Greenwich Board Of Health To Discuss Use Of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Board of Health is currently examining the town's policy on gasoline-powered leaf blowers, and on Monday, April 24, during the board's regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m., a subcommittee will give a report.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said in his weekly newsletter to the community last Friday that he has received many calls and emails, especially over the last month as spring has arrived, about the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in town.

"I believe there can be reasonable limits without putting in place a full ban on gas-powered leaf blowers and we respect the Board of Health’s hard work and thorough consideration on what is a difficult issue," Camillo said in his newsletter. "I am a lifelong resident of our town and I value the clean air and healthy way of life that Greenwich has always been known for. By restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer we will not only improve our air quality but give residents some much-needed relief from constant noise and pollutants."

Camillo, a two-time cancer survivor, went on to say that he got rid of his own gas-powered leaf blower and replaced with an electric one.

"I hope this healthy compromise can be reached," he said.

The use of gas-powered leaf blowers in town has been examined before.

In February 2022, Quiet Yards Greenwich, a community group, went before the board of selectmen to gauge interest about limiting the use of such leaf blowers.

About 10 years ago, another group looked to limit the use of leaf blowers, but there was some pushback from landscapers and even residents, who said they were going to get higher bills for landscaping work, according to Camillo.

The public can view Monday's board of health meeting via Zoom.