By Staff
The ban against open burning in Morgan County is in effect from May through October, according to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
Morgan County is one of 12 Alabama counties included in the designation.
“The open burning ban is a useful tool to help us safeguard our environment and ensure Alabama maintains clean air,” ADEM Director Trey Glenn said. “We are constantly looking for ways to protect Alabamians through our implementation of environment regulations and to improve the quality of life for everyone.”
ADEM issues the ban each year for the warmer months to combat the formation of ground-level ozone and the generation of fine particulate matter. Prohibiting open burning of wood, tree trimmings, brush and debris generated by maintaining or clearing land, and construction or demolition are designed to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone. Though beneficial in the upper atmosphere, ozone is a respiratory irritant when found at ground level. Fine particulate matter can travel deep into the lungs and cause respiratory distress.
ADEM recommends composting yard waste and using leaves and grass clippings for mulch as alternatives to open burning. ADEM also recommends recycling plastics, cardboard, paper and metals along with donating reusable items to charitable organizations, families, or friends instead of burning them, which is illegal year round.