Open fires and solid fuel burners 15yrs+ to be banned in Kaiapoi from May 2011

Environment Canterbury councillors have agreed that a new rule aimed at achieving improved air quality for Kaiapoi will be enforced from May 1 2011. The new rule prohibits the use of open fires and older and non-complying solid fuel burners from May 1 2010. The exception is when a home is sold; the new owners then have to comply with the new rule immediately. Before May 1 2011, owners of smoky chimneys may still be subject to enforcement action where a complaint is upheld.

Although the rule is not yet operative, Environment Canterbury wants to give Kaiapoi residents plenty of time to install cleaner forms of heating. Councillor Jo Kane, air portfolio chair, says it is important that people have sufficient time to make the necessary changes.

“We will be working with the Waimakariri District Council and the Kaiapoi Community Board to ensure effective communication with the community about the new rule, which people will need to change and what they need to do. “Environment Canterbury is committed to healthier homes and improving air quality right across the region and it is important that we take the community with us on this,” said Cr Kane.

“I’m pleased that we are able to give Kaiapoi some breathing space but it’d be great to see the community really get behind this and exceed all expectations between now and May 2011.”

Councillor Kane said that Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat Project offers financial assistance to Kaiapoi householders, by way of an interest-free loan, for insulation and conversion to cleaner forms of heating.

“The loan enables people to benefit from a warmer, drier home now, while spreading costs over a ten year repayment period and at the same time, adding value to their homes. Clean Heat covers insulation as well as a range of cleaner heating options including low emission wood burners, flued gas fires and pellet burners as well as heat pumps.”

“Don’t wait for 2011, act now! Make your home healthier and more comfortable and help us deliver the clean air that all Kaiapoi people deserve. Find out if you are eligible for assistance and register for a free assessment by calling Clean Heat on 0800 329 276 or visiting the Clean Heat website www.cleanheat.org.nz.”

It is proposed that Rangiora would be subject to similar rules to Kaiapoi in the near future, but these are under appeal and subject to a forthcoming Environment Court hearing.

For more information on how to help clean up Kaiapoi or Rangiora’s air, go to www.ecan.govt.nz/air or call Environment Canterbury’s customer services on 03 353 9007.