AQ_GEN_PIO_20250207_MISC_PressRls

Feb. 7, 2025
DEQ Issues Air Quality Permit Modification to International Paper –
Riegelwood Mill for Emission Reductions
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air
Quality (DAQ) has issued a modified air quality permit to International Paper –
Riegelwood Mill in Columbus County.
International Paper operates a pulp and paper mill at the Riegelwood site that holds a
major-source Title V air quality permit subject to the Prevention of Significant
Deterioration permitting program. The modification of its Title V permit allows for a
reconfiguration at the mill that will significantly reduce emissions of air pollution,
particularly volatile organic compounds and sulfur dioxide.
In 2023, International Paper reduced production at the site and shut down one of its two
pulp dryers and associated equipment. The reconfiguration allows the remaining pulp
dryer to accommodate 1,400 tons of finished pulp a day.
Additionally, International Paper will reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned in its
boiler, using additional biomass as a fuel in its place. While this would increase
emissions of carbon monoxide from this unit, the project is expected to reduce facility-
wide emissions of most pollutants, including carbon monoxide.
DAQ reviewed an analysis of the facility’s carbon monoxide emissions that
demonstrated the revisions are not expected to cause an exceedance of federal air
quality standards. DAQ also reviewed air toxics dispersion modeling which
demonstrated that no toxic air pollutant from the mill is expected to cause an
exceedance of health-based limits.
The final permit includes conditions that ensure ambient levels of all pollutants emitted
by the facility beyond the facility’s fence line comply with emission standards, including
applicable health-based standards. The facility will also be subject to recordkeeping and
reporting requirements and regular inspections.
Copies of the final permit, final permit review, permit application, final environmental
justice report, and a one-page project fact sheet are available online.
If you need this information in Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, or another language, call
919-707-8446 or email [e-mail].
Si necesita esta información en español por favor llame al 919-707-8446 o mande un
correo a [e-mail].
Nếu quý vị cần thông tin này bằng Tiếng Việt, hãy gọi 919-707-8446 hoặc gửi email tới
[e-mail].
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa wikang Tagalog, tumawag sa numerong 919-
707-8446 o magpadala ng elektronikong liham sa [e-mail].

For More Information
Contact: Shawn Taylor
Phone: [phone]