The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is seeking public input on a proposed modification to the air quality permit for Columbia Plywood Corporation’s Columbia Carolina Division, located in McDowell County.
The proposed change would allow the facility to install an air curtain incinerator (ACI) unit, which would be used to burn wood waste produced during manufacturing. According to DAQ, adding this equipment would increase the facility’s potential emissions of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide above thresholds that define a major source, meaning the facility would need a Title V air quality permit from the state.
Air dispersion modeling reviewed by DAQ found that emissions of toxic air pollutants and particulate matter from the ACI are not expected to exceed health-based limits. The draft permit also includes restrictions on how much material can be processed and limits on operating hours in order to control hazardous air pollution levels.
Permit conditions outlined in the draft require that all pollutants emitted by the facility remain within emission standards, including those based on health considerations, beyond the property boundary. The facility will also have requirements for recordkeeping, reporting, and regular inspections.
“The Division will consider all public comments before making a final decision on the proposed permit. Comments or requests for a public hearing will be accepted until Sept. 11, 2025. Comments can be emailed to daq.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with ‘ColumbiaPlywood.24B’ in the subject line, or left via voicemail by calling 919-707-8728. Comments can also be mailed to: NCDEQ Division of Air Quality 1641 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1641,” according to information provided by DAQ.
Members of the public can review copies of the public notice, draft permit documents, application materials, and a project fact sheet online through resources provided by DEQ.
