KINGSPORT — Domtar’s odor mitigation efforts are one step closer to becoming a reality after management gave its final approval for the installation of an anaerobic digester.
The anaerobic digester treatment system would be located at the Kingsport Packaging Mill, according to a release shared Thursday, and it would be a “long-term solution to better manage and efficiently treat wastewater while significantly reducing potential odors from the facility.â€
“Receiving the final approval from senior leadership is a major milestone for us and, more importantly, for our community,†Troy Wilson, manager of the Kingsport Mill, said in the release. “We are committed to being responsible corporate neighbors.â€
Construction of the new wastewater treatment system is slated for later this year, pending the approval of the required permits from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, as well as the city.
Domtar obtained $60 million in tax exempt municipal bonds from the state in December 2024, which is said in the release to cover a “significant portion†of the project.
“This new wastewater treatment system was a complex design effort that is using the best available technology for the mill’s wastewater characteristics and site layouts,†Steve Henry, president of paper and packaging, said in the release. “We are confident this investment will provide long-term, sustainability benefits to the mill, community and our customers by lowering our environmental footprint and enhancing our reputation in the Kingsport community.â€
Domtar announced plans to develop a long-term odor mitigation solution in July 2024 and has provided regular in-person updates to the Kingsport Economic Development Board on the progress of the progress and other short-term odor mitigation efforts.
The mill used chemical oxidants to treat water in the current system, installed a mobile clarifier and began dredging the lagoon to remove some of the settled solids. At the February KEDB meeting, Wilson said that 6,000 wet tons were removed from the lagoon area during the dredging process.
Start-up of the new wastewater treatment system is expected by the first or second quarter of 2026, Domtar officials reported at the meeting.
