About 10 years ago, we bitterly complained that since
1994 the ubiquitous Leaf Blower had become a common
environmental nuisance. With their use unregulated we
were confronted with gas operated models that made
enough noise to qualify for a Motocross Race at Angel's
Stadium. Then they came out with Electric Models much
later, that once reved up.....were almost as loud as the
gas operated models.
OK, the rumour of the day is that the City of Newport
Beach is looking into banning Leaf Blowers. Finally,
enough people have been offended that it has reached
the NB Council Agenda. Well, Leaf Blowers don't pollute
the environment, but the people behind those Leaf Blowers
can and more likely than not - do! We are sure you have
heard this reasoning before, but before the City Council
of Newport Beach, votes in it's wisdom to completely ban
this egregious vehicle to kill a good phone conversation,
upset the cat or dog, or worst yet dump all that dust
and fertilizer all over the nearest Mercedes - after
just being detailed...let's take another look at the
Leaf Blower issue.
There is little doubt that many people are affected by
the blowing pollen and dust. There is little doubt that
as well that some actually have alergic reactions from
the airborne contaminants. This is a good reason to
control the use of Leaf Blowers - so that they will not
be utilized indicriminantly.
However, what about Palm Trees? Ever heard of them?
Every time one of these beauties has to have the fruit
removed or the palm frawns trimmed....there is sizable
waste to collect and put into the pick-up truck for
transit to the dump. The various pieces left over from
big palms can create a big mess, even for professionals.
This is maybe one reason to crank up the old Leaf Blower
for a few minutes and save both the homeowner and the
gardener hours of labor policing completed project.
Sensible and cost effective use - usually makes sense!
Face it, we find there are reasons for Leaf Blower
use...but in most cases....they are severely over used.
In our old neighborhood complex, the gardeners would
spend way over an hour, two or three days a week....
moving a few leaves from one side of the complex to
the other. Many times pushing them down storm drains
as well. This, in our opinion, was over use at its
worst. Watching gardener helpers spend many hours of
the day walking lazily up and down streets, followed
by a high noise making mini-street sweeper pick-up
truck..which blotted out the local news on TV or radio
...disturbing computer projects, school studies or a
variety of other productive activities. Dealing with
constant airborne pollutants over that period of time
probably requires some regulation.
Completely banning Leaf Blowers may have some costly
unintended consequences however. There can be found
good reasons and uses, as well as some very poor ones.
Finding the correct balance is the preferred course
in this case. Therefore, although we touted a Leaf
Blower ban in the past, after additional consideration,
we now oppose a complete ban, but with some strict
additional regulations.
Severely restricting the use of Leaf Blowers to large
projects and various short spans of use......we could
certainly support, however.
Hopefully, the City of Newport Beach....will agonize
a little longer than usual - before they vote.....and
ask that City Staff come up with additional regulations
that are "not too complicated", "but fair and reasonable"
- that will correct the current abuses of the use of Leaf
Blowers without adding a complete ban. Obviously, Gas
Operated Models, we would suggest, are out! Restricting
use to low decibel Electric Models will also help save
the pet's ears and not drive the Senior Citizens too
crazy, if applied judiciously.
READ MORE - Leaf Blowers?
