Wood-burning issue to be reviewed in White Rock

[Wilberforce]

Wood-burning issue to be reviewed in White Rock
By Tracy Holmes - Peace Arch News
Published: November 14, 2012 3:00 PM
Updated: November 14, 2012 4:55 PM

Residents of a White Rock neighbourhood have asked city officials to deal “urgently” with their concerns about wood-burning smoke emanating from a city-owned rental house on Prospect Avenue.

A petition delivered to council members with their Oct. 29 agenda bears 19 signatures of residents living near the 14900-block of Prospect.

“We object to the nuisance and pollution caused by wood-burning appliances within city limits,” the petition states.

“In particular, the city-owned residence at 14925 Prospect Ave. burns wood during colder months. The resultant wood smoke and its particulates hang in the ravine and the neighbourhood, causing irritation, nuisance and disturbance to the comfort and enjoyment of the neighbourhood and persons nearby.”

An Oct. 11 letter signed by Mike and Emilie Campbell notes the petition represents an “overwhelming majority” of neighbours; one of three who declined to sign is a city employee, the Campbells add.

According to the letter, the issue was first raised to former director of municipal operations Rob Thompson in March, and again to new director Greg St. Louis in August.

Among petitioners’ requests is for council to “eliminate the fire hazard… which could spread to the sensitive ravine forest adjacent.”

Council voted unanimously to refer the petition to staff for review.

source
http://www.peacearchnews.com/news/17938 ... &bc09=true

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Voluntary compliance urged for wood burning
News Release

The Western Slope Air Watch (WSAW), Western Colorado's wintertime air quality advisory program, officially kicks off Nov. 1 and runs through Feb. 28.

The program asks residents to voluntarily not use their wood stoves and fireplaces on days when there is a temperature inversion which could trap wood smoke.

The program does not apply to residents who use gas logs, gas fireplace inserts, or EPA-certified woodstoves and pellet stoves (EPA-certified devices carry a label indicating certification). City of Grand Junction residents with conventional fireplaces or uncertified woodstoves are required to refrain from burning during "Red Flame"- declared inversion periods.

"Smoke contains fine particulates that reduce visibility and, more critically, adversely affect people's health," says Ed Brotsky, air quality specialist for the Mesa County Health Department. Brotsky says wood smoke contains tar-like compounds that can cause short-term and long-term respiratory problems and may increase the risk of cancer. Problems are most likely to develop in infants, small children, persons with existing respiratory problems, and the elderly.

Advisory forecasts will be issued at least weekly but may increase when necessary due to prevailing meteorological conditions for Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties. Weekend advisories will be issued on Fridays. Residents can access the 24-hour pre-recorded information line at (970) 248-6990.

source
http://www.deltacountyindependent.com/i ... od-burning