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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA014 - various information about health hazards to leaf burning CYSTIC-L archive: Leaf burning Page 1 of 1 Leaf burning Mike Heffernan (MHeffy a�IOL.COM) Mon, 2 Oct 1995 07:47:58 -0400 . Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author 1 . Next message: Henry Ryley- "Gene Therapy" . Previous message: Bill Detmer: "Tummy aches and ?overworry?" . Next in thread: Michele Harvey: "Re: Leaf burning I � t s r weele Sincerer Heffernan Eventually.we'll—win. r -_...a . Next message: Henry Ryley: "Gene Therapy" . Previous message: Bill Detmer: "Tummy aches and ?overworry?" . Next in thread: Michele Harvey: "Re: Leaf burning" »' Search O tions WebGlimose Search: ' The neighborhood of this page C" The full archive In search string, comma means "or", semicolon means "and". http://cf-web.mit.edu/cystic-1/950910/0779.htH 1/10/98 Weekly Activity Report Page 2 of 6 major source permitting requirements. CONTACT PERSON: Genevieve Damico TELEPHONE: (312) 353-4761 E-MAIL: damico.genevieve@epamail.epa.gov TITLE: Grant Awarded to Illinois American Lung Association for Public Education on Open Burning ACTION SUMMARY: A grant has been awarded to the Illinois American Lung Association to conduct an open burning public education program in the East St. Louis area. Leaf burning is allowed in communities in this area and the burning can contribute to respiratory problems. A video that discusses leaf burning has already been prepared. The current grant will incorporate the video into a comprehensive media campaign to educate the public about the health hazards of leaf burning, and emphasizing alternative disposal methods. Materials also will be distributed in schools to reinforce the message. In addition, a research project will be conducted with several area hospitals to document if open burning increases emergency room visits and hospital stays. CONTACT PERSON: Jessica Radolf TELEPHONE: (312) 886-3198 E-MAIL: Radolf.Jessica@epamail epa gov LE: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Named as EPA/Department of Transport n Nati 1 Partner ACTION S RY: On July 30, 1997, Gordon Linton, Administrator of the Fe al Transit Administration, Garvey, Acting Administrator of the Federal Highway Admi ' ration and Mary Nichols, EPA's Assis Administrator for Air and Radiation sent a letter to t isconsin DNR announcing that they had n selected as one of four local partners in the elopment of a nationwide public information 'tiative. This initiative is designed to a ore the relationships between air quality, traffic conges , and the quality of life. Over e next year, EPA will work closely with the Department of Natur esources and other gr s in Southeast Wisconsin to develop various parts of the outreach pro . The Wisco n DNR was chosen because of its strong environmental record, its earlier work on tran rtatio d air quality issues, and the relationships that the department has built with local industry ess, and the public. CONTACT PERSON: John Mooney TELEPHONE: (312) 886-6043 E-MAIL: moone .John a ama' TITLE: EPA Distrib 100,000 Copies of its "Winterize Your Lawnmo " Brochure ACTION SU RY: On September 3, 1997, EPA shipped copies of its "Winte Your Lawnmow rochure for distribution to lawn and garden equipment distributors natio 'de. This brochur as developed in 1996 and reprinted in 1997 to educate the public on how to pr ly store and intain small gasoline engines during the winter months. The brochure informs the pub n p er ways to treat gasoline and engines for long term storage, and notes the environmental bene is f properly maintaining small engines. http://www.epa.gov/reg5oair/hot/97-09-19.htm 1/10/98 WDNR- Health Hazards of Burning Leaves Page 1 of 2 WM*.,'O S M':43A .T&LENT OF- NA"I"1:II-M-'.. Rlr: OUR€,E5 The Health Hazards of Burning Leaves Now that the state recycling law prohibits sending yard waste to landfills, Wisconsin residents need to know how they can manage yard waste, including leaves and brush. �. State law currently allows people to burn small amounts of dry leaves and brush on their own property so ong as leaf burning is not prohibited by local ordinances. However, �!b The smoke generated by a large number of simultaneous leaf fires can cause significant health problems. Leaf smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat of healthy adults. But it can be much more harmful to small children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other lung or heart diseases. This is because the visible smoke from leaf fires is made up almost entirely of tiny particles that can reach deep into lung tissue and cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath--symptoms that might not occur until several days after exposure to large amounts of leaf smoke. Besides being an irritant, leaf smoke contains many hazardous chemicals, including carbon monoxide and benzo(a)pyrene. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the bloodstream and thus reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and lungs. So carbon monoxide can be very dangerous for young children with immature lungs, smokers, the elderly, and people with chronic heart or lung diseases. Benzo(a)pyrene is known to cause cancer in animals and is believed to be a major factor in lung cancer caused by cigarette smoke. It is found in cigarette smoke and coal tar as well as leaf smoke. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency studies, sometimes concentrations of air pollutants resulting from leaf burning can be so high that the air does not meet federal health standards. In fact, in some areas burning of leaves and brush sometimes causes much higher levels of air pollution than all other forms of air pollution combined (such as factories, vehicles, and lawn and garden equipment). Leaf burning can also reduce visibility, create safety hazards, cause a nuisance, soil buildings and other property, and create additional demands on local police and fire protection. Even though leaf burning may be legal in many localities, it is not a good way to dispose of fallen leaves. Instead of burning your leaves, you can: . Compost leaves and plant clippings. You can reduce the volume of leaves significantly by shredding them before composting. . Chip brush and clean wood to make mulch or decorative chips. . Use municipal collection services if available, or ask your local municipality to offer such a service or a drop-off center. [ Index 11 Search 11 DNR Home 11 Environmental Quality 11 Air i ��Open Burning l ------ http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/eq/air/openbum/bumleafhtm 1/10/98 IDNR RESPONSE TO LEAF BURNING Pagel of 4 THE FOLLOWING LETTER IS THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES-AIR QUALITY BUREAUS RESPONSE TO A GUEST COLUMN WHICH APPEARED ON DECEMBER 7, 1996, IN THE CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE CALLING FOR A REINSTATEMENT OF LEAF BURNING IN CEDAR RAPIDS To Whom it May Concern: This letter is in response to the Guest Column printed in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on December 7, 1996 regarding leaf burning. While levels of airborne particulates have dropped in Cedar Rapids since 1968, leaf burning is still a threat to health and a nuisance. There are only two monitoring locations for particulates in Linn County. Generally, monitor locations are set to monitor predicted areas of highest pollution from industrial sources or as background monitors. Outside of special study, they are generally