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DATE:
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FROM:
SUBJECT:
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
December 9, 2013
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE: 12/16/13
STUDY SESSION
COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE REGULATION OF LEAF BLOWERS
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Council give the following direction to staff:
1. Join with other local agencies in supporting a Bay Area leaf blower exchange program and Spare
the Air Day leaf blower restrictions.
2. In residential zones, prohibit gas powered leaf blowers OR prohibit any leaf blower emitting
over 65 decibels.
3. Direct staff to include notice of the pending regulations to gardeners, landscapers or related
business license holders or permittees.
4. Direct staff to limit the first 6 months of enforcement to warning notices or letters issued by
Police or Community Development as complaints are received.
BACKGROUND:
In July 2012, the Town of Los Gatos adopted a sustainability plan that outlined the Town's existing
greenhouse gas emissions inventory, identified GHG reduction targets, and established GHG reduction
measures to meet those reduction targets. The possible adoption of a leaf blower ordinance (RE -4) was
identified under Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Fuels,
On August 5, 2013, a study session was held to ascertain Council interest in and direction on leaf blower
regulation. At the conclusion of the August 5 study session, Council asked staff to return at a later date
with additional information on leaf blower ordinances currently in effect in select cities, to provide
information on options to limit the current use of leaf blowers in residential and commercial zones, and
to provide information on educational options and exchange programs.
PREPARED BY: CHRISTINA GILMORE ' U
Assistant to the Town Manager
Reviewed by:
Town Manager
Town Attorney Finance
NAMGR \AdminWorkFiles\2013 Council Reports \December 16 \Leaf Blowers \12.16.13 Leaf Blowers Study
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: LEAF BLOWERS
DECEMBER 16, 2013
Per Council direction, this report provides the Council with the information on the select cities
requested, in addition to providing recommendations and alternatives for proposed leaf blower
regulations for Council consideration.
DISCUSSION:
The Town of Los Gatos currently allows the use of electric or gasoline leaf blowers and other similar
moveable noise sources to be operated during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00
a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays in residential or noise sensitive zones. The use of powered
equipment in commercial, industrial or public spaces is not time limited.
Based on the survey of other jurisdictions (Attachment 1), staff would initially recommend an
equipment use restriction in residential zones, based on either the noise levels or emissions of the
equipment. Noise impact could be moderated by requiring equipment to be rated at 65 decibels or less,
while emissions could be moderated by requiring the use of electric equipment. Note that either
approach approved would also likely benefit the other, as lower decibel equipment is also electric.
A six month education and notification period is recommended following Council adoption of any
regulatory changes to encourage voluntary compliance and minimize enforcement workloads. Business
outreach, media coverage and warnings would be the primary educational outreach.
Depending on the impact of the residential regulations, staff could return at a later date with
recommendations on potential restrictions in commercial zones. Town operations on Town properties
would be included as commercial operations for the time being given the generally larger comparable
parcels on the properties involved.
In addition, staff would recommend joining with San Mateo and possibly San Jose (see below) and other
local jurisdictions in supporting and encouraging a Bay Area leaf blower exchange program through the
Bay Area Air Quality Management District, as occurs in Southern California.
Last, staff would recommend the use of gas powered lawn and gardening equipment be prohibited on
summer Spare the Air days resulting from anticipated high particulate emissions.
City of San Jose
The City of San Jose is expected to include a proposed Commercial Leaf Blower Ordinance on the
City's next priority setting session to consider working with the California Air Resources Board, the Bay
Area Air Quality Management District and other potential entities to identify sources of funding for
policy research, ordinance implementation and potential rebates /tax credits for the purchase of electric
leaf blowers.
Depending on the City San Jose's interest in prioritizing the proposed recommendations, the Town
Council may want to consider exploring opportunities for collaboration, as it relates to exploring
rebates /tax credits for a commercial leaf blower exchange /purchase program.
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: LEAF BLOWERS
DECEMBER 16, 2013
ALTERNATIVES:
Besides staff recommendations addressed at the beginning of this report, the following alternatives are
available for Council consideration:
1. Make no changes in the current ordinance that prescribes the hours and days of use of electric
and gas powered leaf blowers in residential and commercial areas.
2. Reduce the hours and /or days for use of leaf blowers in residential and/or commercial areas.
3. Prohibit the use of gas powered leaf blowers in commercial areas.
4. Prohibit the use of leaf blowers that emit 65 decibels or more in commercial areas.
5. Prohibit the use of all leaf blowers in residential and /or commercial areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact will differ depending on the direction given by the Council.
Attachments:
1. Summary of jurisdictions with regulations banning the use of leaf blowers.
2. Public Comments received 12:00 PM Thursday August 8, 2013 through 12:00 PM Thursday,
December 12, 2013.
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Summary of Jurisdictions with Leaf Blower Regulations in Place
Attached is a summary of the information gathered from the cities specified by the Council, with
the exception of the City of Carmel which has not responded to repeated requests for
information.
In summary, the other cities surveyed generally provided at least some limits on the types of leaf
blowers used in residential areas, provide varying degrees of public and education, and generally
provide low priority complaint based enforcement.
City ofLos Altos
The City of Los Altos has had a leaf blower ordinance banning the use of gas powered blowers
in place since 1991. Portable electric powered blowers are permitted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
seven days a week in both residential and commercial areas.
Staff contacted personnel from the City of Los Altos police department to provide additional
information on the leaf blower ordinance. Below is a summary of questions and answers:
L What is the process for reporting leaf blower violations to the City?
Residents are encouraged to call the Los Altos Police Department business line while the
violation is occurring. Depending on availability, patrol or code enforcement will be
dispatched to the complaint. Many times, the violation is no longer occurring by the time
patrol and /or code enforcement arrives on the scene. If residents are dealing with an ongoing
issue, they may be referred directly to code enforcement for a long term resolution.
Z Approximately how many complaints does Los Altos receive each month/year?
There were 348 leaf blower complaints received from October 1, 2012 through October 7,
2013.
3. What is the process for bringing people into compliance with the ordinance?
Los Altos police officers and code enforcement are encouraged to work on solving
complaints rather than simply enforcing the ordinance. Response to leaf blower calls can
require a significant amount of time, so solutions that involve prevention is encouraged. The
City of Los Altos provides its officers with "yellow cards," which are translated in both
Spanish and English. These cards are given to first time offenders and explain the ordinance
in brevity and the violator's information is entered into a system as a one -time
warning. Typically only one warning is granted, but that is always left to the officer's
discretion.
4. What types of noticing /outreach do you conduct to inform residents, businesses, and
landscape gardeners of the ordinance?
Page 1 of 5
ATTACHMENT
Summary of Jurisdictions with Leaf Blower Regulations in Place
Other than face -to -face communication and the issuance of "yellow cards ", there are no
specific outreach efforts. The ordinance has been in effect for such a long period of time that
most people are already aware of the ordinance.
5. How many hours per week/month does Code Enforcement spend on leaf blower
complaints and bringingpeople into compliance?
The Code Enforcement officer currently spends between 10 -15 hours a month of proactive
enforcement for this type of violation. The Code Enforcement officer can conduct
enforcement while doing other code enforcement duties on the streets.
