Below are 5 fireworks items that have appeared in BCLF’s newsletters plus an item from NewsOfTheNorth.

Items on these pages can be used in your lake newsletters. Please credit the author and BCLF. Also, paste the following below any articles used:
See BayfieldCountyLakes.org for additional information.

2010 ‘follow-up’ article:
Lakeside fireworks ebbs on Bayfield Co Lakes in 2009

In the past several years, the Bayfield County Lakes Forum heard many complaints about the irresponsible use of fireworks over our lakes.

Last year we focused on this issue by helping folks understand what is reasonable and sensible plus what the laws are regarding fireworks use. We are pleased to report that many of our lakes saw a significant reduction in illegal and irresponsible fireworks use. We hope to see an even greater reduction this year.

Although fireworks are now marketed year-round, the Bayfield County Lakes Forum recommends they not be used, except, perhaps, near the July 4th holiday, and then, only with a permit and never over the lake nor late at night.

There are some who feel using fireworks is patriotic. There is nothing patriotic, however, about U.S. consumers sending millions of dollars to China for fireworks, then using them to pollute our woods and waters and risking the safety of themselves and others. There are many other far more patriotic ways to celebrate that don’t risk our environment, economy and safety.

The BCLF encourages all who come to our lakes to place the health and beauty of our waters as well as courtesy to others who enjoy our lakes far ahead of any individual desire to launch fireworks. Remember, too, that fireworks are not for kids. Each year thousands of children end up in emergency rooms because of fireworks. Many local communities now offer state-of-the-art fireworks displays that are much better than the expensive roadside-stand variety of fireworks items brought to our lakes. They are safer and far better for our lakes.

Here’s what we all need to know regarding fireworks use over water:

·          Fireworks present a fire danger and a significant safety hazard, especially for children and pets.
·          They often contain toxic metals and other toxic chemicals that may contaminate waters. Fireworks leave plastic and metal parts in the lakes that take years, perhaps centuries to degrade.
·          Often, fireworks residue and parts can be ingested by fish, loons and other creatures resulting in death.
·          Fireworks create air, light, and noise pollution disturbing our serene lake landscapes and those who enjoy them.
·          Divers tell us that many lake bottoms are littered with fireworks refuse.
·          The sale, possession and use of fireworks in Wisconsin are strictly regulated by state statute. Local ordinances may further regulate fireworks.
·          The state allows the use of ‘grocery store’ type fireworks. But, if it explodes or leaves the ground a permit is required.
·          Fireworks litter must be promptly collected. Littering with fireworks is a separate offense with a substantial penalty.
·          Lake litter from permitted, professional displays must also be promptly collected.
·          Permits offered at fireworks stores are not valid in Wisconsin.
·          Fireworks permits can only be issued by a mayor, village president, town chairman or their designee. The permit allows the possession and use of fireworks only in the jurisdiction for which it was issued. The permit may require a bond or insurance, it must specify the type and quantity of fireworks allowed and the location where the fireworks are to be used. The permit must also list the exact date on which the fireworks may be used and must specify the date on and after which the fireworks may be purchased. A copy of the permit must be provided to a fire or law enforcement official in the municipality at least two days before the date of use.
·          A person who possesses or uses fireworks without a permit is subject to a forfeiture of up to a $1000 per violation. Each firework illegally possessed may be a separate violation. Parents or guardians who allow minors to possess or use fireworks may also be charged.

To report questionable fireworks use or request a permit, call the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department at 373-6120.

Jim Brakken BCLF President

This is the article that was published in April, 2009:

FIREWORKS & BCLF

Jim Brakken, BCLF President
In response the many heated lakeside fireworks discussions we heard at last summer’s lake association meetings, the BCLF has placed the issue of fireworks high on this year’s priority list.
There are some who feel using fireworks is patriotic. There is nothing patriotic, however, about US consumers sending millions of dollars to China for fireworks, then using them to pollute our woods and waters and risking the safety of themselves and others. There are many other far more patriotic ways to celebrate that don’t risk our environment, economy and safety.

