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The State of Oregon conducted an air curtain incinerator (“ACI”) emission testing project (“Project”) in the Spring of 2023.
The results of the Project were released on October 24th by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”).
The Project was conducted by the following organizations:
- ODEQ
- Oregon Department of Forestry
- Oregon Department of Agriculture
- Clean Water Services
The Project compared the results to emission factors from various open burning studies.
An ACI is typically described as a device used to control air emissions during burning. It can operate by projecting a high velocity curtain of air across an open chamber or pit in which combustion occurs. Combustion includes the burning of wood waste such as trees and brush. It is viewed as an alternative to open burning and will produce less smoke and particular matter.
Two types of ACIs include:
- An ACI that first produces biochar
- An ACI that produces ash
The Oregon Project ACI source tests are stated to have shown significant reductions in particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions. Further, the Project tests are stated to have demonstrated lower health risks from toxic air pollutant emissions than previous estimates used by ODEQ’s Cleaner Air Program when evaluating the risks from ACIs.
The Project emission test results were stated to have used ash wood removed as part of the State of Oregon’s emerald ash borer response efforts.
A link to the full Project test report can be found here.
