We win! no EPA regs for OWBs in Ohio!!!!

[Butch(OH)]

I was notified today by letter that the Ohio EPA has dropped plans to regulate who can operate OWBs. Instead they intend to regulate what can be burned in them. If this passes it will make it illegal to use one as a waste incinerator unless the person is issued an EPA permit. WOW!!! I didn't realize that anyone at the EPA had an once of common sense but have just been proven wrong. This is great news and I hope other states follow the lead of the Ohio EPA. I assume this letter is the result of a long winded note I wrote them several years ago when they first proposed regulations telling them that the supposed "problems" were largely zoning issues, not pollution issues and thus local to deal with. Write your EPA guys, it just might do some good. On the bad side this ruling does not prevent individual community actions.

 

[thombat4]

Good news indeed...!

And good for you Butch for your long-winded writing!

 

[johnnylabguy]

That's great news Butch! I commend you for taking the time to write the EPA to let them know our side!

 

[Nosmo]

It might help to prevent the cities and towns passing ordinances against the OWB folks if your state senators and representatives were contacted and were made aware of the EPA's ruling.

I may be wrong in thinking that a state law allowing OWB would prevent a city law banning them.

Nosmo

 

[Woodcutteranon]

Rejoice! I had written a letter too. I also went thru my county Farm Bureau who really leaned on the EPA.

Its amazing that there are so many hurdles in the way of a family who seeks alternate ways to heat their house. The system is a powerful thing...and you soon learn that going against it becomes painful.

Everyone go outside and light up a log for Ohio!

 

[Storm56]

This is great news. We are in a similar fight in PA, I sincerely hope that PA is watching Ohio on this one. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[beerman6]

 

[wat648]

It might help to prevent the cities and towns passing ordinances against the OWB folks if your state senators and representatives were contacted and were made aware of the EPA's ruling.

I may be wrong in thinking that a state law allowing OWB would prevent a city law banning them.

Nosmo

A city ordinance can be more restrictive than a state law, but can not be any broader.

But at least part of the battle has been won.

I would rather deal with local government than the state. Good job in your letter, I am sure it helped. If everyone would be more involved, maybe the government would not be so involved in all of our lives. The great state of Ohio owes you and everyone else who spoke up a great thanks.

 

[luvsaws]

Score 1 for the woodburners!

 

[R W Ohio]

I also received an email from the Ohio EPA about the updates for OWB's.

I think we should watch for the date of the public comment session,and attend if possible.Just to make sure that things do not get derailed.

THIS THE LINK TO THE NEW UPDATES

http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/47/nr/2010/march/IncineratorRules.pdf