EPA Approves Virginia Mill's Cleaner Air Overhaul
Published Date: 4/17/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Virginia’s updated air pollution rules for the GP Big Island pulp and paper mill. This change means the mill must keep its air cleaner by limiting stuff that makes it hard to see. The new rules kick in on May 18, 2026, helping protect the environment without adding extra costs for the company or community.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lowered emission limits at Big Island
The EPA approved lower permitted emission limits for the Number 5 Power Boiler at the GP Big Island pulp and paper mill, effective May 18, 2026. Annual limits were lowered to PM10 = 88.9 TPY (from 103.9 TPY), SO2 = 104.7 TPY (from 374 TPY), and NOX = 529.9 TPY (from 610.1 TPY); hourly limits were lowered to PM10 = 20.3 lbs/hr (from 23.7 lbs/hr), SO2 = 23.9 lbs/hr (from 485.1 lbs/hr), and NOX = 121.0 lbs/hr (from 139.3 lbs/hr).
Coal-related permit conditions removed
The approved SIP revision removes permit conditions that limited coal sulfur content and limited the percentage of annual capacity when firing coal at the Number 5 Power Boiler. This change is part of the December 12, 2022 amended BART permit now incorporated into the Virginia SIP as of May 18, 2026.
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