Incinerator Rule Updates to Address Outdoor Wood-fired Boilers
Outdoor wood-fired boilers are residential furnaces designed to heat an entire home and in many cases replace multiple indoor wood stoves. They are bulk-loaded with wood that is burned; the resulting heat is transferred through a firebox surface to a surrounding water reservoir. The water is then piped through rooms for heat. The amount of usable heat depends on the quantity of wood burned.
To address concerns regarding emissions from burning non-traditional fuels in OWBs, Ohio EPA plans to amend its incinerator rules to include a definition for OWBs and require that owners of these units who burn non-traditional fuels be required to reduce pollution and odors just like owners of incinerators.
Ohio EPA has decided not to pursue a statewide "one-size-fits-all" rule regulating OWBs as was released in draft form in February 2008. That draft rule generated considerable public feedback. Upon further evaluation, Ohio EPA determined that the most efficient regulation of OWBs would be by individual communities based on localized conditions. However, Ohio EPA also recognizes the most significant concern with OWBs occurs when non-traditional, and often toxic, materials are burned; therefore, a statewide requirement for those who choose to burn these materials is warranted.
How do I get more information?
The draft of the rule and links to other resources are available through the links below.
We request that you provide us with any comments you may have to the changes that have been recommended by Thursday, April 22, 2010.
Hard copies of the draft rule are also available from Ohio EPA’s Division of Air Pollution Control by calling (614) 644-2270.
U.S. EPA also has information about outdoor wood boilers at this Web site: http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/.
Draft Rule Information