Mississippi Community Alarmed After State Raises Pollution Limit for Wood Pellet Plant

Knut Johnson is representing Gloster residents who are filing nuisance and trespass claims related to emissions from the Amite BioEnergy plant. This lawsuit comes after several regulatory actions, including state fines for VOC and hazardous air pollutant emissions, and the plant's recent approval as a "major source," which allows higher emission limits. While air monitoring in the area has shown general pollution levels, it has not yet identified specific chemicals for several hazardous pollutants that environmental advocates are worried about. Residents have reported potential health symptoms, including respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue, which they attribute to long-term exposure to the emissions. There are also concerns about property devaluation and structural damage, with residents noticing increased wear and tear on their homes. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are also looking at ways to improve how toxic air pollutants are tracked and controlled. This issue brings together questions about environmental rules, community health, and changing standards for industrial air emissions.