NORWICH – In a recent meeting of the Public Works and Public Safety Committee and again at a meeting of the Finance and Personnel Committe, the possibility of prohibiting outdoor solid fuel burning furnaces was discussed.
According to City Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence, only one residence within the city limits has an outdoor wood burner. Many people believe that outdoor wood burners (OWBs) cause more health problems than traditional furnaces and indoor wood stoves and have the potential to detract from the quality of life.
“With OWB chimneys not high enough to carry the smoke past the heights of surrounding homes and local terrain, wood smoke, soot, and toxins may enter homes and yards of owners and neighbors who are situated close to OWBs,” states a 2005 report from former Attorney General Eliot Spitzer’s office.
“I know there are a number of these in rural areas, but in the city people don’t have room to do it right,” said Second Ward Alderman Terry Bresina.
The safety and efficiency of the OWB was discussed. “Statistics show they aren’t that efficient, and the cost is similar to gas or oil,” said Mayor Joseph Maiurano, referring to the information in the report. Lawrence told the committee that according to Spitzer’s report, OWB seem to have less heating efficiency (43 percent) than regular wood stoves, (68 to 72 percent) gas and oil furnaces (78 percent).
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