A traditional Canadian method of home heating, wood burning remains a popular choice in Campbell River today. While new technologically advanced appliances reduce air pollution and increase efficiencies, wood heating still requires more expertise than any other home heating option.
The City of Campbell River and the Environmental Advisory Commission are working to improve local air quality and address wood smoke in the community. The Clean Air Bylaw (No. 3293) restricts open “backyard” burning. Additionally, it is now required that all new solid fuel burning appliances meet CSA or EPA efficiency standards. To better understand the magnitude of wood smoke impacts, the City is utilizing a mobile nephelometer to detect fine particulate matter in our neighbourhoods. Data learned will be shared with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Ministry of Environment and interested citizens.
Burn It Smart
A wood burning stove can be cost effective, and many people enjoy the ambiance, warmth and independence of this traditional heating option. However, dirty, smoky, inefficient fires introduce large amounts of hazardous fine particulate matter that can be inhaled and can settle in the lungs. By using modern technologies, and age-old correct burning techniques, you will reduce air pollution and save wood by burning efficiently.
The first step in heating with wood is knowing your fire. As wood burns, it goes through three stages. First, logs hiss and crackle – this is the evaporation of water. Burning green wood is problematic because freshly-cut wood is nearly 50 per cent water and evaporating that water takes a lot of energy. The fire will progress to the second stage as the wood’s moisture is evaporated and the fire will heat and produce bright flames – this is the ignition of gasses and tar. An efficiently burning fire will have nearly no smoke and burn very hot. Unburned smoke deposits the black tarry substance called creosote and will pollute the air. Finally, the fire will reach the charcoal stage – these are the hot coals that are left when the gasses and tar have vaporized out of the wood, either to ignite or to escape up the chimney.
At Burn It Smart workshops, offered by WETT-certified technicians and the Fire Department you can learn more about correct burning technique, and new CSA and EPA-approved wood heating appliances. Additionally, guests can have their firewood tested for optimal moisture content – required for clean, efficient burning.
Softwoods and alder are excellent choices for clean, hot burning fires. However the quality of the wood is more important than the type. Green wood will not burn hot or clean, and salt wood (ocean driftwood), corrodes stoves and sends dioxins and hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. Fine particular matter from wood smoke has been linked to numerous respiratory diseases.
Woodstove Exchange Program
A limited number of $250 exchange vouchers are available for those upgrading to a CSA/EPA certified stove. For more information please click here.
Air Quality Monitoring Surveys
From January to March 2010 City staff conducted air quality surveys using a mobile nephelometer, or "Nephie," that was operated from the backseat of a vehicle. Air sampling occurred between 6 and 8 p.m. on clear, still evenings. Wood smoke tends to settle and may build over the evening hours under these weather conditions. See the attached results:
Maps_Feb7.pdf Maps_Feb20.pdf Maps_Jan22.pdf Maps_Jan28.pdf March 4th.pdf March 18th.pdf
Air Quality Initiatives Timeline
2010: Woodstove Exchange Program underway and Burn it Smart Workshops offered to the public.
2009: City secures funding for the 2010 Provincial Woodstove Exchange rollout. Clean Air Bylaw No.3388 is amended, requiring all new solid fuel burning appliances meet CSA or EPA efficiency standards.
2008: EAC revisits air quality issues from solid fuel burning appliances and recommends further restrictions to the Clean Air Bylaw as well as application to the Provincial Woodstove Exchange program.
2006: A spring and fall yard waste pickup program provides an alternative to open “backyard” burning, which is now heavily restricted.
2004-2005: During Environmental Week in June, Clean Air Day promotes transit by offering free rides.
2002-2003: “Hot and Bothered about Smoke” pamphlet is mailed, while a companion video airs on local television.
2000: Air & Water Quality Select Committee establishes an air quality tip line.
1994: CR Environmental Task Group produces a Wood Burning Appliance Smoke Management Plan.