Burning ban again in place

By Staff
Morgan County will once again be under an open burning ban.
The ban is from May through October in Morgan, Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Russell, Shelby and Talladega counties.
The ban is in effect each year for the warmer months to combat the formation of ground-level ozone and the generation of fine particulate matter. Prohibiting the open burning of wood, tree trimmings, brush, and debris generated by land clearing and construction/demolition activities is an effective way to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone, which is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Fine particulate matter is found in the smoke from open burning of vegetation and wood.
Composting yard waste and using leaves/grass clippings for mulch are alternatives to open burning.