EPD’s Open Burning Ban begins May 1

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.

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