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Albany, NY – The state Department of Environmental Conservation is offering federally funded clean air grants to municipalities to help manage residential organic waste that was previously burned and to spread word of the serious health hazards of open burning. WAMC's Tristan O'Neill reports...
DEC Commissioner Joe Martens says open burning of leaves, branches and other organic materials poses serious health risks and safety hazards. It can release harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and lead.
In addition, open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York.
The amount of individual awards will vary up to $5,000.
The money can be used for equipment to manage waste such as leaf vacuums, shredders and composting equipment. It also can be used for educating residents about open burning restrictions.
Tristan O'Neill, WAMC News.
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