Rayonier Stink Affects Fish, Residents, Tourists, and Tourism Dollars

Complaints from local citizens and tourists of stinky air and catching smelly inedible fish in the Altamaha River near the Rayonier pulp mill in Wayne County near Jesup increased during the summer of 2009.

The Altamaha Riverkeeper is part of the Altamaha River Partnership (ARP), a coalition of state, regional, and local representatives promoting nature based tourism and associated economic development opportunities within 11 counties bordering the Altamaha River.

8-18-09 Chad Crews Holds Nose because this Rayonier fish stinks

The partnership goes to great length and expense to promote the Altamaha as a tourism destination through Local Area Welcome Centers, Departments of Tourism, and Chambers of Commerce. Outreach includes producing and supplying annual Altamaha River calendars and thousands of brochures entitled, Georgia’s Altamaha River - A Canoe Trail Map & Adventure Guide. The brochures attract boaters and kayakers from around the country. Tourists rave about the beautiful trip down the Altamaha until they get in the vicinity of Rayonier. At that point, ARK receives constant complaints from people who say that Rayonier’s foul odor makes them feel nauseous and sick.

Rayonier claims they are not in violation of their consent order from the state Environmental Protection Division and that they are making efforts to reduce the odor of the plant’s discharge into the river. ARK thinks Rayonier’s efforts are unacceptable.

Until Rayonier cleans up its smelly discharge which is interfering with the enjoyment of the river and making the fish unsafe to eat, Rayonier is negatively affecting the environment and economy of all the communities in the area.