Home / Environment / Mill Pollution: River Restoration Aims to Heal Damage
Mill Pollution: River Restoration Aims to Heal Damage
2 Oct
Summary
- Restoration plan targets pollution impacts on Roanoke River's fish and wetlands.
- Plan includes wetland conservation and habitat restoration valued at $1.75 million.
- Public review is underway for the proposed consent decree and restoration measures.
Decades of pollution from a former pulp and paper mill have significantly impacted North Carolina's lower Roanoke River ecosystem. In response, federal and state natural resource trustees have proposed a comprehensive restoration plan to address the long-term damage to fish, wetlands, and other natural resources. This plan is part of a proposed consent decree currently under public review.
The Plymouth Mill, which operated for decades, released hazardous substances like dioxins, furans, and mercury into the environment. This contamination has led to a persistent fish consumption advisory and affected aquatic species. Additionally, water withdrawals by the mill harmed fish populations.
Under the proposed agreement, Domtar Paper Company, the current owner, will fund or execute restoration measures. Key components include protecting approximately 760 acres of forested wetlands at Warren Neck and allocating $1.75 million for floodplain reconnection and habitat improvements.
These initiatives aim to restore historic stream channels, enhance fish passage with improved culverts, and improve over 600 acres of habitat. This follows earlier efforts by Domtar to reduce water withdrawals for cooling purposes. Domtar has also invested at least $5.5 million in remediation efforts since 2011.
The proposed restoration plan is now undergoing a federal public comment process. Agencies will consider public feedback before the settlement and restoration measures are finalized and implemented to protect the vital lower Roanoke River system.
