State urges companies to take action on dust problems around Wilmington Port

RALEIGH, NC (WECT) – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is requiring two companies, Enviva Pellets and Basaga International, to take additional dust control measures at facilities near the State Port in Wilmington.

WECT has reported extensively on residents’ concerns about dust from the plants covering their cars, factories and homes. The Air Quality Department has been investigating the complaints and released information on Monday afternoon about the actions needed.

According to an email press release, DAQ has informed Enviva Pellets, LLC that the company must develop a dust control plan for its storage and shipping facility at Turtle Dove Court near the port. The press release states: “DAQ identified this facility as the source of two substantiated complaints about dust emissions“The plan must identify sources of dust emissions at the facility and methods for controlling dust, according to the press release. In addition, DAQ must review and approve the plan before it is implemented.”

The DAQ also asked Basaga International to develop a dust control plan earlier this year after the Woodbine Street wood chipping plant was found to be the cause of numerous dust complaints from residents. The press release states that the DAQ expects to finalize the details of Basaga’s dust control plan in the next few days.

According to the release, North Carolina regulations require a facility to prevent dust from spreading beyond property lines and causing or contributing to significant complaints or excessive dust emissions. DAQ requires a facility to develop and implement a dust control plan after the department observes excessive dust leaving the property line or two dust complaints are substantiated within a 12-month period.

Anyone with concerns about dust emissions from a facility should contact the DAQ regional office serving their county. Complaints can be made to the Wilmington regional office at 910-796-7215.

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