North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is currently seeking public input on a proposed Title V air quality permit for Edwards Wood Products, Inc.'s Laurinburg Sawmill #2 located in Scotland County.

Presently, the sawmill operates under a synthetic minor air quality permit, which restricts its emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to under 100 tons annually. The company aims to modify this permit, removing the emissions cap and thus reclassifying its operation as a major source, necessitating a Title V air quality permit. This change would subject the facility to stricter regulations and more frequent inspections.

Despite this modification, the mill will continue to be classified as a minor source concerning hazardous air pollution. An operational limit to control toxic air pollution emissions will remain in effect. According to air dispersion modeling reviewed by DAQ, operations under this limit should not exceed health-based limits.

The proposed permit stipulates conditions ensuring that the facility's pollutant emissions comply with regulatory standards, including health-based limits, beyond its boundaries. The facility would also be expected to maintain recordkeeping, meet reporting requirements, and undergo regular inspections.

Before reaching a final decision regarding the permit, the Division will consider all public comments. The period for submitting comments or requesting a public hearing remains open until April 30, 2025. Comments can be emailed to daq.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with “LaurinburgSawMill.24B” as the subject, or left by voicemail at 919-707-8714. Mail submissions can be sent to:

NCDEQ Division of Air Quality

1641 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1641

Available online for public viewing are the public notice, draft permit, draft permit review, permit application, draft environmental justice report, and a one-page project fact sheet.