The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is seeking public input on a proposed modification to the air quality permit for Columbia Plywood Corporation’s Columbia Carolina Division, located in McDowell County.
The proposed change would allow the facility to install an air curtain incinerator unit, which would be used to burn wood waste generated at the site. This addition is expected to increase emissions of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide beyond major-source thresholds, triggering the need for a Title V air quality permit from the state.
According to DAQ, air dispersion modeling indicates that emissions of toxic air pollutants and particulate matter from the new incinerator are not anticipated to exceed health-based limits. The facility will also face restrictions on its throughput and operating hours in order to limit hazardous air pollution.
The draft permit sets conditions designed to ensure that pollutant levels outside the facility comply with all emission standards, including those based on health considerations. It also requires recordkeeping, reporting, and regular inspections.
“The Division will consider all public comments before making a final decision on the proposed permit. Comments or requests for a public hearing will be accepted until Sept. 11, 2025. Comments can be emailed to daq.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with ‘ColumbiaPlywood.24B’ in the subject line, or left via voicemail by calling 919-707-8728. Comments can also be mailed to:
NCDEQ Division of Air Quality
1641 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1641”
Copies of related documents—including the public notice, draft permit, review materials, application details, and a project fact sheet—are available online through DAQ’s website.
