Wood Burning in the Rapid City
Air Quality Control Zone

Why is wood burning an air pollution problem?

When wood is burned it emits very small particulate matter. The particulate matter related to wood smoke is generally less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). In addition to particulate matter, wood smoke emissions contain components such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde. Chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxin are also emitted in wood smoke. These very small particles are drawn deep into the lungs and are retained for a long period of time.

How is wood smoke regulated in the Air Quality Control Zone?

Wood smoke is regulated in the Air Quality Control Zone through the City and County Air Quality Ordinances. All solid fuel burning devices purchased after July 1, 1991 must be emissions tested as required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 40 CFR Part 60.530 through 60.539b.

No person shall burn inappropriate fuels in a solid fueling burning device at any time. Inappropriate fuels include but are not limited to: leaves, grass clippings, pine needles, green plants, refuse, paper, rubbish, books, magazines, fiberboard, packaging, rages, fabrics, building materials, animal waste, liquid or gelatinous hydrocarbons, tar, paint and solvents, chemically soaked or treated wood, plastic or rubber or anything else prohibited by State law (ARSD 74:36:06).

What are the health effects of wood smoke?

According to epidemiology studies conducted by the American Lung Association, wood smoke can disrupt cellular membranes, depress immune system activity, cause damage to the layer of cells that protect and clean the airways, and disrupt enzyme levels.

The health effects of wood smoke exposure include increased respiratory symptoms, increased hospital admissions for lower respiratory infections, exacerbation of asthma, and decreased breathing ability. Population studies have shown that young children, the elderly, and people with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease are most likely to be affected. Additional information on health effects can be obtained from the American Lung Association.

What can you do to reduce smoke from wood burning?

If possible, use an alternative to wood burning such as a gas-burning appliance. Make sure that you are using an Environmental Protection Agency emissions certified solid fuel burning device. If your device is older than 1991, consider replacing your device with a more efficient model. The new solid fuel burning devices give off less pollution, need less fuel and need to be cleaned less often than older devices.

If you must burn wood, use the following steps to reduce harmful emissions from your solid wood burning device.

Use Dry, Clean Wood. To determine if your wood is dry, bang two pieces together. Dry wood will make a loud, hollow crack, and wet wood will make a dull sound. Wet wood does not burn well and produces more smoke. After cutting fresh wood, split it and store for eight to twelve months before use. Burn smaller pieces and stack wood loosely so that plenty of air can circulate around it. Dry wood will produce a cleaner, hotter fire that produces less smoke.

Never burn painted or treated wood. Don't burn any inappropriate fuels as described above. Burning inappropriate fuel will give off harmful chemicals and will produce more smoke when burned.

Keep your stovepipe and chimney clean. Cleaning your stovepipe or chimney on an annual basis will prevent the buildup of creosote that can cause chimney fires and noxious emissions.

Keep your fire burning hot and clean. Fires that are left to smolder give off more smoke. Keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame or let it go out overnight. Rely on your home's insulation to hold enough heat in your house for the night. Never leave your fire unattended.

Check your chimney emissions. Check the amount of smoke coming from your chimney after the first fifteen minutes of startup. If there is too much smoke, you are creating air pollution and could affect your neighbors' health and comfort.

Additional information on wood burning can be obtained from the American Lung Association.

If you suspect someone in your neighborhood is using inappropriate materials for burning or is using improper burning techniques that are generating excessive smoke emissions, please call the Rapid City Air Quality staff at (605) 394-4157 to file a complaint.

Are there days when I can not burn?

Rapid City can experience temperature inversions which can affect our air quality. Temperature inversions occur when cold air near the ground is trapped by a layer of warmer air. As the inversion continues, the air near the ground becomes stagnant, trapping air pollutants in the air we breathe. During temperature inversions, people are asked to voluntarily discontinue the use of wood burning devices unless it is the only source of heat for the home.

Air Quality
Rapid City, SD
(605) 394-4157