FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            Media Contact:

June 8, 2004                                                                           Art Williams, Director

            574-6000

 

Air Pollution Control District Warns of Public Health Concern from
Illegal Open Burning of Storm-Damaged Trees

 

Louisville, (June 7, 2004) - In response to an increasing number of questions and reports of open burning of storm-damaged trees across Louisville Metro, the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is trying to get the word out about alternatives to burning downed limbs and debris.

 

Open burning is illegal because of the potential danger of uncontrolled fires. In addition, open burning has the potential of contributing to unhealthy ozone levels, particularly during ozone season this summer. APCD is encouraging citizens to use safe and legal alternatives to burning. An alternative such as chipping and composting of damaged trees contributes to cleaner air by reducing air pollution. High levels of ozone are a serious health concern both for healthy adults and for sensitive people, particularly the elderly, young children and those with asthma or other respiratory ailments.

 

According to APCD Director, Art Williams, “I’ve witnessed the severity of the storms and the extensive damage across the community. I ask that anyone with storm-damaged trees take advantage of alternatives for getting rid of limbs and other debris, such as free drop-off services and weekly yard waste pick-up being provided by Metro government.”

 

Options available to the public are:

·        Jefferson County residents may drop-off of limbs and debris at the Solid Waste Management center at 600 Meriweather Avenue until Saturday, June 14, 2004. No vehicles larger than pick-ups or commercial contractors will be allowed to use the free drop-off service. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

·        Residents in the urban service district can bundle limbs less than 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet long for regular yard waste collection days. Citizens may contact MetroCall for assistance at 574-5000 (TDD users 502.574.4091), or just dial 311.

·        Additionally, a fee-based drop-off service for composting and chipping is available at Waste Management’s Landfill Facility at 2673 Outer Loop. For details call, 966-0272. Residents with private waste contractors may also arrange for special pick-ups.

 

APCD offers more detailed information and regulations on-line at its website, www.apcd.org.

 

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