Do you or your landscaper need new, quieter, and less polluting power equipment? The county’s Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is trying a new program to clean up pollution by offering residents vouchers to buy new, zero-emission, electric lawn equipment when they turn in their old, gas-powered ones.
The PDEQ is offering a $150 voucher redeemable at Home Depot stores in the county for an electric lawnmower when residents turn in their old one, and $50 for an electric hedge trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw or other smaller equipment. Those who use a gas-powered mower for commercial purposes can get a $200 voucher.
To learn more about the Pima County equipment exchange CLICK HERE.
Landscaping noise and pollution continues to be subject of concern from homeowners.
The following is a Newsletter item from November 2020:
“Many of our homeowners enjoy the fresh air by opening windows and spending time on their patios. Though we usually enjoy a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, noise from landscapers can be problematic. Some landscapers are using multiple power tools simultaneously and this increases decibels and gas fumes. Some homeowners have noticed an increase in the 2-stroke high pitch noise causing them to go indoors and shut windows. Leaf blowers seem to be the main culprit. Acoustics experts say blower noise is especially irritating because of its particular pitch, the changing amplitude, and the lack of control by the hearer.
The most powerful leaf blowers can create a stream of air exceeding 200 mph and noise levels as high as an ear-piercing 112 decibels, though most leaf-blower’s noise at 50 feet ranges from 64 to 78 decibels. Exposure to leaf blower noise contributes to hearing loss and that the use of 2 blowers surpasses 85 decibels, the limit set by the World Health Organization to avoid hearing loss. Many communities across the nation have instituted restrictions such as limiting gas blowers to one at a time on an individual property, and/or limiting the amount of time that blowers are used, and requiring leaf-blowers to not exceed 65 decibels.”