Canton’s paper mill: Air permit review hearing next Tuesday, April 3

The air pollutants that would issue from Progress Energy’s proposed Woodfin power plant are miniscule in comparison with what Canton’s Blue Ridge Paper Products mill belches out on a daily basis. The mill’s Title V air permit is up for review next week. This chance for members of the public to speak their mind directly to state officials responsible for regulating pollution from the plant comes around only once every five years.

According to information from the Toxic Release Inventory, the paper mill released about 3 million pounds of toxic and hazardous chemicals into the air in 2005, including more than 9,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, a respiratory irritant.

The state Division of Air Quality will hold a public hearing about the facility’s Title V air permit on Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the Colonial Theater (53 Park St.) in Canton. Clean Water for North Carolina will hold an informational gathering to help citizens prepare their comments on Monday, April 2, at 7 p.m. Contact CWFNC at 251-1291 for directions.

— Rebecca Bowe, editorial assistant

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.