not placed in areas predicted to have the highest residential based emissions from leaf smoke. Therefore, the impact of leaf burning on existing monitors may not be an accurate reflection of actual air quality, as areas experiencing high concentrations of leaf smoke would likely be un-monitored, and not reflect the true impact of leaf smoke on Cedar Rapids residents. Iowa's monitoring network is being updated and expanded to provide a more complete and accurate picture of Iowa's air quality. Unfortunately, relocating monitors has identified new problem areas in the state, including high air pollution levels of sulfur dioxide in Cedar Rapids that violates National Ambient Air Quality Standards. During peak periods of leaf burning, a community the size of metro Cedar Rapids is almost certain to push or violate the 24-hour clean air standards set to protect the health of residents. Leaf burning can create pollution levels several times higher than all sources of industry and vehicles combined at the neighborhood level, even in small towns. Fortunately, more is known today about the health effects of particulates than in the 1970s. Due to a tremendous body of accumulated information from various national and international medical sources, EPA proposed newer, tougher standards for particulates this November. Overwhelming http://air.linn.ia.us/hottopics/idnrleafburn.htm 1/10/98 IDNR RESPONSE TO LEAF BURNING Page 2 of 4 clinical and field evidence indicates that particulates contribute to premature mortality, hospital admissions and other respiratory illness at concentrations below the current standards. Therefore EPA proposed tougher standards, as the current standards fail to adequately protect health. There is little debate among the experts about the health effects of particulates. Your conclusion about expert scientific debate or disagreement on one issue, like complex global warming, does not mean that experts always disagree or significantly disagree on all issues. The proposed standards include keeping the current PM10 standard and a new standard for very fine particles [those with an aerometric diameter of 2.5 microns (PM 2 5)]. Such fine particulates are produced during combustion, including leaf burning. Particulate levels are not the only concern. Leaf burning emits other regulated pollutants of interest in urban areas, including carbon monoxide and various toxins. Des Moines experienced numerous carbon monoxide violations during days of leaf burning before a leaf burning ban was enacted. Carbon monoxide is of special concern to residents with heart ailments. A significant number of Iowans are particularly susceptible to air pollution caused by open burning, according to a 1982 report from a DNR forerunner, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The report stated that approximately one in every six Iowans is particularly susceptible to leaf smoke. The evidence is not just limited to studies. Before the ban was enacted in Des Moines, increased hospital admissions for respiratory conditions were correlated with periods of leaf burning. A trial burn in Cedar Rapids is not a wise policy given these known effects. Iowa's large population of seniors makes leaf burning a great concern, as the elderly are more impacted by leaf smoke and particulate pollution. Iowa has the highest population of residents over the age of 80 and ranks fourth per capita for residents of 65, according to the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs. Even healthy children can become subject to respiratory complications after prolonged exposure, as can healthy young adults who exercise out-of-doors and inhale large volumes of air. Another at-risk group are those with respiratory conditions. According to the Iowa Chapter of the American Lung Association, there are over 9,500 of your neighboring Linn County residents with chronic bronchitis and over 8,000 with acute bronchitis. Nearly 1,500 suffer from chronic emphysema http-//air.linn.ia.us/hottopies/idnrleafbum.htm 1/10/98 IDNR RESPONSE TO LEAF BURNING Page 3 of 4 and over 5,700 adults suffer from asthma. Over 3,000 children have asthma. Over 3,300 suffer from acute pneumonia and 128 from lung cancer. Leaf burning often creates smoky conditions with air pollution levels much higher than emissions from cars and industry combined, especially when autumn thermal inversions keep the smoke close to the ground. This can expose even the smallest Iowa communities to high air pollution concentrations for extended periods. Burning most often occurs during weekends or nice weather, exposing many Iowans who are out-of-doors recreating, exercising or working. The smoke is not only a health hazard, but an unpleasant nuisance, both in odor and haze. In addition, dense ground level smoke can also create low visibility and traffic/pedestrian hazards when combined with autumn sunsets occurring during evening rush hours. While you make your proposals, I think it important to note that citizens in @0111Mw and other smaller Iowa communities are looking to implement leaf burning bans to protect children and seniors with severe asthma and other ailments. It would be convenient to burn leaves. But it is also more convenient to not recycle, dump used motor oil, burn used tires, pour chemicals down the drain, avoid conservation tillage and fish and hunt without regard to regulation. However, the consequences are well known. Health standards exist to protect those needing protection the most. 'lease consider this in your decision making. If you need any additional information please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Brian Button Environmental Specialist IDNR-Air Quality Bureau 515-281-7832 http://air.linn.ia.us/hottopics/idnrleafburn.htm 1/10/98 Residential Leaf Burning Pagel of 3 EnAr*$cnse Residential Leaf Burning An Unhealthy Solution to Leaf Disposal Q: Why should I be concerned about leaf burning? A: leaf burning leads to air pollution, health problems, and fire hazards. Each autumn, homeowners across the United States rake up fallen leaves from their lawns. In the past, people routinely took leaves and other yard trimmings to landfills or relied on waste pick-up services for disposal of the leaves. Because of increasingly scarce landfill space, many State and local governments now ban leaves and other yard trimmings from landfills. With this option removed, there is a growing concern that homeowners may be tempted to burn the leaves in their yards. Q: What types of air pollutants are emitted from burning leaf piles? A: The open burning of leaves produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which contain a number of toxic, irritant, and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds. Leaf smoke also contains carbon monoxide. Q: What is particulate matter and why is it a health concern? A: The visible smoke from leaf burning is composed of tiny particles that contain a number of pollutants. If inhaled, these microscopic particles can reach the deepest regions of the lung and remain there for months or even years. Breathing particulate matter can increase the chances of respiratory infection, reduce the volume of air inhaled and impair the lungs' ability to use that air. Particulate matter can also trigger asthma attacks in some people. Q: What are hydrocarbons and why are they harmful? A: Hydrocarbons are chemicals that can exist as both gases and solid particles. Because leaves are often moist and burn without proper air circulation, they often burn poorly, producing high levels of hydrocarbons. Some of these hydrocarbons, such as aldehydes and ketones, cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. A substantial portion of the hydrocarbons in leaf smoke consists of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are known carcinogens. Q: What is carbon monoxide and what are its health effects? A: Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that results from incomplete combustion, and burning leaf piles are ideal for creating carbon monoxide emissions. Carbon monoxide is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and combines with red blood cells. This reduces the amount of oxygen the red blood cells can absorb and supply to body tissues. Unborn children, newborn infants, smokers, the elderly, and persons with heart and chronic lung disease are more susceptible to carbon monoxide than the general population. http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/leafbum.html 1/10/98 Residential Leaf Burning Page 2 of 3 Hydrocarbons Particulate Matter Carbon Monoxide COUGH! HACK! COUGH! WHEEZE! Q: Are there any other reasons homeowners should not burn leaves? A: Yes. In many communities open burning of leaves is illegal. Furthermore, the total health, financial, and environmental costs of leaf burning can be quite high. These costs include: (1) higher incidences of health problems and increased health care costs; (2) higher incidences of home and forest fires and associated property loss and need for increased fire protection; and (3) the clean-up costs associated with soiling of personal property. Q: Is there a better alternative for homeowners to dispose of their leaves? A: Yes! Composting is a safe and environmentally sound method of managing leaves and other yard trimmings. Proper composting does not cause health or fire hazards and, in fact, can be beneficial to gardens and lawns. Composting is a simple process that involves placing yard trimmings and other organic materials in a pile or bin, maintaining adequate moisture, and turning the pile periodically to mix in air. Microorganisms gradually break down the yard trimmings into a humus-like product called compost. Composting can be practical at home or at community operated compost sites. Community- wide programs are already in place in over 2,200 communities in the United States. COMPOST Q: What materials can I compost? A: It is fine to compost only leaves, but other materials such as grass clippings, manure, coffee grounds, and vegetable and fait peelings may be composted as well. Meat, grease, and dairy products should not be composted, however, because they can cause odors and attract pests. Q: What can I do with compost? A: Compost can serve many purposes in your own yard. It can be used as a mulch in flowerbeds and around shrubs, or it can be added to the garden or to potting soils as a soil conditioner. It can also be spread on lawns as a top dressing. Q: What are the benefits of composting? A: Composting is a form of recycling and helps reduce soil compaction and erosion. It helps soil retain moisture and nutrients as well as increasing soil fertility. When leaves are composted along with grass clippings, which contain nitrogen, the resulting compost can also serve as an organic fertilizer. Q: How can I learn more about composting? A: Several EPA publications are available free to the public. The Environmental Consumer's http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/leafbum.htn l 1/10/98 Residential Leaf Burning Page 3 of 3 Handbook describes how to set up a backyard compost pile. The Decision-Maker's Guide to Solid Waste Management, which is targeted at local government decision makers, contains information on composting and other solid waste management issues at the community level. These and other publications can be obtained by calling EPA's RCRA Hotline Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm EST: call toll free (800) 424-9346 or, for the hearing impaired, (800) 553-7672. Return to the top of this document. ,::. :`. Return to Fact Sheet Index *Return to Envirosense Home Page Last Updated:March 13, 1997 http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/leafburn.html 1/10/98 Untitled Pagel of THE FOLLOWING LETTER WAS PRINTED IN THE CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE,ON JANUARY 2, 1997. IT WAS WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO A GUEST COLUMN WHICH APPEARED ON DECEMBER 7, 1996 CALLING FOR A REINSTATEMENT OF LEAF BURNING IN CEDAR RAPIDS The issue of leaf burning seems to come up about every five years or so. A recent letter to the Gazette editorial page advocates the return to leaf burning days. Because this issue has the potential to adversely effect a large number of Linn County citizens I feel it is my obligation to present the other side of the story. Leaf burning is not a healthy practice. Burning leaves creates tons of very fine airborne breathable particulates, and copious amounts of carbon monoxide. Several constituents of leaf fires are carcinogenic compounds. The Iowa Department of Environmental Quality conducted studies during leaf burning periods that confirmed violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which correlated directly with increased hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses. Many of our citizens are already predisposed with existing lung problems and can ill afford any additional burdens. Leaf smoke is much like cigarette smoke in its characteristics and abilities to circumvent the bodies' defenses and reach the deepest parts of our lungs. Eventually these pollutant components break down and are transported through the circulatory system to other parts of the body, thus effecting more than just lungs. This smoke also acts synergistically with other compounds in the air to compromise even healthy respiratory and immune responses. Burning leaves costs all of us money. Several studies conclude that burning leaves and the associated problems are more costly to the public than a collection program. Costs for burning can add up fast when you consider that the Cedar Rapids Fire Department made over 100 fire calls attributed to leaf burning, the last year burning periods were allowed. This takes valuable resources out of service instead of supplying more critical response protection. Other costs include personal property damage due to errant burning, street and curbing damage from burning in the streets, health care costs, work loss time, insurance claims, etc. When comparing costs, burning bans are one of the most cost effective methods to control air pollution. The money spent on the burning ban would not be enough to pay for one major air pollution control device required for a large industrial source, yet tons and tons of pollutants are kept from our air because of the burning ban. Burning leaves within Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Marion is illegal. It's in violation of http://air.]inn.la.us/hottopics/gdsleafbum.htm 1/10/98 Untitled Page 2 of 3 the local county code, the state of Iowa rules and federal law as well. After studies conducted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) confirmed that leaf burning actually produced air quality violations of the NAAQS, the IDNR incorporated language in the state code to forbid this type of pollution in the states largest metropolitan areas of Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Cedar Rapids. This over all strategy was incorporated into Iowa's State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP in turn is approved and placed into federal law