Household trash burning measure on hold

A bill that would ban trash burning in rural communities has been snuffed out for the time being.

A newspaper story last weekend incorrectly reported  the ban would take effect April 1.

That drew complaints from rural residents, and sponsors of a House measure to stop the ban said they would push it through.

Brad Wurfel is with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

He says the agency will regroup and once again take public comments.

But Wurfel says restrictions on outdoor burning are necessary to protect public health.

"What we’re talking about here is household garbage: plastic, foam, furniture, electronics -- things like that.” Wurfel says.

Michigan is one of ten states that allows open burning.