The Drax biomass facility in Gloster, Mississippi in the US, will face a new public hearing this week as state regulators reconsider whether to approve the company’s request to increase emissions limits at the plant.
The hearing, scheduled for 14 October, comes after the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board denied 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 expressed concern that higher emissions could worsen air quality and health problems.
Since the April decision, Drax has filed an appeal, prompting the upcoming evidentiary hearing in Jackson.
Legal experts and environmental advocates have urged the board to uphold the previous ruling, warning that approving the permit could allow the company to release additional toxic pollutants, including dust, acrolein and methanol.
“Drax must be held accountable,” said Allison Brouk, a senior attorney at Earthjustice. “Residents will not accept more pollution or health risks in exchange for corporate convenience.”
The Gloster plant, which produces compressed wood pellets for electricity generation, has faced multiple permit violations and fines in the past decade, including a US $2.5 million (€2.3 million) Clean Air Act penalty in 2021 - one of the largest in Mississippi’s history.
In response, Drax stated that its new permit applications include enhanced monitoring and controls, and that the company is confident it can comply with all regulatory requirements.
A company spokesperson added that failing to approve the permits could have significant economic consequences for Gloster, Amite County and the wider state.
The hearing will allow both the company and community representatives to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
Environmental justice groups are also planning a rally in Jackson to support residents, drawing participants from other states affected by industrial biomass operations.
“We want regulators to safeguard our health,” said Krystal Martin, founder of community group Greater Greener Gloster. “We deserve clean air and real protection from pollution.”
Drax’s Gloster biomass plant faces new permit hearing
