Port Townsend Paper Company is by far the largest polluter in Jefferson County and one of the dirtiest, most penalized paper mills in the country. (Source: US EPA)
Numerous toxic spills, noxious odors, and gruesome work accidents.
Help make the owners of Port Townsend Paper Company more accountable and transparent about water and air quality, condition of equipment, emergency preparedness, and safe working conditions.
This works because people speak up! You can:
Every signature, every public comment, and every person at a meeting counts. Act now to make sure our concern becomes something regulators and elected officials can’t ignore!
The record
0
Days since the Longview disaster that killed 11 workers
Counted from May 26, 2026
90
Acute hazard index for sulfur compounds near Port Townsend Paper Company, against a threshold of concern of 1
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2024 federal health consultation
11 of 12
Quarters in Clean Air Act High Priority Violation status
Environmental Integrity Project, “A Paper Trail of Pollution” (2025), Table 6
9.6 million
Gallons of treated wastewater discharged into Port Townsend Bay each day
Average, April 2018 through March 2023
7
Open public records requests with state and county agencies
Filed by this campaign, as of Aug 18, 2026
329
Odor complaints filed through ptodor.org (205) and cswapt.com (124)
Odor Complaint Records, as published
What we’ve found
No state or federal agency requires structural safety inspection of the atmospheric tanks that store white liquor, the same chemical involved in the Longview implosion.
“That’s going to really fall on the employer.”Marissa Baker, University of Washington occupational health researcherRead the finding
In early 2023, management at Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) requested an independent compliance audit. Upper management cancelled it the day before it was scheduled.
“I suspect we could have helped mitigate some of the concerns now being expressed.”The auditorRead the finding
Fourteen separate permit exceedances in one episode settled for $27,000. State law allows the Washington State Department of Ecology far more.
“Up to ten thousand dollars a day for every such violation.”Revised Code of Washington 90.48.144Read the finding
Our approach
We are a community-driven coalition dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and environmental integrity of Port Townsend and its surrounding waters, informed by science and accountable to the facts.
Close the tank inspection gap for workers and the community alike, before it costs someone here what it cost Longview.
Make the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s hazard finding drive real action, grounded in health science.
Protect our bay and our air with compliance that is independently verified, not just claimed.
Real answers from PTPC, its parent company Atlas Holdings, and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Enforcement that matches the scale of the violations, not the cost of doing business.
Best ecological practices
Gas collection systems from Valmet and Andritz route kraft pulping odor to incineration. Compania Manufacturera de Papeles y Cartones runs its Guaiba plant in Brazil as a certified near odor-free facility since 2015.
Pratt Industries runs large containerboard plants on 100 percent recycled fiber. Finch Paper, owned by Atlas Holdings, announced in July 2026 it is ending on-site pulping.
Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget’s Munksund and Obbola plants in Sweden, and Metsä Fibre’s Kemi plant in Finland, run without fossil fuels.
Newsroom
The Problem
Port Townsend Paper Company is a kraft pulp and paper facility on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, and by far the largest polluter in Jefferson County. Every fact below comes from a named public source.
Five concerns
Eleven workers died on May 26, 2026, when a 900,000-gallon white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview, Washington. Port Townsend Paper Company uses the same white liquor chemistry, and no state or federal agency requires structural safety inspection of the atmospheric tanks that store it here. The sizes, ages and inspection dates of these tanks are not in any public record.
The rotten egg and cabbage smells come from total reduced sulfur compounds made by the kraft pulping process. A 2024 federal health consultation by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry measured them near Port Townsend Paper Company above the EPA's chronic health reference levels, and detected fourteen sulfur compounds. The Washington State Department of Ecology regulates four of them.
An average of 9.6 million gallons of treated wastewater goes into Port Townsend Bay every day, through a pipe that runs 1,200 feet offshore. The 2025 discharge permit names three cancer-causing chemicals in that water, with no enforceable limits until 2029. Shellfish harvesting is closed where the discharge enters the bay.
Fourteen separate permit exceedances in one episode settled for $27,000. State law allows up to ten thousand dollars a day for every such violation. Confirmed penalties across all statutes total about $110,750 over five years, for a company with $319 million in annual expenditures.
Port Townsend sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. A major earthquake could rupture chemical storage tanks and the wastewater treatment system. No public seismic vulnerability assessment of the facility has ever been released.
Toxics Release Inventory
From Port Townsend Paper Company’s own filings to the EPA for the 2024 reporting year. The five largest:
Research library
Our research pages on the air, the water, the tanks, the regulators and the company, each with its sources and a PDF.
Research
Every research page on this site, by subject. Each page has a PDF to download.
Research library
This site is organized around five areas. Pages for each topic are being built out over time.
Take Action
Every signature, every public comment, and every person at a meeting is part of the record. It’s how a community’s concern becomes something regulators and elected officials can’t set aside.
