What better time than summer for the facilities committee of the board to start planning for the colder months to come? Don't wait until the first cold snap, act now! Because boilers typically provide the most efficient means of heating by steam or hot water, many schools use boilers which burn natural gas, propane gas, or fuel oils. The routine maintenance required to prevent breakdowns and dangerous situations such as fire, fuel leaks, and fumes, frequently takes time and advanced planning. The facilities committee should also consider the emissions generated from this equipment and how they affect our environment and the safety of our children.

For example, carbon monoxide (CO) may be generated from boilers and water heaters when combustion is incomplete. Burners that are out of adjustment are the primary cause of CO generation. This occurs when there is insufficient air (oxygen) present, or if the temperature of the burning gases drops below 1,060 degrees F. Since CO is an odorless, tasteless gas, it is very difficult to detect. Bit it can be deadly to most animals, including humans.

How can we be assured that our equipment is safe? First and foremost, the burners must be inspected and maintained in a formalized maintenance plan. If in-house maintenance personnel lack the expertise to service burners, controls, and combustion equipment, local experts should be consulted. In addition to having burners and boilers properly tuned for best combustion, venting of the exhaust gases is critical. Consult local or state building codes for the requirements of venting of boilers. Typically, a gas-tight, UL-listed stack and breeching system will be used. Stacks and vents must be checked routinely to assure that there are no leaks of gases within the buildings.

The other major emissions issue today is normal air quality. The most critical substance given off by boilers and burners is NOx. The government, environmental scientists, and others are concerned about the negative environmental and health impact of the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. The Federal Clean Air Act stipulates that each state must have a State Implementation Plan (SIP) which will maintain the National Air Quality Standards. Most states already have, or are preparing standards for, NOx emissions which exceed the Federal requirements. States which are known to have low NOx requirements include California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

While some boiler plants may be "grandfathered" in, you can be assured that most new boiler installations and replacements will require permits from state or local authorities. The best way to ensure that your heating plant meets emission standards is to ask authorities what the current requirements are and what they are predicted to be in the next five years. Careful planning now can prevent problems in the future.

New technologies exist which allow boiler manufacturers to guarantee emissions compliance for existing and proposed new standards. Modern boilers are now more dependable, safe, and reliable than ever. Environmentally friendly burners which assure lower emissions and help clean up air pollution are now available.

Doug Cissel
Executive Director, Conference for Catholic Facilities Managers
DCissel@usccb.org

From NCEA Notes, Vol. 35, No. 5, May 2002
Copyright NCEA