Sawmills and Lumber Yards

Sawmills and lumber yards may need different permits depending on the operations performed at the facility.

If you are starting a new business, especially building a new business on undeveloped land, please contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) as additional permits may be needed.

Air Pollution Concerns

The most common air pollutant from sawmills is sawdust. Sometimes the larger sawdust is collected and sold or used in boilers. Finer sawdust, produced from using finer-toothed saws or sanding, can become airborne and considered an air pollutant.

Boilers, emergency engines, or other processes may also emit pollutants. Depending on the potential emissions, TDEC Division of Air Pollution Control (APC) Permits may be needed.

The air emission source may be determined to be an insignificant source of air pollution, but this could only be determined if the information is sent to APC, or delegated county’s air pollution program, usually in the form of a permit application with a request for determination letter.

Water Pollution Concerns

Similarly to air, sawdust is a stormwater pollutant. Sawdust entering into streams and other waterways add suspended solids and lower the oxygen levels in the receiving water, leaving fish and other aquatic life without necessary oxygen to survive.

Tennessee Multi Sector Stormwater Permit (TMSP)

Manufacturers are required to obtain coverage under the Tennessee Multi-Sector Stormwater Permit (TMSP), including timber products facilities. The TMSP requires implementation of Best Management Practices to minimize contact of rainwater with pollutants commonly used in manufacturing, such as sawdust piles and chemicals. A complete permit application includes a Notice of Intent and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

A facility can avoid this permit if measures are taken to eliminate exposure of rainwater to pollutants. A No Exposure Certification must be submitted to TDEC Division of Water Resources in lieu of a TMSP application. A complete notification includes a No Exposure Certification for Exclusion from NPDES Stormwater Permitting form. To find this form, use the link in the last paragraph to go to the TMSP web page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the "Forms" dropdown.