Larsons explore options; wood furnace debate goes on

CORNWALL — A one-month extension has been granted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for modifications required to a local family’s woodburning furnace.Ted and Donna Larson installed the free-standing furnace at their Jewell Street home in September 2005. They have been using it since then as a way to heat their home and provide hot water for the family of five. They were given a permit by the town prior to the building official being advised of a state law passed the previous June that specified larger setbacks from neighboring properties.A recent anonymous complaint of excessive smoke prompted a DEP investigation. The visit showed no excessive smoke or odor, but it did reveal that the furnace is 18 feet short of the required 200-foot setback from the nearest residence. The Larsons were given until April 17 to extend the smokestack or shut the furnace down — or be fined $90 per day for operating a noncompliant furnace.The Larsons have since been given an extension to May 20, allowing a chance for state legislators to look into the matter.The Board of Selectmen, who have received about a dozen letters of support from the Larsons’ neighbors, wrote to state Sen. Andrew Roraback (R-30). He made a site visit and responded via email that the solution could be to allow setback infringements — if the neighbors are OK with it. He warned it would not be easy to amend the law, but promised to ask the DEP for more time. The extension was granted and Ted Larson said he was advised by the DEP that the extension was the result of Roraback’s request. He also said it is his understanding that the exemption would apply to his situation and others like it.The selectmen are looking into the possibility the furnace is legal. It could be “grandfathered” as a noncompliant permitted use because the town permit was issued under what was known at that time about the regulations. The building official received notification of the change on Sept. 23.It would seem there is another piece here that is yet to be discussed. What is Cornwall’s responsibility when a permit is issued in error? On April 19, just hours before the Board of Selectmen met in their second monthly meeting, they received an email from a neighbor who is not supportive of the furnace.Laurie Simmons, who lives with her family next door to the Larsons, wrote that she was not the anonymous complainant, but since reading about the matter, she has filed a formal complaint with the DEP.Simmons and Carroll Dunham are artists whose studio is about 30 feet from the furnace. Both have asthma and Simmons has researched outdoor wood furnaces, which are banned in some towns. There is pending legislation on such furnaces that would impact the entire state.Simmons cited information provided by Environmental and Human Health Inc., of North Haven, Conn., that calls emissions from outdoor wood furnaces much more harmful than those from woodstoves. The company says the furnaces emit fine particulate matter that can be harmful to those with breathing disorders and which can increase cancer risk. Simmons has been conferring since December with Land Use Administrator Karen Nelson about their concerns. She planned to wait until the current heating season was over to continue to urge the town to pursue the matter. Then she read about the selectmen backing an effort to help the Larsons continue to operate the furnace. “I became concerned that the discussion was taking an inappropriate and disturbing turn,” she wrote.Simmons stressed that she wants the issue to be explored not on personal or political levels, but as a matter of the collective health and well-being of Cornwall residents. There also remains the question of whether the studio is legally residential.For the Larsons, it’s problematic to contemplate that a lifestyle they have promoted for their family, and the money they have saved, may come to an abrupt end. The modifications required will not be cheap.Ted Larson said extending the stack the required 5 feet will mean not only buying four sections of pipe, but also cabling and anchors needed for the final height. A letter from state Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64) suggests a catalytic converter be installed, too. Larson said that would bring it in compliance with current EPA standards, but is not necessary as it was not required at the time of installation. Unsure of what he will be required to do, Larson estimated the modifications could cost between $800 and $1,200.“One thing I know for sure is I’m not doing anything until it’s all spelled out in writing,” Larson said.They could go back to using oil heat and their electric water heater, but Donna Larson said hot water alone would cost them about $80 per month.“We work really hard to cut wood and keep the furnace supplied,” Donna Larson said. “It’s something we now do together as a family. Everyone has to take their turn at unloading, splitting or stacking wood. It’s a family thing, great exercise and we are just making a difference all the way around.”