Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) invites the public to submit written comments on the draft Air Operating Permit (AOP) for the Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI-Shelton) lumber mill located at 100 N. Front Street, Shelton.
Project Summary
Public comment is currently being accepted on a draft Air Operating Permit (AOP) revision. The AOP for SPI Shelton is being reopened to correct errors, align permit conditions with applicable requirements revised since the AOP was last issued, add new applicable requirements for recently approved equipment. The permit will be reissued for another five year term. In addition, standard terms and conditions were updated to ORCAA’s standard AOP format.
Permitting Process Information
Copies of the draft AOP, TSD, and the official Public Notice are available for review at the links below (PDF documents). You may also contact ORCAA at (360) 539-7610 for these documents or other records.
Draft Air Operating Permit (AOP) | Draft Technical Support Document (TSD) | Public Notice
How to Comment
Submit comments by mail, fax, or email to:
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency
Attn: Mark Goodin
2940 Limited Lane NW
Olympia, WA 98502
FAX: (360) 491-6308
Email: mark.goodin@orcaa.org
Comments should relate to the adequacy of the draft AOP and TSD in assuring compliance with applicable air quality regulations and standards. Anyone concerned may request a public hearing during the public comment period. The request should include information justifying the need for a public hearing. If the public raises significant interest, ORCAA will hold and provide advanced notice of a public hearing.
All comments are due by 4:30 p.m., September 24, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens after the public comment period ends?
ORCAA will consider and provide responses to all comments received during the comment period. If there is significant public concern, ORCAA will schedule a public hearing and provide 30-days advanced notice. Notice of ORCAA’s final action on the SPI Shelton AOP will be provided to all persons and entities who submitted comments during the public comment period and, in conjunction with the public hearing if one is held.
About the facility:
SPI Shelton produces dimensional, kiln-dried lumber and is located at 100 Front Street in Shelton along the Oakland Bay waterfront. The facility includes a saw mill, planing mill, steam generating plant, log yard, rail loading facilities maintenance shop and offices. The Mill produces kiln-dried dimensional lumber from primarily Douglas Fir and Hemlock logs that are delivered to the Mill via either truck, barge or rail.
What air pollutants are emitted from SPI Shelton?
SPI Shelton has the potential to emit up to 180 tons per year of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and 249 tons of Carbon Monoxide (CO), which are regulated air pollutants subject to National Ambient Air Quality Standards. SPI Shelton also has the potential to emit greater than 10 tons per year of Acetaldehyde, and Methanol, which are Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP). Therefore, the facility is subject to Title V of the federal Clean Air Act and required to operate under an AOP.
Will air pollutant emissions increase as a result of approving this AOP?
No. AOPs take pre-existing air emissions limits and other air-related requirements from multiple origins such as state regulations, federal regulations and construction permit approvals, and organize them under a single permit. AOPs must also establish sufficient monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements to assure continuous compliance with applicable limits and requirements.
How does SPI Shelton assure compliance?
SPI Shelton operates several air pollution control devices to meet air emissions limits and standards including baghouses to control process dust emissions and an electrostatic precipitator to control particulate emissions from their wood fired boiler. SPI Shelton operates continuous monitoring systems to monitor both emissions and air pollution control device performance. All air pollution control means and monitoring systems are explained in the draft TSD for SPI Shelton.
How does ORCAA monitor compliance?
ORCAA monitors compliance by several means, including, but not limited to, inspecting SPI Shelton at least annually, observing air emissions testing, reviewing semi-annual monitoring reports, reviewing continuous emissions monitoring data, and evaluating performance of SPI Shelton’s air pollution control systems. ORCAA is an enforcement agency with authority to issue notices of violation and assess penalties.