Wood pellets have become a popular source of energy for heating and grilling due to their highly flammable nature. However, this characteristic has also led to dangerous work conditions, with numerous fires and explosions occurring at wood pellet facilities across the United States. Since 2010, there have been at least 52 incidents of fires at these facilities, highlighting the risks associated with manufacturing wood pellets.
One of the largest biomass companies in the world, Drax, has also faced its share of accidents and incidents. In locations like South Shields, UK, and Port Allen, Louisiana, fires have broken out at Drax wood pellet facilities, raising concerns about the safety of the company’s operations.
Despite these challenges, Drax is moving forward with a new business proposal that involves cutting down trees in North America to produce wood pellets as a replacement for fossil fuels. In October 2023, Drax’s partner organization, Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR), acquired land in California to build two pellet mills. The proposed mills aim to mitigate wildfire risks by using wood pellets as a form of fuel.
However, local residents in Tuolumne and Lassen counties, where the mills are to be built, have raised concerns about the potential impact of manufacturing wood pellets in forested areas. They fear that thinning the forests to produce pellets could increase the risk of fires in their communities. Despite GSNR’s assurances that the design features of the mills can mitigate fire risks, residents remain skeptical about the company’s plans.
Drax formalized its partnership with GSNR in January 2024 through a memorandum of understanding. The company subsequently announced the creation of a new subsidiary called Elimini to focus on carbon removal in the United States. Before building the mills, GSNR and Elimini are working on securing a plan for transporting the wood pellets. GSNR plans to construct a facility in Stockton to export the pellets overseas, highlighting the global reach of the wood pellet industry.
As the debate over the safety and sustainability of wood pellet production continues, it is essential for all stakeholders, including residents, companies, and environmental organizations, to work together to address the challenges and risks associated with this growing industry. The proposed plan by Drax to build a transport facility in Stockton has faced strong opposition from the community-led group, Little Manilla Rising. The group, consisting mostly of south-Stockton residents, is concerned about the potential risks associated with Drax’s track record of fires, explosions, and fugitive wood dust emissions. Gloria Alonso Cruz, the environmental justice coordinator with Little Manila Rising, believes that the community’s voice should not go unheard and is determined to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
Drax has not yet made a decision on the potential end market or any future arrangement with GSNR, the company that owns the proposed facility. The draft environmental impact report indicates that Europe and Asia are the intended end markets for the wood pellets. However, recent evidence has raised concerns about the environmental impact of burning U.S.-sourced wood pellets, with studies suggesting that it could lead to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
To move forward with their plans, GSNR needs approval from the Port of Stockton. The port’s director, Kirk DeJesus, has stated that they are waiting for the completion of the environmental impact report before signing any agreement. GSNR released the Draft Environmental Impact Report in October 2024, initiating a 90-day review period for public comments and feedback.
In their Draft Environmental Impact Report, GSNR anticipates treating approximately 85,779 acres of forested land annually through their Biomass Only Thinning Projects. However, critics like climate scientist Dominick DellaSala have raised concerns about the potential ecological impacts of such projects. DellaSala argues that the focus on fire-thinning has overlooked the broader ecological and climate impacts of logging operations.
Campaigners have pointed to instances in other markets where Drax and its subsidiaries have sourced wood from clear-cut primary forests, leading to significant environmental damage. Reports have shown that healthy trees are being cut down to make wood pellets, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of such practices. Additionally, the removal of large trees can have adverse effects on forest ecosystems, including increased fire risks due to changes in wind patterns.
Overall, the opposition to Drax’s proposed transport facility in Stockton highlights the complex environmental, social, and economic considerations involved in the production and use of wood pellets. As the debate continues, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in a transparent and informed dialogue to address the concerns raised by community members and environmental advocates. The presence of pellet mills in forests has raised concerns among residents due to the risk of fires. These mills, known for producing piles of combustible dust, are built in clearings within forests to facilitate the delivery of woody fuel. Despite assurances from GSNR about following strict fire protocols, the proximity of the mills to the forest has left some residents uneasy. There is a growing fear that the wildfire treatment plan intended to reduce fire risks may actually increase the likelihood of fast-moving, wind-spread fires in the area.
The involvement of Drax, a company with a questionable track record, has only added to the residents’ apprehensions. In August 2024, the UK energy regulator Ofgem imposed a hefty $25 million fine on Drax for misreporting sustainability data. Additionally, reports from Land and Climate Review revealed that Drax had violated U.S. environmental rules over 11,000 times, raising further red flags about the company’s practices.
The mounting concerns have sparked widespread opposition to the wood-pellet proposal, with 185 organizations urging California to reject it. Residents like Orth from Tuolumne County have criticized Drax and GSNR for what they perceive as “greenwashing,” or presenting an environmentally friendly image while engaging in practices that harm the environment.
In light of these developments, it is evident that the forest’s over-ventilation due to the presence of pellet mills poses a significant fire risk. Residents and environmental advocates are calling for greater scrutiny and accountability to protect the forest and surrounding communities from the potential consequences of these operations.
