An Arkansas paper mill would pay a $600,000 fine and spend about $4.7 million on environmental projects and plant upgrades to reduce air pollution under terms of a proposed settlement.
The proposal with Georgia-Pacific in Crossett was filed in federal court in Little Rock by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. It comes after inspectors found leaks and flaws in the company’s management of pollutants that produced a “rotten egg” type odor that’s blamed by residents for breathing problems and other health issues.
Crossett resident Sylvia Howard told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that the settlement is a start, but doesn’t help people already suffering health issues.
Georgia-Pacific does not admit liability. The proposal notes that it avoids continued litigation.
There is a 30-day public comment period before a judge considers approving the plan.
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