Truckee Planning
Woodstove Removal Program
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In its efforts to improve Truckee's air quality but still allow homeowners to have woodburning devices, the Town Council recently adopted regulations requiring the removal of all non-certified woodstoves and fireplace inserts in the Town of Truckee. Except for some unique situations, the non-certified stoves and inserts must be removed from homes and businesses by no later than May 31, 2008. Homeowners may continue to have cleaner-burning, Town-approved stoves and inserts. To understand why non-certified stoves and inserts must be removed, we must go back to the time of Town incorporation in 1993. At that time Truckee had some of the worst winter air quality in California. The region was close to exceeding national air standards for particulate matter and being designated a non-attainment area by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More importantly, the poor air quality was affecting the health of our residents and visitors, especially children, the elderly, and those with asthma, and dirtying our mountain beauty. The Town Council put together a plan of action - the Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan - to improve our air quality. The plan's first target: the removal of non-certified woodstoves and fireplace inserts. These are older woodburning devices that are less efficient than EPA-certified devices and emit much more particulate matter in the air. Compared to a non-certified woodstove, an EPA-certified woodstove uses 1/3 less wood to provide the same amount of heat and emits up to 95% less smoke. The Council first established a voluntary program to remove non-certified devices by offering rebates. The Council then required the removal of non-certified devices at the time a home is sold. The Council is now implementing the third and last phase of the program. Frequently Asked Questions. Questions and answers on the requirements for the removal of non-certified woodstoves and fireplace inserts, and information on installing a new EPA Phase II certified stove or insert, a pellet stove, or a gas-service stove. The Rebate Program. How you can receive $$ for the removal of your non-certified woodstove or fireplace insert. What
is a Non-Certified Device? How you tell if you have a non-certified woodstove or
fireplace insert. For more information on the woodstove removal program, contact Duane Hall, Town Planner at (530) 582-2918 or dhall@townoftruckee.com. (April 23, 2008) |