North

Sept. 1, 1999
 Open Burning Regulations Pertaining to Debris Disposal in the Case of Natural Disasters
Reference: 15A North Carolina Administrative Code 2D .1900

Concern:
Use alternate disposal methods whenever possible. Open burn as a last resort. Require the use of Air Curtain Burners in federally designated disaster areas. No material other than naturally occurring vegetation may be open burned. No "construction and demolition materials" may be open burned.

Open Burning
  • Comply with any permitting requirements. The Division of Forest Resources normally requires permits for open burning near woodlands or homes.
  • Burn only naturally grown vegetative debris.
  • Burn only during approved hours.
  • Burn only when proper setbacks can be attained.
  • Properly operate and maintain open burning sites.


    • Above-Ground Open Burning Sites
    Permits: No permits are required by the Division of Air Quality. Division of Forestry permits, which are usually required for land-clearing open burning, will probably be waived in the case of natural disasters.

    Permissible Materials: Only naturally grown vegetation may be open burned. No construction and demolition materials, heavy oils, asphaltic materials such as shingles, tires, plastics, or other synthetic or man-made materials may be open burned.

    Burning Hours: Normal burn hours are between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Burn hours may be waived or expanded by the Director of the Division of Air Quality, depending on the amount of material to be burned.

    Setbacks: The open burning should be at least 1,000 feet from any occupied structure. Prevailing winds should be away from any area that may be significantly affected by smoke, ash or other air pollutants from the burning. The burning should be at least 250 feet from roadways.

    Proper Operation: The debris should be open burned in small piles to minimize smoke and ash.

    Air Curtain Burners
    Permits: Division of Air Quality permits are required when material is transported in from another site. This requirement may be waived for emergency burn sites operated less than nine months. Forestry permits may be waived by the Division of Forest Resources.

    Permissible Materials: Only naturally occurring vegetation may be burned. Any construction or demolition debris should be removed from vegetative debris prior to burning. No heavy oils, asphaltic materials such as shingles, tires paper, plastics, etc. may be burned.

    Burning Hours: Open burning may be conducted 24 hours except when poor atmospheric conditions exist. The Director of the Division of Air Quality may waive the times or shorten the burning hours dependent on the amount of material to be burned, citizen complaints, weather conditions, etc.

    Setbacks: Burning shall occur no closer than 500 feet, or as otherwise approved, from any occupied structure. Prevailing winds during the burning shall be away from any area that may be significantly affected by ash, smoke, or other air pollutants from the burning. Burning shall be at least 250 feet from any roadway.

    Proper Operation: Air curtain burners shall meet all manufacturer's specifications for operation and upkeep. Visible emissions during normal operation shall not exceed 5 percent opacity when averaged over a six-minute period. Visible emissions during start-up shall not exceed 35 percent opacity when averaged over a six-minute period. Ash shall not be allowed to build up in the pit to a depth higher than one-third the depth of the pit. Ash shall not build up to a point where it impedes combustion. Operator shall water the ash prior to its removal from the pit. Material shall not be loaded into the Air Curtain Burner in such a way that it protrudes above the top of the pit.

    Record Keeping: The owner or operator shall keep a daily log of specific materials burned and amounts of materials burned in tons per day.


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