Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2001
Contact: Mike Heideman, 785-296-5795
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued an administrative order assessing a $1,000 civil penalty against Kansas Lawn and Garden, Inc., 8535 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
On May 17, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County-Kansas City, Kansas Health Department, Department of Air Quality received a complaint that an unattended pile of debris was burning at Kansas Lawn and Garden. Health department staff visited the company and observed the open burning debris pile, which was about 40 feet in diameter and more than five feet high in some places.
The pile included asphalt roofing shingles, carpeting, plastic bottles and paint containers and metal items. Kansas air quality regulations prohibits the open burning of these items.
The pile also contained trees and brush, which may be burned if the responsible party has obtained a permit. The company had obtained a one-time only permit on May 3 to burn trees and brush for a bonfire which took place May 5.
However, no such permit was issued for the May 17 burning of trees and brush.
The fine imposed by KDHE is subject to administrative appeal.