PRESS RELEASE
For the first time since 1988, the EPA is revising the New Source Performance Standard for allowable emissions. They are including wood burning fireplaces in this revision and have created a test and certification program for every type of wood burning fireplace including masonry. According to EPA, by 2012, all wood burning fireplaces will be required to meet the new NSPS requirement projected @ 5.1 grams of particulates for each kilogram of wood burned (g/kg). A traditional masonry fireplace emits 12-15 g/kg of particulates. If a masonry fireplace doesn’t meet the new standard, it can’t be legally installed or operated. Needless to say, this new EPA Standard will have a significant impact on the entire wood burning masonry fireplace industry.
Clear Skies Unlimited has been working with EPA for years in developing a technology that would reduce particulates in masonry fireplaces below the new 5.1 g/kg limit. Clear Skies recently received the prestigious 2009 Clean Air Excellence Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts. The US EPA officially recognized Clear Skies Unlimited at the annual EPA Clean Air Excellence Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC for its dedication to excellence in achieving clean air through new technology development. The Clean Air Excellence Award went to Clear Skies Unlimited based on the projected impact that their revolutionary HearthCAT™ Wood Burning Fireplace Emission Control Technology will have on future wood burning fireplace emissions nationwide.
The HearthCAT technology reduces particulate emissions in wood burning fireplaces by as much as 90 percent. The HearthCAT™ System has reduced PM2.5 in Isokern Modular Masonry Fireplaces to 2.9 g/kg, well below the EPA voluntary program Phase 2 emissions level of 5.1 g/kg. The HearthCAT™-equipped Isokern Masonry Fireplaces are the cleanest burning open hearth fireplaces currently qualified under EPA’s new fireplace qualification program. The HearthCAT™ technology has been successfully tested in masonry fireplaces for retro-fit applications and new construction. The HearthCAT™ was recently approved wood burning fireplace retro-fit applications in most of the major air districts in California. The system is installed in under an hour, requires no power, is maintenance free and is affordable to the consumer.
Clear Skies has recently established the Whitacre Greer Company in Alliance, Ohio as the Master Distributor for the nationwide introduction of this technology to the masonry fireplace new construction market. The HearthCAT™ System is the only passive technology that currently meets the new EPA performance requirement for masonry fireplace emissions. The technology is being very well received by masons and masonry contractors nationwide.
