10-13-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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M1NU'I'LS CITY COUNCIL OCTOBU1213, 2004 that the manufacturer has indicated that there is nothing that can be done to address the odor issues. Fahey suggested That if it is possible to allow Precision Tree to retain the woodburning stove, this would be a plus for them given the nature of their business. Fahey stated that if the woodburner meets PCA standards, he would have to problem with it. Tahey noted that people have recreational fires or burn wood in fireplaces, etc., and there is no prohibition in the Code from doing so. Bruhn indicated that in discussing the odor issue with Central Boiler, they have indicated that you must be selective in what you burn. Punky wood does not burn, but smolders, thus causing odor. Fahey indicated that his concern would be that Precision Tree would burn wood that should be dumped. Groholsltherefore, it would not be a problem to dispose of wood that was not fit for burning. The City Administrator indicated that the wood burner can be modified to meet State Standards. The issue is the ongoing generation of smoke and the required storage of wood to fuel the stove. The Administrator also reported that the City frequently gets complaints about recreational fires, and some people do fund the odors from these fires offensive. Ricl< Kezar, Central Boiler, indicated that opacity has not been the issue and has nothing to do with odor. The woodbw ner should pass the opacity test depending on how the unit is used. Kezar explained the need to keep the water heated to a somewhat constant temperature to lessen the amount of smoke that is emitted. With regard to odor, it is typically possible to increase the height of the chimney to reduce the odor for the surrounding area. However, given the lower elevation of the Precision Tree property as relates to the Xorkton neighborhood, increasing the height of the chimney will not resolve the odor problem for this neighborhood. Kezar indicated that odor problems with woodburning stoves are typically more of a problem the more populated the area. Montour asked if the use of woodburners was typical in a high density residential area Kezar replied that they are common in industrial and rural areas, but not in dense residential areas. Li the cases where they are in dense residential areas, the chimney is high. Groholski asked how many actual complaints the City received about the odor from the woodburner. Bleseuer noted that there were a number of property owners present from the Yorkton Ridge area when the matter was 5