Purpose of notice: To seek public comment on a draft permit from the Department of Environmental Quality to limit air pollution emitted by a facility in Richmond City, Virginia.
Public comment period: November 20 to December 20, 2024
Permit name: Federal Operating Permit issued by DEQ, pursuant to applicable air laws and regulations.
Applicant name and address: Altria Group Inc – Bells Rd Complex; 2325 Bells Road, Richmond, VA 23234.
Facility name, address and registration number: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co; 2303 Bells Road, Richmond, VA 23234; Registration #52609
Project description: Altria Group – Bells Rd Complex has applied for a renewal of the permit for U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. The facility is located west of the James River off the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The facility is classified as a major source of air pollution. The proposed change in emissions would be reduced due to the removal of the smokeless tobacco pouch packaging process (STPP). The permit renewal would allow the source to operate the moist smokeless tobacco-leaf-free pouch packaging process (MSTLFPPP) under the Title V permit.
HOW TO COMMENT AND/OR REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING: DEQ accepts comments and requests for public hearing by hand-delivery, e-mail, or postal mail. All comments and requests must be in writing and be received by DEQ during the comment period. Submittals must include the names, mailing addresses or email addresses of the commenter/requester and of all persons represented by the commenter/requester. A request for public hearing must also include: 1) The reason why a public hearing is requested. 2) A brief, informal statement regarding the nature and extent of the interest of the requester or of those represented by the requestor, including how and to what extent such interest would be directly and adversely affected by the permit. 3) Specific references, where possible, to terms and conditions of the permit with suggested revisions. Please note this draft permit is being concurrently reviewed as a proposed permit by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A public hearing may be held, including another comment period, if public response is significant, based on individual requests for a public hearing, and there are substantial, disputed issues relevant to the permit.
Contact for public comments, document requests and additional information:
Bethany L. Alvarez
DEQ Piedmont Regional Office
4949-A Cox Rd.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: (804) 382-0413
E-mail: bethany.alvarez@deq.virginia.gov
The public may review the draft permit and application at the DEQ office named above, may request copies of the documents from the contact person listed above, or may download copies of the draft permit and statement of basis from the links below.
US Smokeless Tobacco - Draft Permit
US Smokeless Tobacco - Draft Statement of Basis
