Is burning a magnesium casing illegal?
Burning magnesium is a violation of 43 CFR 8365.1-1(b)(2), “Dispose of flammable trash or garbage except by burning in authorized fires, or disposal in designated places or receptacles”; or 43 CFR 9212.1(h), “perform any act restricted by a fire prevention order”. Magnesium is considered a waste and burning it is a violation of the fire prevention orders. In addition to the magnesium, of which the engine block is made, there are residues from the lubricants and fuels used in the operation of the engines. The violation is a misdemeanor for which the BAIL amount is $ 50.00, however a conviction could bring a FINE as high as $ 100,000 with a JAIL TERM of up to one year in jail. Burning magnesium, as I have been told by our HAZMAT specialist, is also a violation of the Clean Air Act and the residue resulting from the burning would be considered a hazardous materials and prosecution could occur under laws governing hazardous wastes.
