​​Is Wood a Sole Source of Heat?

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Homeowners along the Wasatch Front, Cache and Tooele counties who use wood stoves or other solid fuel burning devices as their only source of heat must register with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) between now and June 1 in order to burn wood on mandatory no burn days. The so-called “sole source” registry reopens today. Homeowners must apply to be on this registry using this online registration form:http://www.airquality.utah.gov/Compliance/Solidfuel/SSHeatingApplication.htmAn air quality compliance officer will inspect homes to make sure it qualifies for the registry. The sole source of heat means the solid fuel burning device is the only available source of heat for the entire residence, excluding space heaters. It applies only to residential living spaces; not shops, businesses or out-buildings where any commerce occurs. The registry only applies to homeowners living in the areas of the state that do not meet federal health standards for wintertime particulate pollution.The Utah Legislature last year appropriated $500,000 to provide homeowners with financial assistance to switch out old woodstoves or other devices for natural gas, propane or electric. The money is reserved for those on the sole source registry and is on a first-come first-served basis.“There are many options available to homeowners to convert to cleaner methods to heat their homes. The Utah Clean Air Partnership, or UCAIR, has provided money to Breathe Utah to use for grants that have helped with conversions. We are pleased that the Division of Air Quality can also provide some financial assistance, as well,” said Air Quality Director Bryce Bird.The registry serves to provide DEQ with a list of homeowners exempt from the mandatory action days when people are prohibited from using their solid fuel burning devices due to poor air quality.

 

 

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About DEQ

Established in 1991, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) mission is to safeguard public health and quality of life by protecting and enhancing the environment. DEQ implements state and federal environmental laws and works with individuals, community groups and businesses to protect the quality of Utah’s air, land and water. For more information, visit www.deq.utah.gov, follow DEQ on Facebook (utahdeq) and Twitter (UtahDEQ), or call 1-800-458-0145.​



DONNA KEMP SPANGLER | Communications Director

Utah Department of Environmental Quality
801.536.4484 | 801.554.4944 dspangler@utah.gov

 

Today’s Air Quality

Tooele County Health Department

Tooele
151 North Main Street
Tooele, Utah 84074
(435) 277-2300

Monday-Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8 am to noon
Closed holidays.

Wendover
920 East Wendover Boulevard, Wendover Utah 84083
P.O Box 554
Call (435)277-2326 or 277-2327 for available services and hours.

To report an emergency after hours call (435) 882-5600.