Administrative Watch: Toxic Fumigant Permit Request Withdrawn

Organized citizen opposition to a highly toxic fumigant is paying off in southeastern North Carolina. A second permit request for methyl bromide use in a log preparation operation has been withdrawn, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reported last week.

The permit request was for an annual 140-ton emission of methyl bromide from a facility in Columbus County. The other facility in which expanded use of the chemical had been requested was near Wilmington, where there had also been vigorous public opposition.

Colorless, odorless methyl bromide is so dangerous that the EPA has largely ended its use. DEQ is continuing the development of its own regulations strictly limiting it. There are five facilities in the state where it is used now.

Up next, South Carolina Abandons Costly Nuclear Plant >>

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