New regulation in effect for New York on open burning
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) has expanded restrictions on the open burning of
residential waste. The open burning of residential waste
is now prohibited in all communities statewide, regardless
of population, with exceptions for burning tree limbs
and branches at limited times and other certain circumstances.
Previously, the ban applied only in towns with populations
of 20,000 or more.
Once considered harmless, recent studies demonstrate
that open burning releases substantial amounts of dangerous
chemicals into the air. A study by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with
DEC and the New York State Department of Health, found
that emissions of dioxins and furans from backyard burning
alone were greater than those from all other sources
combined for the years 2002 through 2004. Trash containing
plastics, polystyrene, pressure-treated and painted wood
and bleached or colored papers produce harmful chemicals
when burned. The study found that burning trash emits
arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde,
lead and hydrogen cyanide, among others.
In addition to releasing pollutants, open burning is
the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State.
Data from DEC’s Forest Protection Division show that
debris burning accounted for about 40 percent of wildfires
between 1986 and 2006 – more than twice the next most-cited
source. In 2006 alone, debris burning triggered 98 wildfires
in the state.
Open burning of residential wastes in any city or village
or in any town with a population of 20,000 or more has
been prohibited since 1972. DEC moved to expand the prohibition
to all communities after holding meetings to receive
input from stakeholders and state agencies. A proposal
was released in May 2008 and was followed up with public
hearings and an extended public comment period. Approximately
1,800 comments were reviewed by DEC.