About This Advisory Group
The Air Permits Division has issued a standard
permit (PDF
file. Help with PDF.) that can be used to authorize air emissions from sawmills. Like the permit by rule which it
replaces, the standard permit would authorize mills with production rates up to 25 million board feet of lumber in a 12-month
period. The new standard permit has significant changes which are intended to increase the usefulness of the authorization
and ensure protection of public health. The standard permit contains provisions for the drying of lumber using boilers or
dry kilns which may use scrap wood as fuel and will be subject to best available control technology. The permit would require
an internal setback requirement of 150 feet for stationary equipment to the site property line. This setback can be increased
for the scrap load point based on the site hardwood production rate. The permit also contains requirements for dust control
and recordkeeping.
Participating in This Stakeholder Group
The Advisory Group on Sawmill Air Authorization is open to the public; anyone who wishes to join may attend the meetings.
We anticipate that the group will include representation from the sawmill industry, consultants associated with the sawmill
industry, environmental groups, public interest groups, and individual citizens.
Upcoming Meetings
There are no meetings scheduled for this advisory group.
Staff Contact
For more information or to suggest topics for meetings, call Beecher Cameron at 512-239-1495 or through our main Air Permits
Division line, 512-239-1250. You may also submit your questions or comments online. Be sure to include "Advisory Group on Sawmill Air
Authorization" in the subject line of your inquiry.
