Smoke issue clouds timber firm's future

BARROWS - Big Wood Timbers Frames Inc., in Crow Wing Township may be out of business if it doesn't fix its smoke problem by June 15.

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The timber company, which is located on Business Highway 371 off of Greenwood Street just south of Brainerd, was the main item of discussion Tuesday at the Crow Wing Town Hall meeting.

Big Wood Timbers Frames Inc., which is located on Business Highway 371 off of Greenwood Street just south of Brainerd, was the main item of discussion at the Crow Wing Town meeting Tuesday. The wood company has until June 15 to clear up its smoke issue. Otherwise it may be out of business. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

The Big Wood Timbers Web site says the company transforms legacy materials into post and beam construction and specializes in salvaged and reclaimed timbers and structures.

The town board of supervisors, Greg Smith, Mark Platta and Dave Schultz, revoked the company's conditional use permit last year after it didn't follow a condition on its permit regarding its outside storage. The company was supposed to move all its materials inside the building to help clean up the property. The company since has applied for a new permit, which was issued Feb. 3. The permit came with 14 conditions that all must be met no later than June 15. Otherwise the township will be able to shut the business down.

The condition that has not been met is the requirement to control its outside smoke from its wood-burning stove to make sure it's not a nuisance to neighboring properties. The smoke smell was discussed for more than an hour with about a handful of residents at the meeting.

Mark and Melanee Strobel, who live right behind the business, spoke about the smoke in their home coming from the business. The Strobels said they take care of their two young grandchildren daily and it has affected their health, as well as their own. They said their 4-year-old grandson has asthma and their 2-year-old granddaughter has another illness that is not known yet, but they think it is from the smoke smell.

"When I'm out there my lungs are burning," said Melanee Strobel. "I'm thinking there is something in there. What are we putting in our lungs? This has gone on and on and this cannot be good for us."

Mark Strobel said, "These guys (Big Wood Timbers) don't care about their neighbors. They don't live there. I'm getting tired of it. They were supposed to resolve this issue in 45 days and it's not getting any better ... They have some weird stuff coming out of that place.

"I consider this trespassing. They are trespassing on my air."

Dave LePage, one of the owners of Big Wood Timbers who attended the meeting, said he does care about his neighbors and the company plans to work on the issue. LePage said the only time there is an issue with dark smoke is in the morning when workers are getting the burner going. LePage said the company has met all the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requirements and it doesn't burn anything it shouldn't, such as tires and other contaminants.

Smith said, "We've tried to stay out of it ... But at this stage of the game, basically they have until June 15 to take care of the smoke, to resolve this problem. We can certainly put together an ordinance about commercial properties being so close to a residence, but they (Big Timbers) would have to be grandfathered in."

Brad Arnold, township planning and zoning member, said he sympathizes with both sides on the issue. Arnold said he has seen nice, clear smoke come out of the smokestack at the company and he has seen dark smoke. Arnold said Big Timbers is not intentionally trying to hurt the Strobels, but the wood boiler is causing a problem and it has to be addressed.

LePage said the wood boiler heats two of its three buildings and both of their kiln.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.