12 años en Delaware • 1996 - 2008 • 12 years in Delaware

Open Burning Prohibited May 1 - Sept. 30 to coincide with Ozone Season

Dover, DE -- DNREC reminds Delawareans that open burning is prohibited statewide from May 1 through Sept. 30 to coincide with ozone season. The only exceptions to Delaware's open burning ban are cooking fires (BBQs), recreational campfires and ceremonial fires.

"Open burning restrictions are necessary to help reduce ozone levels," said Kris Gontkovsky, environmental scientist with DNREC's Air Quality Management Section. "Open burning contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution that can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. The restrictions are important to protect public health."

Open burning contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particle by pollution by producing smoke and toxic chemicals . During the spring and summer months, high temperatures and sunlight can combine with pollution to increase ground-level ozone to unhealthy levels.

Ground-level ozone can damage lung tissue, aggravate respiratory conditions and make people more susceptible to respiratory infections. Children are especially vulnerable to ozone's harmful effects.

William (Chip) McDaniel, Chief of DNREC's Environmental Crimes Unit, warns that Environmental Protection Officers are on the lookout for violators and will be citing those performing illegal open burning activities. Penalties range from $50 to $500 in fines, plus a criminal record. To report illegal open burning, call the 24-hour hotline in Delaware at 1-800-662-8802. Verizon wireless customers in Delaware can call, #DNR (367).

Alternatives to open burning include composting, chipping and other forms of recycling and taking non-recycling trash or yard waste to a licensed landfill or a yard waste drop-off site. More information on these alternatives can be found on DNREC's web site www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on "Division of Air and Waste Management" and "Recycling" or contact the Solid Waste Group at (302) 739-9403.

For more information on open burning, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on "Air Quality and Monitoring" and then click on "Open Burning" or contact Air Quality Management at (302) 739-9402.