Wood smoke resources for local government

All slow combustion wood heaters tend to smoke at light-up or refuelling. However, there is no reason for wood heaters to smoke excessively for extended periods if householders operate them correctly and keep them well maintained.

Minimising the emission of visible smoke from wood heaters and fireplaces can have substantial health benefits for the community.

The EPA recommends the following actions for councils tackling wood smoke issues in their communities.

Smoky chimney surveys

Councils may carry out local smoky chimney surveys to identify chimneys that appear to be emitting excessive smoke, as defined by the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Smoky chimney surveys can be an effective way to improve wood heater operation across the community through education and engagement. Householders are often unaware that their wood heater is producing excessive smoke.

The EPA has developed educational resources, including a brochure on correct wood heater operation and maintenance, that councils can use during survey visits. Download these resources from the Council resource kit.

Suggested approach

Experience has shown that smoky chimney surveys by council officers can be an effective way to help improve the efficient operation of wood heaters across the community. Councils may wish to adapt the following process to suit local circumstances:

1. Identify smoky chimneys – Council officers drive or walk through selected areas in the morning or in the afternoon and record the addresses where a chimney appears to be smoking significantly.
2. Reassess after a short period – After 10–20 minutes, officers return to the property. If the chimney is still emitting significant smoke, they record the details and leave educational information from EPA’s Council resource kit for the householder.
3. Record observations – Officer records the details of the actions they have taken in a diary, notebook or other log.
4. Follow up – During future inspections, officers revisit the property. If the chimney is still emitting excessive smoke, they may contact the householder to discuss the possible cause/s and solutions.

Smoky chimney surveys focus on educating householders about correct wood heater operation. Where excessive smoke emissions continue, councils may consider regulatory action, including issuing a smoke abatement notice where appropriate.

Smoke abatement notices

If householders make no attempt to prevent excessive emission of wood smoke, even after councils have given them information on correct wood heater operation, authorised officers of local councils can issue a smoke abatement notice.

Smoke abatement notice provisions (section 135B of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) may be used to address poor wood heater operation, by requiring the recipient to take action to prevent excessive smoke from a chimney on or in residential premises.

For more information about smoke observation and how to issue a smoke abatement notice, visit Smoke abatement notices.

Wood heaters are more likely to emit excessive smoke when they are incorrectly installed or poorly positioned within the home.

EPA recommends that councils adopt a local wood heater installation policy to help ensure:

• residents understand the requirements relating to the installation of wood heaters
• newly installed wood heaters comply with the requirements of relevant planning instruments⁽¹⁾ developed by council
• wood heaters are installed in compliance with the Australian Building Code and Australian Standard AS/NZS 2918
• wood heaters are installed in a part of the home that allows the flue system to work effectively – usually in the central part of the home and not against an outside wall
• the flue is of adequate height⁽²⁾
• residents understand the requirements relating to the installation of wood heaters.

Community education programs can raise awareness about the harmful impacts of wood smoke and the benefits of correct wood heater operation.

The EPA has designed a council resource kit to help councils educate residents about wood smoke problems and ways to reduce wood heater pollution. The EPA’s behavioural research findings have informed the example educational resources included in this kit.

⁽¹⁾Planning instruments

Councils can develop planning instruments to ensure wood heaters are only located in areas where there will be proper dispersion of smoke from chimneys and minimal wood smoke nuisance to neighbouring properties. 

For example, councils can prohibit the installation of wood heaters in homes on sloping terrain where smoke from residences downhill will impact residences uphill.

In areas where many households use wood heaters, councils may also need to limit new installations to help protect local air quality.

⁽²⁾Minimum flue height

Australian Standard AS/NZS 2918:2001 requires a minimum flue height of 4.6 metres above the floor on which the wood heater is located. To achieve the correct flue height, the flue kit must be at least 4 metres in length. Some installations may require even greater flue height to ensure adequate clearance above the roof or ridge line.

Our recommendations relating to wood heater location and flue height are important for ensuring that a flue system

• creates sufficient 'draw' to enable the fire to burn effectively

• does not act as a funnel to allow cold air to enter the home when the heater is not in use.