Woodstoves and outdoor wood boilers cause wildfires—and, you get the bill!

March 29, 2011 , WIDNR MADISON – Wisconsin’s peak wildfire season typically occurs just after the snow melts in conjunction with cool, dry and windy weather conditions, and state forestry officials caution that woodstoves, wood-fired outdoor boilers and debris fires cause numerous, and costly, wildfires every year about this time.

“When cleaning out a woodstove or fireplace, it’s important to empty ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid,” says Catherine Koele, wildfire prevention specialist with the Department of Natural Resources. “Let the embers cool by drowning and stirring the ashes with plenty of water and a shovel. Since embers can remain hot for days, avoid disposing ashes in the outdoors unless the ground is completely snow-covered or on bare ground such as a plowed field or tilled garden. Be sure to check for hot glowing embers as you dispose of them.” (more)

Asbestos-contaminated Vermiculite

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is warning the public and electricians, plumbers and other contractors who perform work in attics about the potential risks of asbestos exposure from contaminated vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite from a Libby, Mont., mine containing asbestos was sold from 1919 to 1990 and used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States.

EPA's guidance document and vermiculite web page offer ways to help reduce exposure.

Contact for information about Vermiculite insulation in WI

If you need information about asbestos, contact:
Dave Schmitt, DHS Environmental Health Specialist 715-836-6688
DavidJ.Schmitt@wisconsin.gov

Amy Walden, DNR Air Management Specialist 608-266-3658
Amy.Walden@wisconsin.gov

You may also want to refer to DNR's internet resources for asbestos http://dnr.wi.gov/air/compenf/asbestos/

WIDNR Air & Waste Division 2008 Annual Report

http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/ar.pdf

EPA Proposes Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revision

EPA has proposed to authorize Wisconsin's Hazardous Waste Management Revisions which took effect in August 2006. The proposed rule can be found at:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27855.pdf

Of interest to me was a (rather lengthy) table that correlates Federal provisions with former NR provision, as well as the recodified NR provision.

Also:

G. Where Are the Revised State Rules
Different From the Federal Rules?
These practices are prohibited in Wisconsin: Underground Injection (40 CFR Part 144), and Land Treatment (40 CFR 270.20). Wisconsin also does not provide for Permit by Rule (40 CFR
270.60). Wisconsin does not allow automatic authorization under the permit modification regulations found in 40 CFR 270.42 (b)(6). The 10 year Remedial Action Plan, or RAP (40 CFR
270.79 et seq.) is replaced by a 5 year Remediation Variance (NR670.079). These Wisconsin regulations are more stringent: 662.220(5)(c,d), 662.220(6)(c,d,f), and 670.030 (annual
report required instead of a biennial report). Wisconsin maintains different financial regulations that allow for additional equivalent financial mechanisms (664.0143), do not allow the net worth test for closure under Part 665, and maintain some more stringent insurance requirements under 664.0143(5)(h), 664.0147(1)(a)(3), and 665.0147(1)(a)(3). The following Wisconsin regulations have no Federal counterpart: 666.081, 666.900 through 666.910, and 673.11.
There are no Wisconsin provisions for 40 CFR 268.5, 268.44 (other than 268.44(h)), and 270.3 as these are Federal non-delegable provisions.

DNR Publication about Sharps Disposal

DNR has posted a new publication describing Wisconsin sharps collection program:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/publications/anewpub/WA1239.pdf

DNR posts new Composting web pages

For facilities interested in composting food or yard waste: DNR recently posted new Web pages with information on composting at large-scale facilities and on farms. These pages give an overview of different composting methods, an explanation of Wisconsin's rules and regulations for composting operations, information on requirements for compost use and marketing, and links to additional resources. We hope these resources will raise awareness about the importance of composting yard materials, food scraps and other organics and provide the information businesses and local governments need to increase diversion of organic materials and produce good quality compost.
The new pages are available at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/recycle/issues/compost.htm.
Source: DNR Waste and Materials Management program