International Paper Facing Lawsiut Over Air Pollution in South Carolina

by Emily Mapp Brannon ebrannon@hsinjurylaw.com

Emily is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

8/19/2009
Emily Mapp Brannon
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International Paper Facing Lawsiut Over Air Pollution in South Carolina

Residents of Georgetown, South Carolina (SC), have filed suit against International Paper, claiming that high levels of toxins from the paper mill IP operates in the town have caused serious health problems.

The Post and Courier is reporting that the people who filed the suit are claiming IP "knew, or should have known, that the facility was releasing hazardous substances, particulate matter, and noxious odors into the environment at a level that was unlawful and at a level that could cause injury to persons and property." The plaintiffs are also accusing IP of underreporting releases of substances from the plant that caused cancer, birth defects, asthma and other illnesses.

This story caught my attention because a Richmond judge just told Dominion Virginia Power that it would need to ensure tighter limits on the amount of mercury-rich ash it released for a coal-fired electricity generation plant Dominion is building in Wise County. I was also reminded of minor corrective actions IP had to take in 2003 to get its Franklin, Virginia (VA), lumber and paper mill into full compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reporting rules.

Millions of tons of harmful pollutants get released from U.S. industrial plants each year. Even one facility not following the rules on limiting or reporting those releases can cause irreparable harm to children, families and entire communities.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border. The firm handles car, truck, railroad, medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton’s lawyers are licensed in VA, NC, SC, WV, DC and KY.

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International Paper Facing Lawsiut Over Air Pollution in South Carolina

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