My Own Bad Neighbor Story

MarleneS · #21 09/18/06, 08:15 AM

You think your local law enforcement would enforce whatever law is on the books that should keep you from putting out his fire everytime he starts one?

Just a thought,
Marlene

Jillis · #22 09/18/06, 12:46 PM

Burning plastics releases very bad enviromental toxins and carcinogens. It affects those who breathe it, and also overlays your garden produce. The usual burn barrel, or worse, smoldering pile of pine needles does not produce nearly high enough temps to volatize the toxins in the plastics. even the cardboard used in frozen foods is treated with toxins that are very bad to breathe when they are burned. That is why it is illegal.

I would go to the EPA, if I had to, call the newspapers, whatever it took.

No one is going to force me to breather toxic fumes on a regular basis w/o me fighting like the dickens.

This isn't about your personal rights to burn trash. We all have a responsibility to our neighbors and those who will inherit the earth after us.

WindowOrMirror · #23 09/18/06, 12:55 PM

I know an old timer 'round these parts that had 5 cords of split and stacked wood stolen from in front of his farmhouse. He cut, split, and stacked 5 more cords... and had those stolen too. When asked about that second bit - why he stacked it there again - he said that he hollowed out three of the split logs and put some gunpowder inside.

That would be tough on your stove eh?

R

P.S. I am not advocating this as it's illegal (booby trap) and you could hurt someone innocent, but it sure would serve the thief right!

the mama · #24 09/19/06, 12:07 PM

If his wife is a nice person, talk to her about your concerns. Let her know that you expect her to train her husband. If they are burning diapers, they have a child. Tell the wife about the toxic byproducts of burning this stuff and how it could effect her children. Explain that you are older and worry about cancer and stuff, but these kids are in real danger of developing asthma and other poisons that can cause neuro (brain)injury. After all lead poisoning causes retardation. Any mom applealed to in such a way will protect her kids. And presto, no more burning!!

Maura · #25 09/19/06, 12:36 PM

I don't think he burns because he doesn't have money left over after buying his toys, he does it because he enjoys it. It's possible he even gets a kick out of knowing the neighbors are bothered by the smoke. You've gone to the authorites and failed there. I'm sure his wife has her plate full with this jerk, so why make life more diffecult for her by bringing in the newspapers. She will bear the brunt of his rath.

In a very nice, "did you know" kind of manner, go bother them in the middle of the night and let them know that their smoke is drifting over to your place. After they've gone to bed, repeat the procedure. When he leaves the fire to smolder all day, be sure and douse it real good, using water and dirt. Then when he gets home, let him know that that fire was still smoldering during the day, so you put it out. Just be a good neighbor. And I'm sure his home insurance company would like to know that he is creating toxic fires in the back yard.

harrisjnet · #26 09/19/06, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoseGarden

You know, I have thought about offering to pay the $20/month for them to have trash service, but why should I? He's a big boy. They both work, and apparently have a h*** of a lot more disposible income than I do. Seems to be a case of priorities... being that he simply doesn't give a flip. Someone in this thread mentioned that they burn and don't see why it might be a problem...well, it probably *wouldn't* be if it was the legally prescribed distance away from my home and it wasn't black, chemical-laden clouds of smoke drifting over my house.

I don't want toxic chemicals in my food, in my water or in my body, so why in God's name would I want to BREATHE them and have them go straight into my bloodstream?

I too like the newspaper idea... that's a really good one, thank you to whomever suggested it. I will think on this, and sneak back there with my digital camera next time he burns. Thanks to everyone for their input and listening to me gripe.

Give the Newspaper a try. It worked for me and I have seen it work for others. If you local paper won't cover the story, tell them you will go to a competeter or a county news paper.
When I was having trouble getting our road worked on, I wrote a "LETTER TO THE EDITOR" DH was chief of Police and had got a vehicle stuck in the mud when trying to get to a wreck site. Three other vehicles and a tractor ended up being stuck and another Police Dept. had to investigate the wreck. Lucky it was a fender bender. We were only 1/2 mile off paved road and couldn't get gravel or anything else from the County Commisioners. But the same Commisioner graveled 3 miles of road to a friens barn. No School route or postal route on that road, nor houses either. We had three houses on the first mile and school and mail routes also. The day after my letter appeared in the paper they were out looking it over and within a week there were colverts and road base applied. They sure didn't like the bad publicity. I bet your Fire Dept and Local Government won't either.