Regs Against Wood Smoke Moving Forward

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.