Post earthquake Christchurch, NZ - Log Burner Action Group

[envirosphere]

State owned energy companies have offset Christchurch residents' safety by enforcing inefficient central grid electric, natural gas and state owned pellet fuel technology. Emissions regulations based on flimsy EPA science. First winter snow storm: heat pumps fail, power cuts and no self sufficient means of heating. And what if there's another earthquake?! By no surprise they want their wood fires back - low emissions ones, fine - whatever, and in every zone - now! Christchurch Log Burner Action Group

 

[Jags]

Fighting central governments that want to over reach their bounds can be an uphill fight. I would have to think those kiwi's could get the job done, if they band together.

 

[begreen]

Sounds similar to burn bans in CA, OR and WA. I'm wondering if these regulations are just for the city or if they are wider reaching? It would be good to catch both sides of the issue here.

 

[BrotherBart]

The facts according to their government site.

http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and-notices/news/Pages/keeping-warm-earthquake-damaged-home.aspx

"“This winter we will continue the pragmatic approach we took last winter, where people in earthquake-affected homes were able to continue to use older burners or open fires."

 

[begreen]

Seems like this is not as draconian a move as first implied. One can burn in a woodstove if pre-exisiting. And if building new, if it is a clean burner and the house is not in central Christchurch. But they are trying to keep the core of the city as smoke free as possible so only city homes with existing fireplace or wood stoves can continue with wood burning as long as it is burning cleanly. This limit appears to be for an area of about 7 mile radius.

http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/your-hom...me-heating-for-christchurch.aspx#caz1-without

http://www.eeca.govt.nz/resource/list-accepted-heating-products-0
The types of clean heating products covered are:

• Approved wood burners.
• Approved pellet fires.
• 4-star AGA-rated flued gas heaters. Ask your provider for a list of the gas heaters they supply.
• ENERGY STAR® heat pumps. Note that multi-split and ducted heat pump systems are not eligible for funding.

http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/pages/authorised-solid-fuel-burners.aspx

 

[stoveguy2esw]

im hoping after the quake folks had their flue systems (especially clay lined masonary flues) checked out before using. seismic damage can weaken a flue system and could potentially burn down a house.

to the OP, i submitted to join your group, i scanned along a bit but its late here in teh US and i have to be to work at 5 am, i'll definate do some reading soon though and comment where i can possibly be helpful.