WCSC Live 5 News: Future of Georgetown Paper Mill Raises Community Pollution Concerns
- Tiana Maxwell
- May 22
- 2 min read
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCSC) - Community members discuss what the future of the former International Paper Mill site could mean for the neighbors in the area.
The future of the former International Paper Mill that formerly sat along Kaminski Street in Georgetown County is a question community members are discussing.
Leaders in community groups such as the Citizens of Georgetown County and Georgetown United say a potential biomass energy plant may come to the site.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, biomass energy is a renewable energy source that stems from plants and animals. The energy source is a method to create electricity, heating and transportation fuel.
Community leaders are hosting a series of meetings to inform residents about the possible pollution a biomass facility would create in the area. Leaders say the former paper mill left behind pollution in the soil over the nearly 90 years of business.
Former county council member for District 3 and community leader Everett Carolina says the mill created job opportunities in the area over the years, but also lasting health effects from pollution exposure, such as asbestos. He says impacts can be seen with former employees and residents who especially live in the West End community.
“On this street alone, Hawkins Street, over 35 people alone identified from dying from cancer, respiratory ailments,” Carolina says. “My cousin, her father, who worked at the plant for over 40 years, had nasal cancer.”
Environmental organizations such as the Coastal Conservation League and the Sierra Club Beyond Coal are offering their support to clean up pollution and prevent future risks to neighborhoods.
Grandson of Carolina, 16-year-old Garrett Carolina, says the community would have to live with a decision such as a biomass plant that may replace the paper mill site. He says any pollutants that would come from a new energy plant would ultimately flow into the nearby rivers, which later impact the community’s way of living.
“It’ll affect everybody,” Carolina says. “The fish we eat, it’ll affect where we swim, where we’re in our boats, where our dogs will play and where our kids may play. Growing up with that constant flooding and seeing our grass have to change over time with the chemicals that have to get introduced to it is just devastating.”
A third biomass community meeting is set to take place within 30 days at the Howard Auditorium along Hawkins Street. Community leaders say they plan to invite county officials to participate.
