Stink In Brunswick: What's Rotting In Georgia?

If you're in Brunswick, Georgia, you might be wondering: what's that awful smell? Residents have described the stench as sewage and rotten eggs, dead shrimp and sauerkraut. The source of the smell has been a mystery for years, with some speculating that it comes from an industrial plant nearby. There are several companies with large-scale operations in the area, including Georgia-Pacific, which operates a huge cellulose plant in the city. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has received hundreds of complaints and is investigating the issue.

The Georgia-Pacific plant as a possible source of the stench

The Georgia-Pacific plant has been identified as a possible source of the stench emanating from Brunswick, Georgia. The plant, located northeast of the city, has been operating a large cellulose plant in the area for over 75 years. While the exact source of the odour remains a mystery, with residents comparing it to rotten eggs, sewage, and garbage, there is speculation that the Georgia-Pacific plant could be a contributor.

The Glynn Environmental Coalition, a local environmental nonprofit, conducted a study in partnership with the University of Georgia to investigate the source of the odour. Their research pointed to the Georgia-Pacific Cellulose facility, which is located within a one-mile radius of the majority of the odour complaints. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's investigation also suggested that the odour likely came from within a one-mile buffer zone surrounding the plant and the Academy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Spanline Dixon, a resident of Brunswick, described an incident where she experienced a strong chemical odour that affected her respiratory system. She filed an official air quality complaint, and her story is similar to many others who have reported symptoms such as coughing, throat and nose irritation, rashes, and difficulty breathing.

Georgia-Pacific, however, denies any wrongdoing and states that their Brunswick facility is closely regulated. They claim that their air emissions are permitted and regulated under the EPA and state programs designed to protect people and the environment. The company also mentioned that they are working with the state to address the concerns and have facilitated on-site inspections and reviews of air emissions data.

While the exact source of the stench in Brunswick remains a mystery, the Georgia-Pacific plant is considered a probable contributor by many residents and investigators. The impact of the odour on the community's health and quality of life is undeniable, and further investigations and actions are needed to identify and mitigate the source of the problem.

The wastewater facility and paper mill

The city of Brunswick, Georgia, is home to a wastewater facility and a paper mill, both of which have been identified as sources of a persistent foul odour in the community. Residents have described the smell as resembling rotten eggs and sewage, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources receiving hundreds of complaints.

The wastewater facility in Brunswick is operated by the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission (BGJWSC). The sanitary sewer system includes three wastewater treatment plants located at Academy Creek in Brunswick, near I-95 Exit 29 in Glynn County, and on St. Simons Island. Each plant has its own sewer collection system, which operates using the gravity flow method. The sewer systems serve 90% of the area within the city limits and 35% of the county. The BGJWSC is committed to providing environmentally responsible wastewater treatment and maintains compliance with regulations through its comprehensive asset management program.

The paper mill in Brunswick, known as the Brunswick Pulp Mill, is owned by Georgia-Pacific and operated by GP Cellulose. It is one of the largest paper plants in the United States and a major producer of cellulose, specifically fluff pulp, which is used in absorbent hygiene products like diapers. The mill employs around 600 people and processes 1,000 truckloads of yellow pines per day, reducing the logs to chips and using water to cook them into fibre.

The mill's operations have historically placed a significant strain on water resources, particularly groundwater, in the Brunswick area. However, in recent years, GP Cellulose has invested in new equipment and technology to reduce water usage and improve efficiency. This has resulted in a decrease in water withdrawals from the Floridan Aquifer, reducing the risk of environmental harm and easing pressure on drinking water supplies for Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida. The mill is now in compliance with Georgia's environmental regulations for groundwater and surface water use, as well as wastewater treatment standards.

While the wastewater facility and paper mill have been identified as sources of the odour problem in Brunswick, Georgia, steps are being taken to mitigate their environmental impact and improve the quality of life for residents in the community.

The mystery behind the source of the foul-smelling odour

For years, residents of Brunswick, Georgia, have been puzzled by a persistent foul odour that has permeated their community. The smell, likened to rotten eggs, sewage, and garbage, has become a familiar nuisance, with residents wondering about its source. While it has always been a mystery, the intensity of the odour has increased, raising concerns about environmental, public health, and mental health issues.

The source of the odour has confounded even longtime residents, who have noticed that its prominence varies depending on the side of town. The mystery has prompted residents and advocates to seek answers, with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division receiving dozens of odour complaints. Some residents have reported physical symptoms such as coughing, skin and throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. The odour has been so severe that some have even called 911, concerned about their well-being.

