New Limits on Air Pollution from Plywood and Composite Wood Factories
Official: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Plywood and Composite Wood Products
Reading: The EPA is finalizing stricter maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards with lower emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from plywood and composite wood products facilities.
These updated rules apply to large wood product facilities and lumber kilns nationwide.
In clear language
The EPA is strengthening rules that limit toxic air pollution from plywood and composite wood product manufacturers, including facilities in New Jersey. The new standards set stricter limits on harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and mercury that these factories can release into the air. These updated rules apply to large wood product facilities and lumber kilns nationwide.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Plywood and composite wood product manufacturers in New Jersey
- Lumber kiln operators at major wood-processing facilities
- Communities near wood products factories that may experience improved air quality
- Factory workers exposed to hazardous air pollutants in the workplace
What can you do?
- Check if wood products manufacturers in your area comply with the new emission limits by requesting compliance reports from your state environmental agency
- Report suspected violations of air quality standards to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection
- Review air quality data for your neighborhood through the EPA's AirNow website to track improvements
Timeline
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- Effective: 2026-07-06
- 2026-07-06: Final rule effective date
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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