Feds, state sue Martin County paper company over release of hazardous waste

MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - The feds and state are suing Domtar Paper Company, LLC, alleging releases of hazardous substances injured natural resources.

Filed Wednesday, the state Department of Environmental Quality alleges that Domtar is liable for damages from the loss of natural resources, including the costs of assessing the damage.

The two sides have already agreed to a settlement, but our WITN First Alert Investigates Team dug into the accusations within the lawsuit.

The complaint alleges that Weyerhaeuser Company, a predecessor to Domtar, disposed of untreated waste containing dioxins, furans and mercury, the suit says.

The contaminants, including dioxin, were identified in fish tissue in Welch Creek, the lower Roanoke River and the western portion of Albemarle Sound.

Back in December, state officials issued a modified air quality permit to the Martin County company to increase the amount of annual green logs processed at its woodyard.

Domtar was required to implement best practices due to increased emissions of volatile organic compounds, a press release says.

There’s now a restoration plan in effect to compensate for injuries to fish, aquatic habitat and wildlife caused by the paper mill.

It’s now in the public comment period and includes $1.75 million to support a future floodplain reconnection, wetland protection, and fish passage project. It also includes funding for restoration planning.

Anyone can submit comments through October 16. The contact information is:

Howard Schnabolk National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2234 South Hobson Avenue Charleston, SC 29405  

854-429-2252  

Howard.Schnabolk@noaa.gov

We reached out to Domtar, and they said they won’t be commenting until that comment period ends and a decree is ordered.