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International Paper vows to correct monitoring, excessive airborne pollutants

By CARIE CLELAND

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS 

A long-standing issue at a Bogalusa paper mill, notorious for its persistent odor problems, has led to a $500,000 fine imposed by federal regulators. The fine, accepted by the mill’s owner, International Paper, stems from alleged monitoring failures and elevated sulfur compound emissions, which are responsible for the distinct and unpleasant “rotten egg” smell that often fouls the air around the city.

The settlement, formalized in a “consent agreement and final order” on February 20, 2025, marks the culmination of nearly four years of discussions between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Paper over violations of the U.S. Clean Air Act and state environmental regulations that date back to 2017 and 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, the mill will make several operational changes,

including enhancing inspection processes, providing employee training, improving recordkeeping, and potentially upgrading a key incineration furnace that has been at the heart of the regulatory concerns.

While the company did not admit to the alleged violations, the settlement outlines clear commitments to bring the mill into compliance with environmental standards. International Paper, which operates as a publicly traded company with a market value of nearly $28 billion, has previously faced scrutiny over its environmental practices but continues to be a major player in the global pulp and paper industry.

The Bogalusa mill, in operation for over a century, is a key part of Washington Parish’s economy. It is the third-largest employer in the parish, providing jobs to 650 workers as of 2024. The mill primarily manufactures paper products using the kraft chemical recovery process, which is known to produce sulfur-based chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. These compounds are notorious for their pungent odor, often described as the “kraft odor,” which has led to frequent complaints from area residents and environmental groups.

Despite the mill’s longstanding presence, it has faced challenges regarding emissions monitoring. The EPA’s notices of violation in 2021 and 2023 highlighted concerns over sulfur excessive emissions and gaps in monitoring nitrogen oxides. The settlement primarily addresses violations related to the monitoring and reporting of “total reduced sulfur” (TRS), a category of sulfur compounds commonly emitted by the kraft process. In addition, the deal outlines measures to improve the prevention of unrecorded air releases and leaks.

The sulfur compounds released by the mill, especially hydrogen sulfide, are harmful to both human health and the environment. Long-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and neurological issues.

Environmental groups have expressed disappointment with the settlement, criticizing the EPA for not doing enough to prevent hazardous emissions from the mill and others like it. The Bogalusa mill still operates under older federal hazardous air regulations, which allow for exclusions during certain operational upsets like startup and shutdown. Critics argue that these rules need to be updated to better protect the local community.

The paper mill’s owner, International Paper, has been proactive in addressing some of these concerns. Since acquiring the mill from Temple-Inland in 2012, the company has invested approximately $490 million in upgrades to improve the plant’s operations and environmental performance. Moreover, the company plans further upgrades to replace equipment tied to the incineration furnace, which is a primary source of the alleged emissions violations. These upgrades are expected to align the mill with newer federal air regulations and help reduce emissions, though some older rules may still apply in certain instances.

The Bogalusa mill’s environmental challenges reflect a broader issue in the pulp and paper industry, where the need to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility is an ongoing challenge. While this settlement represents a step toward improved compliance, local residents and environmental advocates continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for more substantial changes that would prevent future odor issues and emissions violations.

As of now, the mill remains a vital part of Washington Parish’s economy, but its environmental record will continue to face scrutiny as it moves forward with the required upgrades and regulatory changes.