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K'hook places temporary hold on outdoor wood boilers
By Jamie Larson
The installation of new outdoor wood boilers was officially banned in the town of Kinderhook Wednesday night, at a special meeting of the Town Board. Present board members voted unanimously for a new local law establishing a six-month moratorium on the devices, which experts say cause serious health risks.
The special meeting and public hearing beforehand were sparsely attended but the vote was the culmination of a months-long battle over the boiler issue. Those against OWBs based their opposition in part on information provided by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s Office. The study stated that the slow burning boilers pose a health risk by emitting hazardous fine particle matter and chemicals such as carbon monoxide, chlorinated dioxin, benzene, and others.
The risk of these wood-fired water heaters, officials say, is increased by the boiler’s low smoke stacks which keep the toxins low to the ground where people and animals breath.
The Moratorium states that it’s purpose is, “to protect the public health and safety of the residents of the town of Kinderhook. By enacting the moratorium for a period of six months, the Town Board and the town of Kinderhook will have a reasonable time within which... to develop a local law to regulate or prohibit installation of OWBs.”
Town Supervisor Doug McGivney and board members stressed repeatedly how important it is for residents to understand the moratorium is only a temporary step while they craft the wording of a complete local law. They encouraged public impute in the potentially long process.
One issue McGivney said the law must address is whether existing OWBs would be exempt from regulation, a process known as “grandfathering,” or if they would have to phase in systems such as catalytic converters to mitigate pollutant output. McGivney said at the moment he is leaning towards support of a law that would ban the boilers outright.
Councilman Peter Bujanow said over the time provided by the moratorium the town should look at all outdoor wood burning devices in a controlled way to make destinations about what they feel is acceptable and what may not be. Bujanow said he wanted to make it clear he wasn’t insinuating the town would ban all outdoor burning but look at the issue through a broader scope, taking devices like burn barrels and raised metal deck fireplaces into account as well. Planning Board member Jim Egnasher said from the audience that he felt all outdoor burning should be banned in the town.
“I do see a trend that’s out there in the public,” Bujanow said, noting he has a firepit in his own back yard, “there is an infatuation with outdoor burning. I think we should look at it as a whole.”
Councilman Michael Kipp said he was in favor of the OWB moratorium but warned officials shouldn’t go overboard and start banning other outdoor burning. “I think when we look at campfires there’s a question,” Kipp said, “There’s a boundary where we’re going too far.”
“I’m truly interested in beefing it up,” Councilwoman Mary Kramarchyk said, “with the burning of leaves and brush, we have a compost option. The Highway will come pick it up. I’ve smelled people burning garbage.”
After the comments from the board Kramarchyk moved to vote on the Moratorium, seconded by Bunjanow. All voted yes to adopt except Councilwoman Debbie Johnson who is away on vacation.
It was inaccurately reported Aug. 21, in the Register-Star that the moratorium had already taken effect. The moratorium does not officially take effect until it is filed with the Department of State today.
***
To reach reporter Jamie Larson call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com. to comment directly on this story visit www. registerstar.com.
The special meeting and public hearing beforehand were sparsely attended but the vote was the culmination of a months-long battle over the boiler issue. Those against OWBs based their opposition in part on information provided by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s Office. The study stated that the slow burning boilers pose a health risk by emitting hazardous fine particle matter and chemicals such as carbon monoxide, chlorinated dioxin, benzene, and others.
The risk of these wood-fired water heaters, officials say, is increased by the boiler’s low smoke stacks which keep the toxins low to the ground where people and animals breath.
The Moratorium states that it’s purpose is, “to protect the public health and safety of the residents of the town of Kinderhook. By enacting the moratorium for a period of six months, the Town Board and the town of Kinderhook will have a reasonable time within which... to develop a local law to regulate or prohibit installation of OWBs.”
Town Supervisor Doug McGivney and board members stressed repeatedly how important it is for residents to understand the moratorium is only a temporary step while they craft the wording of a complete local law. They encouraged public impute in the potentially long process.
One issue McGivney said the law must address is whether existing OWBs would be exempt from regulation, a process known as “grandfathering,” or if they would have to phase in systems such as catalytic converters to mitigate pollutant output. McGivney said at the moment he is leaning towards support of a law that would ban the boilers outright.
Councilman Peter Bujanow said over the time provided by the moratorium the town should look at all outdoor wood burning devices in a controlled way to make destinations about what they feel is acceptable and what may not be. Bujanow said he wanted to make it clear he wasn’t insinuating the town would ban all outdoor burning but look at the issue through a broader scope, taking devices like burn barrels and raised metal deck fireplaces into account as well. Planning Board member Jim Egnasher said from the audience that he felt all outdoor burning should be banned in the town.
“I do see a trend that’s out there in the public,” Bujanow said, noting he has a firepit in his own back yard, “there is an infatuation with outdoor burning. I think we should look at it as a whole.”
Councilman Michael Kipp said he was in favor of the OWB moratorium but warned officials shouldn’t go overboard and start banning other outdoor burning. “I think when we look at campfires there’s a question,” Kipp said, “There’s a boundary where we’re going too far.”
“I’m truly interested in beefing it up,” Councilwoman Mary Kramarchyk said, “with the burning of leaves and brush, we have a compost option. The Highway will come pick it up. I’ve smelled people burning garbage.”
After the comments from the board Kramarchyk moved to vote on the Moratorium, seconded by Bunjanow. All voted yes to adopt except Councilwoman Debbie Johnson who is away on vacation.
It was inaccurately reported Aug. 21, in the Register-Star that the moratorium had already taken effect. The moratorium does not officially take effect until it is filed with the Department of State today.
***
To reach reporter Jamie Larson call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com. to comment directly on this story visit www. registerstar.com.
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