Indian Creek |
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Leaf and Landscape
Waste Burning at Indian Creek |
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The
controversial topic of leaf and landscape waste burning comes up at almost
every Homeowners Association meeting. Some residents strongly oppose
burning and others just as strongly want to be able to burn. There is no
ruling to ban leaf and landscape waste burning. However, it is hoped that
residents will follow these guidelines if they choose to burn. These
guidelines are intended to help Indian Creek neighbors maintain our
healthy, friendly, neighborly atmosphere for everyone. |
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Be aware that many
people find the smoke and smell of leaf burning to be noxious and
intolerable. They can not enjoy being in their own yard or having their
windows open when burning is going on.
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Be
aware that smoke is a serious health hazard for those with asthma,
emphysema, heart and other cardio/vascular conditions. We don't know
the health conditions of our neighbors.
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If
you do decide to burn:
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Never leave a fire untended. What may seem like a safe fire can
quickly get out of control in dry or windy conditions.
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Only burn when wind conditions will not carry smoke, embers or ash
onto a neighbor's property.
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Only burn dry material. Trying to burn wet leaves and grass smells
especially bad and creates large amounts of smoke.
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Keep the fire small and hot and when you're done put it out
completely. Letting a fire smolder for hours is not acceptable.
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Consider mulching and/or composting. Burning releases carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide directly into the
atmosphere. Mulching and/or composting will sequester those greenhouse
gases in the soil and in other plants.
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From
the Illinois EPA website:
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Smoke from burning leaves, grass, brush, and most plants contains high
concentrations of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate
matter, and photochemically reactive chemicals, some of which are
known carcinogens and some that contribute to smog formation.
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Carbon monoxide can bind with hemoglobin in the blood to reduce oxygen
flow. Particulate matter can become embedded in lung tissue. The
burning of leaves releases the photochemically reactive chemical,
benzo(a)pyrene, known to cause cancer in animals and which has been
linked as the major factor in lung cancer caused by smoking.
Contact any board
member if you have questions or concerns about these guidelines.
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This page was last updated
Wednesday February 15, 2012 |