The Biewer-Wisconsin Sawmill is an automated sawmill located in Prentice, Wisconsin. Plant operations include four lumber drying kilns which are the subject of EPAÂs enforcement action. Heating of the lumber in the kilns causes the wood to release organic compounds that are present in the wood. These emissions which consist mostly of VOCs are exhausted to the atmosphere uncontrolled. According to the information submitted by the company, the kilns emit about 19 lbs/hr and 83 tons/year of VOC.
On May 22, 2008, Biewer voluntarily disclosed to EPA potential violations of the CAA for the facility that were discovered during due diligence activities performed in relation to the renewal of a Title V permit. According to the companyÂs self disclosure, Biewer did not apply for or receive a construction permit prior to installation of the kilns in April/1990, or subsequent operation in May/1990, in violation of Wis. Admin. Code NR 154.04(1). Furthermore, in May/1995 Biewer submitted a renewable operating permit application to the Wisconsin DNR as required under Wis. Adm. Code NR 407 and 40 C.F.R. 70, however, Biewer failed to identify the kilns as a significant source of air pollutant emissions. Consequently, the permit issued by WDNR did not include requirements to measure, monitor and control air pollutants emitted from the kilns, in violation of Wis. Admin. Code NR 407.05(4).
On June 25, 2008, EPA notified Biewer that potential CAA violations discovered during act