There has been some concern expressed by residents concerning the burning of various types of materials. The Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality has set guidelines for fire departments to use. Several laws have been enacted
concerning Clean Air and Natural Resources. Some of these laws are federally enforced, some of state enforced, and some
involve lakes and rivers.
Mr. Jim White is the County Environmental Officer reporting directly to the Commissioner's Court, and is charged with
enforcement of these laws and others that are called "litter laws" (illegal dumping, storage and disposal of materials, etc.).
ITEMS THAT ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO BE BURNED
Wire
Shingles
Asphalted Materials
Tires
Treated Lumber or Wood
Plastics and Laminates
Urethane Foam Products
Hydrocarbon Derivatives
Painted or Stained Wood
Glued Veneers
Cabinet Counter Tops
Plastic Bottles
Sofa Cushions
Synthetic Clothing
Carpeting
Rugs
Dyes
Newspaper Inks
Paints and Paint Products
Solvents
Gasoline or Diesel Fuel
Degreasers
Gypsum Drywall
*Burning of Tires is a Federal Felony Offense
All plastic items we use on a daily basis are hydrocarbon based. As explained to us, only natural
brush may be burned.
Trash is never to be burned in a barrel or in the open. Brush may only be burned from 30 minutes
after sunrise to 30 munites before sunset. If a complaint is received for health reasons, burning material will have
to be extinguished. Digging a pit or burying material is illegal dumping and may be subject to penalty.
Protecting the environment is everyone's job - let's help each other do our part.
BASIC RULE OF THUMB - IF IT DOESN'T COME FROM THE GROUND - DON'T BURN IT!
