MCAA Receives Favorable Ruling From EPA on Masonry Fireplaces

Words: Mason Contractors/Public/News/20110322060000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="The EPA will not include masonry fireplaces in the NSPS." />
The EPA will not include masonry fireplaces in the NSPS.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided not to pursue the inclusion of masonry site-built fireplaces in the rewriting of the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) for new residential wood heaters.

The EPA had been advocating regulation of emissions on all masonry site-built fireplaces constructed in the U.S. This would have been a major change from the original NSPS published in 1988 that exempted fireplaces. The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has worked with the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and other interested parties to educate EPA representatives about the masonry site-built market and the implications of regulating that market.

A key component in the EPA’s decision was the agreement of the MCAA to develop an educational series on the proper construction and use of masonry site-built fireplaces to be used in the Masonry Certification program.

Gil Wood, EPA Staff Lead for the NSPS, indicated that the EPA was encouraged by the MCAA’s willingness to add courses on masonry site-built fireplaces to the Masonry Certification curriculum and looked forward to its development and implementation.

The EPA also cited the questionable cost-effectiveness of site-testing every fireplace built and the extent to which small business masons would be affected as reasons to not include masonry site-built fireplaces in the most current draft of the regulation.
Building With Feeling: Emotional Design in Masonry and Construction
July 2025

Today’s homes, workplaces and outdoor spaces aren’t just made to look good or work well; they’re built to evoke a feeling. Whether it’s the welcoming curve of a brick

Government Affairs: Mr. Schmitt Goes to Washington
July 2025

The 1939 movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was nominated for 11 academy awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Many movie buffs believe this is the movie that truly made Jimmy Stewart a big time movie star. Never to be outdone, t

Jason McCoy Hired As Region 3 Outreach And Education Director
July 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jason McCoy as the organization's Region 3 Outreach and Education Director. After an extensive search, Jason joins MCAA to lead this pioneering role.

Vibing Masonry #7: Acoustic Benefits of Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Construction
July 2025

In modern architectural design, achieving superior sound insulation is essential for creating functional, comfortable, and compliant building environments. Concrete masonry units (CMUs), particularly when combined with materials like brick, terra cotta, o