6. What is the priority of response for leaf blower calls/complaints?
As a patrol call, the priority is low; however an officer will respond when available. At
times, the call may be in pending status for too long, due to other activity, and therefore may
be canceled. However, if the Code Enforcement officer is on duty, the call assigned will
have a higher level of priority.
What are the biggest barriers to enforcing this ordinance?
There really are no big barriers from a community support perspective. The community does
not appreciate the noise produced by these devices and is very supportive and, at times,
demanding with regards to enforcement. Occasionally, staff experiences language barriers
with people who violate the ordinance (Spanish and Vietnamese in particular) but staff has
been able to communicate effectively in most cases.
City of Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto has had a leaf blower ordinance banning the use of gas powered blowers in
residential zones in place since 2005. While the ordinance bans gas powered leaf blowers in
residential zones, it does permit the use of electric leaf blowers. Electric leaf blowers can be
used in residential zones, Monday -Friday from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
Electric leaf blower use is prohibited on Sundays and holidays.
Additionally, gas - powered leaf blowers and electric leaf blowers can be used in non - residential
zones. Electric and gas powered leaf blowers can be used Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
and Saturdays from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Any leaf blower use is prohibited on Sundays and holidays.
Staff contacted personnel from the City of Palo Alto police department to provide additional
information on the leaf blower ordinance. Below is a summary of questions and answers:
1. What is the process for reporting leaf blower violations to the City?
The complainant can contact the police department to report an incident. The call for service
is logged and a police officer is dispatched.
2. Approximately how many complaints does Palo Alto receive each month/year?
Approximately 15 -30 complaints are received each year.
Page 2 of 5
Summary of Jurisdictions with Leaf Blower Regulations in Place
3. What is the process for bringing violators into compliance with the ordinance?
A police officer will issue a warning to the violator and a log note is created in the call along
with the violator's name. A second call could end in a secondary warning or a $100
administrative citation.
4. What types of noticing /outreach does the City conduct to inform residents, businesses and
landscape gardeners of the ordinance?
Currently, there is no additional community outreach being conducted since the ordinance
has been in place for several years.
5. How many hours per week/month does PD spend on leaf blower complaints and bringing
violators into compliance?
Due to a decrease in police staffing levels, minimal time is spent on leaf blower complaints.
6. What is the priority of response for leaf blower calls and/or complaints?
Calls for service for leaf blower violations have the lowest priority. Often times, when the
police officer arrives, the violator is gone.
7. What are the biggest barriers to enforcing this ordinance?
Since electric leaf blower use is allowed under the current ordinance, gardeners will use a
gas- powered generator to plug in an electrical cord to power their electric leaf blowers.
While this is in compliance with the ordinance, it does not reduce the amount of noise or
emissions released into the environment.
City of Beverly Hills
The City of Beverly Hills has had a leaf blower ordinance banning the use or operation of any
portable machine powered with a gasoline engine to blow leaves, dirt, and other debris off
sidewalks, driveways, lawns or other surfaces in place since the 1970's. The use of electric leaf
blowers is allowed. The primary reason for banning gas powered leaf blowers was initially
related to the level of gas emissions from blowers, but over the intervening years, the main
opposition to their use now is primarily noise related. The ordinance is enforced by both the
Police Department and Code Enforcement.
Staff contacted personnel from the City of Beverly Hills Code Enforcement to provide additional
information on the leaf blower ordinance. Below is a summary of questions and answers:
I. What is the process for reporting leaf blower violations to the City?
Page 3 of 5
Summary of Jurisdictions with Leaf Blower Regulations in Place
There are several ways to report a violation. To make a new complaint, residents can submit
a complaint through a web based application, or they can call a phone number to report a
violation. If complaints are received by phone, staff will initiate a standard letter sent to the
property owner informing them of the violation and providing them information on the
ordinance.
2. Approximately how many complaints does Beverly Hills receive each month /year?
There were 256 complaints recorded in 2012, and there were 291 complaints recorded in
2013.
3. What is the process for bringing people into compliance with the ordinance?
To bring violators into compliance, Code Enforcement will send a letter to the property
owner or issue a "notice to appear" citation.
4. What types of noticing /outreach do you conduct to inform residents, businesses, landscape
gardeners of the ordinance?
Beverly Hills has developed a general letter and informational flyer that can be sent to
property owners that informs them that gasoline - powered leaf blowers are prohibited from
use. Property owners are instructed to ask their gardeners to discontinue use of gas powered
leaf blowers and are assigned a Code Enforcement officer to follow up with the property
owner's gardener.
5. How many hours per week/month does CE spend on leaf blower complaints and bringing
people into compliance?
N/A
6. What is the priority of response for leaf blower calls /complaints?
N/A
7. What are the biggest barriers to enforcing this ordinance?
In the last several years Code Enforcement has taken proactive measures to enforce the
ordinance, primarily tracking violations when they occur, using a warning log to issue
warning notices to property owners and gardeners, and proactive enforcement by officers out
in the field. The combination of these proactive enforcement measures has been found to be
especially effective.
City of Santa Monica
The City of Santa Monica banned the use of all motorized leaf blowers in 1991. Since July 1,
2013, all leaf blower enforcement is now handled by Code Compliance. Prior to that date, leaf
blower enforcement was handled by the Office of Sustainability. The decision to have Code
Compliance take over the enforcement is due to the fact that there are more Code Compliance
inspectors out in the field seven days a week who are more readily available to respond to leaf
blower complaints.
Page 4 of 5
Summary of Jurisdictions with Leaf Blower Regulations in Place
Staff contacted personnel from the City of Santa Monica Code Compliance to provide additional
information on the leaf blower ordinance. Below is a summary of questions and answers:
1. What is the process for reporting leaf blower violations to the City?
Residents may report violations with their iPhone or Android phone, online using GO Santa
Monica, by email, or by telephone.
2. Approximately how many complaints do you receive each month /year?
The average number of complaints received range from five to ten complaints on a daily
basis. Complaints may be submitted via email or through a city hotline.
3. What is the process for bringing people into compliance with the ordinance?
One warning letter is issued as a courtesy before a citation/fine is issued. A citation can be
issued immediately if a Code Enforcement Officer observes a violation while it is occurring.
The compliance deadline is two weeks from the date a warning letter is issued.
4. What types of noticing /outreach do you conduct to inform residents, businesses, landscape
gardeners of the ordinance?
No additional noticing or outreach besides the warning letters issued is conducted by Code
Compliance.
5. How many hours per week/month does CE spend on leaf blower complaints and bringing
people into compliance?
For each complaint received, Code Compliance Officers spend approximately 20 minutes
within a two week time period to investigate complaints. Code Compliance Officers make a
total of two visits to the address filed in the complaint. If the Code Enforcement Officer does
not observe a violation occurring at the address on file, then the complaint is closed out of the
system.
6. What is the priority of response for leaf blower calls/complaints?
Leaf blower complaints receive a priority three response, out of a five -tier priority system,
because leaf blower compliance and enforcement is a high priority with the City Council.
7. What are the biggest barriers to enforcing this ordinance?
The biggest barrier to enforcing the ordinance is a lack of staffing resources.
