Administrative Watch: State Puts Fumigation Permits on Hold
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has put on hold four controversial permits for log fumigation operations while it reviews possible tougher standards for the highly toxic chemical used in that process.
DEQ had previously paused processing of the permits while it reviewed the environmental record of an applicant company. The new hold relates to DEQ’s decision to recommend that the state regulate emissions and ambient environment levels of methyl bromide. If those changes are adopted as public health protective measures, it will affect the current applicants plus some ongoing operations.
DEQ is asking the Environmental Management Commission and the Secretaries’ Scientific Advisory Board to consider the new standards. The decision comes after a strong outcry from residents of potentially affected communities and other environmental justice advocates.
