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NYC Matzah Bakeries, Pizzerias Could Face New Emissions Regulations

June 27, 2023 - from the Jewish Press:

"Matzah bakeries in New York City that use wood or coal as fuel for their ovens could be facing an expensive new requirement to attach emissions-control devices to the equipment.

"NYC Department of Environmental Protection drafted new rules requiring traditional wood-burning and/or coal-burning ovens installed prior to May 2016 to reduce emissions by up to 75 percent.

"In addition, it would be necessary to hire an engineer or architect to install the needed emissions-control device.

"At least some of the matzah bakeries in Brooklyn are fueled by wood or coal.

"Many of the city’s decades-old, top pizzerias use coal or wood-fueled ovens to bake their pies, and so do at least some of the city’s matzah bakeries.

"Residents living in the Williamsburg neighborhood have complained for years about smoke wafting from a local matzah bakery run by Satmar Hasidim. The oven at the bakery is fueled by coal.

"Another Brooklyn matzah bakery, this one also allegedly run by Satmar Hasidim in the Bushwick neighborhood, also uses a coal-burning oven – and neighbors have complained this year about the smoke from that one as well. The bakery is not operating at present – it closed right after Pesach – but it’s expected to start up again to produce its handmade shmurah matzah sometime this winter, ahead of the Passover holiday."