Speculation has centred on industrial plants in the area, with several companies operating large-scale facilities nearby. Among them are Georgia-Pacific, Pinova, and Symrise, which hold permits under the Clean Air Act due to their potential for significant air pollutant emissions. However, no single source has been conclusively identified, and companies have denied responsibility, citing their compliance with regulations.

The Glynn Environmental Coalition, a local environmental nonprofit, has been actively investigating the issue. They partnered with the University of Georgia to analyse complaints, taking into account factors such as location, date, time, weather, wind speed, and direction. Their findings pointed to the GP Cellulose facility as a potential source, but the company stated that their data did not indicate any irregularities in emissions.

The mystery of the foul odour in Brunswick remains unsolved, and regulators are still working to identify the source. The complexity of the issue underscores the importance of community monitoring and advocacy to address air pollution and its impact on public health, especially in minority communities that have historically been targeted by industrial polluters.

Air quality complaints and health concerns

The air quality in Brunswick, Georgia, has been a persistent issue for residents, with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division receiving dozens of odor complaints. People have reported a range of symptoms, including coughing, throat and skin irritation, rashes, difficulty breathing, nausea, and disorientation. The smell has been described as "sewage-like" and similar to "rotten eggs," "sauerkraut," and "dead shrimp."

The source of the odor has puzzled residents and advocates alike, with speculation pointing towards industrial plants in the area. Brunswick is home to several large-scale operations, including Georgia-Pacific, Pinova, and Symrise, which hold permits under the Clean Air Act. These companies operate in close proximity to residential areas, with some residents living within a one-mile radius of these industrial sites.

The Glynn Environmental Coalition, a local environmental nonprofit, has played an active role in addressing the air quality concerns. They have encouraged residents to file official complaints and partnered with researchers from the University of Georgia to analyze the complaints and determine the source of the odor. Their research pointed to the GP Cellulose facility as a potential source.

GP Cellulose, a subsidiary of Georgia-Pacific, acknowledged the possibility of their contribution to the odor, stating that their proximity to the complaint locations and meteorological data could be factors. The company also has a history of non-compliance with the Clean Air Act, incurring violations for emissions of toxic chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide. Over time, exposure to these chemicals can have severe health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, respiratory issues, cancer, and adverse birth outcomes.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has also conducted investigations, utilizing methods such as onsite inspections, modeling, weather data analysis, and odor complaint mapping. However, they have faced challenges in definitively determining the source of the odor due to the complex nature of tracking odors.

The air quality issues in Brunswick highlight the need for comprehensive monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations. The situation has raised concerns about the potential impact of industrial pollution on the health and well-being of residents, especially those from minority communities, who are disproportionately affected by the proximity of industrial sites.

To address these concerns, the Glynn Environmental Coalition is advocating for additional air quality monitoring and working with city officials and local industries to resolve community concerns. They are also developing an "air quality toolbox," which will include resources to make it easier for community members to submit complaints and access information.

Industrial pollution and hazardous waste sites

Brunswick, Georgia, is home to several industrial operations, including a wastewater facility, a paper mill, a pulp mill, a resin manufacturer, and a power plant. These facilities have been the subject of numerous complaints from residents about foul odours and air quality concerns.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and local advocacy groups, such as the Glynn Environmental Coalition, have received hundreds of complaints about unpleasant odours and air quality issues in Brunswick. Residents have described the smell as rotten eggs, sewage, and garbage. The source of these odours is believed to be the industrial facilities in the area, with companies such as Georgia-Pacific, Pinova, and Symrise being mentioned in complaints.

One particular incident on January 17 prompted a wave of complaints and even a 911 call from a resident, Spanline Dixon, who experienced respiratory issues and nausea due to the strong chemical odour. Between December 2020 and May 2021, the EPD received 170 air quality complaints, with people reporting symptoms such as coughing, throat and nose irritation, rashes, and difficulty breathing.

Brunswick is also home to four Superfund sites, which are some of the most hazardous waste sites in the nation. One such site is the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site, which operated from 1919 to 1994 as an oil refinery, power plant, and chlor-alkali facility. This site has contaminated over 700 acres of salt marsh habitat, impacting natural resources and prompting fish and shellfish consumption advisories due to elevated levels of mercury and PCBs.

The EPD and local advocacy groups are working to address the air quality and hazardous waste issues in Brunswick. The EPD has conducted inspections and investigations, while groups like the Glynn Environmental Coalition are advocating for better regulations and monitoring of air pollutants to protect the health and safety of the community.

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