Press Releases

State Awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants

The state Division of Air Quality has awarded $667,770 in grants for three projects to reduce air pollution from diesel-powered mobile sources through the 2018 Diesel Emission Reduction Grant program.

Air Permit Issued for Enviva Pellets Hamlet, LLC

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued an air permit for the Enviva Pellets Hamlet, LLC facility in Richmond County, which includes added requirements to address concerns of people in the community.  

Air Permit issued for H.F. Lee Coal Ash Beneficiation facility

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has issued an air permit for the coal ash beneficiation project at Duke Energy Progress’s H.F. Lee Steam Electric Plant in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  In response to public comments, the Division of Air Quality staff revised the original draft permit to include additional testing and revised emission information.  

MEMO: DEQ Comments on Proposed Rule to Relax CAFE, CO2 Emissions in Cars, Light Trucks

MEMO

To: Interested Parties

From: Megan Thorpe, Communications Director

Date: October 26, 2018

Public Hearing on draft permit for Enviva Pellets Hamlet facility on Nov. 8

The N.C . Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a public meeting and public hearing on Thursday, November 8, 2018, on a draft permit for Enviva Pellets Hamlet, LLC. 

Emissions inspections to end in 26 counties as of December 1

As of December 1, 2018, vehicle emissions testing will no longer be required in 26 North Carolina counties. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has certified the removal of the counties from the state’s inspection and maintenance program after receiving final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

2018 Diesel Emission Reduction Grants available

The North Carolina Division of Air Quality is accepting proposals to fund clean diesel projects.  More than $694,000 is available for eligible projects through the Mobile Source Diesel Emission Reduction Grant program.  The grants can be used to cover a wide range of projects including repowering non-road construction or agricultural equipment with cleaner burning engines, converting vehicles to run on alternative fuels and repowering a locomotive.  

Public Comment period opens for Roxboro Steam Electric Plant

The N.C. Division of Air Quality will accept public comment on a draft permit for Roxboro Steam Electric Plant from August 22 until September 21, 2018. Duke Energy Progress, LLC has applied for a renewal of Air Quality Title V Operation Permit 01001T54 for the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant at 1700 Dunnaway Road, Semora, Person County, NC.

State submits Volkswagen Settlement Phase 1 Plan

North Carolina has submitted its plan for the state’s $92 million share of a national settlement with Volkswagen for unlawfully cheating on vehicle emissions. The Volkswagen Mitigation Plan details how the state will invest the first 33% of the funds in Phase 1 on projects to significantly reduce NOx emissions and improve air quality.

Division of Air Quality to take action on methyl bromide log fumigation

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is taking comprehensive action on the use of methyl bromide in log fumigation operations. A review of current and proposed facilities, including the Malec Brothers Transport operation in Columbus County, made clear the need for specific state regulations for methyl bromide use.