The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is currently seeking public input on a proposed modification to the Title V air quality permit for Domtar Paper Company in Martin County.
Domtar Paper has requested an increase in the throughput limit for green logs processed at its woodyard, raising the cap from 2.2 million tons per year to 4.4 million tons. According to the company, this change would not involve any physical modifications at the mill or an increase in pulp production.
The proposed modification would result in higher emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reaching levels that require compliance with the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting program. As part of this process, Domtar will need to implement best available control technology and adhere to good operation and maintenance practices at its woodyard.
DAQ conducted air dispersion modeling and determined that the anticipated increase in VOC emissions should not lead to violations of federal health-based air quality standards. The draft permit includes measures to ensure that all pollutants emitted by the facility remain within regulatory limits beyond its property line. Additional requirements include recordkeeping, reporting, and regular inspections.
Public comments on the draft permit 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.
Copies of related documents such as the public notice, draft permit, review materials, application details, and a project fact sheet are available 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 public feedback before making a final decision regarding the permit modification.
