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1

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: OWB shutdown

« on: May 13, 2011, 01:35:44 PM »

After I seen this report I called the department of environmental quality and asked if there was a way to covert grams per hour to micro grams meter cubed (the standard EPA uses for their 24 hour PM 2.5 monitoring) He said if there were a temperature inversion and the OWB was putting out 5000 grams per day it would equate to 208 micrograms meter cubed per hour.  The EPA standard is 35 ug/meter cubed average per day. This is 173 ug higher each hour than what is considered safe air by the EPA.  This is why I'm inquiring about law suits. Yes it may have been legal to put in, but when these numbers are made public and a neighbor hires an attorney stating the OWB is making them sick or aggravating a preexisting injury it will be difficult to convince a jury the OWB is safe. Let’s not forget the insurance companies. Because of the risk they too will not insure a home owner who owns an OWB. Like I said earlier until this thing shakes out I may just hold on to my indoor unit.

Snead

2

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: OWB shutdown

« on: May 13, 2011, 07:10:04 AM »

Ridgekid,

I did some additional research and found what is being called "preliminary findings" concerning the anticipated test results for EPA's new Particulate Matter standards. Ironically, some of the testing was done using a CL5036 boiler. I noticed in your signature block that you use the same boiler. I thought you might be interested in seeing the information.

http://www.nyserda.org/programs/Research_Development/EPA%20Project%20Update.pdf

Snead

3

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: OWB shutdown

« on: May 12, 2011, 08:03:46 AM »

What concerns me is not existing law but what may transpire in the future, after I made the investment.  Recently, I went to the EPA website and found that they took the efficiency ratings down for Phase II burners.  I then called the department of environmental quality in our state and was told that because the testing methodology used to certify Phase II OWBs is now in question the efficieny rating were inaccurate. This decision was based on another test that was conducted using different variables. I was told states are now waiting for the full report to be release before moving forward on new regulations.  He also said that the new test will be used to validate the new stricter National Ambient Air Quality standard concerning OWBs due to come out soon.  Most alarming, was his comment on particulate matter. He stated that the particulate matter measured in the new test was significantly higher than the old test and considered a high threat to health.  So does this mean that everyone who now owns an OWB could face a lawsuit in the future based on the results of this test? And what will happen to insurance rates when the report is released?

I think I'll wait for a while to make a purchase to see how this all shakes out.

4

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: OWB shutdown

« on: May 07, 2011, 08:41:07 PM »

I did a search and found where an OWB was sut down in Michigan for creating a health hazard. I also found many other negative reports when searching the internet. The EPA recently took their effencieny ratings down for Phase II units stating that the infomation was not accurate.  Most recently, Oregon put a moratorium on the sale of Phase II units claiming EPA's test results were not realistic.  It appears that more and more states are considering more drastic regulations. I'm trying to find a way to lower my heating bill and was considering an OWB but I'm concerned about losing my investment. This is why I'm asking if anyone had problems with their state, local government, or private lawsuits?  10K is a lot of money to spend if sometime in the immediate future I'm forced to shut down or have to defend a lawsuit. I'm also concerned about insurance. I read where insurance companies are beginning concerned about a rise in lawsuits.

Any input would be appreciated.

Snead

5

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / OWB shutdown

« on: May 05, 2011, 08:02:11 AM »

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and have a question. Purchasing an OWB is a huge investment and it appears there are more and more local communities and some states implementing regulations.  Has anyone had their OWB shut down after making the purchase?

Thanks

Snead