Page 5 of 5
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subject: FW: Leaf Blower Legislation
From: Leaf Blower Information [info @leafbiowernoise.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:13 PM
To: Steve Rice
Cc: BSpector; Steve Leonardis; Diane McNutt; Joe Pirzynski; Joe Fahey; Mike Best; Bob Stanley; Chris Seeman
Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Legislation
Since you are going to discuss leaf blowers at a meeting tonight, I thought I shout -i resend my email of last September
for your review. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Larry Will, PE
Leaf Blower Information Specialist
ECHO Inc
(479) 250 -4110
info @leafblowernoise.com
From: Leaf Blower Information<mailto :info@ leaf blowernoise.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2012 12:05 PM
To: Mayor Steve Rice <mailto:srice @losgatosca.gov>
Cc: Vice Mayor Barbara Spector <mailto:bspector @losgatosca.gov> ; Council Member Steve
Leona rdis<mailto:sleonardis @losgatosca.gov >; Council Member Diane McNutt<mailto:dmcnutt @losgatosca.gov >;
Council Member Joe Pirzynski <mailto:jpirzynski @losgatosca.gov> ; Joe Fahey<mailto:joe_fahey @echo - usa.com> ; Mike
Best<mailto:mike_best @echo - usa.com> ; Bob Stanley<mailto:Bob_Stanley @echo - usa.com> ; Chris
Seema n<mailto:chriss @goldeneagled ist.com>
Subject: Leaf Blower Legislation
Mayor Steve Rice
and
Town Council Members
Los Gatos, CA
September 27, 2012
Re: Leaf Blower Legislation
The leaf blower has been under attack in many California cities, the result of a well organized group of people that feel
these tools are too noisy. Those that rely on the blower to provide income are understandably concerned, hoping that
they are not banned. Before making a decision regarding leaf blower legislation, it is important you understand the
issues on both sides of the argument to ban or limit leaf blower use.
I am a former Vice President of Engineering for Echo Inc., a leading manufacturer of powered lawn care products. My
employer, (company info below) has retained me after my retirement to address leaf blower concerns throughout the
United States and Canada. I do this as a public service to our customers and to the cities confronted with a leaf blower
issue. I have helped more than 110 communities understand the facts after which reasonable and effective ordinances
have been enacted.
Public Works Director Todd Capurso will be recommending that the City Council consider the adoption of an ordinance
that would ban the use of two - stroke gasoline powered leaf blowers. The only possible reason for this discrimination
between two - stroke and electric or four - stroke gasoline powered leaf blowers is emissions. Legislation intended to
ATTACHMENT
regulate exhaust emissions is preempted by the USEPA and therefore illegal. If sound level is his argument, he needs to
consider two - stroke blowers that are at 65 dB(A), for these are actually quieter than electric. You can find test results
below that substantiate this statement.
But this does not mean that there is nothing to be done. Very effective limitations are available to you that
homeowners, landscape contractors and anti -leaf blower activists will support. The reason some blowers are noisy is
because there are still many old blowers in service that have not been optimized for sound reduction. These are the
products that need to be replaced. The industry now markets quiet leaf blowers and attaches a label that indicates
sound level, making it easy to determine magnitude at the point of purchase and in the field by law enforcement.
It is important to note that the extreme step of banning blowers will not result in meeting the ultimate goal of
eliminating leaf blower noise. A ban of this type cannot be enforced. You need a regulation that users will support. It
should also be noted that at a time like this, when landscapers are trying to cut corners in order to meet their financial
obligations; it's not a good thing to ban one of their primary time saving tools. Even homeowners that own a blower
consider a blower ban an unreasonable, unnecessary and expensive restriction, considering they will have to scrap their
blower.
I'm sure you know that most residents are indifferent to this issue because leaf blowers, like lawn mowers or garbage
trucks are just a part of living in a typical neighborhood. in fact, according to a recent city wide vote to overturn a blower
ban in Arlington, MA, 68% of those voting were against the ban.
( http: / /www.boston.com /yourtown/ news /arlington /2012 /07 /arlington_leaf blower_ban_surv.htmi).
I probably don't need to tell you what problems beset any law that impacts leaf blower use, but it will be helpful to you
if I review the improvements that have been made to blowers in recent years. Because of design changes and
enhancements, the arguments that are given against leaf blowers are only true of old, unimproved blowers. Herein I will
provide facts that will put many of these overstated, outdated and inaccurate claims into perspective.
The leaf blower issue boils down to one thing. It is so some people are spared the annoyance of a neighbor grooming his
yard with a tool that makes too much noise, in their opinion. The solution is to ban the noise some blowers make, not
two - stroke gasoline powered blowers. This is possible if you ban only those blowers louder than 65 dB(A). If you have
not actually experienced the difference between old blowers at 77 dB(A) and those at 65, you owe it to yourself to seek
out a demonstration. These numbers represent a 75% reduction in sound.
In asking for a ban, it seems as though anti -leaf blower activists do not realize that they have won their argument.
Because of their persistence, the industry has spent millions of dollars to improve the leaf blower, making it quieter and
more environmentally friendly.
Please take a moment to review the following facts:
Enforcement of a leaf blower ban.
In my experience, the favorite request of anti -leaf blower activists is to issue a complete ban on gasoline powered leaf
blowers. Like the eighteenth amendment, however, prohibition of leaf blowers will not work. I know that if you were to
speak to anyone trying to enforce a leaf blower ban, they would tell you how difficult it is. In fact, it is for the most part,
impossible. For this reason, Menlo Park rescinded their blower ban after several years of expense and frustration. The
police in Los Angeles have publicly given up on enforcing their ban. Palo Alto, CA has discharged their only police officer
assigned to citing leaf blower users for economic reasons. Santa Monica, CA has had a ban in place for 20 years and has
not been able to enforce it. You can read about their problem in a report presented to the city council.
http: / /leafbiowe rnoise.com /Santa %u2OM on ica %2OReport.pdf
Police give a very low priority to chasing down leaf blower operators. After all, leaf blower users are not really criminals.
It is a reasonable response when you consider these people are trained to respond to scenes of domestic violence, car
accidents, or other more serious criminal activities. Professional users are only trying to make an honest living using a
profit enhancing tool that complies with State and Federal emission and noise regulations. Some contractors will risk
paying a fine for this is the least expensive option, considering the time it takes to clean a yard by hand.
Should a person issue a complaint to the police, often he or she will not know the name of the contractor so the police
will not know whom to confront. Further, unless there is an officer in every neighborhood 24/7, the offending contractor
will most likely be gone before the police arrive since cleanup with a blower is the last thing a contractor will do before
leaving the area.
As for the homeowner, well, what local cop would give a ticket to a neighbor? As an elected official, I doubt you would
want them to. If a private resident is turned in to the police by a neighbor, it becomes a "he said, she said" issue and
most likely will convert two somewhat tolerant neighbors into antagonistic adversaries with a "get even" attitude.
An unenforceable ban is far worse than any regulation that takes advantage of leaf blower improvements because old,
noisy and unregulated blowers remain in use.
