The TCEQ is publishing a proposed revision to permitting replacing the current permit by rule for sawmills with a new standard permit in the Texas Register on September 14. The standard permit would authorize sawmills with up to 25 million board feet of lumber production in any 12 calendar-month period and kiln drying of lumber; require a setback of equipment and stockpiles from the sawmill property line; and require fire control and prevention measures.

Owners or operators can continue to operate under the existing permit by rule until the facilities are modified. However, owners and operators of facilities that are not modified may register under the new standard permit to ensure that lumber drying operations are authorized. Once the new permit is adopted, authorization under the standard permit will be granted for new facilities or modification of existing facilities. For those facilities that do not qualify for the standard permit, site-specific permitting will remain an option.

A public meeting on the proposed standard permit will be held on October 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Building C, Room 131E, 12100 Park 35 Circle, in Austin. Call the TCEQ's Office of Permitting, Remediation, and Registration, Air Permits Division, at 512-239-1250 for copies of the proposed standard permit for sawmills or go to the TCEQ Web site at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/permitting/air/nav/standard.html.

Comments may also be mailed to Beecher Cameron, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of Permitting, Remediation, and Registration, Air Permits Division, MC 163, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or faxed to 512-239-1070. All comments should reference the standard permit for sawmills. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on October 19. For further information, contact Mr. Cameron at 512-239-1495. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 800-687-4040.