Town of Seabrook Agrees to Pay $2,000 for Open Burning Violations

[Brandon-K]

I just had to post this.......

Town of Seabrook Agrees to Pay $2,000 for Open Burning Violations
Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Tom Burack announced today the execution of an Administrative Fine by Consent with the Town of Seabrook. The settlement resolves violations of open burning regulations under the State’s Air Pollution Control Act that occurred at the Seabrook transfer station located at 70 Rocks Road.
Cities and towns in New Hampshire are authorized to burn only brush and untreated wood at their transfer stations. After receiving a complaint that the Town of Seabrook was burning non-conforming materials, DES visited the transfer station on two different occasions in June 2007. During the first visit, DES personnel observed painted wood, plywood, stained imitation wood, various sized pieces of metal, a chair and cushion, a painted wood/metal window frame, and garbage bags of yard waste in the two burn piles. One burn pile contained charred remains while the second had unburned materials in it. The transfer station attendant was advised to remove all non-conforming materials from the second pile before setting it on fire. During the second visit, DES personnel observed at least eight metal containers, including five 5-gallon buckets, on the burn pile. The combustion of the material in the buckets was releasing black smoke.
To resolve these violations of state law, the Town agreed to a fine of $3,501. The terms of the settlement require the Town to make a cash payment to the state in the amount of $2,000. The remaining balance of $1,501 is suspended contingent upon no violations by the Town of environmental laws and rules for 2 years. Further, prior to any burning at the transfer station, the Town must have the contents of the burn pile inspected by a person trained in what materials are allowed to be burned.
“The open burning of materials other than brush and untreated wood is prohibited by state law,” said DES Commissioner Thomas Burack. “It pollutes the air and can often pollute nearby streams and lakes. It is a nuisance for neighbors and the smoke and air emissions can cause serious health problems. We expect our towns to obey the law and set a good example for their citizens. We are pleased that the Town of Seabrook will be taking measures to ensure that only brush and untreated wood will be burned at its transfer station in the future.”
For information on the settlement with Seabrook and New Hampshire’s open burning regulations, contact Pam Monroe, DES Compliance Bureau Administrator, at 271-0882.

[Merrillizer™]

South central seabrook, buuuuoy