Controversy
As an industry expert on this issue, my involvement goes all the way back to 1999, when I met with Dianne Wolfberg,
Jack Allen and Mrs. Peter Graves as they lobbied the city of Los Angeles to enact a leaf blower ban. They managed to
secure a ban, but it was extremely controversial. The ban polarized communities, those who owned and used blowers
against those that didn't. It got so bad that there were even hunger strikes on the steps of City Hall, protesting the
ordinance.
Product changes and improvements
Leaf blowers were redesigned in response to complaints from the field. We listened to all the anti -leaf blower activists,
as well as end users, contractors and retailers that had opinions regarding leaf blowers and their use. The industry
systematically proceeded to eliminate the sources of these complaints over the course of several years.
More than seven years ago, this program was completed, addressing every complaint with effective product
improvements, recommended legislative alternatives, and educational materials. We also brought clarity to the
argument when false accusations and exaggerations were made based on claims from uninformed or outdated sources.
Quiet Leaf Blower
As I said above, complaints about blowers are primarily noise related. Usually activists attack the gasoline powered leaf
blower, but tolerate the electric version. It's not clear why. For one thing, the typical electric leaf blower is actually
noisier than the gasoline blower that is specifically designed to be "Quiet ". For test results, see
http://leafbiowernoise.com/Electric`/`20blower`/`20sound.htm.
All other arguments negatively attributed to the gasoline powered leaf blower also apply to the electric blower, except
for emissions, which I will discuss later in this document. Not all leaf blowers are considered quiet, but all are quieter
than they once were. Most blowers less than seven years old are 50% quieter than older designs. One should know that
actual "Quiet" gasoline powered leaf blowers are readily available from several manufacturers. Blowers having labels
that indicate they are 65 dB(A) or less are 75% quieter than unimproved designs. The whine common to outdated leaf
blowers, generated by the main impeller fan, is essentially gone on these models. Because blowers are labeled, no
testing is required by the enforcement agency to determine sound level compliance. Some cities write this maximum
allowable sound level into their regulation as an alternative to banning, eliminating older and louder designs. To see the
leaf blower sound label found on the actual unit, check: http: / /leafblowernoise.com /Sound %201abel %20mounted.jpg
Proper Time to Use
Often the time of day a blower is used (early morning or late in the evening) or day of the week (Sunday for example) is
the only real problem. Many cities limit hours of use and have been successful using this approach to quiet down leaf
blowers during the hours when neighborhoods should be quiet.
The Operator May Be at Fault
This may be the biggest problem. Horticulturists would likely not use a leaf blower, choosing instead to gather lawn and
garden refuse by hand and use it to create compost for fertilizing plants. To these artists, time may not be as important
as is the care and treatment of delicate plants. But most leaf blower operators and landscape contractors are interested
only in making money. Professional leaf blower operators are not usually horticulturists or gardeners, rather they are
laborers. These well meaning, hard working people are more interested in pleasing the boss and that means doing a
clean and professional job quickly. Therefore, the primary factor in the leaf blower issue is none other than the operator
himself. The leaf blower is not always the issue. The Kendall's of Orinda, CA repeatedly complained about the operator
in their interview with CBS News Sunday Morning (November 6, 2011) and the New Yorker Magazine article published
earlier.
Some operators are inconsiderate, but most are just uninformed and untrained. It seems unlikely, but because of
cultural differences, some operators do not realize that noise and common courtesy is a concern to residents. As with
everything, there is a right way and a wrong way to use a leaf blower. The State of Arizona has adopted a training
requirement for all professional users. Arizona Bill:
http: / /www.azleg.gov /Fo rmatDocu me nt .asp ?format = print &in Doc= /Iegtext /48leg /lr /sum ma ry/h.sb 1552_06-27 -
07_a st ra ns m ittedtogove rno r. d oc. htm
Training Manuals
The solution to the operator problem is education. Leaf blower operators need training in the proper way to use a leaf
blower. Both ECHO Inc. and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute of Alexandria, VA have developed bilingual
pamphlets that outline how leaf blowers should be used. They tell how not to generate dust through proper nozzle
positioning and throttle control. They point out that it is irresponsible to use blowers on loose dirt, gravel drives and
dust covered surfaces. Guidelines are given concerning the operation of leaf blowers in residential areas or when
bystanders are present. It recommends acceptable hours of use. And, it offers suggestions as to when and why older
blowers should be replaced by new quieter versions. Some cities license operators and require training in order to
qualify. You can find copies of the above manuals at my web site:
(http: / /Ieafblowernoise.com/ LEAF %20BLOWER %20 %20manual %2012- 13- 10.pdf) or
(http://leafblowernoise.com/LeafBIowerTraining.pdf).
Either is available for free distribution (make your own copies) to operators and contractors through local lawn care
equipment outlets or by landscaper organizations. In some cities, the police have copies on hand to give to operators
when they respond to a complaint. On occasion, cities have created their own manual, which includes the information
found in the above pamphlets plus operator requirements unique to their city, such as noise limits and permitted hours
of use. Finally, there are PowerPoint and Flash presentations available on the internet that can be used as educational
tools by landscapers, parks departments and trade schools.
http: // leafblowernoise. com/ OPEI% 20Presentation /leafblower0l.swf or http:// leafblowernoise .com /OPEI %20LB%u2002-
10-12.pptx
Issues Other Than Sound
To embellish the argument in favor of limiting leaf blower use, elements other than sound are sometimes called into
issue. Blowers have been falsely accused of generating excessive exhaust pollution and particulate matter. Some would
even have you believe they are hazardous to your health, which has no foundation in fact. Let me explain.
Exhaust Emission
The bottom line here is that it is illegal for cities or states to write regulations that control emissions, even through the
act of banning. Only the United States EPA has this authority.
http: / /leafblowe rno ise.com/ Taken %20from %20the %20Federa I %20CIea n %u20Ai r %u20Act. pdf.
Do not let this argument enter into your discussion. The Massachusetts Attorney General and the EPA are presently
investigating Brookline's warrant limiting the use of leaf blowers because they cited emissions as the main reason they
decided to ban them. http: / /www.wickedlocal.com /brookline/ news / x299880560 /Brookline -leaf- blower- ban - faces-
blowback#axzzlpyBgfrrd
Today's leaf blowers meet all emission requirements. If you would like to learn more about leaf blower emissions, go to
my web site. http: // leafblowernoise. com/< http: / /leafblowernoise.com / %20>
How to Require Low Emission Engines (hydrocarbons)
Legislation in the United States mandated that hydrocarbon exhaust emission from small hand held engines needed to
be reduced by as much as 90% by January 1, 2005. Many designs changed so radically that completely new engine
concepts were introduced. If you want to reduce hydrocarbon pollution beyond what is presently being experienced, a
good approach is to eliminate the really old engines. As you now know, only the EPA can legally write rules that control
emissions, but a city or county can require EPA compliant engines build after January 2005. You can tell when a blower
was built by looking at the emission label attached to the engine. To see what an emission label looks like, click:
http: / /leafblowernoise.com/ Mounted %20emission %2OLabef.jpg. If there is no emission label on an engine, it simply
does not comply.
