187 boiler gripes recorded since '01

During the past 10 years, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has recorded fewer than 200 complaints about outdoor wood-burning boilers.

Kassim Salih, an environmental engineer for DEC, responded to a Times freedom of information request.

He wrote in his response that a total of 187 complaints were reported throughout the state between January 2001 and May 2010 and logged by DEC.

The Times previously reported that DEC records showed that north country residents made 24 of those complaints.

DEC is developing statewide regulations for outdoor wood boilers. Included in those regulations are setback requirements, smokestack height requirements, phase-out rules and seasonal restrictions.

Stephen W. Litwhiler, DEC spokesman, said, "DEC isn't the only entity which receives complaints about outdoor wood boilers. The type of nuisance smoke that is the typical complaint is often a local issue and many people contact their municipal officials. Since there are dozens of municipalities around the state which have implemented their own outdoor wood boiler ordinances, I would say they have been receiving quite a few complaints."

DEC held a number of public hearings during June and July, and Mr. Litwhiler said the comments and letters received are now being compiled.

"Albany is now reviewing comments and is expected to be out with responses by the end of the summer," he said.