DEQ Division of Air Quality responds to Sunset Park residents’ concerns about dust pollution

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has issued a statement following community concerns in Sunset Park about dust pollution.

Enviva Biomass has operated a wood pellet manufacturing facility out of the port of Wilmington since 2016. 

Many residents living in Sunset Park say over the years sawdust that is coming off the facility has gotten worse, to the point that they’re finding it blanketing their homes, cars, and pets daily. 

“To date, DAQ has identified one facility, Basaga International – Wilmington Port, as a reoccurring source of off-site fugitive dust. DAQ is working through its enforcement procedures to require Basaga address issues that allow dust to leave its property,” a statement read. “An isolated incident at a second facility, Enviva Pellets, LLC – Wilmington Port, involving damage to a hatch door, produced fugitive dust from this facility for a few days in early January. DAQ has been in communication with Enviva and confirmed repairs to the equipment have been made.”

DAQ says they continue to investigate ongoing complaints of dust in this area and will monitor the facilities in the area which potentially create fugitive dust.