Dust
Another argument used to discredit a leaf blower is its perceived ability to create dust. Scientific facts do not support
such a claim. Dr. Dennis Fitz of the University of California, Riverside, conducted a study for the San Joaquin Valley Air
Pollution Control District and reported that dust levels generated by a leaf blower were so low that when compared to
an automobile by others, the automobile was 100 times worse than a leaf blower. You can read about this comparison
at http: // leafblowernoise .com /leaf9/o2Oblower %20dust.htm.
However, it is possible to generate unwanted dust if a leaf blower is used on unstable ground. These are surfaces that
have not been paved, covered with landscaping materials such as decorative rock or planted in grass. To prevent
excessive dust, add an appropriate restriction to your regulation that prevents leaf blower use on unstable ground.
Arizona was the first to add this restriction to a leaf blower regulation.
High Air Flow
Leaf blowers typically do have the ability to generate air flows above 150 miles per hour. Some like to compare this to
the winds of a hurricane. This is colorful, but keep in mind that this air flow is measured at the end of a hose with a two
inch diameter nozzle. Ten feet away it measures about 20 to 25 miles per hour and at 20 feet, it is nearly impossible to
measure. You can visualize from this that fugitive material disturbed by a leaf blower will be blown away from the
operator, but will remain within a few feet of the nozzle. A hurricane has the potential to create the kind of dust storm
you saw in the news last summer from Phoenix, AZ. Essentially, there is no meaningful comparison.
Perceived Health Hazard
Since noise is really not an issue if a city requires quiet leaf blowers, many activists have focused on the health impact.
You may hear about an East Coast doctor that claims leaf blowers are hazardous to your health or that they cause
asthma in children. Keep in mind that this particular doctor is only stating his personal opinion based on presumed facts,
same as any other anti -leaf blower activist, not his expert professional opinion. To fully accept his comments as fact, one
must inquire as to where he gets his information. Ask for supporting documentation. An expert opinion from a
pulmonary doctor that is also a leaf blower expert is unlikely. A fact based study linking leaf blowers to asthma, for
example, or any other respiratory ailment does not exist. In all my research, I have never found any test data or
reputable report, which shows that leaf blowers cause any kind of illness. This is confirmed by the California Air
Resources Board in their report to the State Legislature, which was compiled by Dr. Nancy Steele:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc0005/msc0005.pdf.
5
There was an article in the Greenwich Patch, written by Patrick Barnard, June 29, 2011 stating:
The Board of Health, which drafted the town's (Greenwich's) current noise ordinance in 1984, and amended it in 2004
and 2006 to address the use of leaf blowers, has the power to amend it again and present it to the RTM for approval.
However, that seems unlikely since the board's Leaf Blower Research Subcommittee recently concluded that leaf blower
noise, ... "does not pose a threat to public health," said Caroline Baisley, Greenwich Director of Public Health.
Baisley said the subcommittee, comprised of three doctors, found "there's no conclusive, well - grounded scientific data
providing medical evidence of the health risks associated specifically with leaf blower use — and therefore
recommended that no changes be made to the ordinance."
For Greenwich Board of Health Statement to Greenwich Representative Town Meeting, see
http: / /leafbiowernoise.com/ Representative %20Town %20M eeti ng %20notice %20G ree nwich. pdf
http: / /leafblowe rnoise.com /EMAIL %20RES PO NSE -BOH -noise %20resol utio n. pdf
Seasonal Banning of Leaf Blowers
Summer bans do more harm than good. This is the time of year when there is little work for a leaf blower, except to
clean grass clippings and hedge clippings from paved surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. Not having the blower
forces contractors to use water or a broom. The former is very bad for the environment, transferring debris to the storm
sewer rather than blowing it back on the lawn. The latter is inefficient and incapable of doing a good job, especially
around shrubs and on uneven surfaces such as bricks or cobblestone.
Conclusion
One should take into account the many improvements made to leaf blowers over recent years and consider a leaf
blower regulation that takes advantage of these improvements. It is well known throughout the industry that a
landscape contractor will readily comply with any restriction that governs leaf blower use so long as he is aware of the
restriction and so long as it does not take this indispensible tool away from him through banning. Ineffective bans result
in operators using all kinds of blowers, including those that are old and noisy as well as those that still contribute to
exhaust pollution.
http: / /Ieafblowernoise.com/ MODEL %u20LEAF %20BLOW ER ° /u20ORDINANCE.pdf
The above model ordinance is available at my web site. The suggested measures, if incorporated into a new regulation,
will result in environmental improvements while substantially reducing the sound generated by leaf blowers in
residential neighborhoods. I have a great deal more on the subject at httP:Hleafbiowernoise.com /. I am also available to
answer any specific questions you or your staff may have.
Larry Will, PE, Vice President (retired) Leaf Blower Information Specialist ECHO Inc
Tele: (479) 250 -4110
Email: info@ leafblowernoise.com<mai Ito: info@ leaf blowernoise.com>
For information on Echo Inc., click: http: / /www. echo - usa.com /About -ECHO /About -Us
AUG 20 2013
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Craig Steen <csteen4 @gmail.com> Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 9:55 PM
To: Igwt'r@community- newspapers.com
Maybe it was the ever expanding list of medical alerts for asthmatic students during my last few years of teaching
middle schoolers; or perhaps it was the report that kids were experiencing a 60°% increase in asthma possibly due to
environmental factors .... whatever the impetus, I had my epiphany as I waited for the light to change while turning from
Los Gatos Blvd. onto Hwy. 9. Across the street on the comer a man wielded his 2 cycle leaf blower at full throttle and
was blasting clouds of debris (leaves and dust) into the air between passing cars as they rounded the comer. The
sunlight dearly rendered the clouds of particulate matter climbing high into the air only to be violently swirled about
from the the vortex created by the passing autos..
Since then I couldn't help but notice that practically everyone on my street has a leaf bowing service (notice I donl
refer them as gardeners since very little plant maintenance is actually proffered by these services). Happy
homeowners trundle off to work in their Prius each morning unaware that between the pollution emitted by the full
throttled 2 cycle gasoline engine and the dust matter being blown into the air, an environmental catastrophe is being
enacted on their own property each week. Occasionally I'll become bold and ask an operator why he doesn't throttle
down the 200 mph wind tunnel and work the clippings, leaves at at. into a small pile and bag the lot! I'm usually met
with a quizzical glance (even though t speak Spanish too) and as I point to the cars parked along the curb which are
now covered with a thick film of dust, the worker nods and continues on his way.
As a parks maintenance worker myself while going through college, I can empathize with the challenge of finishing
x number of jobs in a fixed amount of time. However, as previous readers to this paper have chronicled, there now
exists a never ending cacophony of 2 cycle engines blasting away from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening,
Sundays included. So, aside from passing out rakes and brooms what is a partial solution? For starters. homeowners
could insist that their services run the blowers at lower throttle speeds. In fact, I have a 120 ft. driveway replete with
redwood, walnut, oak, and privets (not a pretty sight after a storm). But, I put a variable speed device on my electric
leaf blower (yes, cords are a hassle) and I can slow the motor down to a barely audible hum yet still easily direct the
foliage debris into small piles that I deposit into my bin. And that's an indispensable part of the solution ... the debris
must be bagged and carted off, not blown across the street or onto the neighbors' yards!
