‘“What are some of the questions folks ask you?”

1) I am a DEVELOPER; I go to Georgia Forestry and tell them that I am engaged in a forestry practice and need to burn slash. I ask for and obtain a burn permit.

How does EPD guard against is misuse of the “slash” exemption?

The property owner should be aware of a forest management plan and be able to provide at a minimum some of the details for a reforestation plan for the area under consideration. If this explanation does not meet the satisfaction of EPD staff as logical, enforcement will proceed as usual. This will be an item of contention, however the permit was obtained under false pretenses and would therefore be considered to be null and void.

2) Can I move my land clearing debris to another county and burn it there?

Yes, as long as the county they are moving the materials into are not included in the Burn ban control area. The burning restrictions identify the counties that are subject to Burn Ban controls. The restriction of burning in counties not specifically named in the rule is not consistent with the rule and would not be enforceable by EPD staff

3) Can I burn tree stumps in my back yard?

This is item is not exempted by any of the conditions of the rule and would therefore be considered a violation.

4) Can I cut down a tree in my back yard and burn it?

The felling of trees can occur at any time, however burning cannot occur during the open Burn Ban Seasonal Period.

5) The city government of ___________ city burns their land clearing debris during the burn ban. Why can’t I? (Actual question)

The county location is first considered. If it falls into the control area, burning will be discontinued until after the Burn Ban time frame has passed. If the area has suffered damage as a result of adverse weather the materials will be collected and burned in a manner as described in exemption number 8.

6) How will the burn ban affect my habit of using my burn barrel for my household solid waste?
Burn barrels are considered a type of open burning and are subject to the same restrictions as any other type of open burning.

7) Exemption # 8 – Does this include or allow a municipality to collect storm damage and burn it in one location?

The exemption referenced does allow for storm clean up one would need to ensure they are only burning storm debris and not land or right of way clearing debris. Since the material is being hauled away from where the debris was collected, this becomes more difficult.
The department does not regulate the use of county personnel and equipment.

8) Can someone bury land-clearing debris on the property of origin if there is no “residence” and the property was cleared for a subdivision, house or farm?
See Solid Waste Landfills links on web page

9) Is it ok to bury woodchips from a grinding/chipping operation?
See Solid Waste Landfills links on web page