FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Fairbanks residents who burn wood to save money as an alternative to expensive heating oil will have three chances to discuss proposed state regulations aimed at curbing particulate pollution.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Fairbanks residents who burn wood to save money as an alternative to expensive heating oil will have three chances to discuss proposed state regulations aimed at curbing particulate pollution.
State and local officials have scheduled three days of meetings next week to discuss proposed wood-stove regulations designed to help Fairbanks meet federal standards for clean air.
A final set of regulations, refined after public comment, will be submitted next month to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The regulations propose a requirement that wood burned for heat must be dry wood or combined with pellet logs. They would require home-sellers to replace inefficient, polluting wood stoves with cleaner ones or simply remove the old one. The regulations also require that wood sellers list moisture content if they sell within a pollution hot zone known as a non-attainment area.
“These are all proposed regulations,” said Cindy Heil, state air quality program manager for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. “It could be changed.”
If approved, the new rules would take effect next winter. People who can show the rules pose an “unreasonable burden” can apply for a waiver. The rules would be enforced by verbal warnings and litigation.
The Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday and Tuesday will host open houses in Fairbanks and North Pole to disseminate information about the regulations.
“We are going to have a whole area where people can make comments and ask questions,” Heil said.
Two public hearings in Fairbanks and one each in Anchorage and Juneau are scheduled for Wednesday.
Fairbanks and North Pole have struggled to meet federal standards for fine particulate measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less. Fine particulate has been linked to heart attacks, decreased lung function and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. The young, elderly and weakened are considered vulnerable.