Lawsuit Filed Against Drax Over Toxic Emissions from Mississippi Wood-Pellet Mill
Residents of Gloster, Mississippi, have filed a lawsuit against energy company Drax, alleging exposure to hazardous pollutants from the Amite Bioenergy wood-pellet mill, which opened in 2014. The mill produces billions of wood pellets annually, primarily for export to the UK and Europe, contributing to a surge in US pellet exports from 2 million tons in 2012 to approximately 10.5 million tons in 2023.
Research by Brown University identified elevated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) around the mill, including spikes during nighttime, raising concerns about health impacts on nearby residents and a local daycare center. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) fined Drax $2.5 million in 2020 for emissions exceeding permitted limits, while Louisiana authorities settled with the company for $3.2 million in 2022. In total, Drax has faced about $6 million in penalties over four years.
In 2024, the MDEQ initially denied Drax permission to increase emissions. However, in October 2025, the agency reversed its decision, allowing the mill to become a major source of hazardous air pollutants. This reversal prompted the current lawsuit. The Gloster mill is located near sensitive community areas, including a mobile home park and a daycare center, heightening concerns over the impact on children and residents.
Residents also report ongoing noise and dust from the mill and associated truck traffic, with studies showing noise levels reaching around 70 decibels, potentially exceeding typical background levels. Drax states it complies with noise guidelines and employs insulation measures.
Drax operates three large mills in Louisiana and Mississippi, employing about 70–80 people at each site. However, only around 15% of employees at the Gloster facility reside in the town, which has seen a population decline of over 20% since 2000. The company has expanded operations regionally, including a mill in Alabama and its North American headquarters in Monroe, Louisiana. Drax reported profits of approximately $1.3 billion in 2023 and about $1.4 billion in 2024.
