Effective August 1, 2010 all wood stoves that are not certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must be removed from Oregon residences that have been sold, prior to the sale closing.
The law was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2009 and signed by Governor Kulongoski. The goal of the law is to reduce air pollution and goes into effect when the house is sold. Woodstoves in garages, shops and outbuildings are also subject to removal.
In 1986 Oregon passed emission certification legislation. Certified woodstoves or fireplace inserts will have an EPA of DEQ tag. An Underwriters Laboratory (UL) tag is not sufficient. The tags may be viewed at Associated Master Inspectors web site at www.amipdx.com .The following wood heating devices are exempt from the law and do not need replacement. – Pellet Stoves, Antique Stoves, Cook Stoves, Masonry Heaters, Masonry Fireplaces and Wood Fired Boilers.
Disposal of the woodstoves must be documented and forwarded to the DEQ.
The responsibility for removal belongs to the property seller, but can be delegated to the buyer if both parties agree. The buyer has 30 days from closing to document removal of the stove.
More information can be obtained at www.oregon.gov/deq or you can contact Charlie Rouse directly at 503-708-3211.
This article was submitted to ProSchools for publishing by Charlie Rouse, Associated Master Inspectors. Charlie also is a guest speaker for ProSchools’ Real Estate Webinars. Thanks to Charlie for providing us this important information.