PERU -- Peru officials have passed a law regulating the use of outdoor wood boilers throughout the community.

Following several months of research, discussions and revisions, the Town Council finally approved the legislation during a recent meeting. The law sets several townwide restrictions and permit regulations for both new and existing wood boilers.

"I have just finished reviewing the law, and I am very impressed with what the town board has done," said Peru Codes Enforcement Officer Paul Blaine. "They've done a lot of work on this, and it appears to thoroughly cover the issue."

BANNED IN HAMLET

The law restricts wood boilers from the hamlet and from within 750 feet of schools and town-operated parks, as well as a few other specifically zoned areas.

Existing boilers within those districts must be removed.

One wood-boiler owner from the hamlet has already removed his boiler and has applied for a permit to install a more efficient heating system, Blaine noted.

PERMITS ELSEWHERE

In other parts of the town where the devices are allowed, residents wishing to install new boilers must go through a permitting process and site review. They must meet guidelines for minimum smokestack height and for locating the equipment to have the least impact on the neighborhood.

A lot of the regulations will depend on the type of wood boiler being installed, Blaine said.

"The town board tried to accommodate for cleaner-burning stoves that have lower emissions and are more efficient," Blaine said, noting that the newer stoves being manufactured today are much more efficient than some of the models in use.

Owners of existing boilers must also submit a permit application by Dec. 22 and must meet the requirements stipulated in the law, Blaine added, including a proof-of-purchase date.

Owners will be restricted from using the boilers during June, July and August.

Boilers cannot be connected to any commercial enterprises, Blaine noted.

jmeyers@pressrepublican.com