Altamaha River must be protected

July 21, 2011
Editorial | The Darien News

The mighty Altamaha River is a huge importance for the life of this com- munity, just as the blood that flows through our veins is essential to our life.

Contamination of the Altamaha can threaten marine life, our estuaries, our food source and recreation. Last week, former Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland sent photos of the discolored discharge that is being pumped into the Altamaha from the Rayonier Pulp Mill pipes in Jesup.

He asked the question, “The Altamaha River belongs to all of us— when are we going to put a stop to this mess?”

Fishermen, hunters and boaters on the river complain of the foul smelling odor from the Rayonier discharge. Fisherman complain the fish caught in the area have a terrible smell.

Three years ago, the Environmental Protection Division gave Rayonier 10 years to clean up half of its color pollution. The Riverkeeper reports that from their observations and monitoring, there doesn’t seem to be any improvement. Now Rayonier has asked for an amendment to that 2008 order to accommodate a change in the company’s product lines.

Altamaha Riverkeeper says it doesn’t like the proposal because it may be more polluting than the current treatment process.

Pollution threatens the health of the Altamaha, which in turn threatens the health of our community and ourselves. There are many people who depend on the river for recreation and as a food source. It provides an economic stimulus for all the towns along the 137-mile corridor.
The Altamaha Riverkeeper is asking citizens to write EPD to encourage the enforcement of its regulations and not delay in requiring Rayonier to clean up its discharge or allow the installa- tion of unproven technology.

For more information, contact Bruce Foisy, acting manager of the Coastal District Office of the Environmental Protection Division, 400 Commerce Center Drive, Brunswick, GA 31523.

WSAV TV news story: Rayonier Discharge Makes Dirty Dozen Rivers List
Rayonier Discharge Makes Dirty Dozen Rivers List
Rayonier acknowledges waste issues
Twelve Rivers Make 'Dirty' List
Altamaha named 2nd-most damaged GA waterway
Rayonier Pulp Mill Discharge Destroys Fisheries - Georgia Water Coalition's Dirty Dozen Report (pdf)
ARK Comments to EPD on Consent Order Amendment
Altamaha Riverkeeper concerned about Rayonier’s request to revise cleanup order
Rayonier Discharge continues to Pollute Altamaha
Your Comments to EPD needed by July 20
Altamaha River must be protected
Altamaha Riverkeeper objecting to Rayonier's plans to change its method of cleaning up discharges
Area fishermen say fish caught near Rayonier stink and are inedible.
Barton: What reeks about rivers
Rayonier Stink Affects Fish, Residents, Tourists, and Tourism Dollar
Rayonier to cut smelly discharges into Altamaha River near Jesup
Rayonier's Request for Amending 2008 Consent Order