Yet another warning about Peabody burn pit
State can close facility if illegal dumping continues
Peabody city public works superintendent Darren Pickens said this past week that unacceptable items have been showing up with greater frequency at the city burn pit on South Olive.
"Rules for burning have not changed," said Pickens. "For some reason people think if we don't say anything for awhile about what can or can't be burned, that means they can just dump whatever they please in there."
Pickens said he has found unacceptable quantities of construction and demolition materials, trash, furniture, and lawn debris in plastic trash bags.
"If you are going to carry grass or lawn clippings to the burn pit in plastic bags, that is fine," said Pickens. "But you have to dump the contents and take the bags back home with you. They cannot be burned.
"The other stuff is just plain against the law."
Pickens reminds if Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows up for a surprise compliance visit and finds unacceptable trash and debris in the burn pit, it can shut down the whole operation.
"And then no one will be allowed to burn clippings, limbs, and leaves," he said. "We will have to close the burn pit, arrange for pickup of lawn debris, and increase everyone's trash fees."
Acceptable items are listed on a sign at the burn pit. Anyone unsure of what is acceptable refuse is encouraged to check at the city office first. By city ordinance, fines can be levied against individuals or businesses for illegal dumping.
