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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Amador County Grand Jury • 2014-2015

Public Health Committee: Upcountry Smoke

Published: June 19, 2015 6 pages

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⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 10 findings

F1 Page 24

In the upcountry area of Amador County, because of the fire-safe practices required for citizens to protect their properties, large quantities of yard debris may be produced.

F2 Page 24

Outdoor burning in the County is legal if regulations are followed, including obtaining permits when required. 18

F3 Page 25

When green waste is burned the resulting smoke can be both a serious health issue to some individuals and a visual hazard for drivers.

F4 Page 25

The burning of garbage, damp pine needles, or other plant materials can produce especially obnoxious smoke.

F5 Page 25

Residents may not always consider the hazard or nuisance of their smoke to their neighbors.

F6 Page 25

Public awareness meetings are held to educate citizens about better burn practices and to suggest ways to avoid burning altogether.

F7 Page 25

There are alternatives to burning the prunings, trimmings, pine needles, etc. which are accumulated when properties are properly cleared and maintained.

F8 Page 25

All County residents can transport yard debris to either of the Aces Waste facilities or directly to Vicini Brothers.

F9 Page 25

Upcountry citizens may not be aware that the ARB provides large dumpsters in their area for yard debris disposal.

F10 Page 25

Vicini Brothers eventually receives all of the green waste collected by the two ACES facilities and the ARB dumpsters. Through a series of processes it is converted to mulch, compost, and topsoil available for sale to the public.

Recommendations 2

R1
Page 25

Local agencies who deal with fire safety and air quality in the County must increase their outreach efforts to educate residents on how to control and reduce smoke levels from yard waste burnings.
R2
Page 25

These local agencies may consider using the following methods to publicize information about safe burning, alternatives to burning, and the local resources available:  Public service announcements (PSAs) on local TV and radio  Notices in the local newspapers  Posting information in public places