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Shoreview DFLer wants comments on proposed burning ban
Tuesday, April 29, 2008

By Janet Kubat Willette

Agri News staff writer

ST. PAUL -- A Shoreview DFLer wants to ban the open burning of solid waste generated by farm households.

But before proceeding with his legislation, Rep. Paul Gardner wants to hear from farmers.

"I knew this was going to be a controversial issue," Gardner said. That's one reason he requested an informational hearing in front of the House agriculture policy and finance committees.

Map: Minnesota counties with no-burn resolutions (PDF)
Gardner's bill, and companion legislation carried by Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, would end the exemption given to farmers that allows them to burn solid waste generated from their household on their property on Jan. 1, 2010.

Gardner, who worked in solid waste recycling as director of the Recycling Association of Minnesota, said burn barrels were discussed at every meeting and there was a desire to educate rural residents on the dangers associated with open burning.

Backyard garbage burning is the No. 1 source of dioxin in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Dioxin is a known carcinogen and it can impact human immune, development and reproductive systems. There is concern that the dioxin is ending up in the food supply and in humans.

The composition of garbage has changed from decades past when untreated paper, wood and glass were likely the only things ending up in the burn barrel, Gardner said. Today's waste contains treated paper, plastics and other packaging that release a hazardous mixture when burned.

Rep. Ron Shimanski, R-Silver Lake, asked if it wouldn't be better to ban the toxins of lead, mercury and arsenic from packaging rather than allow them in the waste stream.

And Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Wabasha, said the Legislature would likely have a revolt on its hands if it told farmers they could no longer burn twine or feed bags.

Gardner said he's sensitive to the fact that some garbage is unique to farms and he'll consider that when he re-introduces the bill next year, if re-elected. He wants to collaborate with farmers to reach a consensus on the proposal in order to end the practice of burning household waste.

"I'm not looking to fight farmers, but I'm looking for ideas," Gardner said.

Gardner can be reached at (651) 296-2907, rep.paul.gardner@house.mn or at his blog, www.paulgardner53A.blogspot.com.