by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) and published in the Code Of Federal Regulations (CFR). The EPA did not grant any variance allowance in the SIP and with the existing data as it relates to leaf burning and the NAAQS, they are not likely to change their minds. This SIP arrangement makes leaf burning in Cedar Rapids a violation of federal law subject to federal sanctions, such as, loss of funding on highway projects and other federal grants. It would not be a good fiscal idea to jeopardize any federal funding to our area. Now the EPA is in the process of changing the NAAQS to a standard which measures only very small airborne particles, those which are less than 2.5 microns. This standard will target particulate in the same size range as leaf smoke particles and vows to be restrictive to small particle sources. In the early 1970's the Cedar Rapids area had violations of the particulate NAAQS and based on those violations EPA classified the area as non-attainment. The implications of a non-attainment designation has far reaching effects-including economic factors. Because of the additional pollution control requirements mandated for non-attainment areas, many industries simply choose to locate elsewhere. During our non-attainment era, we lost a proposed new Caterpillar plant to the Cedar Rapids area, due in part to this problem. Ask any of our excellent economic development people with the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, if it makes any sense to jeopardize our current attainment status with the NAAQS for the questionable cause of burning leaves, because it's convenient. Because of the above reasons, we at the Linn County Health Department feel the reinstating of leaf burning an unwise pursuit. We support ideas to improve our leaf pickup efforts and make this problem easier to deal with for the citizens of the metro area. I would be more than happy to meet with our city officials and/or others to discuss improvements that would not be detrimental to the environment. Gregory D. Slager Supervisor Air Quality Division Linn County Health Department http-//air.linn.1a.us/hottopics/gdsleafbum.htm 1/10/98 Pagel of 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Holly Johnson, (715) 346-2793 SEVERAL OPTIONS EXIST FOR MANAGING LEAVES (MADISON) - Several options exist for people looking for ways to dispose of leaves this fall. "State law now bans leaves and other types of yard waste from landfills and burning facilities, " explains Holly Johnson, University of Wisconsin-Extension waste reduction and management specialist. Options for leaf management include allowing leaves to remain on the lawn, using leaves as a mulch or for composting, giving leaves to other people who can use them, or participating in a program sponsored by a municipality or commercial business. Smaller quantities of leaves can be left on the lawn if they are mulched down below the top of the grass either with a mulching mower or a regular mower retrofitted with a mulching blade. "Mulching is accomplished by cutting or shredding the leaves into very fine fragments, small enough to sink between grass blades and reach the soil, " Johnson explains. Leaves can be mulched into the lawn several times during the fall, especially after the last mowing, which is usually done when the average temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. "Leaves make an excellent mulch for use in gardens and landscape plantings, " Johnson adds. "On a weight basis, most tree leaves contain twice the mineral content of manure, " she adds. As leaves decompose, they add small amounts of nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure. Whole or shredded leaves can be placed in a loose ring up to six inches deep around trees and shrubs. "Avoid direct contact with tree trunks to discourage fungal rot and rodent gnawing, " adds Johnson. Whole or shredded leaves also can be placed on top of garden soil in the fall and left until spring. Depending on the amount of decomposition that has occurred, they may need to be incorporated into the soil in the spring. Leaves make a good addition to compost piles because of their plant nutrient value and high fiber content. Leaves can be composted successfully by following a few simple guidelines. Shredding is not required but is recommended for speeding decomposition and making leaves easier to handle. "Materials rich in nitrogen should be added to the compost pile because leaves are difficult to compost alone with their high carbon content. Sources of nitrogen include manure, grass clippings, bone meal and garden debris. Compost piles should be moistened periodically with water to keep them spongy moist in order to aid decomposition. A number of municipalities in Wisconsin have created organized leaf exchanges. "In some communities, property owners may be looking for leaves to use in large gardens, orchards or on farmland, " Johnson explains. "In addition, leaf exchanges could be initiated on a small, more informal basis in neighborhoods, workplaces and community centers. " People should check with their municipality to determine if http://www.uwex.edu/ces/news/releases/cn9709ff.htm 1/10/98 Page 2 of 2 z there are any local ordinances governing composting or landspreading activities. Many larger communities and haulers have developed yard waste collection programs for residents and businesses. "Yard waste is collected at drop-off sites or through curb-side pick-up progr "The collected material is managed at compost sites or properties where it is spre fields. " For information on community or commercially sponsored collection programs, contact the recycling coordinator for your municipality. For more information on backyard composting methods or handling fall leaves, contact your County Extension office. (AGENTS, IF YOU NEED MORE COPIES OF HOLLY'S FACT SHEETS, "OPTIONS FOR MANAGING LEAVES, " 125.HJ.9309, AND "COMMON BACKYARD COMPOSTING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, 125.HJ.9506, GIVE HER A CALL. THEY ARE FREE. ) FTP Site: CN9709.WP5 File Name: Recycling http://www.uwex.edu/ces/news/releases/cn9709ff htm 1/10/98 Yard Trash Page 1 of 1 Yard Trash Florida law prohibits disposal of pine needles, leaves, grass clippings and plant trimmings in lined landfills. Instead, yard trash is usually placed at curbside and collected separately from the rest of our garbage for municipal disposal by burning, composting, or burial in an unlined landfill. Much of this yard trash can be recycled on-site as mulch. On-site use of yard trash offers the advantage of retaining in your landscape the nutrients found in yard trash. On-site is also more efficient and may help save tax dollars otherwise spent in transporting and disposing of the yard trash. Pine needles, leaves and grass clippings can each be used alone as a mulch or in combination. Of the three, pine needles are the best mulching material. They are attractive, not easily removed from beds by wind or rain, and don't "mat down" excessively. However, they don't last more than 6 months due to rapid decomposition. Leaves can be used alone as a mulch but tend to blow away in windy locations and are easily washed from beds during heavy rain showers. Leaves do best as a mulching material when they are shredded. Grass clippings are the least desirable mulching material. They are easily transported by the wind, decompose very rapidly, and pack down to form a mat that can exclude air and water from the root zone. They should be spread thinly over the ground, mixed with other mulching materials or, better yet, composted with other yard waste. Plant trimmings such as twigs and small branches should be shredded before they are used as a mulch. A mechanical chipper/shredder is needed for this process. Yard trash is readily available in many landscapes and thus is a very inexpensive source of mulch. However, there is some reluctance to use it because it is not as attractive as some commercial mulch materials. This problem can be overcome by adding a thin layer of a more uniform mulch over the yard trash. Some people also worry that weed seed may be gathered with yard trash and then distributed with the mulch. If this is a concern, yard trash may be partially composted. In the composting process, the compost pile heats and inactivates most weed seed. However, after partially composting yard trash, use only the particles larger than 1.5 inches for mulch. Yard trash breaks down during composting, and the use of smaller particles as mulch could smother roots of landscape plants by reducing soil aeration. i ...................................... F-@(3 it iiFA1:t[:9�€ A,Bo6 F. m1.. :".