No Open Burning of Debris says NEPA

October 29, 2012

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising members of the public not to participate in open burning of debris such as fallen trees and branches, debris piled-up in communities and other solid waste caused from the passage of Hurricane Sandy.

Citizens are advised to collect and store hurricane debris and other solid waste for collection as directed by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). The NSWMA is acting with great urgency to collect the piles of waste now in communities and along roadsides.

Open burning impacts on air quality and can negatively impact the environment and public health predisposing those most vulnerable - children and the elderly - to respiratory illnesses.

The public is reminded that open burning, without permission, is an illegal activity and is prohibited under the Country Fires Act and the Public Health (Nuisance) Regulations. If caught, the penalty is a maximum $50,000 in the Resident Magistrates Court.

Cases of burning may be reported to Local Public Health Department or the Jamaica Fire Brigade