No more outdoor burning in Christchurch
Environment Canterbury will this winter again take a tough enforcement stance towards outdoor burning in Christchurch. An instant $300 fine will be issued for domestic outdoor burning offences, while industrial offenders can expect a larger fine of $1000.
Outdoor burning is not permitted without a resource consent in Christchurch from May 1 until August 31. “No outdoor fires are allowed, whether it is in a 44 gallon drum burning leaves or having a cosy fire in a brass brazier,†says the chairman of Environment Canterbury’s Regulation Overview Committee, Cr Alec Neill. He says at this stage the ban doesn’t apply to Banks Peninsula.
Cr Neill points out that the fire ban has been in place since 1991 and whilst ECan enforcement officers have been lenient in the past, offenders won’t be getting away anymore with a mere rap over the knuckles. Last year 154 complaints about outdoor burning were received and 47 infringement notices were issued. “We want people to know that we are serious about stopping outdoor burning in winter in Christchurch,†he says. “Burning outdoors during wintertime exacerbates our existing pollution problems. Central government directives require us to reach certain ambient air quality conditions by 2013 and to achieve this requirement the community will require tougher enforcement on outside fires.â€Â
He says outside fireplaces have become fashionable in the design of new homes, but it’s important that the people understand that these facilities cannot be used during the fire ban period.
As for burning leaves or rubbish, Cr Neill says there are alternatives, including composting, shredding, having garden waste collected or taking it to a refuse transfer station. “They are all better for the environment and less expensive than a fine,†he says.
He urges people to phone ECan’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 76 55 88 to report any outdoor fires over the next four months.
For further information: Cr Alec Neill, joint Chair of ECan's Regulatory Overview Committee, 03 342 4253 or 0274 403 731.
Outdoor burning is not permitted without a resource consent in Christchurch from May 1 until August 31. “No outdoor fires are allowed, whether it is in a 44 gallon drum burning leaves or having a cosy fire in a brass brazier,†says the chairman of Environment Canterbury’s Regulation Overview Committee, Cr Alec Neill. He says at this stage the ban doesn’t apply to Banks Peninsula.
Cr Neill points out that the fire ban has been in place since 1991 and whilst ECan enforcement officers have been lenient in the past, offenders won’t be getting away anymore with a mere rap over the knuckles. Last year 154 complaints about outdoor burning were received and 47 infringement notices were issued. “We want people to know that we are serious about stopping outdoor burning in winter in Christchurch,†he says. “Burning outdoors during wintertime exacerbates our existing pollution problems. Central government directives require us to reach certain ambient air quality conditions by 2013 and to achieve this requirement the community will require tougher enforcement on outside fires.â€Â
He says outside fireplaces have become fashionable in the design of new homes, but it’s important that the people understand that these facilities cannot be used during the fire ban period.
As for burning leaves or rubbish, Cr Neill says there are alternatives, including composting, shredding, having garden waste collected or taking it to a refuse transfer station. “They are all better for the environment and less expensive than a fine,†he says.
He urges people to phone ECan’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 76 55 88 to report any outdoor fires over the next four months.
For further information: Cr Alec Neill, joint Chair of ECan's Regulatory Overview Committee, 03 342 4253 or 0274 403 731.