With gas-powered leaf blowers now banned in Montgomery County, there is a new form for those who see a violation and want to submit a complaint.
The ban on use went into effect Tuesday, after the county’s ban on the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers was enacted last year.
Photographic Evidence
According to the county, the law requires photographic evidence of a leaf blower in use in order to initiate enforcement. Residents must upload at least one photo. More photos or a short video would also be helpful, according to the county. it should include a photo/video of a vehicle identifying the company using the equipment.
Last week, County Executive Marc Elrich encouraged residents not to include faces if photographing people using gas-powered leaf blowers — “Take a picture of them holding the blower, using the blower, but don’t use their face… because I do understand people are concerned because it’s something to be submitted to the county government, and we don’t want faces on it because we don’t want somebody asking, show me your leaf blower users.”
Resources
Mary Travaglini, Organic Lawn and Landscape Programs Manager for the county’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), estimated nearly 10% of county businesses offer landscaping services. “I can guarantee you these are some of the hardest working folks in our county,” she said during a media briefing last week.
“The county does recognize this is a big change for many landscaping companies,” Travaglini said. DEP provides educational resources on its website.
Due to tariffs the price of replacing gas blowers with electric leaf blowers remains high. But if reported, a noise law violation can result in a $500 citation.
Form Requirements
The form also requires the complainant’s personal information and willingness to testify in court.
At the end of the form prior to submission the complaint states: “I am willing to state in a court of law that the information in this form and the photographs submitted accurately depict the situation and agree to testify as to the date, time, location, identity of the user, and authenticity of the photographs submitted as evidence in accordance with Section 31B-9(j). I request that the Department of Environmental Protection investigate this matter and take enforcement action if warranted for the above alleged violation.”
The county already offered a two-party noise complaint, but the new form allows residents to submit individually.
Fall Exemption?
Currently a proposal from Councilmember Gabe Albornoz would allow landscapers to use gas-powered equipment during fall months when leaf management gets heaviest. The new bill would provide a seasonal exemption to the ban that would expire in three years. Elrich said he opposes the amendment. A public hearing for the bill will be held on July 15.
