Reno/Sparks, Nev. Nov. 1, 2021 – The Washoe County Health District – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) is giving stakeholders and residents the opportunity to learn more about changes to the regulations governing wood-burning devices in Washoe County before they take effect in early 2022.
AQMD will hold three workshops aimed at informing specific audiences on the proposed changes. The changes affect all wood-burning devices including wood heaters, fireplaces, and hydronic heaters. A draft of the proposed changes will be provided at the workshops and on the AQMD’s website www.OurCleanAir.com.
“Managing emissions from wood-burning devices has had a tremendous impact in trying to keep the air quality in Washoe County healthy for all residents,” said Francisco Vega, Division Director for AQMD. “These proposed changes aim to add clarity, transparency and consistency to a program that continues to be a critical strategy in protecting the air quality resource in Washoe County.”
Based on 2020 emissions inventory, it’s estimated that there are about 19,000 wood burning devices in Washoe County.
With these proposed changes to the regulation, the AQMD is looking to better define exemptions to the removal requirements, clearly describe wood-burning device allowances for various parcel sizes and provide further transparency to the requirements for the different processes covered under the regulation.
- See the draf regulations changes here
- See a flowchart on how to navigate the regulation change
The workshops will occur on:
WORKSHOP 1
When: Nov. 2, 2021, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 1001 E. 9 St., Bldg. B, Reno, NV 89512, Health District main lobby, A/B Conference Room
Audience: Wood-Burning Device Dealers and Inspectors, Box Stores, City and County Building Officials
WORKSHOP 2
When: Nov. 3, 2021, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams
Meeting Link: https://tinyurl.com/3eeu76yd
Call-In Number: 775-325-0620
Phone Conference ID: 258 051 455#
Audience: Real Estate Agents
WORKSHOP 3
When: Nov. 4, 2021, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams
Meeting Link: https://tinyurl.com/33dcvb35
Call-In Number: 775-325-0620
Phone Conference ID: 505 077 82#
Audience: Title Companies
The workshops will be held in person as well as virtually via Microsoft Teams and can be accessed by mobile device or computer to watch, or you can call in from a telephone. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the proposed changes and get answers to any questions. The meetings will be recorded and can be watched on our website at www.OurCleanAir.com.
A public workshop will be scheduled for later in 2021.
AQMD implements clean air solutions that protect the quality of life for the citizens of Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through community partnerships along with programs and services such as air monitoring, permitting and compliance, planning, and public education. The AQMD is delegated authority to implement the Clean Air Act (CAA) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As part of the delegation, the AQMD must have regulations in place that demonstrate how the division plans on maintaining the health based National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Visit OurCleanAir.com for additional information on the Air Quality Management Division.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.