Massachusetts biomass changes explained

May 17, 2012 – The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)
held a webinar information session recently to explain the changes
suggested in its woody biomass regulations released in April.

According to an article in Biomass Power & Thermal, the webinar highlighted several points of the new regulations, including eligibility, carbon accounting, biomass fuel certificates and more.

Dwayne Breger, director of renewable energy development at DOER said that "eligible" biomass will fall under one of three categories: forest thinnings, forest residue and non-forest residue. He continued that tops and branches are allowed with certain restrictions, as well as thinnings for invasive species prevention and salvage.

"For good soils, we do require that at least 25 percent of tops and
branches need to be retained on site; 75 can be removed as eligible
biomass fuel,” Breger said. “For poor soils, 100 percent need to be
retained on site.”

For a complete recap of the webinar, please see the article on Biomass Power & Thermal and for a detailed summary of the proposed legislation – click here.