Notice of Public Hearing: Weyerhaeuser – Raymond Lumbermill permit

Description:

Weyerhaeuser NR Company Raymond Lumbermill (Weyerhaeuser) seeks approval from Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) to install a direct-fired continuous dry kiln (CDK) rated at 310 million board feet/year (MMbf/yr), five (5) truck bins, a baghouse, and relocate two existing cyclones at 51 Ellis Street, Raymond, Washington. The new and relocated equipment will replace eight (8) existing batch kilns, a hog fuel boiler, and truck bins.

Weyerhaeuser’s proposal will result in Toxic Air Pollutant (TAP) emissions at rates that triggered a “Second Tier” Health Impact Review by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) to evaluate possible human health risks. Ecology completed this review and recommends approval of Weyerhaeuser’s proposal because project-related health risks are permissible under WAC 173-460-090.

PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATION: ORCAA staff reviewed Weyerhaeuser’s application and concluded that the proposal will not jeopardize ambient air quality and meets criteria for approving new air pollution sources in Washington. Based on these conclusions, ORCAA’s preliminary determination is to conditionally approve Weyerhaeuser’s air permit application. Recommended conditions of approval are detailed in ORCAA’s Preliminary Determination (see availability details below).

DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY: Copies of ORCAA’s Preliminary Determination, Weyerhaeuser’s NOC application and other related documents are on file and available for review at the Raymond Timberland Library, 507 Duryea Street, Raymond, WA 98577, and at ORCAA’s Olympia office. The documents are also available on the webpage below. If you need assistance, please call ORCAA’s office at: (360) 539-7610.

PUBLIC HEARING: ORCAA invites the public to submit written comments on the Preliminary Determination to conditionally approve an air permit application for Weyerhaeuser to modify their lumbermill in Raymond, Washington. ORCAA will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. on Wednesday May 1, 2024, to gather testimony regarding air quality issues associated with Weyerhaeuser’s proposal. The hearing will be conducted at our Olympia office and remote participation will also be available via Zoom. Attendees must pre- register here for the online hearing, The Zoom meeting details will be provided via email after registration.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Comments on this case should pertain to air quality concerns with the proposed facility and may be submitted to ORCAA in writing during the public comment period. Comments may be mailed to ORCAA at the address above or emailed to aaron.manley@orcaa.org. Oral and written comments will also be accepted during the public hearing. ORCAA must receive all comments by 4:30 p.m. on May 1, 2024. All comments and testimony received during the public comment period will be considered in making a Final Determination. ORCAA’s Final Determination and responses to all comments will be provided to all persons and entities who submitted comments during the public comment period.