Burning stubble in cornfields creates hazard

To the editor:

I would like to propose a much-needed bill for the Missouri Legislators, and I would like to ask Gov. Bob Holden to support it and sign it when it reaches his desk. I would like to see a law passed that bans the burning of cornfield stubble.

This law is necessary to stop air pollution. I contacted the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which recognizes that smoke from burning cornfield stubble creates organic-contaminant air pollution far in excess of federal guidelines, which allow burning of cropland stubble unless the smoke causes a public health hazard or nuisance or a hazard to vehicular traffic.

Thousands of Missourians can attest that on more than one occasion cornfield smoke has caused a health hazard and nuisance.

The DNR doesn't have the power to enforce this regulation. By the time an investigator arrives on the scene, the smoke has cleared.

I appreciate our farmers, but I do not believe a farmer has the right to create dangerous air-quality conditions.

It is time to put a stop to this air pollution. It was not this way when I was growing up. Only in recent years have area farmers started burning cornfields.

SCOTT COATNEY

Morehouse, Mo.