North Canterbury residents want dirty burning to stop
Environment Canterbury media release: 17th July 2024
Residents in the Oxford/Cust area are reporting problems with heavy smoke from outdoor burning - learn the rules before you light and report air quality issues to our pollution line.
Our air quality team will be heading out to check on outdoor burning activities causing problems with air quality in Oxford and Cust.
Over the last few months, we’ve received a high volume of calls reporting problems with heavy smoke drifting through the Oxford and Cust areas - particularly in Cust Valley.
We are asking people to:
Smoke a nuisance for neighbours
In recent weeks, we’ve received 12 calls from members of the Cust and Oxford community about poor air quality and excessive smoke.
Those phoning in have described needing to stay indoors to escape the “putrid”, “toxic” or “invasive” smoke. Some people have experienced watery eyes, itchy throats, and asthma symptoms because of the smoke, while others are annoyed that their washing smells smoky or that their backyard gets covered with ash.
Reports like this suggest that the burning going on in this area is not in line with outdoor burning rules.
Don’t forget to check if it’s wet
Many of the complaints received relate to the burning of wet organic material.
Brian Reeves is compliance team leader for the northern region, and wants to remind people that burning wet material is not permitted.
“Burning wet organics, like freshly felled trees for example, generates much more smoke than a dry burn. That’s when you get thick, black smoke that causes a real nuisance to the surrounding community,” said Mr Reeves. “The smoke contains small particles that can irritate the nose and throat and even have more serious health impacts over time.”
Outdoor burning rules state that the moisture content of any material being burnt must not be greater than 25 per cent.
Rubbish fires a no-go
No matter how large your property is, you must not burn rubbish. Burning rubbish releases toxic chemicals into the air.
Materials that must not be burned in Canterbury include plastic, metals, batteries, painted or treated wood, rubber, coated wire, oil, chemicals, tar and bitumen, materials containing asbestos, or containers that have stored hazardous materials.
Of particular concern in the rural environment is the burning of bale wrap and other household rubbish.
Smoke from fires is an expensive problem
Last year more than 850 smoke-related complaints were lodged with us for the region. The year before that, it was nearly 900.
“At around $350 per call out, the cost to the ratepayer can really add up,” said Mr Reeves. “It benefits everyone in the community to get this number down.”
It’s not a matter of over reporting. “Callers are often reluctant to inform on their neighbours and only do so when the smoke has become a real problem,” said Mr Reeves.
Check it's alright before you light
Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can make sure your burn doesn’t cause a headache for your community.
Before lighting any fires:
If smoke from outdoor burning is causing a nuisance for you, then report it by: