is health. Smoke from fires contains chemicals and
pollutants that may negatively impact a person’s health. Burning yard waste
releases nitrogen oxides and particle pollution into the air. Both pollutants
can contribute to lung and heart disease.
Ground-level ozone is most commonly produced in the heat of
the summer when nitrogen oxides combine with fumes from fuels, paints and
vegetation. Ground-level ozone can cause inflammation to the lungs as well as
other health problems.
Particle pollution is made up of extremely small
particles that can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Burning
household garbage, banned year-round in Georgia, releases even more dangerous
pollution.
May through September is a time of year when people,
particularly children, are more likely to be outdoors. It is also the time of
year when ground – level ozone and particle pollution levels are generally
higher.
In December 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) finalized an update to the national air quality standards for fine
particle pollution (PM2.5), lowering the annual health standard to a more
stringent 12 micrograms per cubic meter, down from 15 micrograms per cubic
meter.
With this lower standard, and because particle pollution
values are typically highest in the summer, the positive effects of the summer
burn ban become more significant.
Even with a more protective standard, monitoring data shows
that the air quality in Georgia is improving. “This is very good news for
Georgia,” says James A. Capp, Georgia EPD Air Protection Branch Chief. “This
success is confirmation that the clean air strategies we have in place in Georgia,
including the open burning ban, are working.”
Some actions such as campfires and agricultural activities
are exempt.
Citizens can access more information on the open burning ban
by visiting www.georgiaair.org and clicking on the open burning rules graphic,
or by calling the EPD District Office in their area. Small businesses can
obtain help and information by calling EPD’s Small Business Environmental
Assistance Program toll-free at 1-877-427-6255.
HHJ News
