NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Oct. 13, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 410
For more information, contact: Tom Postell, Air Quality Management Section, (302) 739-9402; Chief William McDaniel or Capt. Michael Cook, Environmental Crimes Unit, (302) 739-9401; Robert Underwood, Solid and Hazardous Waste Section, (302) 739-9403; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs (302) 739-9902.
Leaf burning prohibited statewide to protect public health;
Options available to help manage yard wastes
With autumn leaves beginning to fall, DNREC’s Air Quality Management Section reminds residents that burning leaves is prohibited statewide. The leaf burning ban, in effect since February 1995, is important to protect people from harmful chemicals that are produced by open burning.
Leaf burning produces a considerable amount of airborne particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and at least seven carcinogens. Some of these chemicals react with nitrogen oxides in the air to produce ground-level ozone, a respiratory irritant particularly dangerous to children and the elderly.
In addition to the leaf burning ban, burning refuse such as old lumber, trash or garbage, grass, and tree stumps, is also prohibited year-round. Campfires, cooking fires, and bonfires, meeting size restrictions, are legal year-round, unless prohibited by local, town, or county ordinances; however, only clean, unpainted wood, or charcoal is to be used in these fires.
Burning of cut or fallen branches, limbs or shrubbery trim from a residence is allowed daily, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. from October 1 to April 30, except when the State Fire Marshal issues a ban on all outdoor burning. Open burning for agricultural or prescribed purposes and for intentional structure fires for firefighter training requires written notification to DNREC.
For more information on the statewide leaf burning ban, open burning requirements and air quality, contact Tom Postell at 302-739-9402 or visit, www.awm.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/OpenBurningMain.aspx.
Illegal burning continues to be among the most common complaints handled by DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit. Since 2007, more than 1,100 illegal burning complaints have been investigated. Citizens can report illegal burning by calling 1-800-662-8802, and Verizon Wireless phone customers in Delaware can reach DNREC’s Environmental Complaint Line by calling #DNR, toll-free.
Delaware residents have several options to help manage leaves and other yard waste. Citizens can compost, use a mulching mower, or take leaves and other yard waste to a commercial or DNREC yard waste drop-off site in New Castle County. In addition, homeowners can arrange to hire a landscaper or commercial hauler to remove yard waste from their properties. Lastly, a community-wide yard waste drop-off site could be developed. Information on these options is posted on DNREC’s web site, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste/Pages/Default.aspx.
Three DNREC yard waste drop-off sites are available to New Castle County residents as a cost free option to dispose of leaves and other yard waste. DNREC’s web site includes more information on the locations and site hours for the Polly Drummond Hill Road site near Newark, the DART Mid-County site near Bear and the Brandywine Hundred site, north of Wilmington.
