Good news, if you live next door to a giant smoke-belching outdoor wood boiler. Not so good news if you're the one heating your house with it. According to a press release, the DEC is mulling stricter regulations on the devices:
In response to visible air pollution and numerous public complaints, these rules are proposed to reduce the impact of smoke plumes on neighbors. In order to achieve this goal, the new rule includes emission limits on new OWBs to be sold in New York, as well as setting a minimum distance that new OWBs are to be located from neighboring properties. In addition, DEC is proposing certain fuel restrictions, stack height requirements and a nuisance provision for both new and existing outdoor wood boilers.
The rule also bans the use of existing boilers in the summer when neighbors are likely to be enjoying the outdoors and have their windows open, unless the existing units meet the new requirements applicable to new OWBs or certain setback requirements. The rule will eventually phase out the use of existing units that do not comply with the new standards.
The release promises hearings on the proposal will be held around the state. (For what it's worth, the DEC is holding many more hearings on wood boilers than they did on their proposed natural-gas drilling regulations. Interesting priorities, guys.) Here's the list of hearings:
Thurs., June 3, Dulles State Office Building, 1st Floor Auditorium, 317 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601
Mon., June 7 NYSDEC-Region 1, SUNY @ Stony Brook, 50 Circle Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11790
Tues., June 8, NYSDEC Central Office, 625 Broadway, Public Assembly RM 129, Albany, NY 12233
Wed., June 9, Rockland County Fire Training Center, 35 Fireman’s Memorial Dr., Pomona, NY 10970
Thurs., June 10, Herkimer County Community College, Robert McLaughlin College Center, Hummel Corporate Center, 100 Reservoir Rd., Herkimer, NY 13350
Mon., June 14, Genesee Community College, Conable Technology Building, RM T102, Batavia, NY 14020
Tues., June 15, Cortland County Office Building, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, NY 13045
Wed. June 16, Allegany County Office Building, Legislative Board Chambers, 7 Court St., Belmont, NY 14813
Thurs., June 17, Jamestown Community College, Training Center, RM 117, 10785 Bennett Rd. (Route 60), Dunkirk, NY 14048
Mon., June 21, Norrie Point Environmental Center, Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park, 256 Norrie Point Way, Staatsburg, NY 12580
Wed., June 23, Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983
