Trash burning in Hawkins, be advised

[jimbomaybe]

I purchases a new home in Hawkins, my property backs up to a church that regularly burns trash in their backyard area, apparently legally, the smoke can get very heavy and acrid at times, if I was aware of this prior to buying I believe I would have made a different choice, be advised

[blueash]

You used the phrase "apparently legal" and wrote they are burning trash. The state of Florida has regulations on open burning which can be found HERE. (https://floridadep.gov/air/permitting-compliance/content/open-burning)

Included is this regulation:

What materials are prohibited to be open burned in Florida?
Open burning of biological waste, hazardous waste, asbestos-containing materials, mercury-containing devices, pharmaceuticals, tires, rubber material, residual oil, used oil, asphalt, roofing material, tar, treated wood, plastics, garbage, or trash is strictly prohibited.

There is also a pdf of the regulations that can be found HERE (https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Fire%20Law%202019%20One-Page%208.16.19.pdf)

Burning of allowed material is also controlled with rules about the exact hours it is allowed, the size of the pile being burned, the requirement that fire extinguishing equipment be at the burn site, and that a person must be present while material is burning.

The church may very well be in violation of state regulations if they are doing what you describe.

[Villageswimmer]

I purchases a new home in Hawkins, my property backs up to a church that regularly burns trash in their backyard area, apparently legally, the smoke can get very heavy and acrid at times, if I was aware of this prior to buying I believe I would have made a different choice, be advised


My first move would be to go and speak to the church leadership. They are likely not aware of the situation and would not want to offend.

[Chi-Town]

I have stayed at places in Mexico where trash was being burned nearby.. I can tell you that the smell is pretty bad. Before you think it's third world I saw it in rural Wisconsin as well. Hope that gets resolved soon.
.

[UpNorth]

I bet there were no open houses scheduled around that time:icon_wink:

[Two Bills]

If the wind is in the right direction, burn your own on Sunday morning!:icon_wink:

[vintageogauge]

When we were looking at homes our TV agent, Beth Pope, told us that when buying a property that abuts non-village owned property there is no way of knowing what is going to happen next to you. We took her advice and did exactly what you state you would have done, made a different choice. Choosing the right agent is very important when buying a home, we didn't just pick Beth Pope from a photo or ad, we had several people referred her as the go to agent in TV. I too would agree that a talk with the church leadership could help, maybe ask for a packet of donation envelopes too, a few dollars could go a long way in providing a better environment.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My first move would be to go and speak to the church leadership. They are likely not aware of the situation and would not want to offend.

If they aren't aware that 1) burning trash makes smoke, 2) smoke drifts when wind moves, 3) other people live nearby and 4) their trash burning might cause drifts of nasty noxious smoke to end up in a neighbor's house

then they're not very smart people.

If they are smart people, then they just don't care.

If they don't care, then they're definitely not a Christian church of ANY denomination of christianity.

If they are a Christian church of any denomination, then they shouldn't be.

[Bill14564]

If they aren't aware that 1) burning trash makes smoke, 2) smoke drifts when wind moves, 3) other people live nearby and 4) their trash burning might cause drifts of nasty noxious smoke to end up in a neighbor's house

then they're not very smart people.

If they are smart people, then they just don't care.

If they don't care, then they're definitely not a Christian church of ANY denomination of christianity.

If they are a Christian church of any denomination, then they shouldn't be.

Or they are used to living in a rural area of Florida and haven't needed to be concerned with the sensitivities of Villages People.

My dad lives next to a potato farm that fertilizes with animal waste. They aren't inconsiderate to my father, that's just the way things have always been done.

My in-laws live in a house on a flight path to a major regional airport. They hear planes most of the time. The airport isn't being inconsiderate, the airport was there before my in-laws moved in.

The church burns trash. Perhaps they always have. The trash burning hasn't changed, the neighbors have. That doesn't mean you have to buy a house near that church, and the OP was being helpful to let others know, but it also doesn't meant the church is being inconsiderate or criminal by continuing a practice that perhaps has been ongoing since the church moved there.

[LuckyS]

Is this the church that didn't get a turn lane from Morse/Warm Springs? Is this the church that The Villages made sure will not have golf cart access?

[Number 10 GI]

Just because something has been done for that way for years doesn't make it morally right. Being a good neighbor and having respect for others should be the guiding principal. Talk to the church pastor about the problem, maybe that will solve the problem. If not then call these newly elected county officials that have so much concern for the tax payers in the county and have them introduce a county ordinance to ban this activity. There is trash service available for the church to dispose of garbage so they have no need to burn it themselves.

