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Troy Wilson, Kingsport mill manager, and Brian Kozlowski, Domtar’s environmental and sustainability director, shared a presentation on short, middle and long-term solutions to the odor issues.

Wilson said that Domtar has sped up the three-stage capital project process, with approval from company leadership. He said Domtar is looking at an 18-month timeline to provide a long-term solution, which requires getting air and water permits and purchasing the necessary equipment.

“Since we last met, we’ve advanced the engineering to move our timeline forward,� said Wilson. “At the last meeting we talked about a timeline, it was 18 to 24 months. We’re going to talk about an 18-month timeline now. Now this could shrink some as we move along, too, but we’re getting into that phase of the planning that will either stretch it or shrink it.�

The project, coined as Project Bandit, includes purchasing an anaerobic digester. Kozlowski explained that the digester would create an enclosed system.

Domtar is going to commit around $1 million to kickstart the project, Wilson said. The company is working with Isomer, based out of South Carolina, as engineers.

Wilson said that in the span of six weeks, the company went from no program in place to committing $1 million to a solution. Based on the current timeline, Wilson said the anaerobic digester would be in place by the last quarter of 2025 with hopes to move that date closer over time.

He said Domtar plans to spend the money on a long-term solution while also working on short-term solutions in the meantime.

Step changes started in May, which started with adding chemicals to the wastewater. These chemicals prevent hydrogen sulfide from forming, which produces the odor.

Domtar will have a mobile water clarifier arrive on site to improve the “overall biological health� of the wastewater system, according to Kozlowski. He said the clarifier will help return some of the biology back to the beginning and create more “soldiers� to treat the wastewater.

Kozlowski said they are planning to work on dredging the settling zone during the cooler months to avoid disruption to outdoor activities, including at Domtar Park. Vendors were on site a couple weeks ago and are scheduled to have bids submitted for dredging by the end of the month.

Board comments

Miles Burdine, president and CEO of the Kingsport Chamber, said the board has been working on a solution for the past year and a half.

Current Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull said he believes Domtar is working in “good faith� on the issue.

“The board is fully aware of the citizens’ concerns, not only regarding the odor, but the trucks that take the wrong route and all those things,� Shull said. “I just want to say simply that we believe that Domtar is working in good faith, and we appreciate their efforts, and we think there will be a solution.�

Chris McCartt, Kingsport city manager, emphasized the impact the odor has had on both residents and business owners. He spoke to the odor being present at last weekend’s Red, White and BOOM! Celebration in downtown that attracted over 20,000 people to the area.

“Glad to see that we have plans for a long-term solution, but 18 months is a long time,� said McCartt. “In 18 months, somebody’s going to decide to buy a house or sell a house. Somebody’s going to decide whether to open a business downtown or to even go to a business that’s within our downtown.�

He stressed the importance of developing a short-term solution.

“Just as much effort that is taking place for a long-term solution, it almost has to be doubled for the short-term solution,� McCartt said. “I can’t stress that to you enough.�

The next KEDB meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 6 in the Eastman Board Room, located at the Kingsport Chamber.