This information pertains to statewide residential fireplaces and solid fuel burning devices, including fireplaces and wood, pellet, and coal burning stoves.
Residential fireplaces and solid fuel burning devices contribute particulate matter emissions to the atmosphere. To minimize the amount of emissions from these devices, they are regulated by a visible emission standard (opacity). When operated properly, these devices will produce visible emissions of less than 20% opacity from the chimney or smoke stack.
The proper operation of these devices is required to meet the visible emission standard of 20% opacity during normal operation. The 20% opacity limit applies at all times except for an initial start-up period of 15 minutes and a 15 minute period in any three hour period for reloading the device.
Opacity is a measurement of how much visibility is obscured by a plume of smoke. For example, if a plume of smoke from a chimney or smoke stack obscures 20% of the view in the background, the visible emissions from the smoke plume is 20% opacity. For more information on how visible emissions are measured, visit the the EPA’s Technology Transfer Network Emission Measurement Center site.
There are additional restrictions on solid fuel burning devices for Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, or Utah Counties. For additional information on the regulations in these counties visit Regulations for Solid Fuel Burning Devices.
Contact Information
To contact the Division of Air Quality with questions or complaints:
- Call (801) 536-4000
Or visit:
- Division of Air Quality
General air quality information. - Regulations for Solid Fuel Burning Devices
Regulations on solid fuel burning devices in Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, or Utah counties. - Technology Transfer Network Emission Measurement Center
Information on measuring visible emissions.