The East Hampton Town Board will hold a second public hearing next Thursday on code amendments that would add restrictions to the use of leaf blowers. The hearing will happen during the board's meeting, which will start at 2 p.m.
The move, according to the proposed legislation, is intended to protect public health by eliminating emissions from the use of gas and diesel-powered leaf blowers, reduce noise, and encourage green landscaping practices. The board previously held a public hearing on the proposed amendments in December.
The town's energy sustainability committee, which strongly favors the proposed legislation, has also recommended codifying and mandating a phased transition to electric leaf blowers.
Residents have long complained about noise from leaf blowers and its impact on the quiet enjoyment of their property. The board has also heard evidence that leaf blowers expose people to carcinogens such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, whipped up in windstorms of pesticides, fertilizers, mold, lead, arsenic, mercury, fecal matter, and more. Some residents have also cited leaf blowers' inordinate greenhouse gas emissions and inevitable fuel spills, which can enter groundwater, in calling for greater restrictions on their use.
The proposed code changes would prohibit any use of leaf blowers between May 20 and Sept. 20. From Sept. 21 through May 19, use of gas or diesel-powered leaf blowers would be allowed only between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Only homeowners or tenants would be permitted to use gas or diesel-powered leaf blowers on Sundays and federal and New York State holidays from Sept. 21 to May 19, and only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The proposed legislation would also create a licensing requirement for commercial landscapers engaged in property maintenance.
The code amendments would provide for exclusions: during times of emergency as determined by the supervisor or other emergency response official, or under special circumstances as granted by the supervisor or a designee, such as remediation of an abandoned or neglected property, the cleanup of streets and roadways following a severe storm, or any emergency situation presenting an immediate danger to public health and safety.
Walk-behind leaf blowers powered by gas or diesel would be prohibited except on properties greater than one acre, and no more than two leaf blowers of any power source would be permitted except, again, on properties of one acre or more. No gas or diesel generators would be permitted to power electric leaf blowers at any time.
A fine of not more than $1,000 could be assessed for conviction of a first offense. A fine of between $1,500 and $2,500 could be assessed for a second conviction if both offenses were committed within five years. A third or subsequent offense could result in a fine of up to $5,000.
Next Thursday's town board meeting will be virtual, airing live on LTV's Channel 22 and via its website, ltveh.org. Those interested in commenting on the proposed legislation can do so by calling 351-888-6331.
