Neighbors unsure of burners

KINGSTON TWP. – Outdoor wood burners, also known as “wood boilers” or “solid fuel furnaces” have become attractive to some homeowners looking for an alternative to conventional heating systems.

In Kingston Township, there are at least five in use, according to township manager Kelly Biddle-Cook.

However, outdoor furnaces are bothersome to others because they can emit an excessive amount of smoke if not used properly.

In response to complaints of smoke and fumes, the township wants to regulate burners. A public hearing to vote on a new ordinance will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Jason Rushmer, of Manor Drive, told supervisors in January that he invested $12,000 for a wood burner to heat his home and possibly a future greenhouse and barn on his 75-acre parcel. Instead of writing a new ordinance, he suggests citing burner offenders under the township nuisance ordinance.

Emissions from his burner, Rushmer said, are no more dangerous than emissions from coal burners and automobiles.

Rushmer’s neighbor, John Corrigan, of Legend Drive, said he doesn’t have a problem with the burner, located 100 feet from his backyard.

“It’s no worse than a fireplace,” he said, pointing out that his daughter, who has severe environmental allergies, has never complained about the burner.

But other township residents aren’t so happy. Ted Jackson, of Belford Street, said he lives near a wood furnace. “I can’t hang clothes on the line or put food on my back porch,” he told the supervisors at the January meeting. “It stinks, it smells and it’s unfair.”

Lehigh Street resident, Mark Albrecht, whose wife has asthma, told the board clouds of green smoke from his neighbor’s burner waft directly into his house. We are suffering every day,” he said.

According to the state Department of Environmental Protection agency Web site, outdoor boilers can produce a lot of smoke if the operator fuels the fire with wet wood or trash.

To burn more cleanly, DEP advises burning only clean, dry or seasoned wood and to not allow the fire to smolder for long periods.

Ordinance highlights

• Requires any new or existing appliance be inspected to determine compliance with its manufacturer’s specifications.

• The owner must register any new or existing appliance with the township and obtain a permit at a cost of $40 for new appliances.

• Residue of spent fuel and fuel debris shall not be accumulated on the premises for more than 90 days.

• Burners can only operate between Sept. 1 and May 31, unless the appliance is used as the sole source of residential interior heat or domestic hot water.

• Violations will result in a suspension of the permit and a fine of up to $500 plus prosecution costs.