SEAL BEACH : City to Distribute Leaf Blower Brochures

The city has launched a trial, six-month educational program to curb abuses by leaf blower operators.

But after years of complaints from residents about noise and pollution generated by the gasoline-powered machines, council members Monday night expressed scant optimism in the voluntary program’s success. The council will consider a leaf-blower ban if the program fails to reduce complaints.

“I don’t think it’s going to have any effect whatsoever,” Councilwoman Gwen Forsythe said.

The city plans to create a brochure on leaf blower “dos and don’ts.” And a member of the city’s park crew will teach a course on the proper use of leaf blowers.

Most complaints center on airborne dust and debris raised by leaf blowers, according to city officials, who say noise is a secondary concern. Blowing or sweeping debris onto public property is a violation of city law. But city officials say police do not have the time to enforce the law.

The city’s Environmental Quality Control Board considered and rejected a ban on leaf blowers during the early 1980s. The South Coast Air Quality Management District also considered banning the devices in 1993, but took no action.

Members of the city’s environmental board, which recommended the voluntary program, say the proper use of leaf blowers reduces water usage and generates no more noise than lawn mowers.

The new guidelines will be distributed to all gardening businesses operating in the city, along with a warning that leaf blowers may be banned if guidelines are not followed.

“If they don’t comply voluntarily, then we’ll come back and lower the boom on them,” said Seal Beach Mayor George Brown. “It’s just a trial period.”