The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is currently seeking public input on a draft air quality permit modification for Domtar Paper Company in Martin County. The company has requested to increase the amount of green logs processed at its woodyard from 2.2 million tons to 4.4 million tons annually, without making physical changes to the facility or increasing pulp production.
This proposed change would result in higher emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reaching levels that require compliance with the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting program. According to DAQ, Domtar will need to adopt best available control technology and adhere to proper operation and maintenance standards in its woodyard.
Air dispersion modeling conducted by DAQ indicates that the projected increase in VOC emissions should not lead to violations of federal health-based air quality standards. The draft permit sets conditions intended to ensure that all pollutants emitted remain within regulatory limits beyond the facility’s boundaries. The permit also imposes recordkeeping, reporting requirements, and regular inspections.
Public comments on the draft permit or requests for a hearing are being accepted until November 25, 2025. Comments can be submitted by email at daq.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with “Domtar.25A” in the subject line, by voicemail at 919-707-8728, or by mail addressed to NCDEQ Division of Air Quality, 1641 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1641.
Relevant documents including the public notice, draft permit, review materials, application, and a project fact sheet are accessible online.
“If you need this information in another language, call 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov.”
The DAQ will review all feedback before making a final decision regarding the permit modification.
