May 1 marked the official start of smog season in Georgia. For 54 counties in the state, that means the annual ban on open burning will be in effect once again. In the interest of public health, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will be enforcing the ban through Sept. 30, during the hot summer months when ground level ozone and particle pollution are more likely to reach unhealthy levels.
“Our top priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of Georgia citizens by reducing air pollution,” says Heather Abrams, Chief of EPD’s Air Protection Branch. Cooperation from the community will help people most at risk during this time. Those at greatest risk are the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

Citizens and businesses in the 54 counties listed below are not allowed to burn yard and land-clearing debris during the burn ban. Some activities such as campfires and agricultural activities are exempt. For more information about alternatives to burning such as composting and chipping, please call the Department of Community Affairs at 404-679-4940 or the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division toll-free at 800-685-2443. Debris can also be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to an inert or construction and demolition landfill. For a list of landfills in the your area, please call EPD’s Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692.

Citizens can get more information on the open burning ban by calling the EPD District Office in your area (phone numbers listed below) or EPD’s Air Protection Branch at 404-363-7000. Small businesses can get help and information by calling EPD’s Small Business Assistance Program toll-free at 877-427-6255.

Fayette and Coweta Counties are included in the ban. The appropriate EPD District Office phone number for more information is: Metro Atlanta District Office: 404-362-2671

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