-A VvE Y : :FAIRS E, —1:10 .V -.1 t3-- PRINT Tl I ENTIRE 17O.UINENT Print or view a fully-formatted PDF version of this document using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 3.0, available here.This version is required for new and revised PDF files. GO T'O .1OP OF DOCUMENT http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/txt/fairs/10432 1/10/98 Solid Waste Management Division: Leaf Collection Pagel of 4 Solid Waste Management Division Leaf Collection - Fall 1997 - Spring 1998 Iff'Vacuum Service Leaf Burning/Zone Map Bagged Leaves Transfer Stations Leaf Burning Tax Relief Recipients Collection Schedule Request for Services Vacuum Service The leaf vacuum program is available year-round to all county residents for a fee of$50 per visit. Residents may schedule their own pick-up time on a first-come basis. The $50 fee must be paid in advance prior to scheduling. Service also is available two times a year at a reduced fee of $38 per visit provided residents adhere to the county's published schedule for service. To receive the lower cost service you must make your request prior to the request deadline for your zone. Call 768-7890 before the deadline for your zone to be placed on the collection list. All leaves must be curbside by the start date for your zone. Service will be performed within three weeks after the start date for your particular zone. You will be billed after service has been performed. By state law, the county is unable to offer a reduced rate for the elderly or handicapped (please refer to tax relief recipient information). Leaves must be raked to the edge of the road. County crews cannot come onto private property to perform service. NOTE: DO NOT BLOCK ROADSIDE DRAINAGE DITCHES. In order to prevent damage to the equipment, keep leaves free of rocks, twigs, trash and debris. Contents Bagged Leaves http://www.co.chesterfield.va.us/ManagementServices/General Services/leaf.htm 1/10/98 Solid Waste Management Division: Leaf Collection Page 2 of 4 Residents are urged to use biodegradable paper bags. These bags may be processed with the leaves. If plastic bags are used, leaves must be removed from the bags by county workers and disposed of separately. This process is time consuming and wasteful. Paper leaf collection bags are available at hardware stores and home centers. Chesterfield County will collect bagged leaves for 50 cents per bag. Residents must purchase yard waste tags and place a tag on each bag of leaves. Bag size must not be greater than 40 gallons and the bag must be closed and tied at the top. Residents may purchase yard waste tags at the County Treasurer's Office or by mail using the order forms available at the county libraries. If you reside in the NO BURNING AREA, your leaves will be collected according to the schedule shown on the map. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing of tags. Please call 768-7890 before the deadline for your zone in order to be put on the collection list. Have your bagged leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. on the scheduled start date for your zone. Your leaves will be picked up as quickly as possible after that date. If you live in an unshaded map area, call 768-7890 by Wednesday and you will be scheduled to have your leaves collected the following week. The purchase of tags does not automatically schedule service. You must call or mail a request form to schedule the service. Contents Leaf Burning Leaf burning is prohibited at all times in the shaded areas (see map). For information on leaf burning regulations, call the Fire Marshall at 748-1426. Contents 1997 - 98 Collection Schedule See Map) Zone Start Date Request Deadline Zones 3,4,5,6,7,8 Dec. 1 Nov. 20 March 30 March 25 Zone 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 1 April 6 April 1 Zone 2 Dec. 15 Dec. 9 April 13 April 8 .Contents http://www.co.chesterfield.va.us/ManagementServices/GeneralServices/leaf.htm 1/10/98 Solid Waste Management Division: Leaf L o;,e_ on Page 3 of 4 Transfer Stations If you choose, you may take your leaves to the county's Northern Area Transfer Station on Warbro Road near Southside Speedway, or to the Southern Area Transfer Station on Landfill Road off Rt. 10 behind Virginia Power. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Residents who do not have a landfill decal or pass will be charged $3 per trip. Call 748- 1297 for more information. A,..Contents Tax Relief Recipients If your application for real estate tax relief has been approved for the current year, you may obtain vacuum service at no charge during the collection schedule dates of your zone. Be sure to provide this information when requesting the service. Call the Commissioner of Revenue at 748-1281 for more information regarding the Tax Relief Program. .Contents Request for Services You may request leaf collection or order your yard waste tags by mail, FAX (804) 748- 3032, e-mail. There are two leaf vacuum services available. To receive the lower cost service you must make your request prior to the request deadline for your zone. After the deadline, only the prepaid service at $50 is available. It is very important that you provide a telephone number where you may be reached during the day. Be sure to mail your request 10 days in advance of the deadline for your zone. If using e-mail or faxing request, for the $50 pre-paid service, please mail payment*to: Provide your name, address, phone number and the type of service requested. Chesterfield County Solid Waste Management Division P.O. Box 290 Chesterfield, VA 23832-0290 *make checks payable to: Treasurer, Chesterfield County Payments for the $50 pre-paid service must follow e-mail or fax requests. The Solid Waste Management Division will contact you within five working days to confirm payment receipt. Contents http:Hwww.co.chesterfield.va.us/ManagementServices/GeneralServices/leaf.htm 1/10/98 12208 Quebec Cir . Ames, IA 50014 December a, 1994 Neighborhood Concerns : L did not get involved sooner in the recent debate about banning leaf burning in Ames because I mistakenly assumed that Ames was forward- looking enough to have the sense to create such ;-a ban. Consideratiall is given these days to many types of physically challenged tzitizens . such consideration Should also be given those with sensitive lungs. Consideration is given these days to issues which affect the healthy environment of everyone ; such consideratiol-I should 'U-e given to the health hazard to everyone caused by the residi-te from leaf burning. Ames is the type of Community that shouid be a leaden ; we should not wait for other governmental bodies to make laws on this issue based on intorination that we aiready know. Like MOE t ph:/s ica I problems. sensitive lungs. asthma, etc. are not understood by those without the problem. 