Plans for an open burning ordinance are in their infancy, but moving forward in Eldred Township.

Supervisors discussed a potential ordinance during a special meeting Monday that would regulate what is burned and how, when and where it can be burned in the municipality."We looked at four model ordinances and pulled elements from each of them," Chairwoman Mary Anne Clausen said. "This is important to the community. Things change over the years and we have to look at the products that go into these flames and the emissions that come out of it."The draft ordinance prohibits burning construction debris, plastics, tires, rubber, fiberglass materials, aerosol containers, byproducts of manufacturing and processing operations, waste from commercial operations, garbage, domestic waste, offal, or any substance determined to be hazardous by the state or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Discussion took place on how far way from a residence an open burn could take place.The draft indicated it would be at least 50 feet from any building, property line or road line, but supervisors indicated they may allow people to burn at least 25 feet from their own residence, but 50 feet from a neighboring residence or building.A fire set for the purpose of burning, clearing and grubbing waste is on a list of exempt fires, which also includes a fire set solely for cooking food, outdoor campfires and small bonfires for ceremonies or recreation providing they don't cause a nuisance.Any fire burned under adverse weather conditions, unsupervised or conducted in an otherwise unsafe manner may be extinguished by a township official or a designee of the fire company with any cost at the homeowner's expense.Following an initial warning, violating the ordinance could subject an individual to a summary charge and an up to $300 per day fine plus the cost of prosecution and additional costs."This is just the beginning and the language will change," Clausen said. "We'll take the input we get from residents and put something together that represents the heart of what we're trying to do. We'll have another round of input before we do a final draft. This isn't something that happens overnight."