The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is warning members of the public not to participate in the open burning of debris such as fallen trees and branches and other solid waste caused from the passage of Hurricane Sandy.

The agency says residents must instead store hurricane debris and other solid waste for collection as directed by the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

It has warned against open burning which it says impacts on air quality, the environment and public health as it exposes individuals to respiratory illnesses.

NEPA is also reminding that the open burning of waste, without permission, is an illegal activity and is prohibited under the Country Fires Act and the Public Health (Nuisance) Regulations.

Anyone caught in such an activity could be fined up to $50,000.


Like our new Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/gleanerjamaica

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/JamaicaGleaner

editorial@gleanerjm.com