So, even if you don't count yourself as a convert to the green crowd, please consider the asthmatic potential you're
indirectly fostering in our too rapidly growing town that already receives the brunt of the spare- the -air that funnels
down from the Santa Clara Valley.
Craig Steen
132 Whitney Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408 - 395 -3901
Heath hazards of leaf blowers - Greenwich CALM.org
GREENWICH CALKORG
1z ,1: "t1'IC'1 i CH IZE'NS AGAINST
HEALTH HAZARDS
8)18113 6:32 PM
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Health hazards of leaf hlOwerS (htto'Ih n a • erc�miiheulm olYhmfls /bloetsho f6=;S'xea2 health h icards oC le bh werc)
0 Posted by Green +=ichCahn on April t, 2011 at 4:36 PM
Regarding the issue of the health impacts
of leaf blowers, consider that:
• The World Health Organization recommends noise levels of 55 decibels or less, 45 decibels to meet
sleep criteria. A leaf blower generally measures at least 7o -75 decibels at 5o feel away and far higher
at close range.
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that noise levels over 75 decibels can
cause hearing loss and are harmful to human health.
• According to the California Air Resources Board the types of air pollutants emitted when using a gasoline -
powered leaf blower for half an hour are equivalent to those emitted from 440 miles of automobile
travel at 30mph average speed. Compared to an average large car, one hour of operation of a leaf blower emits
498 times as much hydrocarbons, 49 times as much particulate matter and 26 times as much carbon monoxide.
• A Grand Jury convened on the subject of leaf blowers in San Luis Obispo County, GA concluded that:
"Considering the evidence,.. the health hazards citizenry are exposed to from two -cycle leaf
blowers outweigh the possible benefit they provide." The Grand Jury went on to recommend that all
cities within that county initiate a phase out of leaf blowers.
Dr Barry Boyd, an oncologist at our own Greenwich Hospital, testified to the'rown of Grecnwich Board of Health in
2005 that:
Air pollution connected with leaf blowers worries hits. He believes gasoline powered engines are the reason
CT is the number one state in the country in incidences of breast cancer. He stated that one leaf Mower, in
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Health hazards of leaf blowers - Greenwich CA1M_org 8118113 6:3: PM
one hour, pollutes the same amount as 40 cars idling on a lawn. "Connecticut has one of the highest
rates of cancer," he said. "It is critical that we eliminate pollution from gasoline- powered
engines where we can. Summertime is when Connecticut air is most polluted. A summertime
ban on leaf blowers makes sense to me,' he told the members.
• Every doctor affiliated with the Mt. Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center in New York City signed a letter
submitted on April 22, 2oto by the Mt. Sinai Hospital supporting proposed restrictions on leaf blowers in
Eastchester, NY. The Mt. Sinai team of doctors stated that:
"Leaf blowers pose multiple hazards to human health. Children are the most susceptible
members of our population to these hazards because they breathe more air per pound of
body weight per day than adults and thus inhale more of any pollutants that are thrown into the air by
this equipment. Children's vulnerability to the health effects of this equipment is further magnified by the
fact that thev are passing through the stages of early development, and thus their lungs, ears, eyes, and other
organ systems are inherently more sensitive to environmental hazards than the organs of adults."
The doctors went on to elaborate in great detail the specific hazards associated with leaf blowers,
emphasizing the categories of: airborne pollutants, noise, and eye hazards.
• The American Lung Association of New York State submitted a letter in 2008 which "commends the towns and
villages across the Lower Hudson Valley that took a positive step to protect lung health by passing leaf
blower ordinances."
June Kaminski, MSN, PbD candidate, studied leaf blowers and published an article entitled "Leaf Blowers Threaten
Health." Dr Kammiski discovered that: "the particulates spewn into the air by leaf blowers contribute to
and aggravate respiratory and allergy problems, as well as add a significant amount of pollution.
They also dry and destroy the fragile top soil, hurting the environment." She found that "if landscape contractors
[operating leaf blowers] are not protecting their ears with earplugs or earmuff,;, they are routinely exosing their ears
to sounds above 85 decibels- -the level experts agree may threaten hearing over a period of time."
• Steve 7ien, a professional landscaper and Executive Director of Biological Urban Gardening Services (BUGS), an
international membership organization of primarily professional landscapers, states:
BUGS has opposed the use of leaf blowers for many years for a variety of reasons. There are many bidden
costs when utilizing blowers regularly. The leaf blower is perhaps the most over -used and inappropriately
used landscape too]. Autumn's tremendous amout of organic debris that requires collection might be
considered appropriate use of this tool. However, the weekly routine of blowing abuses the soil and damages
landscape plants while the noise creates ill will from neighbors and clients alike.
The landscape maintenance industry= should join BUGS and take a positive approach to
blower bans. Old fahsioned leaf raking can be a renewed service that their business could
provide. It could be used as a selling point: no noise and environmentally sound too!
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Health hazards of leaf blowers - Greenwich CAIM.org
8/18113 6:32 PM
Approach it right and they could charge the client an appropriate fee for this service,
especially if blowers are banned. This could even become a major selling point for some
companies. It could lead to business growth and the hiring of more personnel to mee the
demand. Environmentally sound landscapers should he able to turn this kind of legislation
into a positive for their businesses, making it work to their benefit.
Gasoline powered leaf blowers create noise levels of go -ioo decibels at close range, and exceed the EPA's recommended
maximum noise level of 8o decibels even at 5o feet. Many Greenwich residents in the high density neighborhoods
regularly endure the noise of neighbors leaf blowers from less than 5o feet away? Repeated and/or sustained exposure to
high noise levels damages the nerve endings in the ears and contributes to loss of hearing and deafness. Children are
particularly vulnerable. Doctors at the Mt. Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center bave documented the harmful
health impact of leaf blowers on children, and have written letters in support of the leaf blower ban we are seeking.
The World Health Organization recommends ambient noise levels of 55 decibels or less (Environmental Health Criteria 12:
WHO).
The narrow frequency bandvrddth of the noise emitted by leaf blowers, the whine, the pitch, is a particularly disturbing
sound. The sounds these machines make regularly provoke people to rage. The constant use and over -use of leaf blowers
reduces the productivity of our citizens (many people work at home), disturb sleeping infants and children, and they cause
rise in blood pressure, adrenaline, heart late and nervous stress. To put it mildly, they drive people crazy.
Noise also degrades our quality of life. It reduces communication. It interferes with our ability to enjoy being outdoors, or
taking walks, or working or playing in our own backyards. It reduces property values, as Greeuwzch realtors have testified
to the Health Board. It is an uncivil and selfish act to subject one's neigbors to a half hour or hour of deafening noise every
week in order to have a pristine lawn area.
The noise levels experienced by the operators of leaf blowers, are dangerous to their ears and can cause permanent hearing
loss. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) requires hearing protection for any workers using equipment that
generates noise over 85 dB. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) "there is an increasing predictable risk"
of hearing damage from noise above 75 dB. According to the American Academy of Otolar agology, half the wearers of
hearing protectors do not get the expected benefit, due to improper fit or failure to wear them continuously, And many
workers do not even wear protection at all. Not suprisingly, there is evidence of unusually high levels of hearing loss in
landscape workers. Using leaf blowers commercially may violate OSHA.
