FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2008
Storm debris burning allowed under controlled conditions
COLUMBIA – Tree branches, leaves and other vegetation left behind in the wake of last weekend’s storms in Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties may be burned under the supervision of county or municipal authorities using specific guidelines, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“There is an urgent need to remove and dispose of large volumes of debris caused by the severe weather,” said Myra Reece, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality. “This is being done under very tightly controlled conditions. Emergency orders issued by local authorities may disallow these guidelines and may prohibit all burning. Burning should be utilized as a last resort and should be delayed when possible until other critical infrastructure needs are met.”
Reece said burning of tree branches, leaves and other vegetative debris must be performed by or under the supervision of county or municipal authorities at specifically designated sites, subject to the following conditions:
- Burning must be conducted in accordance with all state and local emergency orders.
- As much material as possible should be chipped, ground or salvaged as fuel.
- Tires may not be added to enhance burning.
- Domestic garbage or other types of waste may not be burned.
- Piles must be at least 1000 feet apart and may not exceed 45 x 45 feet in size.
- Piles must be at least 1000 feet from the nearest residence or road.
- Prevailing winds must be such that smoke will not create a traffic hazard.
- The local DHEC regional EQC office must approve burning locations.
- Adequate water service or fire fighting equipment must be available to keep the fire under control.
- Asbestos-containing debris must be separated out for proper disposal.
Reece said guidelines have also been approved for the temporary storage or grinding of tree branches, leaves and other vegetative debris including:
- Priority should be given to locating temporary storage or grinding sites at other permitted solid waste management facilities.
- Piles or windrows should be at least 20 feet apart and may not more than 200 feet long by 30 feet wide by 15 feet high.
- Piles or windrows should be at least 20 feet from any tree line and 50 feet from the property line or public roads.
- Piles or windrows should be at least 200 feet from any streams and rivers, and 100 feet from drinking water wells.
- For safety, grinding operations must be at least 200 feet from any public road, residence, or building not part of the contiguous property where the grinding is done. If the grinding equipment is designed and operated to not present a flying debris hazard, the distance may be lessened on a case-by-case basis determined by DHEC.
- The ground material should either be hauled to and composted at a DHEC-registered compost site, or marketed as a mulch product or an industrial fuel and transported off site within a reasonable time as determined by DHEC.
Reece said DHEC’s guidelines are effective for 30 days from today and may be extended if conditions warrant. Contact DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality Control at (803) 898-4123, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management at (803) 896-4000 or DHEC’s Region 5 EQC office at (803) 641-7670 for more information.
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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885
E-mail – berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1838