Dear [NCDEQ and DAQ],

I commend the NCDEQ Division of Air Quality (DAQ). Requiring dust pollution controls at Enviva’s Wilmington, NC storage facility is a great first step. Thank you for responding to community complaints about wood dust in Sunset Park, NC.

I urge DAQ to take action on similar complaints in other North Carolina communities. Wood pellet production emits harmful dust pollution. Communities living near Enviva plants have documented dust pollution for years. Local residents should not have to live with dust buildup on their homes, cars, and property. This hazardous dust can enter the lungs and bloodstream. It can cause health issues such as respiratory illness, heart disease, and cancer.

NCDEQ’s own NC Environmental Justice Advisory Board has made recommendations. They suggest Enviva install fugitive dust controls. This will protect surrounding communities and clean air.

I call on the DAQ to require fugitive dust control plans for all wood pellet facilities. Whether they are operating or proposed. This includes the Enviva facilities in Richmond, Sampson, and Northampton Counties. The plan should:

1. Ensure that areas with dust are completely enclosed.
2. Ensure that wood piles are completely covered. Wood piles must be covered at the facility and on transportation vehicles.
3. Increase the use of water sprays to control dust.
4. Order that trucks entering or exiting the facility be completely covered, and
5. Ensure compliance of these requirements. This includes enforcing:
   • Monitoring
   • Recordkeeping
   • Reporting

Enviva is the world’s largest producer of wood pellets. Enviva has profited on a misleading “renewable energy” designation. Yet they are anything but clean and green. Enviva’s pellet mills harm air quality. Their sourcing degrades Southeastern forests. Burning wood pellets emits more carbon than coal to supply energy markets overseas.

DAQ must hold bad neighbors like Enviva responsible.

I appreciate your leadership and action on this issue.

Thank you.