State regulations do manage open burning operations in Pennsylvania as defined in 25 PA Code Section 129.14. Pennsylvania law appears to ban open burning, but the code then lists various exceptions including one which allows the burning of domestic refuse. The problem is that domestic refuse has changed significantly in 30 years, and nothing precludes residents from burning styrofoam, plastic bottles or other products. Considering that most Pennsylvania townships have contracts with municipal waste haulers, it is difficult to justify a need for open burning. We continue to urge DEP to increase its outreach efforts, and encourage local officials to pass air quality ordinances that protect their constituents.
Education is the key .
While it will be beneficial to include open burning information in township newsletters, it is more important that locally elected officials understand this problem and take action. For those of you who haven t joined us in recent months, please be advised that there is a new security system in the Rachel Carson Building. All visitors must sign in at the security desk and receive a visitor s badge that must be displayed while in the building. We take this assignment seriously and encourage all citizens to participate in the protection of their air, water and soil.