The BCLF encourages all who come to our lakes to place the health and beauty of our waters as well as courtesy to others who enjoy our lakes far ahead of any individual desire to launch fireworks. Remember, too, that fireworks are not for kids. Each year thousands of children end up in emergency rooms because of fireworks. Many local communities now offer state-of-the-art fireworks displays that far exceed the expensive roadside-stand variety of fireworks items often brought to our lakes. They are safer and far better for our lakes.

The BCLF hopes your summer celebrations are safe and special. Remember, fireworks are pretty for an instant, the beauty of our lakes is forever.   Jim Brakken, BCLF President

LAKESIDE FIREWORKS

Fireworks are pretty for an instant.  The lakes can be beautiful forever, if we all do our part.

Jim Brakken                        JimBrakken.freewebspace.com

The use of fireworks is often discussed at lake association meetings.  Folks are concerned about the fireworks litter that can be found all around some lakes following the weekend of the fourth. Others question the ‘stretching’ of the celebration from one night to several weeks.  Comments are also heard about the safety, legality, noise pollution and forest fire hazard issues that are all part of fireworks.

In Wisconsin, it is legal for a licensed dealer to sell fireworks. It is not legal to transport or possess them or to use fireworks without a permit. Permits sold at fireworks outlets are usually not valid.   Without that permit, fireworks, other than the garden variety available at grocery stores, are illegal in Wisconsin. Any rocket, large or small, and   items that take flight or explode are unlawful and the bearer is subject to citation. Littering is also illegal, compounding the violation and fines. We need to share this information with visitors and friends.

With this advice in mind, folks should also bear in mind both the liability and safety risks before using any illegal fireworks. If you do choose to hold your own display however, consider these tips:

=  Call the County Sheriff to request a permit.

=  Try to end your display before 11 o’clock, out of respect to others on your lake.

=  Use fireworks only on or near July 4th.

=  Keep safety first in mind.

=  Remember, fires travel quickly in the woods.

=  Fireworks aren’t toys and they are not for kids.

= The next morning, send someone out in a boat to clean up the mess. Dispose of the litter properly.

Many of our local communities have wonderful fireworks displays. Consider taking one in, both to save your money from going up in smoke and for the sake of the lake. Fireworks are pretty for an instant.  The lakes can be beautiful forever, if we all do our part. Be safe and enjoy the holiday!

See more lake articles at JimBrakken.FreeWebSpace.Com

From the Bayfield County Sheriff . . .

The possession, sale and use of fireworks in Wisconsin are strictly regulated by state statute. Local ordinances may also regulate fireworks. The state allows the sale, possession and use, without a permit, of sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs and caps, noisemakers and confetti poppers with less than ¼ grain of explosive mixture. Possessing or using any other fireworks, including firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, without a permit is illegal. A commonly used rule of thumb is that if it explodes or leaves the ground a permit is required.

Fireworks permits can only be issued by a mayor, village president, town chairman or their designee. The permit allows the possession and use of fireworks only in the jurisdiction for which it was issued. The permit may require a bond or insurance, it must specify the type and quantity of fireworks allowed and the location where the fireworks are to be used. The permit must also list the exact date on which the fireworks may be used and must specify the date on and after which the fireworks may be purchased. A copy of the permit must be provided to a fire or law enforcement official in the municipality at least two days before the date of use.

A person who possesses or uses fireworks without a permit is subject to a forfeiture of up to a $1000 per violation. Each firework illegally possessed may be a separate violation. Parents or guardians who allow minors to possess or use fireworks may also be charged.

The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department takes fireworks violations seriously. Our enforcement is mostly “complaint driven” meaning that it is in response to a call. Seldom are our deputies in position to observe a violation unless we get a call. Our response to a call could result in confiscation of the fireworks and prosecution of the offenders.

We have noted the increased use of illegal fireworks in the last few years. Almost every display we see is over water. We will continue to educate the public on fireworks. Another link in the process that needs attention is the officials that issue the permits. Until now that responsibility has not been taken very seriously by some. Much of the problem results from lack of information on the fireworks law. The sheriff’s department will be providing information to local officials on permit requirements prior to the 2009 season.
Bob Follis, Bayfield County Sheriff

 

Thrills & Chills: Fireworks on Our Lakes
Bob Korth, UWEX-Lakes

It was a black and sultry night. Not a breath of air was stirring. The lake’s surface was as flat as glass. The first starburst lit up the sky in a wild and sizzling display of crimson and white. The water mirrored an exact duplicate, doubling the visual thrill…the Independence Day celebration had begun.

