Lake County tweaks leaf-burning plans

Lake County officials are tweaking plans to restrict leaf burning near Stevenson High School.

The latest version eliminates a proposed ban on leaf burning during the summer months near the Lincolnshire school.

It also expands the hours leaves can be burned on weekdays from 5 to 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first. An earlier version of the plan capped burning at 7 p.m. Additionally, the plan now allows leaf burning on weekends from noon to 8 p.m. or sunset. In an earlier version, hours were different on Saturdays and Sundays.

The proposal was developed this spring after a Stevenson High student raised concerns about the effect leaf burning has on her classmates, particularly those with asthma.

Leaf smoke consists of tiny particles that can reach lung tissue and cause coughing, wheezing and other issues, according to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. It also pollutes the environment and can create road hazards, according to the agency.

Leaf burning already is banned in the villages that border Stevenson High: Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills.

The proposal being debated by county officials would apply to residents in an unincorporated area near the school.

The student who began the campaign originally called for a ban, but county officials historically have resisted adopting a leaf-burning ban. A countywide prohibition last was debated in 1999, and it was withdrawn before a vote.

Some homeowners have defended burning leaves as an efficient and inexpensive way to dispose of yard waste.

“This is a compromise,” said county board member Aaron Lawlor, a Vernon Hills Republican who leads the panel's health committee. “No one is going to be entirely happy, but we've worked to address the concerns of the homeowners and the school.”

Stevenson High spokesman Jim Conrey saw the issue similarly.

“We knew that a complete ban on burning was unlikely, so we think this proposal strikes a reasonable balance that protects the health of our students and staff while at the same time respects the rights of local property owners,” Conrey said.

Lawlor's committee briefly discussed the matter Tuesday. The county's planning, building and zoning committee is overseeing the matter and could make a recommendation to the full board in July.