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Background:
Ohio EPA justifies a statewide regulation of outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWB) due to their proliferation and an increase in the number of complaints received related to OWBs emissions. The new draft rules contain requirements that define how Ohio EPA proposes to implement a regulatory OWB program for Ohio and provide for an action to limit and, in some instances, phase-out the use and existence of some OWBs.

The draft rules are intended to regulate emissions of particulate matter from OWBs as part of Ohio's State Implementation Plan and would apply to manufacturers, suppliers, distributors or others intending to sell, lease, distribute or market an OWB in the state of Ohio, as well as those who install, operate or own an OWB. The rules are designed to set up requirements for acceptable fuels that can be burned in the units, OWB performance standards, setback and stack height requirements, and requirements for complying with existing local rules and ordinances.

The rule that is the primary point of concern is 3745-115-02 - Requirements. This is where the emission standards would be set for new OWBs as well as establish setback and stack height requirements for new OWB installations. The rule also specifies the time of year when an OWB could not be used (April 15 to September 13) unless it is certified to meet the emission limits. For individuals with an existing and installed OWB, the rule establishes setback distances and stack height requirements that if not met will mean that the OWB would have to be removed or rendered inoperable.

In contrast to a state regulatory program, U.S. EPA initiated a voluntary OWB program in January of 2007 that encourages manufacturers to improve air quality through developing and distributing cleaner, more efficient OWBs. As a result, OWBs are available to home and business owners that will achieve emission reductions and protect public health.

The rising cost of fossil-based fuels has led many home and business owners in Ohio to search for reasonable alternatives to meet their heating needs. Many farm bureau members turned to outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWBs) as a solution. It is estimated that between 1990 and 2006, almost 14,000 OWBs have been sold in Ohio. The continued use of OWBs as a heating option in Ohio is in jeopardy. If you own and use an OWB as an economical source of heat, it is imperative that you submit comments to Ohio EPA opposing the draft rule language in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-115.

Action:
Farm Bureau members who have an OWB are encouraged to submit comments to Ohio EPA opposing the draft OWB rules. Deadline - Friday, March 21, 2008.

Written comments can be mailed to Ohio EPA, Division of Air Pollution Control, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049.

Electronic comments can be set via e-mailed to carolina.prado@epa.state.oh.us.

OFBF recently submitted comments to Ohio EPA recommending that Ohio EPA postpone any rule-making related to OWBs, supporting the continuation of U.S. EPA's established voluntary program for OWB manufacturers to develop and distribute cleaner, more efficient OWBs. To view the comments submitted by OFBF click here.

Feedback Request:
After you send your comments to Ohio EPA; please forward a copy to Larry Antosch, Director of Environmental Policy (lantosch@ofbf.org).

Questions:
Please contact Rocky Black at rblack@ofbf.org or call 614.246.8255 if you have any questions regardin this issue.

More Information:
The draft rule, a new fact sheet and other information about outdoor wood boilers is available at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/outdoorwoodfiredboilers.html.