Title
Ordinance amending the Lake County Temporary Emergency Public Nuisance Ordinance.
Staff Summary
* On May 12, the County Board adopted the Lake County Temporary Emergency Public Nuisance Ordinance to enact a temporary ban on open burning in the unincorporated area for a period extended from May 12 to June 10, coinciding with the spring landscape waste burning season. This ban was further extended by the County Board on June 9, and is set to expire on July 15.
* The ordinance recognizes the increased risk of negative health impacts of open burning of landscape waste on individuals who have been infected with COVID-19.
* The County's temporary ordinance permits small recreational fires and the use of self-contained outdoor burn devices under certain criteria. County Board action is anticipated on July 14.
* This extension will go into effect immediately upon County Board adoption of Exhibit A and expire on August 12, 2020.
Body
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, pursuant to 720 ILCS 5/47-5, counties have authority to declare what shall be public nuisances and to abate the same with respect to the territory within the county and outside the corporate limits of any city, village, or incorporated town; and
WHEREAS, based upon available information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people of all ages with underlying respiratory medical conditions, including chronic lung disease and asthma, are at higher risk for developing more serious complications if they contract COVID-19. Smoke from open burning can exacerbate these residents' respiratory conditions and further compromise their ability to fend off potentially severe effects of COVID-19. Additionally, people who do not have underlying conditions can experience more severe COVID-19 symptoms when exposed to smoke from open burning; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Temporary Emergency Public Nuisance Ordinance mitigates these public health risks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by this County Board of Lake County...
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