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Curtailment Waiver & Exception Applications

Office hours are Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, to make an appointment, or to ensure someone is available, please contact Cory McDonald at: cory.mcdonald@alaska.gov or 907-451-5172.

Please go to: Air Alerts & Information Signup, and select General Information: Hot Topics. The Division will post updates regarding waiver applications under Hot Topics and an email notification will automatically be sent to all those who have registered.

During a curtailment, NOASH waivers may operate during Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 waivers may only operate during Stage 1 air alerts and may not operate during a Stage 2 air alert.

NOTE: Operation of all devices, regardless of waiver, are still subject to 18 AAC 50.075 – visible emission standards. Solid fuel-fired devices should be able to meet opacity limits if burning dry wood, which is required under 18 AAC 50.076 (b)(1). Failure to meet visible emission standards may invalidate future waiver applications.

All issued waivers include an expiration date listed in the approval letter after which an applicant must reapply. The waiver program application changes are due to changes made in the Serious State Implementation Plan. This is the NOASH and Stage 1 waiver criteria and waiver length requirement detailed breakdown (PDF)

No Other Adequate Source of Heat (NOASH) Waiver

Eligibility

  • The subject structure requires heat and the structure has no adequate heating source without using a SFBA (Solid Fuel Burning Appliance);
  • Economic hardship requires use of the SFBA;
  • Complying with the restriction would result in damage to property including damage to the appliance itself and its heating components;
  • The device is located within the nonattainment area.
  • (New) Devices do not have to be new to be eligible*

*(New) Device age and emission rate will determine waiver eligibility and length. Some devices may only be eligible for a conditional NOASH. Only two 1-year conditional NOASHs may be issued to older, higher emitting devices, after which, the device must be upgraded before any new NOASH waiver will be issued.

Zoomable GIS Web Map

Criteria/Documentation needed

  • Paper application requires a notary
  • (New) Pre-application Form that must be partially be partially filled out by FNSB change-out program staff. They will provide what options are available through the change-out and conversion program. Participation in the program is not required but a completed form signed by FNSB staff is required. Check out the FNSB Change Out page for more information on the change out program
  • Documentation of all solid fuel-fired devices on the property.*
  • Picture of each device label
  • Pictures showing the front and side of each device
  • Device label examples (PDF)
  • If device is equipped with a catalyst, proof that the catalyst is working properly/replaced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations or specifications (if applicable).
  • Documentation of ability to properly store wood.
  • Receipt from chimney sweep or date stamped picture of chimney being swept
  • Location (address) of devices(s).
  • Taken class or training in proper wood burning techniques.
  • (New) Verification of proper installation. Verification may be provided from a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) or equivalently certified installer or chimney sweeps. Check here for a list of NFI certified professionals 
  • Description of how eligibility criteria is met.
  • (New) Multi-year waivers are possible depending on age and emission rate of device and whether documentation provided is through self-certification or professional certification.

Stage 1 Waiver

Eligibility

  • EPA uncertified devices ineligible.
  • Devices 10 years or older may be eligible but only for two 1-year conditional waivers then device must be upgraded before location eligible for another waiver.
  • The solid fuel-fired device has an emission rating of 7.5 g/hr or less depending on age.
  • Masonry heaters may apply for an exception through the Burn Right Program. Call DEC for more details.
  • Cook stoves may apply for a Stage 1 waiver and, if waiver is granted, continue to use their appliance(s).
  • The device is located within the nonattainment area.

Zoomable GIS Web Map

Criteria/Documentation needed

  • Paper application requires a notary
  • (New) Pre-application Form that must be partially be partially filled out by FNSB change-out program staff. They will provide what options are available through the change-out and conversion program. Participation in the program is not required but a completed form signed by FNSB staff is required. Check out the FNSB Change Out page for more information on the change out program
  • Documentation that all solid fuel-fired devices on the property meet State Standards (EPA certified AND 7.5 g/hr or .32 lbs/mmBTU or less).
  • Picture of device label
  • Pictures showing the front and side of each device
  • Device label examples (PDF)
  • Documentation verifying that the device was manufactured after 1988. 
  • If device is equipped with a catalyst, proof that the catalyst is working properly/replaced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations or specifications (if applicable).
  • Documentation of ability to properly store wood.
  • Receipt from chimney sweep or date stamped picture of chimney being swept
  • (New) Verification of proper installation. Verification may be provided from a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) or equivalently certified installer or chimney sweeps. Check here for a list of NFI certified professionals 
  • Location (address) of devices(s).
  • Multi-year waivers are possible depending on age and emissions rate of device and whether the documentation provided is through self-certification or professional certification.
  • Taken class or training in proper wood burning techniques.
  • Must be signed up to receive test alerts or emails.

Online Waiver Application

Waivers Available

  • NOASH
  • Stage 1

Advantages

  • Future renewals will be faster and easier, system saves information for future use;
  • No notary needed;
  • Only submit certain items once.

Criteria/Documentation needed

  • Online requires myAlaska login in lieu of notary (No myAlaska personal information is stored unless approved by applicant)
  • All required documentation as listed for each appropriate waiver
  • Pictures needed:
  • Device label
  • Front and side of device
  • Wood storage
  • Attachments using the following forms:

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