Outdoor Wood Furnaces May Require Legislation

DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township is considering legislating the installation and operation of outdoor wood furnaces. Alma George, a member of the township’s Natural Resources Committee (NRC), spoke at the township committee meeting Nov. 19 about the need to regulate the increasingly popular devices.
Outdoor wood furnaces are wood burning heating units installed outside the home, typically housed in shed sized structures. They are used to provide heat and/or hot water for residences.
George distributed copies of a proposed ordinance the NRC has been working on addressing potential concerns with the operation of the devices. Currently, the township has no requirement for construction permits or any regulations governing their use.
George read from the opening statement of the proposed ordinance. The statement acknowledged the potential economic advantages for a homeowner using the outdoor wood furnace. However, there are concerns regarding their safety and environmental impacts. Specifically mentioned are “hazardous smokes, odors and air pollution.”
One of the main concerns cited in the proposed ordinance is the potential negative impacts of the use of these devices on neighboring property owners. In fact, George noted, the NRC’s involvement was initiated by complaints from several neighbors who live near a currently operating boiler.
The proposed ordinance does not ban their use, but establishes guidelines and restrictions on their operation, and includes a permitting requirement.
According to George, the NRC has been meeting for six months. During that time, members have conducted extensive research into similar ordinances that have been enacted by dozens of municipalities in N.J., Pa., N.Y., and Del.
In addition, the committee reviewed literature from the state DEP, federal EPA, as well as literature published by concerned organizations like the American Lung Association and recommendations for possible legislation offered by manufacturers of the devices.
“We also met with Erin Wertz (Cape May County Health Inspector), who is directly involved in investigating complaints about the devices,” George said.
Wertz is a state certified “smoke reader,” according to George. Wertz is certified through Rutgers University. George noted that if the proposed ordinance were enacted in Dennis Township, the individual designated to handle related issues would need to complete that course.
Committee members asked about existing outdoor wood boilers in the township and how the ordinance would affect them.
“They may be grandfathered,” George replied. “However, state air quality and related regulations would apply to them, as well as any new installations.”
“It could be similar to a gas station,” Committee member Al DiCicco observed. “They may have to upgrade the furnace.”
While the proposed ordinance does not ban what were described as “homemade wood boilers,” it would require them to conform to the same permitting and inspection guidelines as those installed by licensed manufacturers.
At this point, the subject is at the discussion stage. George distributed copies of the NRC’s work to the municipal governing body, engineer and solicitor for them to review and modify as they deem necessary before deciding whether to introduce it formally for consideration and public comment.
To contact Ray Rebmann, email rrebmann@cmcherald.com.