South Whitehall Postpones Decision on Wood-Fired Boilers

South Whitehall commissioners decided to table a vote to ban outdoor wood-fired boilers after resident Douglas Snyder told commissioners his recent application for an indoor unit was denied.

Language in the proposed ordinance specifically identifies outdoor boilers, but solicitor Joseph Zator said rules would apply to indoor units if they also can be used outside.

"If it's the type of unit that the manufacturer says could be used outside then it would be banned," Zator said.

Commissioner Thomas Johns recommended tabling the vote so that manager of community development Gerald Harbison could further review Snyder's permit application.

The ban was proposed in response to nuisance concerns like smoke and odor, but it was initially considered by township planners as a way to restrict boilers to large lot zoning areas in low density areas. The planning commission ultimately decided to recommend a total ban instead.