The Marion County Board’s Community Relations Committee Chair Bill Henson says open burning controls are already on the books for rural areas and the county won’t have to look at drafting their own.
Henson updated the board Tuesday night and noted problems could be handled through EPA regulations.
“For example if there is somebody burning waste that is prohibited by the EPA they are encouraged to call the sheriff’s department unless it’s something that’s an imminent danger to property or person then it would be the fire department. A report would be made by the responding departments and then that report can be submitted to the EPA.”
Henson said during research he found that residents who live within a mile of a city with more than 1,000 people have to abide by the same rules as those in place for the city residents.
Henson says they will be talking to the State’s Attorney about any local prosecution that may be possible.
“We are looking into that matter, but we are thinking if there is a complaint filed the local authority has the ability to take that to State’s Attorney who has the discretion to prosecute or not prosecute based on State law.”
Once the State’ Attorney signs off on a policy, it will be given to the media so county residents know the rules of open burning.
