SB 495
Outdoor Solid-Fuel Heating Appliance Act
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Outdoor Solid-Fuel Heating Appliance Act, establishes statewide minimum standards for the installation, operation, and enforcement of outdoor wood- and coal-burning appliances in West Virginia. It defines key terms, outlines permitting requirements, and grants the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rule-making authority. The bill aims to reduce nuisance smoke and odor emissions from these appliances while allowing residents to continue using them, particularly in rural areas.
Key provisions
- Establishes minimum standards for installation, operation, and enforcement of outdoor solid-fuel heating appliances.
- Defines terms such as ‘appliance,’ ‘clean wood,’ and ‘Department.’
- Grants the DEP rulemaking authority to develop specific regulations.
- Sets setback requirements for appliance placement to minimize smoke drift.
- Specifies approved fuels and prohibits the use of treated or contaminated materials.
- Establishes a permitting and registration system for appliance owners.
- Creates an enforcement mechanism with penalties for violations.
- Requires a stack height of at least 18 feet for appliances.
Who is affected
- Homeowners
- Property Owners
- West Virginia Residents
- West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
- Local Health Departments
Notable changes
- Introduces a framework for regulating outdoor wood-burning appliances, which previously lacked consistent statewide standards.
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