How do you remember the Fourth of July at the lake? Barbeques, sparklers, boat parades around the lake? Here, at the UW-Extension Lakes office, phone calls about the Fourth of July sometimes go like this: “What can I do about my neighbor? My canvas boat awning burned off from falling hot fireworks, my beach is full of a nasty procession of scorched cardboard and plastic remains, the smoke makes us sick and I haven’t seen my dog in two days! Not to mention what that noise is doing to the loons!”

Fireworks around Independence Day are certainly an American tradition. Firing them over the water seems to be a “no brainer” as far as fire safety is concerned, yet doing so can cause human explosions. So what about fireworks around the lake?

Fireworks are big business in the USA. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the value of fireworks imported from China in 2003 was $163.1 million, representing the bulk of fireworks imports to this country. In 2003, the U.S. consumed 220.8 million pounds of fireworks. Fireworks consist of a wide range of products with a highly variable composition. Although the available safety and environmental effect data on fireworks are often incomplete, issues with fireworks usually fall into the categories of noise, accidents, property damage and pollution.

Noise

Complaints of noise caused by fireworks are common around lakes in the beginning of July. The sounds of fireworks going off at all hours of the day and night can be more than just an annoyance. The blast can terrify pets and wild animals alike, causing them to seek a place to hide or be overcome with physical effects such as trembling. The noise from exploding fireworks can top 130 decibels (dB). According to acoustic health specialists, exposures to 105 dB for one hour can cause hearing damage. The typical lake environment has noise levels from 30 dB to 50 dB.

Accidents & Property Damage

Fireworks are dangerous. They can cause burns, loss of limbs and sometimes death. They are extremely hot — sparklers can burn at temperatures of over 1800 degrees. On average, annually about 9,000 people are injured severely enough by fireworks to require hospital treatment. Forty-five percent of those injuries occur to children younger than 15 years old.

Annually, fireworks cause over 30,000 fires nationwide, resulting in millions of dollars of property damage. Reports of fires caused by fireworks on Wisconsin lakes are most frequent in July.

Pollution

Some researchers believe heavy metal fallout from exploding fireworks poses a threat to the environment and us. Currently toxicological studies on the effects of fireworks on the environment are limited and vary in results. The solid reaction products that give us the pretty colors and special effects include a nasty bunch of chemical additives. The unknown factor is the concentrations needed to cause a problem. Fireworks are often propelled by charges of black powder (which contain carcinogenic sulfur-coal compounds). Ammonium perchlorate, which can cause problems with the human thyroid gland, is another ingredient used in fireworks and is not a good thing to find in our water. Ammonium perchlorate has been found in ground and surface water in California, Nevada, Utah and West Virginia. White phosphorus is another toxic substance used in fireworks. Its residue can persist in aquatic environments and has caused die-offs of fish and waterfowl.

Fireworks contain a number of other toxic metals that are used to create a range of colors. Strontium produces blazing reds; copper compounds burn blue; magnesium, titanium and aluminum create brilliant white sparks. Sodium chloride generates orange-yellow fire; boric acid burns green; potassium and rubidium compounds produce purples and burning lithium glows red. Glittering greens are produced by radioactive barium. These ingredients drift on the winds and settle into our water and soils.

During the Stockholm Water Festival in 1996, air pollutant levels were measured before and after the fireworks display. Levels of airborne arsenic were found to be twice as much as normal, while levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc and chromium were as high as 500 times above normal. Concern about these effects on their waters and people caused organizers to switch to a more environmentally-friendly laser light show.

Another type of pollution commonly complained about on Wisconsin lakes is the fireworks packaging materials such as cardboard, wood or plastic tubes and structural parts that drift up on shore or settle on the lake bottom.

Like so many other activities that we enjoy, watching fireworks comes at a price. Some of those costs, such as the noise and cardboard waste, are immediate and visible. Others, such as the pollution of our water and air, are not visible and often not thought about. Celebrating can be more enjoyable for everyone if we are all respectful of our neighbors and wildlife, are cautious in how we use fireworks and concerned with the potential impact they may have.