1. Sign our petition
Community Petition — Port Townsend Paper Corporation
We are the residents and families of Port Townsend and Jefferson County. We love our community, we support good jobs, and we want Port Townsend Paper Corporation to succeed — if it does so in a way that is safe, healthy, and environmentally sound. We are asking for something simple: honesty and accountability.
To: Washington State Dept. of Ecology, U.S. EPA Region 10, Jefferson County Commissioners & LEPC, Port Townsend Paper Corp. & Atlas Holdings, WA Dept. of Labor & Industries, and 19 more agencies, tribal nations, elected officials, and committees.
Add Your Name
Action by: Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend
Sponsored by: Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend
A note for Change.org supporters: This petition first launched on Change.org, where more than 1,015 of our neighbors have added their names — thank you. We've since moved to this platform because it lets us do something Change.org can't: stay in direct contact with everyone who signs. If you already signed on Change.org, your voice is already counted — when we formally present this petition, we will not double-count anyone across both platforms. But we'd still be grateful if you signed here too, so we can keep you updated on hearings, actions, and next steps.
The Facts
These are not rumors. Every fact below comes from a government document — a permit issued by Washington State, a study by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, a federal health consultation, or a federal Clean Air Act enforcement record.
The Requests
These are reasonable requests. Every one of them is achievable. None requires closing the facility.
An independent, third-party structural engineer should inspect every pressure vessel, white liquor tank, and chemical storage tank at the facility. The results should be shared publicly and with East Jefferson Fire Rescue. Eleven workers died in Longview because no one was required to look. It should be required now.
Continuous monitors on the exhaust stacks and at the property fence line should measure air quality around the clock. Continuous sensors at the discharge pipe should measure what enters our bay and waterways every 15 minutes. All readings should be posted on a public website — updated continuously — so any resident can check conditions at any time from any phone or computer.
The Washington State Department of Health needs the required environmental and emissions data it identified as missing so it can complete the community health study. The human health risk assessment based on the 2014 crab and surrounding waterway contamination data needs to be completed. The seven unanswered questions about air emissions, water discharge, and hazardous materials on the 2018 government environmental checklist need to be answered.
A complete list of hazardous chemicals stored at the facility should be provided to Jefferson County Emergency Management, East Jefferson Fire Rescue, and the public — updated whenever storage changes. This is already required by federal law. It should be done proactively, not only when someone files a public records request.
A qualified engineer should evaluate how the facility's tanks, pipes, and treatment systems would perform during a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. The results should be shared with Jefferson County Emergency Management, the public, and surrounding waterway communities. An updated emergency response plan reflecting that assessment should be provided to East Jefferson Fire Rescue.
The company's own permit does not require enforceable limits on three confirmed cancer-causing chemicals until 2029. We ask Port Townsend Paper Corporation to commit now to achieving those limits as soon as possible — and to report publicly on progress every three months.
A standing panel of Port Townsend residents, tribal representatives, and independent scientists should meet quarterly with facility management. The panel should have direct access to all monitoring data and the ability to request independent testing at company expense. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe hold treaty fishing rights in Port Townsend Bay and surrounding waterways. They must have a seat at the table.
Every year, Port Townsend Paper Corporation should publish a report written for ordinary residents — not lawyers or engineers — that honestly accounts for its air emissions, water discharge, safety incidents, inspection findings, compliance status, and its impacts on our bay and waterways. It should be available in print at the Port Townsend Public Library and online.
We are not asking for the facility to close. We are asking for it to be safe, healthy, honest, and environmentally accountable. Port Townsend Paper Corporation is owned by Atlas Holdings of Greenwich, Connecticut — a company whose portfolio companies generate more than $26 billion in revenue annually. The resources to do these things exist. What has been missing is the requirement, and the will.
We are signing this petition because we believe our community deserves to breathe clean air, drink clean water, eat fish from a healthy bay and waterways, and live without fear of an industrial disaster that nobody saw coming because nobody was required to look.
Accountability
Note: the non-profits and community organizations listed below are not being petitioned — they hold no regulatory authority here — but we believe their work aligns with ours, and we'd welcome their interest or support: Environmental Integrity Project, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, Washington Environmental Council, Olympic Environmental Council, Northwest Environmental Advocates, Greenpeace, Communities for a Healthy Bay, RE Sources, Toxic-Free Future, and Earthjustice.
I want to get more involved, whether that's meetings, a working committee, or both.
2. Contact officials
Regulators, elected officials, and the company itself respond to volume. Every letter adds to the record.
Send our letter as written, or edit it into your own words. Either way, it opens in your own email program so you can review it before you send it.
How this works Nothing is sent from this website and nothing you type here is collected or stored by us. Clicking a send button below simply opens a draft in your own email app, addressed to the recipients shown, with your name filled in. You review it and press send yourself, the same as writing any other email. By default, a copy is also addressed to our campaign (safewaterandair@gmail.com) so we can keep a record of letters sent to officials and by whom; you can uncheck that box below if you'd rather send without it.
