“Biomass fuel,” “renewable energy, ” and “PM 2.5,” were just a few of the buzz words at the Renewable Heating Symposium: A Conference on Wood and Pellet fuel for Residential Heating sponsored by the Oregon Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association at the Salem Conference Center on April 15.
“Oregon is the cradle of residential biomass heating in the U.S.” said Harvey Gail, Executive Director of Oregon Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association. “Oregonians pioneered the modern woodstove and the pellet stove, so what better place is there to hold this event than here?” Said Gail.
Over ninety people from across the Northwest, the U.S. and Canada attended the event. Experts in the fields of heating, air quality and renewable fuels addressed timely topics such as air quality regulatory policies, technological advances, and sustainability related to residential biomass heating - a term referring to heating with wood and pellet stoves.
Among the day’s speakers, National Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association, Director of Public Affairs, John Crouch, described several national woodstove changeout programs. Several air quality experts presented data on EPA standards for air quality. Federal air quality standards are based on the EPA’s 2.5 micron standard (PM 2.5). Several communities in Oregon may be at risk of violating the standard. Woodstove changeout programs - also pioneered in Oregon - have been very effective in helping communities meet federal air quality standards. For more information on the HPBA’s change out program, visit www.woodstovechangeout.org.
Other experts discussed tax credits that aid with installation of efficient biomass heaters, and the environmental advantages of using renewable biomass fuels for energy. Many of those in attendance represented Oregon’s growing pellet fuel industry. Use of wood pellets for heating is increasing rapidly, both in homes and in small commercial applications such as rural hospitals and schools.
Vendors displayed a variety of clean and efficient wood and pellet stoves, including a masonry heater, two pellet boilers, and a low emissions fireplace. They wanted to show the public first hand that how they can do something about both air quality and renewable energy by changing out their old stove with an efficient biomass heater and by using safe and responsible burning practices.
Featured Topics and Speakers
Wood Stove Changeout Programs: 20 Years of Clearing the Air, John Crouch, HPBA Dir. Public Affairs
Pros and Cons in Modern Wood and Pellet Biomass Heating; Dr. James Houck, OMNI Labs
Environmental Advantages of Wood and Densified Biomass Fuel; Dan Henry, Hearth & Home Tech
Burn it Smart! How to Run Effective Air Quality Education Campaigns; Tex McLeod; Claudia Vaupel, EPA Region 10; Karen King, Pendleton Air Quality Commission.
Environmental Impacts of Biomass Residential Heating; Tex McLeod; Dr. James Houck, OMNI; Roger Sanders, HeatGreen Council (Sanders presentation)
Biomass Hearth Product Emissions: The Consumer Factor; Kurt Rumens, Travis Industries
Technology Advances in Low Mass Fireplaces - with demo fireplace; Ray Bonar, ICC, RSF
Clean Burning Technologies - Panel of Manufacturers: Dan Henry, HHT; Kurt Rumens, Travis Ind.; Chris Neufeld, Blaze King.
Bio-fuel Revolution: Renewable Fuel Sources: John Crouch, HPBA; Stan Elliot, Bear Mt. Forest Products, Chris Sharron, West Oregon Wood Products.
The Transition to Tighter Standards for PM 2.5: Impact on Oregon’s Airsheds and the Public: Larry Calkins, Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality; Sally Markos, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency; Merlin Hough, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency; Steve Body, EPA Region 10.
Overview of Oregon Legislation and Accelerating the Removal of Uncertified Woodstoves: Steve West, OHPBA Lobbyist; Rachel Sakata, Oregon DEQ; Karen King, Pendleton Air Quality Commission; Delbert Bell, Klamath County
