Community Group Looks To Limit Use Of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Greenwich CT

25 February, 2022

2:04 PM

Description

GREENWICH, CT — Like most northeast and New England towns, from spring to fall, and even into the winter, the sound of leaf blowers can be heard at any given time across Greenwich. Quiet Yards Greenwich, a group spearheaded by residents Elizabeth Dempsey and Jane Brash, is looking to solve what it says is a community-wide problem of excessive noise and pollution from gas-powered blowers. The group is made up of various stakeholders in town, from school PTA members to landscapers. Dempsey and Brash went before the Board of Selectmen this week to gauge interest on tackling the issue. "With the popularity of working from home, Greenwich residents have complained on local blogs, to the police and to town officials about the excessive use of leaf blowers surrounding their homes year round," Dempsey said. "Many residents have moved from urban areas, and chose Greenwich for open space and tranquility." Dempsey said a survey of almost 600 people was taken last year, and 90 percent of respondents said they want Greenwich officials to take action and enact measures to limit or stop the use of gas blowers. Brash said the noise levels from leaf blowers greatly exceed recommended occupational safety and health standards. She noted that popular models measure 100 decibels at the engine source, and 65 to 70 decibels from 50 feet away. "Although Greenwich's noise ordinance is limited to 55 decibels for daytime use, there's no cap for leaf blower noise," Brash said. Brash said this noise can travel long distances and penetrate walls and windows. Chronic loud noises can damage hearing, contribute to hypertension and a loss of productivity, and impact children's learning, Brash explained. Air from gas-powered blowers is polluted, and can be inhaled, Brash added. She also said disturbing natural leaf litters can impact important plants and wildlife. Dempsey and Brash noted that over 200 towns and cities nationwide have taken action against the use of gas leaf blowers. Locally in Connecticut, West Hartford, New Haven, Westport and Stamford are currently considering tightening restrictions. New Canaan and Darien are in the early planning stages, she said. Some short-term measures include enacting a noise ordinance, limiting hours and duration of use, restricting use on weekends and holidays or restricting landscapers to one leaf blower onsite at a time. Long-term solutions could involve restricting retail sales of blowers, introducing loans, rebates and tax incentives, utilizing an equipment exchange program or moving to all electric blowers. "There are many options available to the town. In order to choose the right direction for Greenwich, decision makers should have access to the latest research, to data on public opinion in Greenwich and understanding the needs of our landscaping companies, of benchmarking of similar towns in our area, and detailed information about all available options," Dempsey said. The Board of Selectmen offered support for Quiet Yards Greenwich, and said they would welcome additional information and discussion. "I love the work you've put into this and the fact you've offered some solutions and options," First Selectman Fred Camillo said. About 10 years ago, another group looked to limit the use of leaf blowers, but Camillo said there was some pushback from landscapers and even residents, who said they were going to get higher bills for landscaping work. Camillo urged Dempsey and Brash to pursue short-term solutions, while coming up with a timeline to achieve long-term solutions. This, he said, would give residents and stakeholders time to adjust. "I think this is very doable, and I certainly support what you're doing," he said. Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said tackling the issue will take some finesse. Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan noted that noise is as much a form of pollution as anything else. "We care about the health of our landscapers, and we definitely want to be less dependent on fossil fuels. I think it's a good opportunity for us to consider why we are blowing the leaves in the first place," she said. Dempsey and Brash said they would prepare a white paper for the board that summarizes their research and findings. Quiet Yards Greenwich is conducting a survey to look for feedback and opinions on the options Greenwich could consider. Dempsey and Brash also hope to educate the public about leaf blowers. To take the survey, click here.