COLUMBIA - As the leaves of summer begin to wither and fall, homeowners are encouraged to begin exploring alternatives to burning their yard debris, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.

"While it is the traditional time of the year to rake leaves and twigs from yards, burning this material can be unhealthy," said Myra C. Reece, chief of DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality. "Smoke from these fires is unhealthy to breathe, especially for people with respiratory problems, such as asthma. The environment is also impacted by smoke from the many different types of open burning.

"Smoke places different pollutants into the air, and the ash from the open burning can lead to possible contamination of the soil and water," Reece said. "Many municipalities provide a service to pick up yard debris such as leaves and tree limbs. We encourage homeowners

to use this service where available and to not burn these items in an open fire."

One of the most popular alternatives to open burning yard waste is composting. This consists of recycling leaves, grass clippings, weeds, brush, kitchen scraps and other organic waste by maintaining the waste in a pile and allowing it all to decompose. The resulting compost can be used in gardens and mixed in with other soils to help return important nutrients to the ground.

"Homeowners can generally burn yard trimmings if local ordinances allow it and it does not cause a public nuisance," Reece said. "Other allowed burning includes fireplaces, campfires, outdoor barbecues and bonfires for festivals and other occasions."

Anyone who has questions about the types of outdoor burning that is allowed in the state may contact

the local DHEC Environmental Quality Control Regional office. The S.C. Forestry Commission regulates certain types of outdoor burning. Consult http://www.state. sc.us/ forest/fyard.htm for a county toll-free number to notify the Commission regarding residential debris burning. Local ordinances may also apply to outdoor burning and should be reviewed.

"Our air quality is one of the most important year-round state resources for our citizens," Reece said. "We encourage our citizens to help us to maintain our good air quality and to protect their health, the health of their families, pets and our environment."

Other open burning information may also be obtained from the DHEC Web site at www.scdhec. gov/eqc/baq, or by calling the local DHEC Environmental Quality Control Regional office or, DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality at (803) 898- 4123.