The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
(PSCAA) is in the process of revising the Agency’s regulations to help
implement the Clean Air Task Force recommendations to meet the requirements of our non-attainment area. The proposed changes to its
regulations will make burn ban enforcement more effective and also set the date
by which all uncertified wood stoves need to be removed.
They’re starting the public comment
process today, which will culminate in a public hearing at its September Board
of Directors meeting.
Regulation update
The proposed amendments to PSCAA’s
wood smoke regulations are drafted and out for public comment.
The key revisions include:
·
Clarification of the definition of
“adequate source of heat” and adding a requirement to obtain an exemption from
the Agency to use a solid fuel burning device during burn bans if it is the
only adequate source of heat
·
A requirement to remove uncertified
wood stoves and coal-only heaters from buildings in the Tacoma, Pierce County
nonattainment area by September 30, 2015
·
Clarification of fuels allowed to be
burned and prohibited from being burned in a solid fuel burning device
·
New language prohibiting the
installation of unapproved devices
The public notice period will last
from August 28 to September 26, 2012, and PSCAA will have a public hearing on
September 27 at the Board of Directors meeting.
Details:
Where? Tacoma Municipal
Building | 728 St. Helens Ave |Tacoma, Washington 98402
When? September
27, 2012 | 8:45 AM
For more information on the proposed
changes, and how to comment, visit PSCAA’s website.
The proposed changes are to Article 13 (Solid Fuel Burning Device Standards).
Other updates
PSCAA is working full-tilt to launch
its enhanced burn ban enforcement effort as well as the wood stove removal and
replacement program. Both programs will be ready to launch this fall, in time
for the start of the wood-heating season.
Here is an overview of where these
efforts are:
Increased and enhanced enforcement
of wintertime air quality burn bans:
·
PSCAA is forming agreements with
local governments to train and employ their staff as inspectors during burn
bans. This will allow PSCAA to substantially increase the number of inspectors
on the ground enforcing burn bans. Participating municipalities include Pierce
County and the cities of Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place and Puyallup.
·
PSCAA is developing a better process
for enforcing burn bans when it’s dark (evening and early morning).
·
Starting this burn season, PSCAA
will lower the trigger levels for calling burn bans as allowed by the new state
law.
·
To get the word out about burn bans,
enhanced enforcement practices and consequences of violating burn bans, PSCAA’s
will launch an awareness campaign this
fall.
Wood stove removal and replacement program –
·
Development of the 2012-2013 wood
stove removal and replacement program is well underway. PSCAA has approximately
$1.5 million this year to help people get rid of their old, polluting wood
stoves and inserts and replace them with cleaner heating devices.
·
The program will offer full cost
assistance to income-qualified wood burners and a lottery and bounty for all
others meeting eligibility requirements.
·
Details of the program will be
available by October.
Wood Stoves have been popular since 18 century, they have made great contribution for most family, they offer efficient heat and give us a warm home in the winter. Maybe wood stoves will be replaced by some better heaters.
ReplyDelete