Key Points of BAAQMD Proposed Regulation
· Curtail operation of any wood burning device when air quality levels are projected to reach unhealthy levels
· Restrict visible emission from wood burning (for no longer than six minutes for start up, and no more than 20 minutes over four hour period).
· Require cleaner burning technology and public awareness information when wood burning devices are sold, transferred or installed
· Prohibit the burning of garbage and other inappropriate types of materials
· Require that only dry seasoned wood be sold and that wood have a label listing moisture content
Additionally, the regulation would:
· Allow exemptions for residences that use wood as sole source of heat, and have no natural gas availability
BurningIssues.org See Our Discussion of This Important Proposal.
I am writing to ask for your help to support proposed regulations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to reduce emissions of harmful particles from wood burning devices, including indoor and outdoor fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Particle pollution from wood smoke, like tobacco smoke, can aggravate and cause lung disease. The air district has developed a proposed regulation and is seeking public comment. We hope you can attend to support the proposal and others who are impacted by wood smoke pollution.
The draft proposal would:
· Curtail operation of any wood burning device when air quality levels are projected to reach unhealthy levels
· Restrict visible emission from wood burning (for no longer than six minutes for start up, and no more than 20 minutes over four hour period).
· Require cleaner burning technology and public awareness information when wood burning devices are sold, transferred or installed
· Prohibit the burning of garbage and other inappropriate types of materials
· Require that only dry seasoned wood be sold and that wood have a label listing moisture content
Additionally, the regulation would:
· Allow exemptions for residences that use wood as sole source of heat, and have no natural gas availability
http://www.baaqmd.gov/pln/ruledev/workshops.htm
The air district has set aside $500,000 in grant funds to help people change out polluting devices for cleaner burning ones.
Also from the Lung Assn:
Live Better with COPD
Second Annual Respiratory Rally
Saturday, Nov. 10
Register today!
www.RespiratoryRally.org