Residential Wood Smoke Reductions Initiative Air Innovation ConferenceLarry BrockmanU.S. EPAOffice of Air Quality Planning and Standards 919-541-5398brockman.larry@epa.gov

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, brockman.larry@epa.gov, 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 919-541-5398brockman.larry@epa.gov

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.