The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is inviting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit for Carpenter Co., an expanded polystyrene manufacturer located in High Point, Guilford County.
Carpenter Co. previously operated under a synthetic minor air quality permit from DAQ, which limited its emissions to below 100 tons per year. In 2022, the company was granted a state construction and operation permit allowing it to emit pentane at major-source levels. Despite this allowance, the facility’s actual emissions have remained at minor-source levels.
The 2022 permit also required Carpenter Co. to apply for a major-source Title V permit. The proposed Title V permit aims to cap the facility’s volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions at 250 tons per year to avoid triggering Prevention of Significant Deterioration permitting requirements.
Classified as a minor source of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), the facility must comply with federal rules for area sources of HAPs related to its adhesive coating operations. The company has demonstrated that its toxic air pollutant emissions will remain below the required permitting rates.
The draft permit includes conditions ensuring that all pollutants emitted by the facility comply with emission standards beyond its fence line, including applicable health-based standards. The facility would also be subject to recordkeeping, reporting requirements, and regular inspections.
Public comments will be considered before making a final decision on the proposed permit. Comments or requests for a public hearing are accepted until August 8, 2025. Comments can be emailed to daq.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with “CarpenterCo.22C” in the subject line or left via voicemail by calling 919-707-8726. Comments can also be mailed to:
NCDEQ Division of Air Quality
1641 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1641
Copies of relevant documents are available online.
For information in Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Lao, Swahili or another language, call 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov.
