Commonwealth Outdoor Hydronic Heater Change-Out Pilot Program

Division: Renewable Energy Generation
Type: Programs
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Agricultural, commercial and residential outdoor hydronic heaters (OHH) (also known as outdoor wood boilers) can cause nuisance and health problems for abutters due to the emissions of harmful air pollutants from older and/or improperly operated systems. Phase 2, “White Tag” qualified, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) approved OHH systems eliminate many of the adverse health effects of earlier OHH systems. The definition of an outdoor hydronic heater for the purposes of this program is a fuel burning device: designed to burn wood or other approved solid fuels; that the manufacturer specifies for outdoor installation or installation in structures not normally occupied by humans (e.g., garages); and that heats building space and/or water via the distribution, typically through pipes, of a fluid heated in the device, typically water or a water/antifreeze mixture. Funding Availability MassCEC and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) have dedicated $150,000 to the Commonwealth Outdoor Hydronic Heater Change-Out Pilot Program (“Pilot Program”). The Pilot Program will distribute grants of up to $15,000, but not to exceed 100% of the equipment and installation costs, on a competitive basis. Applications must be received by 3pm on February 22, 2013. Click here to download a Program Manual and Application. The Pilot Program will provide funding for the replacement of problematic and nuisance OHHs, based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: the demonstrated threat to public health and safety posed by past operation of the existing OHH; distance of the OHH to neighboring properties; population density of the area; proximity of the OHH to sensitive populations including but not limited to children, elderly, or people with asthma or other respiratory ailments; demonstrated past operation of existing unit in accordance with Massachusetts Air Quality regulations 310 CMR 7.26 (50) through (54); and the ability to replace OHH with MassDEP approved Replacement System, or a heating system providing equal or greater air quality improvements. Eligibility Eligible applicants include Commonwealth agricultural entities, commercial entities, and residents who demonstrate that they have explored all possible remedies, including increasing the stack height and setback distance to neighbors and potential retrofits to eliminate the existing nuisance conditions. Local Boards of Health are encouraged to identify potential candidates, and promote participation in the Pilot Program. In order to be eligible for a Grant under the Pilot Program, the Applicant must pay into MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust Fund. This includes all electric customers served by National Grid, NSTAR, Unitil (Fitchburg Gas and Electric), WMECO, or a participating Municipal Lighting Plant community (Ashburnham, Holden, Holyoke, Russell, and Templeton). Applicant will need to provide MassCEC with a copy of an electric bill for the Project Site at the time of application so that MassCEC can verify eligibility. The Pilot Program Grant can be combined with any other local, state, or federal incentives. Applicants must demonstrate and confirm that the Replacement System: will meet the local Board of Health requirements; is allowed under, and shall be operated in compliance with Massachusetts Air Quality regulations 310 CMR 7.26 (50) through (54); is listed at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/community/certohh.htm, or is a heating unit that provides equal or greater air quality improvement as would a MassDEP certified OHH. For example, new indoor wood pellet boilers will be considered as eligible Replacement Systems. shall be operated so as not to cause a condition of air pollution or nuisance; shall be operated in compliance with any local regulations or by-laws that may be in effect; is sized appropriately for the application; and will be installed in conformance with the information submitted with the application and the existing OHH will be removed and scrapped or rendered permanently inoperable (see Appendix D). Questions? Email biomassthermal@masscec.com.