Letter to the Editor: Leaf Blowers

To the Editor:

Thank you for the article on leaf blowers by Ian L. Todreas (“Leaf Blowers Damage Environment, Health,” July/August 2020 Belmont Citizens Forum Newsletter.)

Working at home as I do, I find leaf blowers a miserable nuisance. The noise interrupts my concentration. Even closing windows helps little (and I live on the second floor).

I’ve always detested leaf blowers, to which I am subjected to two or three times a week in most seasons. Despite their being a well-known nuisance and substantial contributor to air pollution, it seems the town of Belmont has discussed but never taken action to regulate their use. There’s not much to find on the town’s website, but I did note the report of the Vision 21 committee (bit.ly/Vision21rpt) from 2015 brings the issue up in section IV, on environment and energy:

“5. Leaf blowers contribute noise pollution, particulate pollution, air pollution, harm soil health, are a nuisance to walkers and bikers, and harmful to hearing and breathing of workers. We should start working on a plan to curtail their use.”

“10. Please enforce decibel limits for leaf blowers. Noise pollution is a huge issue.”

“83. Re: bike transportation and walking: Allowing leaf blowers all spring, summer, and fall is a detriment—blowing dust and sand into faces of bike commuters not conducive. Also not environmentally responsible.”

“86. Fewer leaf blowers and banks.”

These are comments/complaints, not action items. I am surprised that no elected officials seem to have advanced plans to regulate leaf blowers. Just capping the dBA sound level would do a lot to encourage switching to electric models.

Most of them are being used by landscaping company employees whose ears and breathing are generally not properly protected. That’s another thing that could be regulated. I personally would prefer them going back to raking grass and leaves, but of course that would slow down work and impinge on profits for their employers, with whom I have little sympathy after decades of annoyance.

What can be done? Has this ever been on Town Meeting agenda? If it was, what happened then? Why not now?

Thanks for your excellent reporting.

Geoff Dutton

Warwick Road

Geoff —You raise good questions! We asked Michael Widmer, town moderator, if there had ever been a Town Meeting warrant article on leaf blowers. He consulted Ellen Cushman, and they agreed that leaf blowers have never come before Town Meeting — although Ellen noted the Belmont has a noise bylaw. The field is wide open.

— Editor