The Drax biomass facility in Gloster, Mississippi, will face a public hearing on October 14 as state regulators reconsider the company’s request to raise emissions limits at the plant, reports Bioenergy Insight.
The hearing follows the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board’s denial of Drax’s initial application in April, which sought to reclassify the facility as a “major” source of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Residents of Gloster, a town of around 900 people, have raised concerns that higher emissions could worsen air quality and public health.
Since the April decision, Drax has filed an appeal, prompting the evidentiary hearing in Jackson. Legal experts and environmental advocates are urging the board to uphold the previous ruling, warning that approving the permit could allow the release of additional toxic pollutants, including dust, acrolein, and methanol.
“Drax must be held accountable. Residents will not accept more pollution or health risks in exchange for corporate convenience,” said Allison Brouk, senior attorney at Earthjustice.
The Gloster plant, which produces compressed wood pellets for electricity generation, has faced multiple permit violations and fines over the past decade, including a $2.5 million Clean Air Act penalty in 2021, one of the largest in Mississippi history.
Drax has stated that its new permit applications include enhanced monitoring and controls, and the company is confident it can meet all regulatory requirements. A company spokesperson added that failing to approve the permits could have significant economic consequences for Gloster, Amite County, and the state.
The hearing will allow both Drax and community representatives to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. Meanwhile, environmental justice groups plan a rally in Jackson to support residents, drawing participants from other states affected by industrial biomass operations.
“We want regulators to safeguard our health. We deserve clean air and real protection from pollution,” said Krystal Martin, founder of the community group Greater Greener Gloster.
