North Raleigh Today

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has withdrawn its application to modify its Title V air quality permit, halting the process with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ). The withdrawal was submitted on March 10.

Previously, UNC sought to adjust its air quality permit to enable the burning of engineered pellets in the boilers at its cogeneration facility located on Cameron Avenue in Chapel Hill. Currently, this facility uses coal and natural gas to generate electricity and steam for campus use.

The cogeneration facility is categorized as a major source requiring a Title V air quality permit. UNC will maintain operations under its existing permit conditions, which were issued in 2024.

During DAQ's review of UNC's application, a public hearing was conducted on January 16 to gather feedback on the draft air permit. Public comments prompted DAQ to ask UNC for more information regarding emission estimates. At the time of withdrawal, DAQ had not received a full response from UNC, leaving the application unresolved.

Documents related to this matter, including the permit application, DAQ’s information request, UNC’s responses with attachments, withdrawal notification, and an environmental justice report are accessible online.

For assistance in Spanish or another language, contact 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov.