Media Statement from Dogwood Alliance and Impacted Communities Against Wood Pellets

North Carolina DEQ Forcing Enviva to Capture Dust at Port of Wilmington

No action taken at the company’s pellet mills. Frontline communities have demanded pollution controls for years.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality made an announcement. They are requiring two wood products companies to install fugitive dust controls. This action is at the Port of Wilmington. This was after receiving many complaints from the Sunset Park community. The historic community is next to the port. The complaints led to an investigation. This investigation focused on Enviva Pellets and Basaga International, a wood chip exporter.

Danna Smith is the Executive Director of Dogwood Alliance. She said:

“The Sunset Park community has suffered from wood dust since Enviva began operations. We’re glad that the DEQ has finally taken action. We hope they won’t stop here. We hope they’ll take action at all Enviva wood pellet operations across the state. Communities have demanded it. And it’s time for the state to take action.”

Enviva is the largest wood pellet manufacturer in the world. It is undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Enviva has facilities in Hertford, Richmond, Sampson, and Northampton counties. The company has a long history of polluting these communities. Impacted communities have called on state and local officials to take action. These demands align with recommendations from the North Carolina Environmental Justice Advisory Board.

Ruby Bell is an educator and organizer from Sampson County. She said:

“By not investing in the best available control technologies, Enviva has profited from pollution since day one. Will the state finally hold the company accountable at all its facilities? Let’s hope Governor Cooper does the right thing before the end of his administration.”