Contra Costa County

Buckley Rumford Fireplaces
Contra Costa County
Approved 48" Rumford
3/14/19

Bob,
That's good news. Thank you. I cannot, of course, guess how the Contra Costa Building Official will rule on a larger Rumford. It is true that our 48" Rumford tested cleaner than our 30" and 36" Rumfords so one could extrapolate but we didn’t test any Rumford fireplaces larger than 48" wide. Maybe you've gotten what you will get and you should build a 48" Rumford. That's still a very big fireplace and you can make it fill out a huge room with a double return or framing as in the picture at http://www.rumford.com/images/paolucci48.gif.
Best,
Jim
On Mar 15, 2019, at 3:20 PM, Robert Sarrasin wrote:
Jim- I finally received confirmation from the Contra Costa County Building Official that the 48" Rumford meets the EPA standards and there ordinance. Although I did not mention to her that we are planning to use the wider 5' or 6' opening so I'm wondering if you think we can still comply? The particulates in your testing seams to reduce as the opening size increases.
It's a shame that we have allowed the government to have this much control over our lives. Although I'm no expert on the subject, based on what I can determine there is no conclusive evidence that smoke from wood burning has any long term health effects what so ever.
Thank you for all your hard work on this!
Bob
From: Judi Kallerman
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 4:30 PM
To: Robert Sarrasin
Cc: Sharon Smith
Subject: RE: Rumford Masonry Fireplace Approval
Hi Bob,
Yes, you may install a Rumford fireplace. It meets the requirements in our Ordinance by not emitting more than 7.5 grams of particulate matter per hour. Keep in mind though that we have no burn days so the use may be limited by those restrictions.
Regards,
Judi Kallerman
Principal Plan Checker
Department of Conservation and Development
Application and Permit Center
30 Muir Rd
Martinez, Ca 94553
925-674-7776
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From: Robert Sarrasin
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 2:42 PMv To: Judi Kallerman
Subject: Rumford Masonry Fireplace Approval
Hi Judi,
I am looking for some help and clarification on whether or not the Rumford masonry fireplace is approved in the County. I have attached some testing data from the Rumford company of Port Townsend Washington; This is a letter from what I assume is an accredited testing lab to whom it may concern that the unique masonry design of the Rumford fireplace meets or exceeds the EPA Phase II emissions standards, and the results shown appear to comply with the County Ordinance (attached).
Thank you for your help.
Bob
March 11.2019
To: 'sharon.smith@dcd.cccounty.us'
Subject: Rumford Masonry Fireplace Approval
Hi Sharon,
I am following up on our conversation from last Monday regarding the Rumford masonry fireplaces. If you recall we are trying to obtain clarity if the building official has approved this wood burning unit. I have attached the Rumford testing results which shows that it does meet the County ordinance for particulate matter and accredited testing.
This is holding up some of our project detailing so we are looking forward to your reply.
Best Regards
Bob Sarrasin, Project Manager