Panel Question I almost asked

[mellow]

With all this focus on the stoves, what about the fuel? Pellet stoves are already somewhat regulated when it comes to fuel, you have to buy pellets from a supplier that has to make sure that pellet will burn correctly in your stove. The same can not be said for wood suppliers, they will sell you green wood in a heart beat.

Do you think it will take State level regulation or "Certified" suppliers to address this issue?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

No. Not that they won't try, but it's kinda hard to regulate what you can collect on the side of the road.

 

[My Oslo heats my home]

Yeah, every Tom, Dick and Harry has his hands in this venture, wood cutting. It's hard to regulate something that only makes up 6-8% of the heating industry. Any veteran wood burner will know through experience what they need to look for. Then again, a majority of the folks here make a point to collect their own wood through a variety of sources. And the non veterans quickly become veterans, the learning curve goes quick from experience....and then theres H.Com

 

[begreen]

Funny, I recall reading that the Austrians and Danes (Wittus, Hwam) were surprised that our firewood wasn't better regulated to ensure clean burning. We are only talking about wood that is sold here, not scrounged or cut down on one's own property.

 

[Sons924]

The government can't run a website, asking them to regulate wood is like asking a puppy to navigate a space shuttle!

 

[mellow]

Most current regulations are for moving wood to reduce the threat of evasive species, someone could tack onto the current laws to also include wood that has been properly seasoned.

Found this interesting as an example in the state of Wisconsin in order to sell wood used in state parks and state managed land you have to be certified.

Under the certification you have to show you have treated the wood to remove evasive species, but also following this you are partially if not fully seasoning the wood in some of the applications.

Firewood Treatment Methods
To prevent the spread of invasive pests, certified firewood dealers must use one or more approved treatment methods including:

• Heat treatment to an internal temperature of at least 140° F (60° C.) at maintained at the temperature for at least 60 minutes.
• All bark and additional wood to a depth of at least ½ inch beneath the bark, is removed from each piece of firewood.
• The firewood is stored on the dealer’s premises for at least two years before it is sold or distributed in Wisconsin.
• The firewood is treated in a manner approved, in writing, by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, to kill all pests that may inhabit the firewood.

 

[stoveguy13]

I think some states do have regulation in CT i think it is the weights and measures division but the real problem is enforcement they don't have anyone doing it. If firewood could be regulated it would start to put a dent in some of the complaints that people have with woodburning.

 

[begreen]

The government can't run a website, asking them to regulate wood is like asking a puppy to navigate a space shuttle!

The govt. runs lots of major websites just fine. Let's keep political opinions out of the thread.

 

[woodsman416]

The majority of firewood sellers that I've talked to are running a cash side business. I'd imagine if the government, either state or federal, could do anything about these guys it would be to collect taxes first and worry about regulations second.

 

[mellow]

I'd imagine if the government, either state or federal, could do anything about these guys it would be to collect taxes first and worry about regulations second.

That has already started in California: As per (broken link removed).ca.gov/news/2011/145-11-G.pdf

Sales of many seasonal items, such as Christmas trees and firewood, are taxable. Firewood sales, as well as labor or service charges related to firewood sales (cutting, splitting, delivery, etc.) are taxable.

 

[Firedancer]

No, please no. I already have code enforcement trespassing on my property to see that my woodpile is off the ground. Nothing better to do I guess. Actually, they saw a dumpster on my property (3 wooded acres) which I guess sparked their interest. They came up for a peek and then saw the wood pile.

I kindly asked (told) them to leave...kindly.

 

[mellow]

This would have nothing to do with joe blow homeowner, it would have to be regulated at the wood seller level.

 

[dmmoss51]

Someone needs to remind the code enforcement officers that they must do their job from the public roadway or sidewalk, otherwise less owner permssion they need a warrent like any other law enforcment agent.

 

[Firedancer]

Someone needs to remind the code enforcement officers that they must do their job from the public roadway or sidewalk, otherwise less owner permssion they need a warrent like any other law enforcment agent.

Yes! I "kindly" reminded them of that lol. Adding that if my husband were here, he wouldn't be so nice.

Haha.