I have a very good question. There are some people down here in the Nanticoke area that go in the mine strippings that salvage old railraod ties and then burn them in outdoor furnaces to heat their houses and their attitude is "screw the neighbors" with the smell. Is it not my imagination but is that not considered stealing even though the rails only were stipped out in the 1950-1960's? Any help in this moral problem would be most appreciated.

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Sdmbrandy2

If they take the ties without the property owner's consent then that would be theft.

In PA, the penalties for theft are:

Items valued at over $2000 are usually Felony 3 charges (maximum penalty 7 years in prison)

Items valued at over $200 are usually Misdemeanor 1 charges (maximum penalty 5 years in prison)

Items valued at over $50 are usually Misdemeanor 2 charges (maximum penalty 3 years in prison)

Items valued at under $50 may be Misdemeanor 3 charges (maximum penalty 1 years in prison) or may be classified as summary offenses.


M.T.

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Theft issue aside, how about the creosote? It's not just a smell, it's the dozens of chemicals that are toxic and cancer-causing released into the air. Then again, since so many things cause cancer...I guess it's ok. But be aware of chimney fires that will happen from the build-up of creosote.

Ya, that smoke is toxic. And the risk of a chimney fire does greatly increase with those. If they are living very close to you and their house catches fire, then if you're close enough for exposure it can burn your's down too.

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jdr

Ties should not be burned. Period. Toxicity is an issue inside or out. Inside it is an additional fire hazard. It ain't pretty when your chimney erupts in flame.

Steal culm.

Rob

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