1 have a very athletic child who looks as physically fit as can be and loves physical exertion. Catch him in the right moment or PAt .Ysi� hcal activity and You would never guess that he is, in a Sense. handicapped. Nevertheless, he is a5tt1matic ; leaf burning and related pollutants don' t just make him short or breath, they also l -iterally make his chest hurt. These symptoms start before an ordinary person would even be aware Or " Pat Smoke in the air . It is sad for a yoi-Ingstef tc-j s inside ( only a partial solution because no house is. or shcutld be . air tight ., anji, t:)r require medication because s C,rr I ee ,Z�it. _-ens feet it is their right to burn leaves. Keep in mind the fact that lea) Smoke ;is unnealthy for everyone ! he recent epidemic of burglaries is not receiving the at tion that might help stop it. By word of mouth, ef- t h our ramily hears . 41 fig about many houses lei '0,0, r�-e f -n broken into. ma)-'Y people may not hear about t e b.-e a k i n s at all . Everyot needs `.:) hear about them ( and be encouraged to help L ', out for suspic4p 5 activity in his/her neighborhood an -y' r '- M J -I lice of same. 1 have talked with the police who m agree that publicity and the assistance cif the citji4 ips. but they also say that is up to the media to de wh- to print . The TI- ibune seems to think they e been covering e issue fairly adequately. I di ree . I would like to big coverage on every incident nd publicity about the fact _ 1*._ ( ac cr)r d i n g, to the pol , themselves) arrests have been made 0 the burciar continue, an unusual situation for Ames . 11. we hav _aAled about SUSPiciOus cars Siciwly circling the .1 a".borhood '-he police have responded verY quickly. Ma:"UQ_a We need relief from burn r leaves not� nQt more of it To the editor: Jute our air with the additional burning of yard. I gun concerned about the remark City waste?J#is toxic and damaging to everyone, Councilman John Parks trade about extending the nly those w th-medical problems.Antes is supposed to open-burning season.He spud: "I'nt trying to give be a well-educated and progressive city. I can't imag- People some relief from circumstances beyond their ine our city leaders allowing something that would control." The people that need relief are those that have Potentially endanger People's health and lives. Tlierram.WtCmatives to waste n es medical problems that are aggravated by smoke 01- a yard waste site an unacceptable w ste can he s tutants in the air. People with asthma have a poten- taken to the dump.There are also free days for which tially life-threatening situation vviih smoke pollution. there is no cost to do this.I realize that it is easier to Their bronchial airways erase and they can't breathe, rake and burn-your yard waste in your own . Other people with chemical sensitivities and allergies Easier is not always the wi .Care about yard. sest decision have reactions to the smoke.Also, we need to think �ttttr neighbor,someday it might be you or your . about the elderly and small children They are at risk loved ones who need relief from smoke in the air. and may not be able to avoid their neighbor's burn- Stand up and be counted. Please attend Tuesday's ing. if the wind is right, the smoke even Permeates City Council meeting or contact City Council mem- our homes and there is no way to get away from it, Hers and say "no"to yard-waste burnin especially for shut-ins. Mariam Robbins g. Since we now know the danger of second-hand 3807 Minnetonka Ave. stroke from cigarette smoke: why do we want to Poli acmes ABURNIN G. ISSUE e ofleQsay- , a r r health- issue N To the editor. bronchitis a In April,I contacted Dr.Edward In refcrajvc to three letters.("IL's a people sq gt inns G.Massif,who specializes in allergy, burning issue,"Sept- 7j concerning levels of Hit lltttion produced by : pediatric and pulmonary medicine at. the open burning ofteaves: opera burnjp;' esG arc people that t�kFarland Clinic:He agreed to write These writers scorned to be mostly end up in cn err ency rooms.This has a tart on the open burning of -concerned about how to continue: happana:d to-ate and it is hell not leaves.He has given his pcnDissitin burning:I was surprised that not one knowing if you see going tv get for The Tribune to publish his_m7ort. of time writers.referred to the many anodicr hrrath bfair_It's rill fdovs Stan i,asseg rd people who art asthmatics,people.. that people have to leave Ili&borne 4103 Quebec who have heart discase,..pcoglc with to wait foF the air to clear. Ames r The h e- d1th effect of,open butrung of leaves The burning of leaves contributes large amounts of carbon.monoxides production in urbanized areas is leaf particulate matter to air pollution.In.a study from burning alai its set additional problem to the. ux Illinois,the burning of re oak leavr s was noted to unit res,plm.WW.#set ind for-c"ovascular patierus that has 44 94 pounds of particalatei 135 pounds of carbon n whox -to be coped with tan afleaYes idc,and 33 pounds of'hydroea�rbon.per Thexc nar`satlicictjt data'to state that open leaf burning burned.$ighty-five parent of tl►e partsiCulates ware very does coij[rnbtjtc in sitfficiajt quantity,pollutants that small in sin,leas than o.6 rdiW and AS A tau ft were be injurious to ho bul=respiratory tract and Ocam able to be inhaled into the t o �,'�heaj out 106k at,Air ;one heeds to think dttpaa . ._ These areas of the Iur► 4 sit?t have the Mary abaui rile pog012daif tbdac is exposed,.in this caw those that are; a sensitive such as young childmi,older, mecharsism lei-clear tijia[�na-terial,'a�tlijsaaiattxfaI ss$ ; result maybe absarbe�cause various health cffects. patiextfi, those patients- cardiopulmonary Soma of the hcaltl'i;Hoots of thew particulates are proble�a aril also ttie amount that they am going to be going to be ore obvious in patients who are more exposed to which can depend.on the atmosphctic sn susceptible;such as young children less than IQ years of inversions and the times of the wc&.whe O the-burning is ago,older patients greater than.60 years of ages,and in. . being done{usually weekrnda}.Contributing to the asthmatics,patients with heart dise$se,patients with sgni the fact that tyre is greater eapoaurc to ,j bronchitis and cwr pbysema.The hydrocarbons that arc other air pollution from autamobilea,industrial pollu emitted arc carcinogens.or caner-causing,cgpe_iaOy� - Lion,cigarette smoke and the fact that most of us live in tobacco smokers.The carrion nxmoxide is absorbed into. turban areas: the blood strewn and increases thc:cwboaybc_rw9labiu If cone roasts to look xE the tconomia,iaspacf of leaf which,as a result,decreases the amount of hcrno00bid burning'which would include health-care coats,several that carries oxygom and ibis would bt a psvblcm for studios have,been done.that leave shown that money can: persons who already-have a high carbon r maoxide level be saved by collecting arose leaves Insttad of open loaf, such as strwkcrs,those with cari3io'.tmonary protilttrs�, btirttizsg,'I'ha c®st��commtlnity whc�it affects the and in asthmatic children,pregnant women and infants,, healtli'af otir children and our elders and those that are In a study from the"Iowa Health DaW thaf.was ate *htady'fighting for air cannot be measured in dollars_:: in Des Moines,hospitall admissions forIrespiratory ':What cpst is one to place op asthmatics Who can't breath distress showed a very positive carrclation with air` an weekends when leaf burning is prevalent and end up quality violations caaaed by open leaf burnir g lq7 estx*xgcocy roo"slab posmbk hospitalizations-and Data obtained from the Americ Lung Assocaatiott'of scfjooi inisHaci The grcaL coati rcTaGng to health cannot Iowa shows 15 percent=of.tbe poguiatroco sa su�t� -ksa.vVued in rnanctar}t a[3 these sl utti receive: to dange�us levels of air paIlutiotj produced by _: rite$realest consideration in the decision to ban open leaf burning-.Carcinogens such as larrjzo-raj pyres Iffy `leaf burning. - leaf homing can contrilinte to respiratory tract tang. Edward G.Nass�f,MD and several of these c=bwgens are released by open AHergy,Pediatric Pa otysry leaf burning.As n=boned earlier,a major sour - McFarland Clinic- Didtheearly sMers raKelea%Ts What would happen,it we didn't paelcthem up? lawns$- `" $ Should--we dare if they ruin our " R§ # lawns? 