State burn ban in effect in Polk

The annual outdoor restriction runs through Sept. 30 in 54 counties.

The annual hiatus on outdoor burning across the state officially begins Wednesday.

Running annually from May 1 through Sept. 30, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties, including Polk.

Since 2005, the yearly ban puts into place rules prohibiting residents and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during what the EPD calls “summer ozone season.”

The ban is in addition to the yearround, statewide household garbage burn ban. Recreational activities, including campfires and grilling, are exempt.

“Smoke from open burning includes small particles and gaseous air pollutants that can form ground-level ozone,” said James Boylan, chief of the EPD Air Protection Branch. “Particulate pollution can cause chronic heart diseases and groundlevel ozone can cause inflammation of the lungs, especially in children and people with asthma.”

Other counties in the area affected include Floyd, Bartow, Paulding, Haralson, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Gordon, Pickens, and Walker.

According to the EPD, debris can be hauled to a commercial processing and composting operation or landfill. A list of those landfills can be found through the Solid Waste Management Program by calling 404-362-2692.

Additional local burn ban restrictions may be enacted throughout the summer months, so local fire departments should also be consulted with questions, if necessary.

More information is available online at epd.georgia.gov and at AirNow.gov.