Breathing the particulate matter stirred tip by and the emissions from the leaf blowers is also detrimental to worker health.
Many landscape workers in Greenwich are operating leaf blowers a large part of every day, with undeniable adverse effect
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Health hazards of leaf blowers - Greenwich CALM.arg 8118113 6:32 PM
on their hearing and their lungs.
Air pollution and emission • carcinogens
Leaf blowers contribute to smog and ozone pollution, a problem particularly in the warm months (-which is the season we
are seeking to ban their use). The inefficient two stroke engine on a leaf blower often releases as much as 25% of its raw,
unburned gasoline in its exhaust, according to studies by the Air Resources Board of the CA EPA. The exhaust contains
unacceptable levels of harmful hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, both pollutants which contribute to smog and other
health problems.
Reducing the use of leaf blowers helps reduce levels of ozone, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter as regulated by
the Clean Air Act. When the City of Los Angeles reduced the number of leaf blowers operating in the LA area by t,yoo it
was estimated to eliminate up to 14 tons of harmful emissions annually.
Among the substances blown into the air and respired are heavy metals, pesticides, and other carcinogenic substances. In
addition, the exhaust from the two stroke engine also contains benzene and other carcinogens.
Dr. Barry Boyd, a Greenwich Hospital oncologist has informed the member of the Greemvieh Board of Health that:
Air pollution connected with leaf blowers worries him. He believes gasoline powered engines are the reason CI' is the
number one state in the country in incidinees of breast cancer. Be stated that one leaf blower, in one hour, pollutes the
same amount as 40 cars idling on a lawn. "Connecticut has one of the highest rates of cancer," he said. "It is critical that we,
eliminate pollution from gasoline- powered engines where we can. Summertime is when Connecticut air is most polluted. A
summertime ban on leaf blowers makes sense to me," he told the members.
I& MUMM 11 . t
Leaf blowers are a large contributor to particulate matter in our air, especially in summer, when particulate pollution is at
its worst. The high velocity jets in leaf blowers blow into the air many unwanted and toxic elements. Various pollutants
include dust, salt, lead, arsenic, mercury and other heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, rodentides, herbicides,
fungi, dirt, ash, mold, spores and fecal matter. Approxmiately;'y pounds of particulate matter per leaf blower per hour are
blown into the air and can take hours and even days to settle. These particulates aggravate allergies. They also contribute
to cardiac conditions such as arrhythimia and can cause heart attacks. Moreover, they contribute to pulmonary diseases
such as bronchitis. Please visit EPA's web site about the health impacts of particulate matter:
wr4v lv.epa.gov /air /particlepollution.
A Grand Jury in the Superior Court of California issued findings about the toxicity of leaf blowers and the health hazards
associated with them. Contact us for a link to this study.
The dust, pollen, spores and other particulate matter spread by leaf blowers exacerbates asthma, emphysema, and
allergies. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable segments of the population and are particularly impacted by
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He slth hazards of leaf blowers - Creenwich CALM.ory 8118113 6:32 PM
the use, and abuse, of leaf blowers in our community. Nine doctors from the Mt. Sinai Children's Environmental Health
Center wrote a letter supporting other town's restrictions on leaf blowers because of these and other health concerns.
Contact us for a link to this study.
Among the particulates thrown into the air by leaf blowers are dried fertilizers, and fecal and minary matter of anhnals,
including mice and other rodents. These substances have been linked to the spread of various respiratory diseases.
Destruction of gardens and landsca es through
compaction, dessication and loss orttopsoil
Leaf blowers blow a concentrated stream of hot air onto plants at zoo mph -- higher speed and force than a hurricane. As
professional landscaper Steve Zien says: "wind speeds in excess of x8o mph are currently blasting landscapes throughout
[the comrtrT]. Leaves are ripped from branches, new growth and developing flowers are damaged and precious topsoil is
blown away. Nurseries and Extension Agents are receiving more plant samples from gardeners indicating a tornado or
hurricane devastated their landscape plants."
Winds stress the fragile living material of plants, causing deydration, burned leaves, and the suspension of photosynthesis
and other natural plant functions. Overall growth is also slowed. Natural openings in teh leaves that allow for the
exchange of oxyen and carbon dioxide are sealed shut. Diesease spores laying dormant on the soil or fallen debris are
blown back onto plants where a little moisture can renew their cycle of infestation and damage. Blowers effectively
distribute disease spores, weed seeds and insect eggs through the landscape and onto neighboring landscapes.
Blowers create a disposal problem. Most landscapers do not compost their debris; they put it into sanitary landfill which
are being rapidly filled to capacity. The organic material is a gardeners best friend and should remain on site to be
recycled back into the landscape.
Another hidden cost of leaf blowers is that they deprive flowers, shrubs, and trees of live - giving mulch. Without this
natural blanket, erosion, water evaporation and the spread of disease all become problems. Mulch, wben not blown away,
creates a favorable growing environment for plants and beneficial organisers both above and below, ground w =hile adding
nutrients to the plants' root zone. When mulch is removed to the compost and renewed annually many soil borne diseases
are kept to a minimum.
Disturbance of small mammals, birds, and insects, and
their habitat
Noise, toxic fumes, and hot air blown at hurricane force are all taking a toll on anhnals and birds in our landscapes. Even
beneficial insects like earthworms and bees are being damaged by the assault of the leaf blowers most yards in Greenwich
are subjected to. Nests and other habitat are disturbed, animals and birds are driven away by noise. Pollen, sap, and other
natural plant substances are dessicated or simply sent airborne. Every= living creature in the range of a leaf blower is
harmfully impacted.
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Health hazards of leaf blowers - Greenwich CALM.org
8118/13 632 PM
Another problem is the common practice of many landscapers to blow debris into the street, or into a neighboring
property. When it is pushed into the street it often clogs storm drains and gutters, contributing to inefficient functioning of
these drains and to increased flooding and erosion. At other times, the debris enters the drains and moves toxins and other
unwanted material into our creeks, rivers and ultimately Long Island Sour d, creating a significant new source of non -point
source water pollution.
The City of Santa Monica, CA forbids the use of leaf blowers because it recognizes the link between the toxic substances,
including heavy metals and chemicals, which are pushed into gutters by leaf blowers and which end up in the already
polluted Pacific Ocean and the rivers and bays that connect with it in the Santa Monica area.
Overall carbon footprint and energy usage
Leaf blowers accomplish collection of material inefficiently . They use fossil fuel in place of human effort and muscle, at the
expense of our environment Their two stroke engines use gasoline exceptionally inefficiently, spewing zs% of it unburned
into the air through their emissions. Why use an engine to do what your arms can do more efficiently and with no harmful
effects to humans, animals, or the environment? Americans are increasing in obesity and becoming more and more
sedentary, in part because we no longer do even the simple, and rewarding tasks, or tending our own gardens, cutting our
grass ourselves, or raking autumn leaves.
