Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
News * Financial Incentives * Related Links * Videos
News:
November 25, 2009: The Woodpile is now online, with original articles, news and commentary about the future of residential wood heating. The Woodpile is a project of The Wood Heat Organization Inc.
October 15, 2009 - Governing Board approved Voluntary "Check Before You LIght" Wood Burning Curtailment Program. Program begins on November 1, 2009, and will run through the end of February, 2010.
September 23, 2009 - Supplemental Information for Item #5 Proposed New Rule 208 - Mandatory Wood Burning Curtailment Periods
September 17, 2009 - Staff Report to Governing Board on Proposed New Rule 208 - Mandatory Wood Burning Curtailment Periods
August 11, 2009 - Public Workshop Meeting and Hearing Notice for Proposed New Rule 208 - Mandatory Wood Burning Curtailment Periods - Press Release. Staff Report for Proposed New Rule 208
Appendix A - Proposed New Rule 208Appendix B - Notice of Public Hearing and WorkshopsAppendix C - Proposed Resolution of AdoptionAppendix D - Summary of Health Impacts from Wood SmokeAppendix E - Chico Sphere of Influence MapAppendix F - Draft Financial Hardship WaiverAppendix G - Chico PM2.5 Seasonal Monitoring DataAppendix H - PM2.5 Emission Reductions and Potential Cost ImpactsAppendix I - Utility Residential Gas and Electric Rates/CARE ProgramAppendix J - Results of Wood Burning Survey, OMNI Consulting Services, Inc.Appendix K - Butte County Asthma ProfileAppendix L - California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit Appendix M - Meetings and PresentationsAppendix N - Rule-101--Definitions-and-Rule-207--Wood-Burning-Devices
June 18, 2009 - At the February 26, 2009 Board meeting staff was directed to review and evaluate the Chico City Council recommendations regarding Rule 208 - Mandatory Wood Burning Curtailment Periods and bring a revised draft rule back to the Board for further discussion and direction from the Board. It will be presented at the June 25, 2009 meeting. The Board will not adopt Rule 208 at the June meeting. District Board meetings are held at the Chico City Council Chambers, at 10:15 a.m., 411 Main Street, Chico.
April 30, 2009 - Q & A Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
March 19, 2009 - Staff Report on past season 2008-2009 Check Before You Light Program
December 11, 2008 - Governing Board approves Amendments to Rule 207 Wood Burning Devices and Sample Wood Burning Model Ordinance for local jurisdictions. The Governing Board declined to adopt proposed new Rule 208, Mandatory Wood Burning Curtailment Periods at this time and requested official input from the City of Chico.
Financial Incentives:
IRS Tax Credit You may qualify for up to $1,500 credit you can get for buying a qualifying biomass-burning stove or fireplace insert between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
PG&E Care Program Provides a monthly discount on energy bills for income qualified households and housing facilities.
Related Links:
Air Resources Board News Release - January 22, 2009 - Wood Smoke is a Serious Threat to Public Health.
Air Resources Board Health Update - January 22, 2009 - The Potential Health Impacts of Residentail Wood Burning (power point presentation)
US EPA PM2.5 Area Designations
U.S. EPA Wood Stoves and Fireplaces Website:
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Burn Wise: Learn Before You Burn - Burn Wise is a partnership program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that emphasizes the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right wood-burning appliance to protect your home, health, and the air we breathe.
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Wood Burning Efficiency and Safety - Tips on proper stove installation, good wood burning practices, and how you can ensure safer heating of your home.
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Healthier Home, Cleaner Environment - Learn the impacts of wood smoke on your health and the environment, as well as the quality of the air where you live.
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Basic Information - What you need to know to select a cleaner burning hearth product for your home, including retailers and installers in your area.
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Technical Information - Learn why newer wood stoves burn cleaner and safer and review test data on stove emissions.
Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) Website - Information on Stoves and Fireplace Inserts, Save Money, Clean the Air
Identification on Non-EPA Certified Stoves - HPBA Wood Stove Change out Program
INHALATION TOXICOLOGY International Forum for Respiratory Research Woodsmoke Health Effects: A Review
New England Journal of Medicine, Special Article, 1/22/09: "Fine-Particulate Air Pollution and Life Expectancy in the United States"
Videos:
Home Green Home: Burning Wisely The Home Green Home article is the latest in a series exploring the ways Americans are improving the efficiency and reducing the footprint of their homes.
Libby Montana Video - Clearing the Smoke - The Libby Report
Burn it Smart #1 - DVD on Advanced Woodstove Technology: View it on YouTube
Burn it Smart #2 - DVD on Firewood: From Forest to Woodshed: View it on YouTube
Wood Stove Operation - Informative video from Environment Canada's Clean Air Online Website
How to Start a Proper Fire - View it on YouTube