8 Does it make my sense at all to rake them,mow theca 0 b1w them away I have vW doubts y Nw� 00 1 there,I say.Let na- � k y - ture y w The neighbors might;not agree, es- Mar- C pecially when nature blows somebody elm's leaves onto their property. HANSEN Dave Bair,s Waste management ad- ministrator for the city,says leaves -- --— :F jairuned ti to a bag and left an the curb F end up at a composting site at South- Did earl. Se�t�eis east ll and Hamlet atop the old city jJ, T la About 50 percent of that is re- eeVS trieved by the public,which collects the mulch for flower beds and gar- dens,which seen s like a slightly inef- lying into the f?es Moines air- ficient press.We gather them,bag Port,you gaze upon the gently them,have them hauled away only to roWng terrain below,and what go get there again and put them back do you see,other than the arebitectur- in another form?Why not eliminate al splendor of the Target store on the middle person altogether and emn- Fleue post them ourselves? You see trees,trees and more trees. 1 -"1 like to.take a lawn mower and It looks like an urban forest down compost in place,"says Paul Wray,an there.Clinging to those trees for much Iowa State Extension forester. "Just of the year are leaves, leaves and start at the outer edge and blow every- more leaves. thing in around me.By next fall it's all Enough leaves to fill thousands of { worked irkto soil. Another option, if those brown paper bags that line the ! you have a lot of leaves,is to put them 1 curbside during football season[. in a compost pile and use them as E Enough leaves to provide mulch for toulch.It beats raking and bsong." the masses. Better yet,why not.just leave them Des Moines processes 21,000 tons of there to begin with? yard waste a year. About a third of Mark Vitosh;also of the Iowa State forestry Extension, says turf and One basic Question _ trees makefor bad dance partners. "What you have when the leaves about leaf-harvesting, fall, Vitosh says, 'is a tree giving Are W@ nuts or What back to land.It's a natural recycling process. There are nutrients in the :!! leaves that can eventually be picked that is leaves,Try to imagine a 7,000- back up by the trees.But because the ton leaf pile turf is there,they aren't as much bene- I can't either,but it,must be the size fit,Less grass fs b!etwr for trees,that's of Altoona the b tto�ffi,*." - ( When Iowa was settle ;18 percent And less leaves are better for grate. of the land was forest.Now the num- Turf experts say that;.leaves, when ber is six.sdu,you'd never know it to hick and heavy, add_ to a lawn's look down from an airplane or out at *atch-ad.promote+disease-Alayer of the curb. Wet lea' can ltdll a lawn. Every fall it's the same routine.The `whet you look at a natural for- leaves float.to the,ground and we est;"Vf h says,"M> of the grass is scoop thei up slavishly,only to start on the edges,not within the canopy.., over again a Year later. If you want Moth, in other words, One basic question:Are we nuts or you'd better grab that rake or crank What? up that mower. "Society as a whole wA fevr more auxillary questions: likes that dice landscaped look,".Vi- t -.!Nrc►ae?They nosh says. "Society as a whole created } itt8 the image of nicely kept Yards with rain or 12 iodic§o€smiw, well-trimmed grass." Would there be a run on missing _; dtroMI-think we'd all be better household pets if we didn't tidy up off-If.society as a whole minded its everyfall? t business, is this annual leaf-ham--Aft cere- mony merely some kind of bizarre cul- LETTER Questions about: Cie To the:etlFtrlt Y .Corneal, leaf burning I would like to express my fe iingsxc�nre t} _C y ��j Cvuncii s z 40 for a partial ban on leafburniug Y 1' hat the City council voted HOC 15 d�}��Ii What plan did tha city Pass'!The Fttr.at newspaper wrote . that this is a par#ia ban that would strike a cr; that will let:the polluters to continue to burn mprornise between burricts and theca who suffer front Frcaith when they pigpnall.}y burn and not let them barn problems due;tb smoke.Isn't thrs fair?W,, ,ell,what the-City when they IIOrfial y{1Q not burnt. This, is a Council voted for ij a plan that vvia le.the polluters continue to burn when they nortrmfFy btrrrr and not let them clew victory foe the polluters,.,and the people buret when they normal!ly do not:bum-Thiswith health problems grit a sliver of nothing. victory tear the lmllutm.and theopl e is a clear peOFto with Ftcalth prabdcros got a sli%lcr of nothing. �. Councilman Jo}m Parks said:"Ijust don't think there's safShouldn'c#hn�tci an air?uncfl beconce th e about fire strong public support for(A ban)."I believe Ghat he is saying iw Since there isn't s6n S btrrrttngavr.in the neighborl4>od even though there was S uppart rof ahan,let the a fairly s wiun t would gut s�that on same gexxl burners pollute the air at the e. xpensc vt`t6cisc that want to breathe-c3cau air burning days wc probably have ixxjre than fins in s bumut clae same time. Why do you drink the tVlar3y years ago, �LrrV Greeley Medical Center.end Ames City Council is not cuncrrnI atwuf the quality of McFarland Clinic banned�tt�lting S�rrreone rnaile a in wish I kttw. r you T=that it was ilia ode anal"thing u>do.What do i belie4a tt,wav Csty Councilman Ted Tedesco who said you mean''I mean it was decided that k who want to state m federal law wiilprobably ban burning within a few dam,... breathe clean air took precedence over thane that pollute yeas,What da ye}u inakc of that'?I guess he means:Let'g air.No therc are many places where stroking is banned pollute the airunti even l they make us scup. — e1lcDonatd's. L5n't there a group that rueets at Mary Greeley that is to called the Chr tic Obstructive Puirnonary Disease support Didn't the City Council indicate that it would check see what other cities are duirtC,concerning burning,and-if' 'group?Yes,maybe someone front the City CounciF could burning is banned,Frc>w they help€hs residents get rid of . explain to them how this burning ban is a coinprornise leaves and other yard waste`.'Yes,I am sure I heard plan sotttet}tjng to tlrnt effect.In fact,I did a study Of my own.I By the way,what happens if svrriecMe,on a had burning was Vigiting my brother in Fremont,Neb.,and he said the'y weekend,goes to the emergency ward anti dies?Could the.''