Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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Dallas, NC (WNN) - The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) held a public hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Myers Center, located at 700 Rhodes Perimeter Drive in Dallas, to discuss an air quality permit requested by Carolina Lithium.
The hearing began at 6 p.m. and focused on an air quality permit requested by Carolina Lithium (Elevra formally Piedmont Lithium) ELVR for its proposed lithium processing facility on Hephzibah Church Road in Bessemer City. The facility would require a special air quality permit, known as a Title V permit, because it could release large amounts of air pollution. The NCDEQ must also review the project to ensure it meets air quality standards and does not significantly affect the region's air quality.
The public hearing itself focused largely on concerns about the potential effects of Carolina Lithium's proposed facility on air quality, health, impacts on nearby homes, farms, and the surrounding environment. While there were seventeen speakers present, the main concerns addressed are as follows:
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NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
Air Pollution and Public Health: Speakers expressed concern that dust, fine particles, and other emissions could affect residents, children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions.
Effects on Surrounding Farmland: Various farmers expressed concern that air pollution would affect crops, livestock, soil, groundwater, wells, and streams, potentially harming agricultural operations that benefit other areas across the state.
“We all have to eat. Not all have to drive an electric vehicle.”
- Lisa Carpenter Baldwin, Gaston County resident
NC DEQ Elevra Lithium Air Quality Permit Public Hearing - Gaston College - Dallas, NC - October 13, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
Accountability and Lack of Communication: Speakers questioned Carolina Lithium's track record of following through on commitments and communicating with residents. One speaker said the company had not contacted neighbors to identify private drinking wells that were missing from county records. Other speakers urged DEQ to verify the company's claims before moving forward with the permit.
Requests for More Time and Delayed Decision: Multiple speakers asked NCDEQ to extend the public comment period, noting that the hearing had not been widely publicized and that residents needed more time to review the permit application and understand its potential effects. Many urged the department not to issue the permit at this time. Some called for a delay to give NCDEQ time to address residents' concerns and provide more information before making a decision. Elevra officials were at the public hearing but did not speak. No one spoke in support of approving the air quality permit.
WNN asked Elevra - Carolina Lithium officials why the company itself did not publicize the public hearing, and officials stated that the hearing was set by NCDEQ, not by Elevra. NCDEQ's Public Information Officer, Shawn Taylor, also stated that Elevra could have publicized the hearing if it had chosen to do so.
If you were not able to attend the public hearing, comments concerning the permit will be accepted through Friday, October 16, 2026. You can submit your comments at the following locations:
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