The Sound and the Fury

Awakened by a gasoline-powered leaf blower, many of us have groaned: “Who needs this?” You don’t have to be an environmentalist to bemoan the racket, exhaust and billowing dust.

But does the problem warrant an ordinance and fines of up to $1,000 for those who violate its restrictions? Common sense would dictate no, but after six months of wrangling and public hearings the Los Angeles City Council has approved just such an ordinance. It will take effect in July if signed by Mayor Richard Riordan. He should send this flawed ordinance back to the council for a cleanup.

Current regulations allow the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers and similar equipment between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. But the new law would essentially ban the use of gas-powered blowers in residential areas altogether by prohibiting their use within 500 feet of a house.

Electric blowers would be permitted, along with gas-powered vacuums with noise levels no higher than 45 decibels. But industry experts say they’re not sure they can produce an effective leaf vacuum that quiet. Leaf blowers of the latest technology run about 65 decibels.

Then there is the question of those hefty fines. How is a low-income gardener going to come up with $1,000 for breaking the decibel barrier? And who, for that matter, is going to run the leaf blower patrol?

City Council members who opposed the ordinance noted that the city Recreation and Parks Department recently purchased more than 100 leaf blowers and that street maintenance workers use such machines. The new restrictions would cost the city an extra $1.5 million a year, they claim. The city government needs this extra expense when it is already facing a $50-million deficit? The same issue and similar problems face communities in Orange County and elsewhere in Southern California.

Surely a better solution can be fashioned in Los Angeles. Phase out gas-powered leaf blowers gradually to allow for development of a better technology. Further restrict hours. And individual Angelenos can protect themselves and their neighbors by simply asking their gardeners not to use blowers. Yard workers may charge more for sweeping and raking, but the peace of mind--and of dawn--could be worth it.