Open Burn Ban Starts May 1

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Summertime is fast approaching in Georgia, and that means the annual open burn ban will soon be among us.

The annual burn ban will go into effect May 1, and will prohibit all outside burning, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Service said in a press release.

This ban is an important part of the state’s plan to improve air quality during smog season. The ban will run through Sept. 30.

Cherokee County is one of the 54 Georgia counties listed in the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Air Protection Branch’s area that are covered under the annual burn ban.

According to the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website, the EPD has imposed the ban to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations.

“During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels,” the commission states. “The Georgia EPD has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Consequently, open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties must be restricted during the summer months.”

Citizens and businesses in the affected counties are prohibited from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the burn ban season. Some actions, such as campfires and agricultural activities, are exempt from the ban. A list of exemptions can be found here.

There are alternatives to burning, such as composting and chipping. More information about alternatives can be obtained by calling 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, call EPD’s Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692.

Cherokee residents can get more information on the open burning ban by calling the EPD Mountain District Office at 478-751-6612 or the Air Protection Branch at 404-363-7000.

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