Leaf Burnibg Causes Air Pollution And Is Prohibited In Montgomery County

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

eb/leafburning.pr 00-434

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2000

Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Joe Keyser, 240-777-7700

LEAF BURNING CAUSES AIR POLLUTION AND IS PROHIBITED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Residents are reminded that burning leaves outdoors is prohibited in Montgomery County because open burning creates air pollution that can directly affect the health and well being of nearby citizens.

Smoke produced from burning leaves, grass thatch, brush, and most plants contains a high concentration of pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulates and various organic chemicals, that contribute to ground-level ozone problems. Smoke is also dangerous for people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or pneumonia, as it can aggravate the symptoms of these diseases.

Open burning of construction debris, treated lumber, tires, household trash, asphalt shingles, tar paper, hazardous materials, and other items that could produce dense smoke is also prohibited.

Under certain circumstances, bonfires or similar recreational fires and open burning of agricultural debris that is directly related to the commercial production of livestock, food or fiber may be allowed. A permit must first be obtained from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection.

Permits are not granted to burn materials within 1,500 feet of an occupied building or well traveled roadway; that create a nuisance; or that generate plainly visible smoke plumes that cross a property line.

Permits are not needed for small recreational fires used by religious or scouting organizations (such as campfires), fires used for outdoor cooking, or for fires that burn propane or number 2 fuel oil at construction sites.

To properly dispose of leaves, the County recommends composting or recycling. Call 240-777-6410 or go to http://www.mcrecycles.org/recycling. For residents in the County's leaf collection district, call 240-777-ROAD or check the Highway Services website at http://www.dpwt.com/PubWksDiv/vacuum.htm to get information about the vacuuming schedule.

If there is no emergency, residents can report the illegal burning of leaves and yard trim by calling DEP at 240-777-7700. In an emergency, residents are urged to call the fire department immediately.

For more information on open burning, check the County's website at www.askdep.com or call 240-777-7700.

# # #

News Releases | News