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Village to pass outdoor boiler law
By Paul Crossman
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
The Village of Kinderhook has been considering the issue of outdoor woodboilers in their community for some time now, and as they near the end of the three-month moratorium issued to research the topic, they have drafted legislation which they believe will be the best compromise for all village residents.
The legislation will be available for review and comments for members of the village at a public hearing at 7:15 p.m., Nov. 10.
“This [legislation] culminates the efforts of the Village Board to try and get the air as clean as possible and make things as comfortable as possible for all the residents,” Village Mayor William Van Alstyne told the Register-Star. “Knowing we also have people who rely on the woodboilers for heat, I think this legislation is a fair compromise for everyone.”
The law, if passed, would acknowledge that woodboilers within the limits of the village may “create noxious and hazardous smoke, soot, fumes, odors, and air pollution that can be detrimental to citizens’ health,” and because of this will prohibit the construction or installation of any new or replacement outdoor woodboilers or furnaces.
Woodboilers which are used within the village prior to the effective date of the law will be permitted to remain and operate after the operator receives a permit from the zoning enforcement officer and building inspector, and as long as the unit is found to be in compliance with certain conditions.
According to a draft copy of the law, though anyone wishing to continue to operate a boiler already in existence may do so, they must also meet several terms, including renewing a non-transferable permit yearly, and a yearly inspection to make sure the machine is operating properly.
The OWB’s will also only be permitted to operate between the dates of Oct. 1 and March 31, and must be equipped with properly functioning spark arrestors and smoke stacks that extend at least 30 feet above the ground. The legislation adds that only seasoned, natural firewood is permitted to be burned in any outdoor boilers or furnaces, and that the burning of all other materials is prohibited.
In the case of an OWB that is abandoned or unused for a period of 12 months, the owner will not be permitted to re-establish use, and must immediately remove the boiler from his or her property.
The penalty for violating any part of the legislation will be- upon conviction- a fine of up to $250 dollars or 15 days in prison, and according to Mayor Van Alstyne, each day that the violation continues will be treated as a separate offense.
The legislation will be voted on after the public hearing on Nov. 10, and if passed, will be effective immediately. Anyone wishing to have their opinion on the matter heard should attend the public hearing and have their comments ready.
To reach reporter Paul Crossman call 518-828-1616, ext. 2266, or e-mail pcrossman@registerstar.com.
The legislation will be available for review and comments for members of the village at a public hearing at 7:15 p.m., Nov. 10.
“This [legislation] culminates the efforts of the Village Board to try and get the air as clean as possible and make things as comfortable as possible for all the residents,” Village Mayor William Van Alstyne told the Register-Star. “Knowing we also have people who rely on the woodboilers for heat, I think this legislation is a fair compromise for everyone.”
The law, if passed, would acknowledge that woodboilers within the limits of the village may “create noxious and hazardous smoke, soot, fumes, odors, and air pollution that can be detrimental to citizens’ health,” and because of this will prohibit the construction or installation of any new or replacement outdoor woodboilers or furnaces.
Woodboilers which are used within the village prior to the effective date of the law will be permitted to remain and operate after the operator receives a permit from the zoning enforcement officer and building inspector, and as long as the unit is found to be in compliance with certain conditions.
According to a draft copy of the law, though anyone wishing to continue to operate a boiler already in existence may do so, they must also meet several terms, including renewing a non-transferable permit yearly, and a yearly inspection to make sure the machine is operating properly.
The OWB’s will also only be permitted to operate between the dates of Oct. 1 and March 31, and must be equipped with properly functioning spark arrestors and smoke stacks that extend at least 30 feet above the ground. The legislation adds that only seasoned, natural firewood is permitted to be burned in any outdoor boilers or furnaces, and that the burning of all other materials is prohibited.
In the case of an OWB that is abandoned or unused for a period of 12 months, the owner will not be permitted to re-establish use, and must immediately remove the boiler from his or her property.
The penalty for violating any part of the legislation will be- upon conviction- a fine of up to $250 dollars or 15 days in prison, and according to Mayor Van Alstyne, each day that the violation continues will be treated as a separate offense.
The legislation will be voted on after the public hearing on Nov. 10, and if passed, will be effective immediately. Anyone wishing to have their opinion on the matter heard should attend the public hearing and have their comments ready.
To reach reporter Paul Crossman call 518-828-1616, ext. 2266, or e-mail pcrossman@registerstar.com.
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