FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2009
DHEC encourages citizens to reduce open burning of yard debris
COLUMBIA, S.C. - As the leaves of summer begin to wither and drop, homeowners are encouraged to explore alternatives to burning their yard debris, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“While this is a traditional time of the year to rake leaves and twigs, burning this material can be unhealthy,” said Myra C. Reece, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality. “The smoke is unhealthy to breathe, especially for people with respiratory problems, such as asthma. The smoke also affects the environment. There may also be local ordinances which can be stricter than state requirements.”
According to Reece, smoke places different pollutants into the air, and ash from the fire can lead to possible contamination of the soil and water.
“Many municipalities will pick up yard debris, and we encourage people to use this service if it is available,” Reece said. “With national air quality standards being tightened, we all need to do our part to help spare the air. What we can do to reduce air pollution is important to protecting our air and health.”
Reece said one of the most popular alternatives to open burning yard waste is composting. This consists of recycling leaves, grass clippings, weeds, brush, kitchen scraps and other organic waste by maintaining the waste in a pile and allowing it all to decompose. The resulting compost can be used in gardens and mixed in with other soils to help return important nutrients to the ground.
For more information about open burning alternatives, see DHEC’s Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/openburning, or call DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality in Columbia at (803) 898-4123.
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For more information:
Adam Myrick - (803) 898-3884
E-mail - myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
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