The Sacramento air district's new Check Before You Burn program advises when it's especially hamful to burn wood. this new law restricts woodburning in fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves and other woodburning devices in Sacramento County when airborne soot levels are predicted to exceed federal health standards November through February.
The air district will announce “Check Before You Burn” days via the media, Web sites and a recorded telephone message (1-877-NO-BURN-5) that residents can call. Air district inspectors can then issue citations if they see chimney smoke.
The law has two stages. On some days, those who have an EPA certified fireplace insert or stove, or pellet-fueled stove in their home or business, can still burn. Those who do not have EPA certified devices cannot.
On more severe pollution days, all burning is restricted regardless of the device.
Historic data suggests the restriction may apply on about 30 days per winter season. It will not apply to gas logs or gas fireplaces, to woodburning as a primary heat source.
The Sacramento region has the unfortunate distinction of being called one of the nation’s more polluted metro areas for tiny soot or particle pollution. And wood smoke makes up almost half of our region’s winter soot problem.
Cold air tends to trap particles closer to the ground – and our lungs, where they evade defenses, irritate and cause damage. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are especially vulnerable.
Soot or small particles from wood smoke and other sources are linked to premature death, cancer and lung disease. Some agencies suggest particles are as deadly as auto accidents or living with a cigarette smoker...
Since our region will not meet new federal standards for soot if the woodburning rule is unsuccessful,, we could stand to lose access to some federal transportation funding that is crucial to the movement of goods and workers. When we don't meet federal health standards, it prompts the federal government to examine our local transportation and air-quality plans to see if they mesh well, or "conform." If they don't, officials can block or delay millions or of dollars, as they did recently because of our ozone pollution.
Nonattainment with federal soot standards will likely lead to mandates on the local air district that will lead to new regulations for area businesses.
While there are many sources of soot pollution, air district staff say performance in other regions shows their new woodburning restriction could almost by itself help us meet new federal soot regulations – and do so by regulating a recreational and optional, but polluting activity. That's a big reason why the Cleaner Air Partnership supports this action.
It's a proactive, common-sense way to help meet new federal health standards for tiny soot or “particle” pollution – without significantly impacting our local economy or transportation funding.
Check Before You Burn website The Check Before You Burn season ended Friday, February 29. The next season will begin on November 1, 2008.
Stove changeout incentive information
FAQ (PDF doc)
U.S. EPA info on soot pollution
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