Notice of Public Hearing

SUBJECT: Notice of Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Proposed New Rule 417, Wood Burning Appliances. 

The District Board will consider the adoption of the proposed new Rule 417, Wood Burning Appliances, which will:

1. Prohibit the installation of any new, permanently installed, indoor or outdoor, uncontrolled fireplaces in new developments or existing homes,
2. Prohibit the sale, installation, or transfer of any wood burning appliance that is not U.S. EPA Phase II certified, or equivalent,
3. Require proper operation of U.S. EPA Phase II certified wood burning appliances,
4. Require distribution of educational information about wood burning at point of sale of new wood burning appliances,
5. Require wood advertised as “seasoned” or “dry” to contain 20% moisture or less, and
6. Prohibit burning of garbage and other items not intended for use as a fuel.

Rule 417 was created as part of the response to the requirement of Senate Bill 656 that the District implement cost-effective control measures for particulate matter emissions.  Staff finds that the proposed rule is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Class 8 Categorical Exemption, Action by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment, Section 15308 State CEQA Guidelines).

Copies of the rule (PDF 16 Kb) and the staff report (PDF 155 Kb) may be downloaded.

Hard copies of the rule and the staff report will be provided upon request (916) 874-4800.

By this notice, all interested parties are specifically requested to provide comments on the proposed adoption of the new Rule 417.

Oral and written testimony may be directed to the Board of Directors at the public hearing on September 28, 2006, or to the Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD, 777 12th Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, Attention: Donny Homer (916) 874-4847. 

You can also submit your comments via e-mail to dhomer@airquality.org.