ATLANTA — The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has announced the enforcement of its annual Summer Open Burning Ban, effective from May 1 through September 30, across 54 counties in Georgia, including 12 Middle Georgia counties. The ban aims to reduce air pollution by prohibiting the burning of yard and land-clearing debris, which contributes significantly to the formation of ozone, a harmful air pollutant.
In Atlanta, during the summer months, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunlight, with open burning identified as a major source of these pollutants.
The ban applies to both citizens and businesses, with exceptions for agricultural burning, forestry prescribed burning, campfires, barbeques, fire-fighting training, and the operation of open flame equipment, provided the appropriate permits are issued. However, these exemptions do not apply in the 19-county metro Atlanta non-attainment area, which includes counties such as Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb…