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August 4, 2000 For more information, contact Maria Taylor, Information and Education Office, 302-739-4506. Gumboro Fire Department Assessed $1,000 Penalty For Air Pollution ViolationsThe Gumboro Fire Department was issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty Assessment and Order for $1,000 Wednesday by DNREC Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale. The Fire Company was penalized for violating Delaware Regulations Governing the Control of Air Pollution by conducting a controlled open burn on July 17, 2000 without approval from DNREC. The July 17th burn was conducted at Carey’s Camp in Millsboro. The Gumboro Fire Department responds to fire emergencies and occasionally conducts controlled burns, which are allowable under certain conditions, as training exercises for junior firefighters. The Gumboro Fire Department was cited for the statutory and regulatory violation of failing to notify the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and to obtain DNREC’s approval prior to conducting the exercise. The Secretary’s Order established the fact that the Gumboro Fire Department was aware of the requirement and procedures to obtain prior approval from DNREC to conduct controlled burn training exercises. The Order cites instances since January 1999 in which the Fire Department requested and properly obtained approval to perform a controlled burn for training purposes. The Order also noted that on July 3, 2000, the Millsboro Fire Department had contacted DNREC about conducting a burn at the Carey’s Camp site. On July 10, 2000 DNREC agreed to consider giving approval if mattresses, tires and other debris were removed and if the site passed inspection by DNREC. Before the Millsboro Fire Department officially submitted its request for the controlled burn, the Gumboro Fire Department set fire to the pile. In signing the Order and Penalty Assessment, Secretary DiPasquale noted that these types of open burns can be a significant source of air pollution. According to Secretary DiPasquale, “Delaware is a non-attainment state for ground level ozone and DNREC needs to be vigilant in enforcing laws and regulations that are protective of public health.” The Secretary further stated, “ It is important that we preserve the opportunity to use controlled burns for training purposes. However, these situations need to be limited in order to protect the state’s air quality. The only way the Department can ensure this is to insist that fire companies follow agreed upon procedures to obtain prior approval.” The Gumboro Fire Company may, within thirty days, request a public hearing to appeal the Order. -30- Document no. 40-01/00/08/02 |
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