Exemptions:
- Chappaqua Central School District’s recreational fields and tennis courts, Town of New Castle recreational fields and tennis courts, country clubs’ tennis courts, homeowner associations’ tennis courts, swim clubs’ tennis courts, golf courses, and cemeteries.
- Use of any gas-powered motorized leaf blower shall be minimized to the maximum extent practical.
- The Commissioner of Public Works may temporarily authorize the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in case of emergency circumstances.
- The Town Administrator may authorize the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on certain properties if a public safety concern exists.
- For any of the above exemptions, the use of any gas fuel-powered motorized leaf blower shall be minimized to the maximum extent practicable.
SAB & Healthy Yards presentation on the New Castle Leaf Blower Environmental Protection Law: Green Garden Gabfest (March 20, 2021)
In the News:
Leaf blowers are no longer just for fall clean-up and for many years New Castle residents have asked their Town Board to restrict leaf blower usage. The Town of New Castle passed a seasonal restriction on gas-powered blowers (“leaf blowers”) from June 1 to September 30 which will be in effect starting June 1, 2021.
Is a seasonal ban really necessary?
Communities restrict the use of leaf blowers (seasonal and otherwise) to help safeguard residents, lawn care workers, and the environment from the negative impacts of these devices which include:
- CO2 Emissions
- noise pollution
- particle pollution
- wildlife habitat destruction
Aside from the noise, leaf blowers generate large amounts of airborne dust, allergens, animal waste, pesticides, and fertilizer that impact all individuals, especially those with allergies and respiratory conditions. The gas-powered models emit carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and other volatile compounds. Leaf blowers have wind blasts equal to a category five hurricane which destroy the habitats of wildlife and beneficial insects and also expand the range of pollutants are distributed to neighboring properties. All of these issues are intensified during the summer months when outdoor activity peaks for humans AND wildlife. This is also the time frame when the Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures and reports on air quality and pollutants, is at its highest levels in our community.
The Sustainability Advisory Board spent four years considering and investigating the issues related to year-round use of gas Leaf Blowers and exploring the impact of implementing legislation restricting their use. We reviewed ordinances (laws) and experiences from towns across Westchester County and beyond to develop a thoughtful and balanced approach for New Castle and its residents. As we move forward with implementing the ordinance, please continue to educate yourselves, neighbors, and lawn care professionals about the importance of leaf blower restrictions and healthy lawn practices.
