Council Special Meeting - 10 Nov 2025

The Town of Leland, North Carolina, held a special council meeting on November 10, 2025, focused primarily on open burning regulations, particularly related to land clearing for development. The meeting included presentations from local fire officials and forestry representatives who explained current state policies, permit requirements, and limitations on open burning, including setbacks and the use of air curtain incinerators. Legal counsel clarified that the town's authority to regulate open burning is limited and subject to approval by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC), emphasizing the need for a narrowly defined and enforceable local program to gain state approval. Public comments overwhelmingly expressed concerns about health impacts, enforcement challenges, and the adequacy of current penalties, with many urging the council to strengthen the ordinance, improve monitoring, and pursue regional cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions and the county. The council acknowledged the need to "bulletproof" the ordinance to withstand legal challenges and discussed next steps including applying for EMC certification and coordinating with surrounding areas to address the regional nature of air quality issues related to open burning.