Just an fiy posting...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11334/1193667-100.stm
Allegheny County may limit outdoor wood-fired boilers
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
By Don Hopey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Allegheny County Board of Health agreed Wednesday to put out for public comment a proposed regulation that will significantly limit installation and use of residential, outdoor wood-fired boilers and the air pollution they cause.
The wood-fired boilers are commonly found in backyard sheds in rural areas of the state, but have begun to show up in the county's suburban and urban neighborhoods where their smoky emissions can cause air quality problems, said Jim Thompson, Air Program director for the county Health Department.
"We're worried about the proliferation of these units," said Mr. Thompson, who noted there are approximately 10 wood boilers operating in the county now and "every one is a nuisance."
The state approved regulations on wood boilers in 2010 but those are not strict enough to prevent unhealthy levels of emissions in more heavily populated areas like Allegheny County, he said. The proposed county rules increase the state boiler setback requirements from 50 feet to 150 from property lines, require installation of smoke stacks that are at least two feet taller than the nearby buildings to prevent down drafts of smoke; prohibit operation for non-heating purposes and require dealers to submit a notice of sale to the Health Department.
The Health Department will announce a 30-day comment period within the next couple of weeks and it will include a public hearing.
Don Hopey: [email protected] or 412-263-1706.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11334/1193667-100.stm#ixzz1fEDz558w
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11334/1193667-100.stm
Allegheny County may limit outdoor wood-fired boilers
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
By Don Hopey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Allegheny County Board of Health agreed Wednesday to put out for public comment a proposed regulation that will significantly limit installation and use of residential, outdoor wood-fired boilers and the air pollution they cause.
The wood-fired boilers are commonly found in backyard sheds in rural areas of the state, but have begun to show up in the county's suburban and urban neighborhoods where their smoky emissions can cause air quality problems, said Jim Thompson, Air Program director for the county Health Department.
"We're worried about the proliferation of these units," said Mr. Thompson, who noted there are approximately 10 wood boilers operating in the county now and "every one is a nuisance."
The state approved regulations on wood boilers in 2010 but those are not strict enough to prevent unhealthy levels of emissions in more heavily populated areas like Allegheny County, he said. The proposed county rules increase the state boiler setback requirements from 50 feet to 150 from property lines, require installation of smoke stacks that are at least two feet taller than the nearby buildings to prevent down drafts of smoke; prohibit operation for non-heating purposes and require dealers to submit a notice of sale to the Health Department.
The Health Department will announce a 30-day comment period within the next couple of weeks and it will include a public hearing.
Don Hopey: [email protected] or 412-263-1706.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11334/1193667-100.stm#ixzz1fEDz558w
