University of Maine students may be familiar with the pungent smell of sulfur, almost rotten eggs, that wafts through campus. It could even make its way into their dorm rooms on windy days. The ND Paper Old Town Mill is the source of the pungent odor.
According to the ND Paper website, the mill was closed in 2015 but reopened in 2018 after being purchased by ND Paper. ND Paper is a subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper Ltd. in China. Bangor Daily News.The mill has been in existence for more than 150 years. It fluctuates between opening and closing, shifting from owner to owner.
Despite the potential revenue and employment opportunities for hundreds of Penobscot County residents, the pungent odors and negative environmental effects outweigh any positives.
ND Paper produces unbleached kraft pulp from softwood at the Old Town Mill. This pulp can be used to make paper, cardboard, or other construction products according to The University of Maine Office of Sustainability. Caustic soda is used to break down wood chips. It also contains sodium sulfide which, along with the gas, mercaptan, creates the familiar rotten egg smell. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mills also produce air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. These pollutants can cause changes in air quality, and can accumulate in waterways through rainfall, causing a variety environmental problems that can be harmful to human health. The University of Maine Office of Sustainability.
The mill’s production and the smell it creates have negative impacts on the environment as well as on residents of the local community. It seems that there is a lack of regulation regarding what NP Paper can be released into the environment.
The argument for stricter regulation was further supported in October 2020 when a spillage of More than 30700 gallonsSeveral dangerous chemicals were released into the Penobscot River from the ND Paper Mill.
Brian Kavanah (director of the Department of Environmental Protections Bureau of Water Quality) spoke out about the negative effects of the spillage. He stated that the substance that leaked into a river was a caustic, salt hydroxide substance which caused a significant rise of that area’s pH. According to the Department of Environmental Protections Bureau of Water Quality, the pH value of water in the area of the leak was around 12, on a scale from 14. Maine Beacon.
According to Kavanah, it appears that the leak caused a fish death as there were 40-50 fish found in the area within a short time.
Old Town is home for approximately 7,395 people from all walks and backgrounds, who are proud to be part of their community. It is also home of the Penobscot River. This river houses many endangered fish that provide food for eagles as well as kingfishers and seals. But this ecosystem is at risk, and so are its residents. ND Paper is polluting the air and water supply with toxic chemicals without significant repercussions.
Maine is one of the most beautiful states in America. With wildlife and greenery covering every square mile, and a proud population, it is a state that is truly breathtaking. However, Maine’s environmental regulations are not prioritized so there is little to be proud of.