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Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Open-burning regulation is amended
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 26, 2005) – Kentucky’s regulation on open burning has been updated to help local governments dispose of dead trees and limbs and similar debris left in the wake of violent storms.
The Division for Air Quality (DAQ) of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet began work to overhaul the regulation following the ice storm and tornadoes of 2003. An amendment passed legislative review and became effective earlier this month.
Among its other updates, the regulation now gives local governments greater flexibility in disposing of vegetative debris and “clean lumber” resulting from storms. Significant provisions of the regulation include:
- Definitions for clean lumber, wood waste and yard waste.
- Enhanced fire training requirements.
- A maximum ambient temperature, 50 degrees Fahrenheit, for comfort heat fires.
- Updated burning restrictions for counties that fail to meet federal standards for ozone and particulate-matter air pollution.
- Enhanced definition of garbage to make it clear that certain items such as plastics and bottles may not be burned.
The current regulation, 401 KAR 63:005, is available at http://www.air.ky.gov/news/.
Open burning releases significant pollution into the air, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide and precursors to ozone formation such as nitrous oxide. Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible. Health dangers include asthma, bronchitis, heart attack and cancer. If you have questions about what can be burned, contact the DAQ at the number above.
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