The controversial permit application that if approved would have enabled a timber company to use a highly toxic chemical to treat lumber has been pulled.
Weyerhaeuser had sought state Environmental Protection Division permission to use methyl bromide to fumigate logs at a facility it is building about one mile north of the Interstate 95-Highway 17 interchange. The site also is about five miles south of the center of Riceboro.
Dozens of concerned residents and local and area officials gathered last Monday at Riceboro City Hall to voice their opposition.
“I am elated that Weyerhaeuser has made the decision to withdraw its permit application to use methyl bromide at its lumber treatment facility in Liberty County,” said county commission Chairman Donald Lovette. “When we personally shared our objections to the potential hazards to our environment, future commercial and residential development and to the health and wellness of our citizens and adjacent communities, Weyerhaeuser made the decision to discontinue the development of the facility. Our voices were heard.”
State Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway) also opposed the permit and made his intentions known at last week’s meeting.
“I think there is pretty much a consensus this a no-no for this community,” he said, “and it would be terrible to locate it in this community. Somebody else might want it – but they need to know we don’t.”
In January, county commissioners granted a rezoning for the tract where Weyerhaeuser will put its log treatment facility. The company submitted an expedited air permit application with the state EPD this fall for using methyl bromide.
Methyl bromide, which is known to deplete the ozone layer, is used to control pests in agriculture and shipping, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its production and use has been phased out in the U.S., with exceptions for uses such as quarantine and preshipment.
Methyl bromide is highly toxic, and studies in humans have shown that acute and long-term inhalation of the substance can lead to neurological effects, according to the EPA.
The company issued a statement Monday about its decision to withdraw the application.
“Weyerhaeuser cares deeply about the health and safety of the communities where we operate. Although we believe fumigation would have been done safely and in full compliance with all state and federal laws, as we have demonstrated at multiple other locations, we have decided to withdraw our plans for an export yard operation in Liberty County.
“Weyerhaeuser has a long history of operating in Georgia. We are proud to support local jobs and the region’s thriving forest industry, and we will continue to seek locations for the export yard that benefit local landowners and the broader community. In the meantime, our work on the proposed Jelk's Pasture Planning Area, a separate project in Liberty County, will continue with the goal of creating an important economic development hub in the area.”
An EPD engineer working on the application, however, had not been notified as of Monday afternoon of the company’s decision to withdraw the permit application.