August 13 , 2008
E-MAIL FROM CHUCK STROEBEL, A RESEARCH SCIENTIST FOR HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT, MINNESOTA DEPT. OF HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

It was good to talk with you the other day. After our conversation, I spoke with John Seltz from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to discuss your concerns about the wood boiler near your home. He will be forwarding your message to the appropriate MPCA staff who handle air quality complaints. He also recommended filing a complaint on the MPCA web site:
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/complaints.cfm
(alternately, you may call the MPCA complaint air quality complaint hotline at 651-296-7300).
It would be helpful if you provide a description of any illegal burning of materials (e.g., treated lumber, solid waste, hazardous materials). MPCA is the lead state environmental regulatory agency responsible for investigating air quality complaints, and where appropriate, for taking enforcement actions.

I've attached a copy of a presentation that I developed at the request of Maplewood City Council in May 2008. The focus of the presentation is on health risks from exposures to fine particles. The City of Maplewood is considering developing an ordinance on outdoor wood boilers, and as you are aware, some Minnesota cities already have ordinances (e.g., Forest Lake). Regards, Chuck

Resources/Links:
Particles and Your Health, Minnesota Department of Health
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/air/pm.htm

Wood Smoke -- Health Effects, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/woodsmoke/healtheffects.html

Model Ordinance for Local Governments, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/ob/modelOrdinance.htm

Chuck Stroebel, Research Scientist
Health Risk Assessment
Minnesota Department of Health
Environmental Health Division
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul MN 55155-2538

(651) 201-4927
www.health.state.mn.us
Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975