N. Barrington compromises on leaf burning

After months of debate, North Barrington officials decided against a full leaf-burning ban.

Instead, trustees this week approved an ordinance that closes the window on when residents can burn leaves.

"I think it is a good compromise," Trustee Mark Kolar said.

The ordinance will allow leaf burning between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays between April 1 and May 31 and again between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.

The previous ordinance allowed for leaves and other landscape waste to be burned Thursdays and Sundays, May through August. The rest of the year, burning was permitted every day

Village President Bruce Sauer said he agreed that the new ordinance is a good compromise.

Personally, he said he felt burning needed to be further restricted than it was, but in a survey many residents said they were not in favor of an all-out ban.

In 2006, the village conducted a survey of its 1,130 households asking whether the current rules should be altered to prohibit leaf burning throughout town.

The results showed a virtual 50-50 split among the 550 or so surveys that were returned.

The issue of banning leaf burning arose after some residents became concerned about possible health issues.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaf burning generates carcinogens, which can increase the chances of respiratory infection, reduce the volume of air inhaled and impair the lungs' ability to use that air.

North Barrington resident Bruce Kramper, who has been pushing for a full ban, said he was pleased trustees further restricted the burning times but was disappointed they couldn't agree on a full ban.

Sauer said the new ordinance will be in place by the time leaves are back on the trees this spring.

After debating the issue for several years, Sauer said he is happy the board came to a resolution.

"I am glad it is behind us," Sauer said. "Anytime we can resolve an issue, it is a good thing."

As member of the village's environmental and health commission, Kramper said he will continue to search for alternatives to burning.

"We are disappointed they didn't seek out any other options," Kramper said.