After several reviews by the planning commission and discussion by commissioners, the South Whitehall ordinance amendment banning outdoor wood-fired boilers received unanimous approval by the board at its Nov. 7 meeting.

In the ordinance, an outdoor wood-fired boiler is defined as a fuel-burning device designed to burn clean wood or other approved solid fuels.

The manufacturer's specifications must indicate the boiler is for outdoor installation in structures not normally intended for habitation by humans or domestic animals.

The unit warms buildings or water through distribution through pipes of a fluid heated in the device, typically water or a mixture of water and antifreeze.

The ordinance specifies the outdoor, wood-fired boiler should not be considered an indoor heating device.

Manager of Community Development Gerald Harbison commented on the issue.

"It is not our intention to ban certified indoor heating appliances, such as fireplace inserts, wood stoves, or functioning fireplaces," Harbison said. "The type of boilers being restricted are those specified for outdoor installation."

When commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed boiler ban last month, they tabled the issue after listening to the concerns of a Cetronia resident.

Douglas Snyder, 27 N. Schaeffer St., said at the Oct. 3 meeting he needs a wood-burning boiler to keep his family warm this winter.

He explained his fireplace is not effective for heating the entire house, and fuel oil for his furnace is too costly.

Snyder owns a woodburning stove intended for use in a basement but reported he has to place it in his garage because of lack of access to the basement.

Harbison reported staff contacted the state Department of Environmental Protection for more clarity on the definition of outdoor wood-fired boilers and applicable restrictions, as the township ordinance reflects state DEP regulations.

Harbison noted the fire boxes associated with outdoor boilers are much larger and produce more emissions than wood stoves and boilers certified for indoor heating appliances.

Indoor units comply with regulations relative to size, weight, burn rate, firebox size and fuel ratio.

As a result of the discussion with DEP representatives, the community development department approved Snyder's permit to install his indoor rated wood-fired boiler.

Solicitor Joseph Zator said the outdoor boiler issue has come up in various municipalities because people tend to burn all kinds of garbage in the wood stoves, causing complaints about smoke and odors.

Initially, South Whitehall personnel considered restricting the outdoor wood-fired boilers to large lots in the less dense areas of the township.

After the planning commission recommended a total prohibition of the outdoor boilers early this year, staff prepared the ordinance with the outdoor boiler ban and forwarded it to commissioners for review and a vote.