HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Letter dated January 22, 1998 from DNR on leaf burning 01.22/98 15:52 I DNR y 9151566�2060 NO.005 D02
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STATE OF
+ TERRY E.6RANSTAD.GavrRNOR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
LARRY J.WILSON_01REGTOR
January 22, 1998 -
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Dear Ames City Council and Mayor Tedesco: JAN 2 3 1998
CITY CLERK
Thank you for your interest concerning leaf burning. CITY Cf AMES,(04VA
Open burning is a poor method of combustion. Leaf fires fail to obtain adequate oxygen and
therefore release large amounts of carbon monoxide and particulates(soots),
DNR is often asked to monitor communities to measure leaf smoke. Scientific monitoring is
expensive and requires considerable resources to meet complex federal criteria for appropriate
siting. Monitoring leaf smoke is difficult as the smoke originates from many sources across entire
towns—unlike industrial "point"sources that emit from a known location. It is extremely difficult
to pinpoint neighborhoods with the highest smoke levels.
For leaf smoke,the expensive pursuit of monitored data may not be necessary. In Des Moines
years ago,hospital admissions for respiratory related illness increased during peak periods of leaf
burning. A special hospital study may yield more economical results. Perhaps city health officials
could obtain such data.
Whatever any data may show—either hospital admissions or monitored---for some people, smoke
is an unpleasant nuisance, both in odor and haze. Burning often occurs during weekends and nice
weather, exposing many Iowans who are out-of-doors recreating, exercising or working.
Open burning occurs at ground level. The smoke often remains near the ground and drifts across
property lines to nearby residences and entire neighborhoods. Leaf burning is known to create air
pollution levels several times higher than all sources of industry and vehicles combined. This is
readily evidenced by the smoke and haze.The combined emissions from fireplaces,buses, autos,
powerplants or industries often fail to produce such observed, smoky effects in Iowa communities.
A significant number of Iowans are susceptible to leaf smoke, according to a 1982 report from a
DNR forerunner,the Department of Environmental Quality(DEQ). It states that one in every six
Iowans is susceptible.
Iowa's large population of seniors makes leaf burning a concern, as the elderly are an at risk group.
Iowa has the highest population of residents over the age of 80 and ranks fourth per capita for
residents over 65, according to Iowa's Department of Elder Affairs. Even young adults can be
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING/DES MOINES.IOWA 50319/515.281-5145/TOD 515-242.59571 FAX 515-281-W95
01/22/98 15:52 IDNR 9151566�2060 10.005 D03
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impacted if they exercise out-of-doors and inhale large volumes of air. Other at-risk groups are
children and persons with respiratory conditions,
It is convenient to burn leaves. It is also convenient to avoid recycling, dump used motor of ,pour
i chemicals down the drain, avoid conservation tillage and fish and hunt without regard to
regulation. However,the consequences are known.
If you need any additional information please feel free to contact me,
Sincere y,
Brian Button
environmental specialist
Air Quality Bureau
a 515-281-7832
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