By: Nakya Harris
The Pulp and Paper Industry
“The Savannah River can never be saved,” Tonya Bonitatibus, a Savannah Riverkeeper, paraphrased from the novel “The Water Lords.” The Savannah River is just one waterway that has been affected by the pulp and paper industry. This not only affects the river itself but the well-being of the locals that reside there. It is a river that residents of the community use for drinking water and other everyday occurrences such as bathing and washing clothes.
When it comes to the pulp and paper industry, there are an array of chemicals that are released into the environment. At times, locals may even smell the chemicals that are being released into the air. Some chemicals that are involved in this process are as follows: Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. When hearing about these chemicals that are being released into the air, there may be confusion about how they may affect the environment.
“It all depends on how much of these chemicals are being released into the atmosphere,” Marina Eremeeva, an environmental health sciences professor at Georgia Southern University, said.
Constantly inhaling chemicals that are released regularly or at an alarming rate can break down a human body over time. Residents who are living in an area that has a pulp and paper mill may experience diseases such as cancer, lung disease and even develop asthma.
Eremeeva mentions that these chemicals can have an impact on the mental conditions and behavior of particularly children and teens. The nervous systems of these age groups are still being developed, so living in proximity to the mill plant will impact them psychologically. Some may develop a more aggressive personality.
Not only are chemicals being released into the atmosphere, but wastewater pollutants are another major concern. The contaminated water that is being dumped into a waterway, such as a river, impacts a community that uses it as a source of everyday life. Furthermore, contaminated water affects aquatic life.
Eremeeva explains that the levels that are being released into the environment may never be deemed environmentally friendly because it is too expensive to do so.
Even though the amount of wastewater and chemicals that are being released into the atmosphere are being monitored by decision-makers, are communities still being affected by their definition of being environmentally friendly?
A look into Coastal Georgia: The Savannah River
“The Savannah River is a drinking source for 1.4 million people,” Tonya Bonitatibus director and Riverkeeper at Savannah Riverkeeper, said.
The Savannah Riverkeeper’s job is to make sure that decision-makers are aware of and take into consideration the impact the decisions have on the river and the people that rely on it. Also, they are constantly working with the mills to let them know if their process becomes an issue for the river. For example, a spill beyond the normal discharge.
“Our job is to be rabid dogs to make sure decision-makers are doing something,” Bonitatisbus said.
Savannah, Georgia is home to several paper mills. Many of them are owned by International Paper Company.
“The paper mills are going to want to do what they want to do,” Bonitatisbus said. “The more they pollute, the less they have to clean up and the more money they make. Bottom line.”
International Paper Company was contacted to get their take on how they are dealing with being environmentally friendly, considering the condition of the river today. However, there was no response. According to their website, they are using the best science to enhance climate impact and improve water stewardship.
Even though this is stated on their website, Bonitatisbus mentions that fishermen are often expressing their concerns about the river. Savannah Riverkeepers receive calls about once a month about the condition of the river. Also, she mentions the pulp and paper process visibly changes the color of the river.
Is it true that the Savannah River can never be saved?