A University study showed that Americans spill 17 million gallons of gasoline per year refilling lawn mowers, leaf blowers,
chain saws and other lawn and garden equipment. That's more than the 1959 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Every time
a leaf blower is refilled, toxic fumes called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be released into the air. Spilling and
overfilling equipment can also result in the release of VOCs. When VOCs react with the sun, ground -level ozone or smog is
produced. Ozone can affect not only the lungs, but many other organs and systems of the body. Children, the elderly, and
people with chronic illness are the most susceptible. Gasoline spilt on lawns can seep into the groundwater and
waterways, affecting drinking water and pollluting rivers, lakes, and oceans.
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Subject: FW: Leaf Blowers
From: MIKE ALEXANDER [mailto:alfamalel974Calaol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 10:41 AM
To: Town Manager; Council
Cc: Alfamale1974(c�aol.com
Subject: Leaf Blowers
Hello,
I've read in the local paper lately that some folks are complaining about leaf blower noise and the dust the blowers create
I would support any measure by the Los Gatos council to restrict or, preferably, ban them altogether.
I work from home and six days a week I'm amid a continual droning of neighborhood leaf blowers and the mini - tornadoes
of debris they stir up. All these things really do is blow junk from one neighbors house to another.
The reason you don't hear many complaints, I believe, is that most folks consider the blowers a noisy and irritating yet
inevitable part of the urban experience. They don't realize that other towns, like Palo Alto, have banned them completely
without suffering the end -of- the -world scenarios that leaf blower advocates had predicted.
A small thing like a ban on these grating machines will make a huge positive change in the quality of life for all Los
Gatans.
Thank you for your time.
Mike Alexander
16824 Potter Court, Los Gatos
Subject: FW: Leaf Blowers
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Mary Patterson [mailto:mmpmitzi @comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 3:15 PM
To: Council
Subject: Leaf Blowers
Dear Council,
Please don't take our leaf blowers away!!! Those of us who are on a fixed income can't afford to pay gardeners
THREE times what they get now to RAKE leaves, etc. Aren't those complaining being just a bit silly!! Are we going to
lose cars, saws, vacuums, motorcycles and stereos because they create pollution ? ? ?? Our rights are slowly being taken
away, one by one. Please don't pass another "infringement on rights" ordinance.
Thank you,
M. Patterson
Subject: FW: The Use of Blowers in Los Gatos
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Jill McArthy [mailto:iillmca @comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 8:14 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: The Use of Blowers in Los Gatos
Hello
I am not sure who I can contact about the use of garden blowers in Los Gatos but I know it is being considered at the
moment. 1 would appreciate it if you would send this to the appropriate person or let me know who I should contact.
We live on the corner of Tait and Almendra Streets and because the building opposite is commercial it seems they can
use blowers at any time. Every Wednesday morning before 7:30am the gardeners employed by the business use the
blowers for quite a long time as it is a corner block and has a big parking lot. Another business a couple of doors down
Almendra also has gardeners using blowers sometimes. Also before Sam and on a different day. I have visitors at the
moment and so we are all on vacation. No opportunity to enjoy a sleep in this morning though. My mother came and
asked me if it was legal to create that much
noise at that time of the day. I think that if the council members put
themselves in the position of myself and my neighbors they will realize that this isn't reasonable. I am sure that many
other neighborhoods have the same problem.
We would like to request that the council limit the use of blowers.
Firstly, commercial should follow the same rules as residential.
Secondly, it seems reasonable to limit the use of blowers to the hours of 9am to Spm. Thirdly, 1 highly recommend that
we limit the use of blowers to certain days so everyone blows on the same days and we get a quiet day occasionally. To
start with the days could be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and for those who do their own yards - Saturday. It would be
great to limit the use further but at least these suggestions gives residents a break from the onslaught.
I really hope that the council will act on this issue and at least limit the use of blowers in our neighborhoods.
Thank you
Jill McArthy
302 Almendra Ave
Los Gatos
Subject FW: Garden Blower study session
From: everettbnCcbcomcast net fmailto: everettbn Ocomcast. net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 9:25 PM
To: Council
Subject: Garden Blower study session
Honorable Mayor and Town Council,
Having reviewed some of the study session notes and staff recommendations, I know you will may be
considering possible changes to current regulations or enactment of a possible leaf blower ban.
As a homeowner whom takes of his own property (1/2 acre hillside, 149 Kimble Ave) I currently use a
Stihl leaf blower to do the following:
1.) Blow oak leaves from ground cover (Vinca Minor) unable to use rake it would pull /tear apart
plants. Frequency 1x/month.
2.) Blow needles of my roof (spray foam roof with fine sand particles to keep birds from attacking
foam) not desirable to rake or sweep as it can loosen sand particles and reduce life of
roof. Frequency 1x/every 3 months
3.) Blow off deck and driveway. Frequency 1x/month
As you can see I don't utilize it a large amount but I do need it to prevent damage as described in #1
and #2. We do utilize a broom for the driveway and deck at times. I am just asking if you do consider
a ban that you exempt homeowners. I do understand the aversion to the noise and dust but consider
homeowner use a small percentage of use compared to the hundreds of daily uses by commercial
gardeners throughout the town. I still think you can meet the intent/purpose of a new ordinance or
ban, if considered with a homeowner exemption.
Sincerely,
E. Bryan Niswonger
Fire Marshal, Division Chief/ Municipal Code Enforcement for the City of South San Francisco
(Retired)
Subject: FW: Leaf Blowers % #@*
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Gary Plep [mailto:camensctr @aol.com)
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 7:55 AM
To: Council
Subject: Leaf Blowers % # @*
Dear Council Members
I noticed the issue of leaf blowers has come up and I have to add my feelings.
Leaf blowers disturb us 5 to 6 days a week. What can I do to help ban leaf blowers ?!
Thank you,
38th Year Residents
Gary and Sue Plep
39 Bayview Ave.
408 892 -9760
Subject: FW: Los Gatos Air Pollution
From: Marry Stuczynski [mailto:martvstu(aatt.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 7:40 PM
To. Council
Subject: Los Gatos Air Pollution
My work brings me to Los Gatos frequently ( I live in San Jose) and I noticed Los Gatos Park workers using gas leaf
blowers. Here's a letter I sent to KQED about the efforts to ban gas blowers in Sonoma:
Thanks for the KQED (10(22) radio news piece about the Sonoma leaf blower ban. I'm very disappointed that the mayor
reversed his position and voted down the ban.
I am working toward a gas leaf blower ban in San Jose and have started an on -line petition. A couple city council
members have expressed measured support for a ban and efforts to proceed are on- going.
I was curious that your radio piece failed to mention that besides the noise issue, two cycle gas motors burn a gas -oil mix
that is highly air polluting. So much so that two -cycle powered road vehicles have been banned from our roads for
decades.
A recent World Health Org. study drew a direct correlation from air pollution to lung and other cancers and health
issues. The operators of these machines are placing themselves and all of us at higher risk. Ever stood down wind of a
two cycle motor? The air pollution is palpable.
CO2 and other pollutants contribute to atmospheric warming as well.
For the air pollution issue alone these and all gas blowers should be banned. Portable, quieter electric machines are
readily available.
Sincerely,
Marty Stuczynski
San Jose