[Bilyclub]

Is this the church that didn't get a turn lane from Morse/Warm Springs? Is this the church that The Villages made sure will not have golf cart access?

Is this the church that turned down the developer's offer to buy the property?

[Bogie Shooter]

The answer is in post #3. Everything after is speculation...........and the usual cheap shots at the developer.:duck:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

When we were looking at homes our TV agent, Beth Pope, told us that when buying a property that abuts non-village owned property there is no way of knowing what is going to happen next to you. We took her advice and did exactly what you state you would have done, made a different choice. Choosing the right agent is very important when buying a home, we didn't just pick Beth Pope from a photo or ad, we had several people referred her as the go to agent in TV. I too would agree that a talk with the church leadership could help, maybe ask for a packet of donation envelopes too, a few dollars could go a long way in providing a better environment. in the 4 corners area called polo park it was very nice adult park , people bought preferred lots on one side of the property because there were miles of frozen orange groves to look at this property was about 4 miles to Disney gate , I don’t have to tell you the ending but I will anyway one day those people woke up to children playing in there back yards never ever back up to something unless you know for sure what will ever be there

[Boston-Sean]

When we were looking at homes our TV agent, Beth Pope, told us that when buying a property that abuts non-village owned property there is no way of knowing what is going to happen next to you.

That seems obvious to me. Looking at properties on the Villages web site the first thing I do is study the map of the location. If it abuts non-villages property or is even close to non-villages property I immediately dismiss it.

What makes me scratch my head is seeing that listed as a "feature" of the house. I'm attaching a screen capture from the villages web site.

Who would think this is a "feature"???

[Bogie Shooter]

That seems obvious to me. Looking at properties on the Villages web site the first thing I do is study the map of the location. If it abuts non-villages property or is even close to non-villages property I immediately dismiss it.

What makes me scratch my head is seeing that listed as a "feature" of the house. I'm attaching a screen capture from the villages web site.

Who would think this is a "feature"???

Makes you aware......

[Cobullymom]

If they aren't aware that 1) burning trash makes smoke, 2) smoke drifts when wind moves, 3) other people live nearby and 4) their trash burning might cause drifts of nasty noxious smoke to end up in a neighbor's house

then they're not very smart people.

If they are smart people, then they just don't care.

If they don't care, then they're definitely not a Christian church of ANY denomination of christianity.

If they are a Christian church of any denomination, then they shouldn't be.
Wow, always that one over the top...maybe they are just burning some brush, just as the villages construction does all the time when clearing off property....slow down on that coffee

[sdeikenberry]

Has the author spoken to the church officials yet? He doesn't say...I'm thinking that would be the first step rather than complain here. Being it's a church, and generally churches want to be neighborhood friendly, my guess is a friendly approach will solve the problem.

[BoatRatKat]

I purchases a new home in Hawkins, my property backs up to a church that regularly burns trash in their backyard area, apparently legally, the smoke can get very heavy and acrid at times, if I was aware of this prior to buying I believe I would have made a different choice, be advised

If you're referring to the large church on Warm Springs they burn cardboard boxes on Tue mornings because they run a food pantry for hundreds of needy families in the area who depend on the food donations to get by. They collect the food from many of the area distributors and all that food comes packed in boxes and they need to dispose of them. It is such a worthy operation run by the kindest people you could ever meet. Walk over there some morning and ask for Steve or Kathy who run the program, you may even end up volunteering! :-)

[La lamy]

If they aren't aware that 1) burning trash makes smoke, 2) smoke drifts when wind moves, 3) other people live nearby and 4) their trash burning might cause drifts of nasty noxious smoke to end up in a neighbor's house

then they're not very smart people.

If they are smart people, then they just don't care.

If they don't care, then they're definitely not a Christian church of ANY denomination of christianity.

If they are a Christian church of any denomination, then they shouldn't be.

:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :clap2: :clap2:

[Dond1959]

If you're referring to the large church on Warm Springs they burn cardboard boxes on Tue mornings because they run a food pantry for hundreds of needy families in the area who depend on the food donations to get by. They collect the food from many of the area distributors and all that food comes packed in boxes and they need to dispose of them. It is such a worthy operation run by the kindest people you could ever meet. Walk over there some morning and ask for Steve or Kathy who run the program, you may even end up volunteering! :-)

As Paul Harvey used to say, and that’s the rest of the story. So instead of contacting county commissioners, calling them Satan worshippers, or the other nonsense on the thread, how about going over and talking to them?You can volunteer to pick up all the boxes, break them down, and put them out with your trash. That is a way to solve the problem for everyone. But if this is another thread where people just like to complain and not find a solution, just keep complaining, there are plenty of people on here who will join in. I think complaining should be an official club in the villages.

