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Show i ti Pollution regs likely for stove manufacturers by Sheri Poe Enterprise Staff Writer Manufacturers of coal and wood burning stoves will probably come under strict pollution control guidelines if the Utah Air Conservation Committee has its way. But the committees decision to look into the matter and likely impose regulation sometime down the road took manufacturers by complete surprise last week. The number of stove distributors in Utah jumped from seven in 1977 to 15 this year, and the ever increasing popudelarity of the energy-savin- g vices has not escaped attention of pollution regulators. Presenting statistics on homeowners use of coal and wood at the committees meeting Tuesday was Karen Murdock, member of Utah Countys pollution control committee. She said more than 500,000 stoves were in stalled nationally last year, and the possibility of using coal in the stoves could spell ecological disaster for the state. Unaware of dangers Some contractors are using the stoves as a primary heat source in new construction, relying on solar heating for additional warmth, Murdock said. The homeowners and stove distributors seem unaware of the pollution dangers presented by using these stoves. While state regulations of the Air Quality committee disallow the use of the wood and coal burning stoves at any time except emergencies, executive secretary A1 Rickers said there is no method to enforce this regulation. Were trying to determine what to do at this point, Rickers Until admitted. some sort of smoke stack test is initiated on all the various stoves marketed, we wont have any idea of what course to take in preventing pollution coming through them." Requiring manufacturers to install an underfire fan to increase combustion temperatures for efficient burning could be the only method of controlling pollutants from the devices, Rickers conjectured. And local manufacturers and distributors have mixed feelings about w hat effect this control could have on their We have room to Brent Martain of change, Fisher Stoves told the Enter1 see no problem prise. except in increased costs if we are forced to modify. The extent of the effect on business would depend largely on the expense of the modifica- But the increased cost could affect sales, Morrill Stout, president of J & M Distributing, told the Enterprise. M sells Woodsman stoves, and finds its major e market in persons trying to save on fuel bills. Stout explained. He said a mere one percent of Utahns currently use wood burning stoves in their homes, but he projected sales will grow to 10 percent of the population in the next five years proe vided the costs do not fixed-incom- out-pric- many buyers. The stoves range from 5500 to $800, and proponents estimate a gas and electricity savings of up to 70 percent. Fisher claims and Investment Co. 2250 South Redwood Road INDIVIDUAL REALTOR owners last year. Homeowners shouldnt be immune stoves should be no But how can we accomplish this without moni- We cannot regulate the amount of emissions from these stoves because we cannot determine their efficiency or the efficiency of the fuels used, Murdock said. Murdock concluded if major companies like U.S. toring emissions from every home in the Wasatch Front? she asked. The Committc is currently formulating its strategy for tackling the problem, Rickers said. WHEN IT IS THIS EASY TO EARN UP T0 12 AND MORE tion. J & cuuyoi Steel are forced to adhere to strict pollution standards, emissions from homeowners businesses. 70 percent savings n wood were burned by home- WHY ARENT YOU INVESTING IN TRUST DEEDS? For investment information call Roger Terry at 486-466- 1 Landmark Mortgage 60 West 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 Getaway for lunch a 90 per- cent efficiently rate, as tested by the Gas Mechanical Testing Lab in Los Angeles for ICBO. But Rickers argues no real statistics are available on the waste produced by the stoves and he is in favor of investigating the matter to determine the extent of regulation. In Utah County alone, 1820 tons of coal and 20,500 tons of to the Restaurant! TM International House of Pancakes Instead of the same old hurry-ubag of burgers and fries, you can relax with a real meal at International House of Pancakes. You can choose from more than 100 separate breakfast, lunch, or dinner selections. All of them lovingly prepared, cheerfully served and priced so that your whole family can enjoy them often. Welcome back to the restaurant! p International House of Pancakes (jB$) A Full FREE "in office" consultation, wide selection Service Restaurant Downtown 141 East 3rd South 532-826- 8 Murray 6100 So. State 266-091- 8 |