OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACES IN CONNECTICUT

11.08.07

Towns are slowly beginning to focus on the problems posed by use of outdoor wood fired furnaces. The State of Connecticut issued a regulation effective July 8, 2005 regarding their use, but I doubt most people, or towns for that matter, have paid much attention to it, so far. It is time to address their existence and regulate their use - NOW.


To quote key parts of the regulation: "No person shall, from July 8, 2005,...construct, install,... operate or use an outdoor wood-burning furnace, unless (1)... in use prior to July 8, 2005, or (2) the outdoor furnace complies with" various regulations of use.

Some of the regulations include rather stiff requirements: The furnaces must be at least 200' from any neighboring residence; their chimneys must be at a height that is higher than roof peaks of any abutting homes within 500' of the furnace, but less than 55' in height; no chemically treated wood or other non wood items is allowed as fuel; and some other requirements. Violators may be fined NOT MORE THAN $90.00 per day if use is continued beyond the first reported violation.

These furnaces are known to emit high levels of particulate matter which can be quite hazardous to those with respiratory issues, and which can penetrate homes. On cold mornings, the smoke will sit low to the ground and really be a nuisance. Area towns need to implement enforcement procedures IMMEDIATELY since the CT law has been around for 2 years, but who knows about it? Two weeks ago, I saw 2 units, on trailers, heading for someone's property. Were they going to be in compliance with the Regulation? Without Town oversight, requiring a permit, who knows?


©;2007 R Leech features