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Hydrogen Sulfide exemptions for pulp and paper mills


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LETTERS NEEDED BY MID-MAY 2004

UPDATE: The NC Rules Review Commission (RRC) received more than 10 letters objecting to the H2S exemptions for pulp and paper mills, thus sending the issue to the NC General Assembly. On June 17, 2004, industry lawyers argued that the RCC should rescind the approval of the new H2S AALs because the new rules should be considered as a "package". The RRC obliged and rescinded the new H2S rules. Discussions are underway . . . stay tuned. Thank you for your letters.

Write the NC Rules Review Commission to ask them to oppose NC Environmental Management Commission’s exemption for Paper Mills from Hydrogen Sulfide Air Emissions Limits

Background: The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission has exempted one of the largest sources of hydrogen sulfide emissions -- the waste ponds at paper mills. The commission, by an 11-5 vote, granted paper mills a permanent free pass from having to control the hydrogen sulfide fumes that rise off the treatment ponds and give the air a distinctive rotten egg smell. Hydrogen sulfide, H2S, is formed by the breakdown of organic materials and is typically found near agricultural locations, waste treatment plants and industrial sites. It is a known carcinogen and neurotoxin, and can cause developmental and reproductive harm to animals.

More info: http://www.bredl.org/air/H2S.html

Please send letters (see sample letter below map) as soon as possible to:

Rules Review Commission
1307 Glenwood Ave., Suite 159
Raleigh, NC 27605

OR Fax to 919-733-9415

Also, please send copies to:

Thomas C. Allen
Division of Air Quality
1641 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1641

BREDL
PO Box 88
Glendale Springs, NC 28629
or email to BREDL@skybest.com

NC Pulp and Paper Mills

Sample letter


If you live near one of the North Carolina pulp and paper mills, please add that to your letter.

Rules Review Commission
1307 Glenwood Ave., Suite 159
Raleigh, NC 27605



In accordance with G.S. 150B-21.3(b2), I object to the Environmental Management Commission's permanent rules regarding the exemption of wastewater treatment systems at pulp and paper mills from the toxic air pollutant procedures as they relate to hydrogen sulfide and the levels set in the rules. These rules are found in 15A NCAC 02Q .0702, 15A NCAC 02Q.0711, and 15A NCAC 02Q .0714.

The NC EMC wastewater pond decision exempts 90 percent of hydrogen sulfide emissions from paper mills. It is unfair that the largest sources of hydrogen sulfide, a chronic toxicant and acute systemic toxicant, are exempted from the regulation of air pollutants.

I respectfully request that you deny the exemption of wastewater treatment systems at pulp and paper mills from the toxic air pollutant procedures as they relate to hydrogen sulfide and the levels set in the rules.

Sincerely,

more info:

Hydrogen sulfide

Dec. 15, 2003: BREDL additional comments on NC DAQ rulemaking for Hydrogen Sulfide limits.

Oct. 20, 2003: Factsheet: Hydrogen Sulfide - The Human Health Effect of a Toxic Pollutant.