November 14, 2008
OAK GROVE CITY HALL
19900 Nightingale Street NW
Oak Grove, Minnesota 55011
Telephone (763) 753-1920
Fax (763) 753-6271

November 14, 2008

Re: Outdoor Wood Boiler (OWB) at xxxxxxxxx St. NW

To all parties involved:

Several complaints have been received by the City of Oak Grove indicating that smoke from an OWB located at xxxxxx St. NW is creating a public nuisance. The concerns were presented to the City Council on September 29, 2008 and City Council members were not supportive of creating a citywide ordinance to regulate the use of OWBs.

Since an ordinance would not be drafted the property owners were notified of the complaints and asked to abate the situation. The property owners responded by adding approximately 4' of height to the smoke stack of the OWB in an attempt to get the smoke elevated above neighboring residences, this addition tot he stack height was completed by October 10, 2008. Staff has since received another complaint stating that emissions from the OWB are still creating a public nuisance.

Burning wood for heat is common practice in Oak Grove. The owners of the OWB made an attempt to abate the situation despite the lack of a formal ordinance requiring they do so. Perhaps you could discuss your differences at Mediation Services for Anoka County, arrangements can be made by calling (763) 422-8878. This concludes City Staff review of this matter.
Sincerely,
Rick Juba
Associate Planner