Burn Ban Begins May 1

From EPD: The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) ban on open burning resumes May 1 of each year. The latest release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, Air Protection Branch in 2005 listed 54 counties that are subject to following the annual burn ban.

According to Cherokee County Fire Marshal, Barry Gibson, “The burning ban is an important part of the state's plan to improve air quality during smog season, which runs from May 1 through September 30 of each year.”

Citizens and businesses in the affected 54 counties are not allowed to burn yard and land-clearing debris during the burn ban season. Some actions, such as campfires and agricultural activities are exempt.

For more information about alternatives to burning such as composting and chipping, please call the Department of Community Affairs at 404-679- 4940 or the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division toll-free at 800-685- 2443. Debris can also be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to an inert or construction and demolition landfill. For a list of landfills in your area, please call EPD’s Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362- 2692. Cherokee County Citizens can get more information on the open burning ban by calling the EPD Mountain District Office: 478-751- 6612 or EPD’s Air Protection

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