Residential Wood Smoke Reductions Initiative Air Innovation ConferenceLarry BrockmanU.S. EPAOffice of Air Quality Planning and Standards [email protected]
Presentation OverviewResidential Wood Smoke Reduction Initiative
Problem - Why do we care?
Challenges
What can we do? Major components
Potential Benefits
Partners
Residential Wood Smoke - Why do we care?Fine particle pollution (PM2.5) - ~5.5 % (377,000 tons) of total PM2.5 emissions
States have recommended EPA designate 243 counties non-attainmentShort term PM2.5 peak exposures
Over 40 communities have burn bans
Residential Wood SmokeWhy else do we care?Toxics Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Contributes ~ 22% of all 7 carcinogenic PAHs,e.g., benzo(a)pyrene
Indoor AirEPA Healthy Homes Program
Tribal Cook Stove and Wood Stove Assessment Project
ChallengesNew cleaner alternatives are expensive ~$1200 $2000 per stove (including installation)Although to society, it is less than $2000 per ton of PM2.5
Old woodstoves last 30-40 years, 9 million of them
Replacing old woodstoves is not amenable to a regulatory programneed creative/innovative approaches
Residential Wood Smoke Reduction Initiative What can we do?...Major ComponentsModel Woodstove/Fireplace Changeout Program- FY05: 2-3 model changeout programs, document success- FY06: 6-8 changeout locations- FY07: National initiative/campaign
Changing out 20 old woodstoves will reduce 1 ton of PM2.5 per year
Facilitating funding for purchasing stoves for low income households
Currently looking for locations and partners
Compare old with new:Overall Efficiency40 50%60 80%Graphic adapted from California EPA publications
Residential Wood Smoke Reduction Initiative What can we do?...Major ComponentsOther components include:
Develop woodstove/fireplace website
Develop Ready-to-go media outreach package
Support ASTM fireplace consensus test method
Evaluate impacts of outdoor wood boilers/furnaces
Residential Wood Smoke Reduction Initiative - BenefitsThis initiative will help:Some areas attain the PM2.5 health standards
Prevent other areas from slipping into non-attainment
Address short term PM2.5 peak exposures to wood smoke
Support community-based air toxics program
Improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas
Support indoor air quality program efforts
Partners are critical to successSome partners we are currently working with include: Hearth, Patio and Barbecue AssociationChimney Institute of AmericaNational Fireplace InstituteCanadas Burn It Smart ProgramRegional Planning OrganizationsWV, CA, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
*Interested in partnering with EPA, or want more information? Contact Larry Brockman, [email protected], 919-541-5398.
Conventional Wood StovesSlide from Wood Heat Organization Inc
Advanced Wood Stoves(EPA Certified)Slide from Wood Heat Organization Inc
Outdoor Wood Boiler/Furnaces
Counties with PM2.5 Design Values > 13, 1999 Data
1999 PM2.5 Emissions from WoodstovesCounties with PM2.5 Design Values > 13
Residential Wood Smoke Reductions Initiative Air Innovation ConferenceLarry BrockmanU.S. EPAOffice of Air Quality Planning and Standards [email protected]
Note that stacking wood against a wood stove like this is extremely hazardous.Left to right:Pot bellyCast box stoveCirculating stoveWelded steel airtightWood cook stove
None of these stoves can burn wood cleanly and efficiently.Emissions are from 40 to 60 grams of smoke per hour of use.Smoke can be minimized by using good fuel and burning practicesLeft to right:Cast iron stoveSteel enamelled stoveSteel painted stoveMore about advanced stoves later.