SUN JOURNAL • April 9, 2023
Current Maine Department of Environmental Protection regulations require outdoor wood boilers to have a 300-foot setback from all abutting residences. However, the regulations are based on an emission limit of 0.32 pounds per MMBtu (Metric Million British thermal unit), which measures the amount of particulate matter that is released through the smoke. The problem is today’s wood boilers produce a third of that — roughly 0.10 pounds per MMBtu — so the regulations as they stand make no sense. Clearly the regulations need to change; and I’ve submitted a bill to address it. LD 400 directs the Maine DEP to examine the setback requirements for wood boilers that are much more efficient now than they were even 10 years ago. ~ Sen. Russell Black