Burn Cleanly, Legally; Cut Air Pollution
New wood burning devices sold in Washington state must now meet new stricter emission standards. Emissions are limited to 2.5 grams of particulates per hour for stoves with a catalytic combustor, and 4.5 grams per hour without a catalytic combustor. This is a new provision of the 1991 Washington Clean Air Act which took effect on Jan. 1 this year.
Tighter emission standards are necessary to reduce wood smoke, which is the third largest source of air pollution in the state. Wood smoke is especially troublesome during periods of stagnant air, when pollutants are trapped near the ground and present a potential danger to public health. Pollutants from wood burning include carbon monoxide, organic gases, fine particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxides. There are existing wood burning regulations you must follow and measures you should take as a wood burner.
Installation: Before buying a wood heating device, whether new or used, you need to make sure the device is EPA-certified or approved. It’s illegal to install a noncertified or unapproved device. The device must also be the proper size for the space it’s intended to heat. You must obtain a building inspection and permit. It’s the law and it’s for your safety.
Local burn bans: Occasionally during the winter, rising pollution levels and stagnant weather patterns may result in a mandatory ban on wood burning, by the Spokane Air Pollution Control Authority (SCAPCA). If conditions are severe enough, a ban could be declared in other Eastern Washington communities. Before lighting a fire, it’s important you determine the current burning conditions in your area. In Spokane County, call SCAPCA’s 24-hour Burning Information Line at 456-4710.
Smoke - how much is too much? Regardless of where you live in Washington, you must always comply with the smoke opacity rule. Opacity is a visual measurement of the density of the smoke. All wood burners must limit the amount of smoke coming from their chimneys. If you’re burning properly and after the initial 20-minute start-up period, you should only see heat waves coming from your chimney.
Prohibited materials: The only legal fuel that may be burned in your wood heating device is non-stained, untreated wood or wood pellets. It will provide the best heat value and the least air pollution.
Weatherizing your home: Whether you burn wood or not, the cheapest way to reduce pollution and cut your home heating costs is to weatherize your home first. As much as 25 percent of your heating costs can be eliminated through simple conservation measures such as caulking and weather-stripping, installing storm windows and adding insulation to the attic, under floors, and to exterior walls. For free written materials on weatherizing your home, call the Energy Hotline at (800) 962-9731 or 324-7980 in Spokane.
“A Guide to Wood Stoves and Other Solid Fuel Burning Devices” is also available from SCAPCA by calling 456-4727.
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