Ordinance proposal draws furnace debate
By FRITZ BUSCH, Journal Staff WriterNEW ULM - Several citizens discussed the pros and cons of hydronic (outdoor wood) furnaces Tuesday at the New Ulm City Council meeting.
Discussion came after the first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 8.33 of City Code and Ordinance No. 08-064, Fourth Series, relative to hydronic furnaces.
Under the new ordinance, if requested by the owner, the Building Official may issue a conditional mechanical permit for an existing furnace that does not conform to requirements if it is in a state of good repair, has been installed in accordance with manufacturer requirements and specifications.
Existing furnaces cannot violate City Code Section 8.45 (public nuisance) or Section 8.31 (air pollution controls), or permits would be revoked.
City Council President Dan Beranek said he may not be on the council when the question comes up, but the council could elect to buy out existing furnaces that don't meet requirements, perhaps on a pro-rata basis.
City Inspector Dave Christian said outdoor wood boiler furnace best-burn practices change monthly due largely to issues in Northeastern states.
Nancy Grausam of New Ulm said her daughter suffered health issues due to heavy wood smoke in their South Payne Street neighborhood to the extent that she can't stay with them overnight.
"We can't go outside without smelling smoke. We all deserve to breathe clean air," she added.
Jack Grausam said he didn't want the smoke in his house or around his property. He said the issue was not a personal one for him, that all citizens of the city had a right to clean air. He said the ordinance change would allow the problems posed by older wood boiler furnaces to continue.
"The (Council's) first ordinance was good. A vote was taken. Now the process changes. Be confident in your original decision. Now we're creating an ordinance with a flawed application," Grausam said.
He gave the Council copies of a 35-page handout on wood furnace issues.
"A non-conforming wood furnace produces 10-12 times more (air pollution) particulates than an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved wood stove. It's 1,000 times dirtier than a gas furnace. A New York Times study showed a non-conforming furnace creates as much pollution as 45 cars or two heavy-duty diesel trucks," Grausam added.
"Children don't get to decide on the air they breathe. Responsible adults do," he said.
Grausam said he was not trying to create problems for furnace owners, and said he and his wife would participate financially in a program to replace the older, smokier furnaces with second-generation models that produce far less smoke and particulate matter. He suggested the city keep the moratorium in place until newer furnace models become more prevalent.
Greg Kraus - who said he owns a hydronic wood furnace - said the issue has become personal and that Grausam was "barking up the wrong tree."
Several other residents who burn wood in the boilers said they haven't heard any complaints.
Beranek said he walked in Grausam's neighborhood several times last spring and noticed heavy smoke in a block and a half area.
"Smoke was low to the ground, all over the neighborhood. It was more than most people should have to put up with," he added.
The ordinance will be read again at the Council's Dec. 16 meeting.
The Council unanimously approved:
The final plat of Lampright Second Subdivision, located at 408 South Highland Avenue and 2 Indian Point Drive.
The 2009-2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of New Ulm and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local 150 (LELS). A five percent general wage adjustment on Jan. 1, 2009 and adjustments on Jan. 1, 2010 and 2011 based on the Consumer Price Index average for the Midwest Region.
A City General Safety Rules Policy including personal protective equipment.
League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) Liability Coverage limits of $1,200,000.
Terminated an easement agreement between the City and BSH Enterprises (dba Larkspur Market) or the property's successors or assigns to remove the deck and all other materials in the easement area of the alley right-of-way.
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com