. of not allow harttinb. I thought I would write and fiW out city be sued foz wrongful death?Gee,I don't kntjw a thing what they do for the re-sidents.fite-mont'hae_Ftacd aburet tirg about the law,but the City Council is allowing open v ban sire 1984. F was advised that k 4lftac uta has h sd,c --)MMing with the fail knowledge of the.haiards to peulile's State law harming burning for many'years''Worthington l3ea}tlt.CotiFef-ha n -ict'doe.Y Have a plan to fielp msidents.Whatalurirt:citi s pI ' hope itdoesn't. a y the Way,my wife get,-rMd As hell when we are out Iowa?Mo,�t:Of us know that.burning isb nacd-in Nfur,ikin Moincsi West Des Moines,Urbantin#r,Clive Windso Cca���m the:huugc,Thy tcaves�l�v4ne attFt all t�ts �and I have jj Heights and Pleasant Hilt.That wa4 recently published.. a�cdd:instt7t to injury,slit tixs to brcacho tttc FFrrt�e�wand t_� Also,burning is hanned in Waterloo,_Cedar Rapids,Iowa S it d City and Settencorf.They have:plans that help the 41.03 Quebec Ave. residents. Ames LETTERS ' We get the govemment we ,deserve To the editor: The Daily Tribune's ThanLRgiving Day editorial stattxi "We give thanks that we have a City Council we may Idon't ulnderstand how anyone:other disagree with but have faith id"helped focus my thoughts..- . than 1he tmiinally optimistic could Your statement typifies a significant problem we.have- in Ames—support for our government wMout much real .:_gIr Can unqualified endorsement of understanding or discussion of substage, faith`.u1 our.City Council. I believe the faith you may have in our City Council could better be characterized as blind faith.After my attempt the past two yews to contribute to better govern- referred to city attorney John Klaus,to explain whether an} ment in Ames,I don't understand how anyone other that .:laws may have been violated.Surely we can do better than the terminally optimistic could give an unqualified this. endorsement of faith in our City Council. I am appalled at the lack of citizen interest in good I am appalled at how we spend our money in Aims_.Far government in Ares.Sometimes I reflect on why we have too much is bung spent in blind pursuit of economic this disinterest.Various possribilitics corm to mine!;the development and growth..We can spend S218,0W on a disinformation distributed by the city;our disenfranchise- clocktower in Campustown,-yet when it appears the. _uxnt;our busy lives,our sel€-absorption;an'inability to residents of growing,southwest Ames may be without a connect events in Ames with'bibider national and grate sorely needs d park,we go running off to the state to beg developmenu.But the beat explanation simply may be that for$150,000 in Resource];nhancement and Protection we.are so affluent that we just don't have to care., , funds,ostensibly in part on the basis that no funds for a For som.tinme I've been thinking of suggesting that we park arc budgeted. change our city`s motto to"We deserve it all." I am appalled at bow the few elected officials and Whatever the reason for the lack of interest in good citizens who attempt to raise questions of substance are . government,it has led to a situation where blind support treated—as naysayers,as misguided souls who would not for econo.n is development and growth has corm to so raise such questions if they"really"understood and predominaic our agenda that the few of us wishing to - "really"had the best interests of Ames at heart. seriousIv discuss matters are treated as malaria-beiring The Daily Tribune was taken in by this scam in its mosquitoes --read that naysayers--who must be_ Business Times feature on Kcith Hull,pmAdent of Amax _ swatted. -. Youth Sports Complex,Inc.,("Issues outside of work can _&onomic�dcvck-j&rent and ttrowth have c:OM to so be a juggling art,"Nov.29)where your writer says Huts predominate our agenda that we can't even ffictoly has been"wonting to convince mysayers that the complex - rmso ve a relatively low-cost issue such as leaf bursting is sorely needed"I believe The Daily Tribune owes its i e uncontested ctndcnce tFia' uminn is a readers an apology. Serious health risk to causes v of The City Council recently approved leasing city land for dl's ence to others. the youth sports complex—despite any real evidence that nc cx my,recurring thoughts is that in the United the project has dtebroad base of public support needed[a States we get the kind of govmmnent we.dcscn e.If we privately raise the$1.45 million that supporters apparently citizens of Aims do not demand better government,we have set as their goal. don't deserve it--and we certainly aren't going to get it: I am appalled at how questions concerning the ride Merlin Pfannknch quacy of our governmental process;are dealt with.!repeat- 1424 Kellogg Ave. eddy,elected officials' befuddled looks and statements are Ames To the editort done privately,e, ci ltt with Tbero are some things that.amd pickup trucks. to be conslderrd concerring yard Soirte idea, fir a-ang[u-a ees art: waste and leaves for Aisles. 8 Shreddirg with•a rn�iwcr. Eventually the will he no After orre or several passes this cast burning of leaves"due to air quality msult in a powder that Melts into a needs.so we s.1jould bats tIli, lse attlty law r a rr1 results a beautiful practice now, `la.wn.It looks ugly at first;but it Some wwnt to use a wire bir,or does ivory Some.tsittogen from similar container in which to lSfTM, aged manure helps tr y: leaves,but this still pwduces.some ■ ShrcddinZ with a s�iM-al ne smoke.Btuming destroys the hu ss unit.This is similar to inowing, - value of leaves;which in the day of a Mulching in vegetable depleted soil is stimctlting,of a gardens and ftowerbeds.This is an crime. easy way to keep the weeds under The beat way to batu3le this may control,hold valuable moisture snit be in practice in Des Moines keep die ground soft underfoot Because of the huge amount of w6iie nunimizing rrnsddiwls.It leaves and the haze groblerm costs less than ether soil condition. burning would cease;--anti the. crs.W, hen-left an the garden it new laws keeping this out of provides goad cover and eventually tandrMs -�Des Moines emphasizes becomes soit local use The Master Gardeners Jr A shredder may be used to dcz>Vn&afe by exattsple.This is reduce the volume for transporting. done in:Ames but not nearly as This also allDws for faster rotting, much as it could be.-.There are some Dle;Cnding on the circumstances.it who already shrcd.and Compost but taay b.e less-useful as groundcover. have more than they can handle.So Dayton Heins we need-to distribute tho extra to 404 Garden Read those who can use it.'Ibis can be Aisles ettygn, , D1n 7 abut bag s !T he wrong tiara �to handle leaves and be given lawn trash i8_0 p� m aff to the away by the pickup-load. landfill and`d And that s the way Des Moines is hats- ump' them'thereby shortening the life of the Itandflll antf wash dlirtg matter.Gripes about the durabili- lt� a natural resource. The only thing ty °f Ie�tf are-Peetty, picky$ >x -- Worse L5 bumingi whkh fouls the air with ppintless. carbon Mnoxide,nitrogen o'?ddes and par- C't be bc>tlt durable-�. 1 degradable and as deep `,the lungs bulky-: F astie. That the big, and CW Cause MISM61e health;I%erns. kY papelr-b cw t be exl � to The right way 3s to Co t the.dead sea`ve as open nci mod,buh tcepts. leaves and and. im,ilr vegetation, Ilea�' raay week withotatl �PPIY next PliS year's yard compost heap c8t 't. r can .. _. to # Y ' The ov they rt left afttit%g . ow fro ht p sbould tfe in.a Puddle outside for clays befoe the put In degradable bggs which,+can: be trvek I up at the c rbr;U .ham to,a site Handling Of lawn-wastes is one of the mountain of r cOMPostiftby the city. The sanaff dregs Des Metes d right. it ain't per- cwppst that rgsultt ca feet,but it ain't broke.