Weyerhaeuser Company Scraps Plans for Coastal Georgia Plant

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Weyerhaeuser Company has reportedly abandoned plans to set up a log fumigation plant just outside Riceboro in Liberty County. It has decided to withdraw from seeking a state air-quality permit for the planned facility, which would have released high levels of toxic hazardous pollutants into the environment.

The company decided to scrap the plan following opposition from local residents and leaders as well as from various environmental justice organizations. It conceded that it had lacked adequate transparency in planning for the project. It should have engaged with local community and addressed their concerns earlier during the process, said Nancy B. Thompson, Senior Director for Advocacy and Philanthropy in a statement.

However, the company stated that it would have done the fumigation safely and in compliance with all state and federal laws. As per rough estimates, the facility would have sent up to 10 tons of methyl bromide per annum into the air.

Meantime, the environmental groups noted that their opposition to the project was not with regards to its location, but its way of operation. Their objection was against choosing methyl bromide over alternatives and the process chosen for fumigation. The studies conducted by EPA have warned that inhalation of methyl bromide causes severe damage to lungs and nerves.

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