Clean Air Methow, a project of the Methow Valley Citizens Council (MVCC), has received a grant from the state Department of Ecology that provides funding to replace old wood-burning stoves with new, more-efficient stoves or heat pumps — free of charge to qualified applicants.
The woodstove exchange program has received more than 40 inquiries, 18 completed applications are in process and seven stoves have already been replaced, according to a press release. The program will ultimately replace 20 old stoves in the valley.
Twisp and Winthrop have had such high levels from human-generated particulate sources for many years in a row that the valley is identified as a high-priority area for air pollution reduction, according to the press release.
The woodstove exchange program is still accepting applications. To qualify, this program, applicants must:
• Own a home located in the Methow Valley (renters are encouraged to talk to their landlords).
• Have an annual household income of less than $45,000.
• Provide a valid photo identification and proof of current address and income.
• Use a non-EPA certified or pre-2000 wood stove or insert as your primary source of heat.
For more information, call Mary Yglesia at 997-0888 ext. 4 or email mvcc@mvcitizens.org.
