On November 5th, “Guy Fawkes Night” or “bonfire night,” please keep a watch out on the beach for people burning toxic materials or lighting fires too close to the woods.
Here’s a message on this issue from Ocean Net:
With the annual “Guy Fawkes Night” bonfires taking place this Monday, November 5th, 2007, Ocean Net wants to remind you of the importance of burning safe materials. Thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will enjoy the festivities of the night, but it is critical to ensure the impact on the environment is minimal.
Tire burning in this province is banned under the “Environmental Protection Act Air Pollution Control Regulations 2004, Schedule E” In fact, of the top 20 “Materials Prohibited from Burning in a Fire” listed in that Act, tire burning is top on the list and fines could reach $100,000! This is obviously not common knowledge throughout this province as is evidenced by the rash of “tire fires” which take place in our communities, especially on the annual “Bonfire Night”. This practice must stop!
A review of documentation on the web related to health and environmental threats associated with tire burning, shows that emissions have been found to contain dioxins and other emissions which cause cancer, severe respiratory problems in humans, and also affect the immune system. Immune systems are also compromised in wildlife, including birds, fish, shellfish and mammals.
For more information, please contact Ocean Net: (T)753.3680 (F) 753.4679 (E) info@oceannet.ca (W) www.oceannet.ca
