EPA Approves Virginia's Cleaner Air Rules for Big Island Mill
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Lowered Boiler Pollution Limits
The EPA approved Virginia’s revised permit that lowers permitted emissions from the Number 5 Power Boiler at the GP Big Island pulp and paper mill in Bedford County, Virginia. Annual limits were lowered from 103.9 TPY to 88.9 TPY for PM10, from 374 TPY to 104.7 TPY for SO2, and from 610.1 TPY to 529.9 TPY for NOX, and hourly limits were lowered (for example PM10 from 23.7 lbs/hr to 20.3 lbs/hr and NOX from 139.3 lbs/hr to 121.0 lbs/hr).
Removal of Coal-Use Permit Conditions
As part of the same SIP revision, Virginia removed permit conditions that limited coal sulfur content and limited the percentage of annual capacity factor when firing coal at the Number 5 Power Boiler. The EPA approved that amended permit into the Virginia SIP effective May 18, 2026.
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