News (Feb, 2008): In Ohio, the EPA is proposing restrictions and requirements.
In considering heating sources, certainly an outdoor wood-fired boiler (OWB) is an option that often comes up. It can be used in conjunction with a forced-air heating system, baseboard heating, radiant floor heating, etc.
Having helped make that decision just a over 3 years ago for the main residence, I now find myself facing the possibility of having to disassemble and move the entire structure! The investment seemed to be rather obvious, since we have plenty of available wood (some standing dead-wood and the need to thin out the rest of the wooded areas), and the information that the manufacturer shared assured me that the net environmental impact was close to even. As you know from my off-the-grid cabin design, I tend to look to environmentally-responsible choices.
Now, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing rules that both regulate emissions (sets a standard, etc.) and building-code-style set back and stack height requirements. See http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/regs/3745-115/3745-115SYNIP.pdf for a synopsis. Part of the synopsis suggests that the U.S. EPA will not be mandating standards, but instead pursuing voluntary measures to control emissions.
Currently there is no indication that they plan to grandfather in the estimated 13,600+ installed-base of OWBs. I am fortunate in that I have the land to support the 200-foot setback requirement from all property lines, but to do so will require tear-down and re-installation. I don't know how some households that use their OWB for sole heating source will manage! I suspect that many do not have land that is a minimum of 400 ft. by 400 ft., or cannot afford the cost of tear-down/re-installation, etc.
Word to the Wise...
So, if you are considering an OWB, be sure to ask the manufacturer about any pending legislation, and check the U.S. EPA recommendations to be sure you're compliant. I don't know if that was in place 3 years ago when we made our decision, but I sure wish I had known to check!
