Maine DEP Backs Company’s C&D Wood Burning Plan

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Maine has endorsed a controversial plan from Sappi Fine Paper to burn construction and demolition wood as a fuel source at its Westbrook, Maine, facility, according to a report in the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine).

The DEP has issued a draft order that would allow the mill to substitute the C&D wood for about half of the virgin chips it burns for steam power, according to the report.

According to the order, the facility will have to perform addition emissions tests. The mill has also agreed to having the debris inspected by a third party as it enters the facility.

Sappi first applied for permission to burn C&D wood in 2005. The plan has been met with concern from some residents, who formed a citizens’ group called Westbrook for Clean Air when the application was first made.

However, the company has said that it has the technology available to remove any dangerous materials from the material stream.

The plan still needs final approval from Commissioner David Littell, according to the report. The public commentary period is open until early next week.