[GOLFER54]

Hop the fence and pray they have marshmallows.

[Girlcopper]

You used the phrase "apparently legal" and wrote they are burning trash. The state of Florida has regulations on open burning which can be found HERE. (https://floridadep.gov/air/permitting-compliance/content/open-burning)

Included is this regulation:

What materials are prohibited to be open burned in Florida?
Open burning of biological waste, hazardous waste, asbestos-containing materials, mercury-containing devices, pharmaceuticals, tires, rubber material, residual oil, used oil, asphalt, roofing material, tar, treated wood, plastics, garbage, or trash is strictly prohibited.

There is also a pdf of the regulations that can be found HERE (https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Fire%20Law%202019%20One-Page%208.16.19.pdf)

Burning of allowed material is also controlled with rules about the exact hours it is allowed, the size of the pile being burned, the requirement that fire extinguishing equipment be at the burn site, and that a person must be present while material is burning.

The church may very well be in violation of state regulations if they are doing what you describe.

Obviously the church is within guidelines and doing it legal or it would have stopped a long time ago. Im sure half the neighborhood bothers the sheriffs office with millions of calls each time theres a burn. It goes back to Buyer Beware

[blueash]

Obviously the church is within guidelines and doing it legal or it would have stopped a long time ago. Im sure half the neighborhood bothers the sheriffs office with millions of calls each time theres a burn. It goes back to Buyer Beware

It is not obvious that what they are doing is legal. It is not clear they have been doing it a long time as the OP's neighborhood is new. A posting above speculates, without evidence, that they are burning boxes. That would be illegal under all circumstances. The OP said they were burning trash, not yard waste. Even if it is yard waste, the church is not allowed to open burn.

A church, which is a non-residential facility has to comply with these rules: First the rules for a residence This is NOT the rule for a church

Residential Yard Waste
Open burning of “yard waste” (defined as leaves, shrub trimmings, grass clippings, palm fronds, and brush) on residential premises of not more than two family units is allowed, provided that the below requirements in subsection 62-256.700(1), F.A.C., are met.

The yard waste must have been generated on the same premise as where it’s being open burned.
The open burning must occur between the hours of 8:00 AM CST (9:00 AM EST) to one hour before sunset.
The open burning must be enclosed in a noncombustible container or be in a pile no greater than eight feet in diameter.
The location of the open burn must be set back at least 150 feet from any occupied building other than that of the landowner, 50 feet from any paved public roadway, and 25 feet from any wildlands, brush, or combustible structure.
The open burning must be attended with fire extinguishing equipment ready at all times.

Next the rule for non-residential
Other Non-Residential Open Burning

Open burning of vegetative waste, storm-generated or otherwise, at established industrial, commercial, institutional, or governmental properties is not explicitly allowed by state rules.

DEP recommends that these entities follow one of the below options for disposal of vegetative waste generated from their properties:

Recycle the vegetative waste by bringing a chipper on-site to create mulching material for reuse throughout the facility grounds;
Arrange to haul off the material from the property for off-site processing into mulch or disposal; or
Use of a portable air curtain incinerator operated in compliance with 62-210.300(3)(a)26, F.A.C.
Pursuant to 62-296.320(3), F.A.C., open burning in connection with industrial, commercial, institutional, or governmental operations may only be allowed when specifically authorized by DEP if:

Open burning is determined by DEP to be the only available method of disposal; and
It does not involve any material prohibited from being burned pursuant to Rule 62-256.300, F.A.C.

So please, don't suggest it is legal unless you can cite a source for your information. More likely they are saving money by not having to pay for trash collection.

[Bay Kid]

And we are worried about global warming. Hypocrites.

[airstreamingypsy]

But if this is another thread where people just like to complain and not find a solution, just keep complaining, there are plenty of people on here who will join in. I think complaining should be an official club in the villages.

Wait, you mean it isn't an official club? Hard to be believe all the complainers all ended up here. Complaining is a Village pastime.

[Neils]

I purchases a new home in Hawkins, my property backs up to a church that regularly burns trash in their backyard area, apparently legally, the smoke can get very heavy and acrid at times, if I was aware of this prior to buying I believe I would have made a different choice, be advised

Could it be a campfire and kids making smores ?

[b0bd0herty]

The OP never said what/how the church was burning... just that they were.

