Notes on Wood Pellet Production Facilities and Environmental Justice in the Southeastern U.S.

Overview of Wood Pellet Production in EJ Communities

• Wood pellets are considered a renewable energy source, especially in efforts to decarbonize energy production.
• Production has detrimental environmental impacts, particularly in air and water quality, disproportionately affecting Environmental Justice (EJ) communities.
• EJ communities defined as counties with poverty rates above the state median and at least 25% nonwhite population.
• Research finds that wood pellet production facilities are 50% more likely to be located in EJ communities in the Southeastern U.S.

Historical Context of Environmental Justice

• Historical targeting of EJ communities for hazardous facilities (coal and gas plants, landfills)
• Similarity of wood pellet facilities to other polluting industries in terms of health impacts

Dangers of Wood Pellet Production

• Wood pellet production process includes logging, transportation, chipping, and bagging, which generates significant emissions.
• Emissions from wood pellet production include:
• Particulate matter
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Nitrogen, sulfur oxides
• Increased rates of respiratory diseases in near populations, especially among vulnerable groups (children, elderly).

Production and Export Context

• Production concentrated mostly in nine Southeastern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
• The U.S. exported 99% of its wood pellets to the EU from Southeastern ports in 2016.
• High demand leading to advancements spending and plant expansion.

Methodology of Research

• Used census data for 793 counties in nine states to analyze demographic information
• Identified 32 significant pellet production facilities, most located in EJ-designated areas
• Chi-squared analysis indicating a strong correlation between the presence of pellet facilities and EJ communities (53% more likely located in these communities).

Case Study: Richmond County, North Carolina

• Enviva Pellets planned facility in Hamlet, NC, which is recognized as an EJ community with high poverty and nonwhite population.
• Community concerns about health impacts and lack of public input on site selection illustrate ongoing challenges for EJ in biomass plant siting.

Conclusion

• EJ communities continue to face injustice through the siting of biomass pellet facilities in the Southeastern U.S.
• Need for awareness about the health and environmental effects of such facilities, emphasizing the requirement for equitable treatment of all communities, particularly those economically and racially marginalized.

Key Terms

• Environmental Justice (EJ): Fair treatment based on race, economic status, or location regarding environmental law and policy.
• Woody Biomass: Organic material used for energy that is derived from forestry.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Airborne particles that pose health risks, particularly when derived from burning biomass.