For information on the regulation of fireworks in Wisconsin, see Wisconsin Statute 167.10.

END

On the beach: the aftermath of fireworks displays

Sarah Juon, Editor, NewsoftheNorth.Net
Published 07/30/2008 – 4:00 p.m. CST

While spending last weekend at a small area lake in the vicinity of Rhinelander, I happened to stumble over a sandy beach strewn with small plastic casement shells. I started picking them up and before long, had a sizeable pile.

Apparently, these visitors with their razor-point tips were from a 4th of July fireworks display from across the lake. With the strong winds of the past few weeks, they had blown up onto the northeast shore. There were hundreds of them (more than the pile shown in the photos).

No one seems to know much about the impact of 1.25-inch long plastic debris of this kind on the lake environment. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources loon expert Mike Meyer said he had no information about how it affects loons, but notes that “this stuff has been getting more and more prolific over the past few years.”

DNR fisheries specialist John Kubisiak said that not much has been reported about the effects of fireworks on fish or other aquatic wildlife. “We’re unaware of any damaging effects of Wisconsin wildlife,” he said, “but there have been studies showing serious impact on coastal birds such as the albatross.”

The UW-Extension Lakes Program in at UW-Stevens Point is aware of the problem. “I don’t know how long fireworks manufacturers have been using plastic shells, but they are not new, said Amy Kowalski, who puts together a statewide newsletter called Lake Tides. “We have had others call with similar concerns, and about fireworks near and in lakes in general.” The calls prompted Lake Tides to publish an article on fireworks and their effects on lakes in Spring 2005.

Writing in Lake Tides, lake specialist Robert Korth of UW-Extension Lakes notes that fireworks around Independence Day are an American tradition and firing them over the water seems to be a “no brainer as far as fire safety is concerned.

“Although the available safety and environmental effect data on fireworks are often incomplete,” Korth adds, “issues with fireworks usually fall into the categories of noise, accidents, property damage and pollution.”

Noise

“Complaints of noise are common around lakes in the beginning of July,” Korth writes. “The sounds of fireworks going off at all hours of the day and night can be more than just an annoyance. The blast can terrify pets and wild animals alike, causing them to seek a place to hide or be overcome with physical effects such as trembling.

“The noise from exploding fireworks can top 130 decibels,” Korth continues. “According to acoustic health specialists, exposures to 105 dB for one hour can cause hearing damage. The typical lake environment has noise levels from 30 dB to 50 dB.”

Property damage

Fireworks can cause burns, loss of limbs and sometimes death, Korth notes. “On average, annually about 9,000 people are injured severely enough by fireworks to require hospital treatment. Forty-five percent of those injuries occur to children younger than 15 years old. Annually, fireworks cause over 30,000 fires nationwide, resulting in millions of dollars of property damage. Reports of fires caused by fireworks on Wisconsin lakes are most frequent in July.”

Pollution

Korth doesn’t directly address the issue of the little sharp plastic projectiles found on the beach of an Oneida County lake, but notes that some researchers believe heavy metal fallout from exploding fireworks poses a threat to the environment and to humans, but the toxicological studies on the effects of fireworks on the environment are limited, he says, and they vary in results.

The known fact, he writes, is that “the solid reaction products that give us the pretty colors and special effects include a nasty bunch of chemical additives. The unknown factor is the concentrations needed to cause a problem.”

Korth lists the chemicals and their known effects. “Fireworks are often propelled by charges of black powder (which contain carcinogenic sulfur-coal compounds). Ammonium perchlorate, which can cause problems with the human thyroid gland, is another ingredient used in fireworks and is not a good thing to find in our water. Ammonium perchlorate has been found in ground and surface water in California, Nevada, Utah and West Virginia. White phosphorus is another toxic substance used in fireworks. Its residue can persist in aquatic environments and has caused die-offs of fish and waterfowl.”

Other toxic metals used to create a range of colors are strontium for blazing reds; copper compounds for blue; magnesium, titanium and aluminum for brilliant white sparks; sodium chloride to generate orange-yellow fire; boric acid, which burns green; potassium and rubidium compounds produce purples; burning lithium glows red, and the glittering greens are produced by radioactive barium.

“These ingredients drift on the winds and settle into our water and soils,” Korth says.

