2010 April 23: NY Utica: June Information Sessions across state: DEC Rules Would Affect Outdoor Wood Boilers
April 23, 2010 — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the release of a proposed new state regulation to dramatically cut pollution from outdoor wood boilers (OWBs).
The proposal will reduce the significant air quality impacts from the boilers, and address what has become a public nuisance for many New Yorkers.
The proposal was published in the Environmental Notice Bulletin this week and can be viewed on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/64459.html . The public comment period will run through July 2.
“As we celebrate the Fortieth Anniversary of Earth Day, we are taking yet another step in the pursuit of clean air for all New Yorkers,” Commissioner Grannis said. “This proposal will ensure that new outdoor wood boilers are cleaner, and that existing boilers be used in the most environmentally sound way possible.”
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 DEC is continually working to improve air quality, so that all New Yorkers can breathe air that is clean and healthy,” Commissioner Grannis said. “Today’s proposal is another important step towards that goal.”
Scott T. Santarella, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in New York said: “The American Lung Association applauds the state DEC for proposing strict new statewide regulations that would significantly improve air quality and better protect the lung health of all New Yorkers. For far too long New Yorkers have suffered because of exposure to the toxic smoke and unhealthy levels of particulate matter that outdoor wood boilers emit. The Lung Association looks forward to working with the DEC to ensure the most protective public health regulations are implemented, so all New Yorkers can breathe easier.”
Ross Gould, Air and Energy Program Director for Environmental Advocates of New York said: “Outdoor wood boilers are a growing concern as large sources of smoke in residential areas in New York. With these regulations, the DEC is phasing out the older boilers that emit greater levels of smoke and particulate matter to reduce air pollutants that lead to respiratory ailments. This is a much needed step in improving the air quality in the state. We look forward to working with the DEC to implement regulations for phasing out existing polluting outdoor boilers.”
The DEC will conduct 11 hearings throughout the state. Each hearing will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, the DEC will conduct informal information sessions from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at each location. During the information sessions the public may discuss the rule and ask questions of DEC staff off the formal record. The hearings
will be held at:
- 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
The public comment period for will end at 5:00 p.m. on July 2, 2010. Written comments may be submitted to: NYSDEC Division of Air Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3251 or by email: 247owb@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
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