[NotGolfer]

This reminds me of a situation that happened back in my home-state. There was a letter to the local paper's editor complaining about the farm smells. It seems that OP had purchased some property that had been sectioned off from a local farmer that adjoined other farms and built a house. The complainer was angry because the farmer next door had the audaciousness to have cattle and pigs that emitted noxious odors. (Add sarcasm to that statement.) Said OP came later and not the farmer. I would say this might be the same here with the burning. Unless the rules have been changed for the church to burn, then maybe there's nothing that can be done. Go to the township and speak to them after speaking to the church leadership (or vice versa) to see if you can get resolution.

[Dot Rheinhardt]

We own 13 acres inside city limits in our city in IN. This is zoned "agricultural" - 100 year old IN farm. Everything "grandfathered" in. We can have cows, pigs, etc. there, but we do not. The city grew around us.

[Bilyclub]

It is illegal to burn household garbage
(including paper products), treated lumber,
plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticides,
paint, and aerosol containers.

If it's anything but yard waste, it's illegal.

https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/4743/file/know_the_law.pdf

[blueash]

The OP never said what/how the church was burning... just that they were.

The OP only wrote a few words, and they included this my bold:

my property backs up to a church that regularly burns trash in their backyard area

Trash is the word the OP used, very clearly

[Jean G]

Churches are usually very sensitive to the respect and neighbors. If they are unaware, they cannot make adjustments. I would make a polite phone call.

[GPFan47]

Withlacoochee Forestry Center (352) 797-4100

[PugMom]

When we were looking at homes our TV agent, Beth Pope, told us that when buying a property that abuts non-village owned property there is no way of knowing what is going to happen next to you. We took her advice and did exactly what you state you would have done, made a different choice. Choosing the right agent is very important when buying a home, we didn't just pick Beth Pope from a photo or ad, we had several people referred her as the go to agent in TV. I too would agree that a talk with the church leadership could help, maybe ask for a packet of donation envelopes too, a few dollars could go a long way in providing a better environment.

i love Beth--she helped us so much in every aspect of re-locating:coolsmiley:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Wow, always that one over the top...maybe they are just burning some brush, just as the villages construction does all the time when clearing off property....slow down on that coffee

If that's all that was happening, then the OP wouldn't be posting about the church burning GARBAGE. Brush isn't a member of the category of "garbage." It is in the category of "yard waste."

In case you've never experienced it (hopefully most people haven't) - the smell of burning garbage is a lot different than the smell of burning yard waste.

Both are toxic to the lungs, but the smells are very distinct from each other.

Maybe you feel I'm one over the top - but you need to look up a bit and try and FIND the top. Because you seem to have missed it entirely.

[stebooo]

Wow the logic here is incredible.

[LeeM]

The trash burning sounds horrible and possibly illegal. The suggestions that the OP should break down the boxes and put them out with his own trash, etc. are ridiculous. The church should be informed of the problems they are creating - obnoxious fumes, pollution etc. and start paying for trash collection. And if not, legal avenues should be pursued.

[yanksansky]

You used the phrase "apparently legal" and wrote they are burning trash. The state of Florida has regulations on open burning which can be found HERE. (https://floridadep.gov/air/permitting-compliance/content/open-burning)

Included is this regulation:

What materials are prohibited to be open burned in Florida?
Open burning of biological waste, hazardous waste, asbestos-containing materials, mercury-containing devices, pharmaceuticals, tires, rubber material, residual oil, used oil, asphalt, roofing material, tar, treated wood, plastics, garbage, or trash is strictly prohibited.

There is also a pdf of the regulations that can be found HERE (https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Fire%20Law%202019%20One-Page%208.16.19.pdf)

Burning of allowed material is also controlled with rules about the exact hours it is allowed, the size of the pile being burned, the requirement that fire extinguishing equipment be at the burn site, and that a person must be present while material is burning.

The church may very well be in violation of state regulations if they are doing what you describe.

I am guessing this is Grace Tabernacle?

[JayK!]

Petition the church to add a smoke stack that would raise the smoke level and possibly bypass your property.

[Nucky]

If the wind is in the right direction, burn your own on Sunday morning!:icon_wink:

Can I get an AMEN??? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[BobnBev]

I grew up on a farm===Love the smell of chicken s**t, and skunk odor is like perfume....and NO, I'm not kidding.:bigbow::popcorn:

[CFrance]

Is this the church that didn't get a turn lane from Morse/Warm Springs? Is this the church that The Villages made sure will not have golf cart access?
I was going to ask the same thing but was afraid of the $*** that would rain down on my head.:popcorn:

[Bogie Shooter]

Unfortunate that the church accused of the burning is being dragged thru the mud.

Could have been avoided with a simple phone call to the church by OP.