Temperatures are rising in Granite Bay over residents burning their green waste, a typically rural practice that continues to thrive in this changing community.
Temperatures are rising in Granite Bay over residents burning their green waste, a typically rural practice that continues to thrive in this changing community.
While burning yard scraps and fallen foliage has been outlawed in most of the state, the age-old practice is shedding light on a growing disconnect in Granite Bay between longtime residents of rural acreage and owners of expensive, upscale homes.
Debate on the issue, which prompted a contentious change in regulations more than a year ago, has been rekindled now that the policy is being re-examined by the Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Council and Placer County supervisors.
"This is one of the most polarizing issues in Granite Bay," said Sean Corcoran, an advisory council commissioner and chairman of the subcommittee on burning. "People either want it or are staunchly against it."
Lori Ryan, who is opposed to green-waste burning, said she was shocked to learn that burning was still allowed when she moved to Granite Bay 10 years ago.
On burn days, she and her children do not venture outside, she said. "You can see the smoke filling up the yard and the whole neighborhood."
Some longtime Granite Bay residents say burning green waste is an economical way to dispose of dry tree trimmings, leaves and brush that need to be cleared in part for wildfire prevention.
Kevin Kemper, who lives in Hidden Valley, said burning is an effective vegetation management tool, especially for people whose properties can't be accessed by tree service and chipping machinery.
"We should compost as much as possible, but fire is another tool for us to use," Kemper said.
Jim Bryan, who has lived in the Granite Bay area for more than 30 years, likened people who oppose green-waste burning to those who move next to a ranch and complain about smells that accompany farm life.
"When you move to the country, what do you expect?" Bryan said.
While Roseville and Rocklin have banned green-waste burning, the practice is allowed with permits in Placer County as long as the county's Air Pollution Control District deems the air quality good enough for a burn day.
The green-waste burn rules were changed in Granite Bay about 18 months ago after an outpouring of resident complaints.
Green-waste burning is allowed in the community from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. the first 15 days of the month if the homeowner has a permit and if the day has been deemed a burn day.
Placer County Supervisor Ted Gaines said the compromise seems to be working well for the community, though small adjustments to the rules still may be necessary.
"This is the sort of issue you're never going to have complete satisfaction with," said Gaines, whose district includes Granite Bay. "In a perfect world, there would be no burning."
While there isn't a lot of harm to the environment associated with burning green waste -- mostly because of quick burning and smoke dispersal -- the smoke can contribute to hazy conditions and aggravate certain health problems, air quality officials said.
"The larger particles will drop off, but the smaller particles can carry a longer distance and, if inhaled, can be lodged in the respiratory system," said Ann Hobbs, Placer County air quality specialist.
The tiny pollutants are particularly harmful to those suffering from asthma, emphysema or heart disease.
The health risk alone should warrant more caution toward burning green waste, said Granite Bay resident Martha Brandon, who is opposed to burning.
"I think burning has probably outlived its usefulness," she said.
Burning opponents also argue that people often abuse the privilege, adding garbage or waste that should be taken to the dump. Burning garbage is illegal statewide.
South Placer Fire Protection District Chief Tony Corado said the department frequently receives calls regarding Granite Bay residents burning illegal material, ranging from household garbage to tires.
Illegal burns often are spotted because of the thick, dark gray or black smoke they omit. Residents found to be burning waste or other illegal material are subject to fines, Corado said.
For those who don't want to burn green waste, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection provides a free chipping service, and many tree service companies also will chip or compost green waste, Corado said.
Meanwhile, the county is working to institute a green-waste canister program, similar to the one in Sacramento County.
At the advisory council's burn subcommittee meeting Thursday night, members suggested burn times be increased by two hours in May to accommodate property owners trying to clear their land before fire season.
Many pro-burn residents at the meeting said there often aren't enough burn days to get all the brush and green waste cleared.
"I do feel I'm entitled to burn to make my place fire-safe," said John Daniels, who lives in Hidden Valley.
The suggestion will be considered at a future municipal advisory council meeting and eventually by county supervisors.
Source: Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