Another type of pollution commonly complained about on Wisconsin lakes, Korth says, is the fireworks packaging materials such as cardboard, wood or plastic tubes and structural parts that drift up on shore or settle on the lake bottom.

In other words, enjoying beautiful fireworks comes at a price. “Some of those costs, such as the noise and cardboard waste, are immediate and visible,” Korth says. “Others, such as the carcinogenic chemicals let loose to contribute to the pollution of our soil, water and air, are not visible and often not thought about.”

Given that fireworks are a just about a sacred tradition with Americans, and generate big business in the U.S., thoughts of the environment appear far down on the list of priorities, especially for celebrating July 4th.

“According to the U.S. Census Bureau,” Korth reports, “the value of fireworks imported from China in 2003 was $163.1 million, representing the bulk of fireworks imports to this country. In 2003, the U.S. consumed 220.8 million pounds of fireworks.”

What’s the Wisconsin law on fireworks?

Information on the regulation of the sale, possession and use of fireworks in Wisconsin is found in Wisconsin Statute 167.10 Local ordinances may also regulate fireworks and may be stricter than state law, but cannot be less strict.

In essence, the state does not require a permit for the sale, possession and use of sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, and caps, noisemakers and confetti poppers with less than “Bj” of a grain of explosive mixture. There is no age restriction on sale, possession or use of these devices and the statute does not classify them as fireworks. These are the only kinds of “fireworks,” as that word is commonly used, that a person may use or possess without a permit or that may be sold to a person who does not have a permit.

For all other types of fireworks, a valid permit is required for possessing or using them, including, for example, firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars.  A commonly used rule of thumb is that a permit is required if the device explodes or leaves the ground. The sale of restricted fireworks to a person without a valid permit is illegal.

The conditions for a valid permit are that it is issued by a mayor, village president or town chair or a municipal employee or official they have designated. An official may not delegate any part of the permit-issuing responsibility or authority to a vendor.

A permit issued or sold by fireworks vendors are invalid, even if it bears a printed, stamped or pre-signed signature of a local official in which the permittee’s information is completed by the vendor or the buyer has not been issued by the official and purports to be issued on behalf of the municipality, and even if the fees are remitted to the municipality—it’s not valid.

A permit issued legally by a mayor, village president or town chair can only authorize possession or use of fireworks within their jurisdiction and does not authorize possession or use of the fireworks in another town. A group that has a valid permit from one municipality may purchase fireworks in another municipality and transport them to the municipality in which the person has a permit.

A permit issued to an individual is not valid, except if issued to a farmer for crop protection. Permits, other than for crop protection, may only be issued to a public authority, a fair association, an amusement park, a park board, a civic organization or a group of individuals. Any non-agricultural permit which names only an individual and not a bona fide group or other entity listed in the statute is invalid.

A permit must specify the kind and quantity of fireworks allowed to be used or possessed with enough detail to accomplish that, and a permit must specify the location and date at which the fireworks may be possessed or used. The statute uses “location” and “date” in the singular.

Non-residents must have a valid Wisconsin permit to purchase fireworks while in Wisconsin. Possession of the fireworks cannot be transferred to an out-of-state buyer within Wisconsin.

The penalties for using fireworks without a valid permit or selling fireworks to a person who does not have a valid permit is subject to a forfeiture of up to $1,000 per violation. Each firework illegally possessed, used or sold may be a separate violation.

A parent or guardian who allows a minor to possess or use fireworks (not including those for which no permits are required) is subject to a forfeiture of up to $1,000 per violation. A city, village or town may obtain an injunction prohibiting a person from violating of Wis. Stat. ?§167.10(8)(a). Violations of such an injunction are criminal misdemeanors, subject to up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Interestingly, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, nearly all fireworks permits relied upon by buyers and users of fireworks in Wisconsin are not valid, and most of these permits fail for more than one reason. (The requirements for a valid permit are contained in Wis. Stat. ?§167.10(3)(a), (c) and (f).)

All the same, the state statutes do not give the Department of Justice direct authority to enforce the fireworks law. Enforcement responsibility and authority rest with local law enforcement and district attorneys, or municipal prosecutors in the case of local ordinance violations.

For more information, click on DOJ guidelines.

END