Step 1
Check the officials you want to include, and choose To or Cc for anyone you check. At least one recipient must be checked and set to To before you can send. The same recipient list is offered for every letter topic below.
A few more worth contacting directly
They can only be reached through their own web contact form or by mail, so they aren't part of the one-click list above. Use the link to send them a message in your own words, or print your letter below and mail it to the address shown.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Subject: Please act now on Port Townsend Paper Company's safety, health, and compliance record
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC), the last active kraft mill in Washington State.
On May 26, 2026, eleven workers died when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in Longview, Washington. PTPC uses the same white liquor chemistry, and no state or federal agency currently requires structural safety inspection of the atmospheric tanks that store it here.
The compliance record adds to my concern. PTPC has spent 11 of the last 12 quarters in Clean Air Act High Priority Violation status, and a 2024 federal health consultation by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) put the acute hazard index for sulfur compounds near PTPC at 90, against a threshold of concern of just 1. Fourteen separate permit exceedances in one episode were settled for $27,000, far less than state law allows.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to treat this as urgent: require an independent structural safety inspection of PTPC's white liquor tanks, enforce the compliance record already on the books, and share what you know with the public.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
Subject: Please act now on air pollution from Port Townsend Paper Company
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about air pollution from Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
Nearly 2,000 odor complaints describing the smell of rotten eggs and pungent acid were recorded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and PTPC itself between 2016 and 2021. In 2015, the Washington State Department of Health asked the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to investigate these complaints.
Field air sampling was completed in fall 2018, but the resulting report was not published until June 24, 2024, nearly six years later. That report detected 14 sulfur compounds in the local air, and only four of them are regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to close that six-year reporting gap, expand ambient sulfur monitoring beyond the four compounds already regulated, and share what you know with the public.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
Subject: Please act now on wastewater discharge from Port Townsend Paper Company
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about wastewater discharge from Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
Three cancer-causing substances, benzo(a)anthracene, chlordane, and pentachlorophenol, survive PTPC's wastewater treatment process largely intact and are present in the treated wastewater discharged into Port Townsend Bay, about 3.5 billion gallons a year, with no enforceable final limits on any of the three until 2029 at the earliest.
In the same 2025 permit renewal that first imposed those limits, PTPC requested and received permission to increase its discharge by about 7 percent. In two separate incidents in 2025, PTPC also released a combined total of more than 115,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into the bay, resolved for $20,000 in penalties each.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to accelerate enforceable limits on these three carcinogens ahead of the 2029 deadline, and to make PTPC's discharge monitoring data easier for residents to find and understand.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
Subject: Please act now on emergency planning for Port Townsend Paper Company
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about emergency planning for Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
No agency currently has legal authority to inspect PTPC's white liquor storage tank. Washington's boiler and pressure vessel program excludes atmospheric tanks like this one by name, and the Washington State Department of Ecology's own tank authority covers only underground tanks.
Jefferson County Emergency Management has confirmed in writing that it has no direct hazardous materials response capability of its own and instead relies on a Washington State Department of Ecology team based in Olympia, several hours away. No PTPC-specific emergency plan exists, and no joint emergency exercise has ever been run for a white liquor release.
A detailed letter sent to the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) on June 29, 2026, containing roughly 150 numbered questions, remains entirely unanswered.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to close this inspection gap, require a PTPC-specific emergency plan with a real joint exercise, and answer the questions already submitted in writing.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
Subject: Please act now on transparency from Port Townsend Paper Company
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about transparency from Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
PTPC has not responded to a single piece of correspondence from this campaign to date. When a Port Townsend Leader journalist asked PTPC eleven direct questions about its wastewater discharge and shellfish safety in Port Townsend Bay, the company declined to answer any of them.
When asked how old its aging outfall pipe at Glen Cove is and whether it will be replaced, PTPC again declined to answer. On June 1, 2026, PTPC issued a public statement describing tank vent verification and non-destructive testing, but has not told the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), of which it is itself a member, what specifically is being tested, by what method, or with what results.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to require PTPC to answer directly to this community and to the committee it sits on, not only through press statements.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
Subject: Please act now on enforcement against Port Townsend Paper Company
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about enforcement against Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
Public enforcement records show PTPC has paid approximately $545,650 in confirmed penalties across state and federal agencies. The maximum daily fine the Washington State Department of Ecology can impose on PTPC has not risen since 1987, 39 years without adjustment even as inflation has roughly tripled.
It has been 4,902 days, about 13.4 years, since the last formal Clean Air Act evaluation of this facility, and zero Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste inspections have ever been conducted here despite violations appearing in the federal enforcement record.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to update the statutory penalty cap so fines actually deter future violations, and to schedule the overdue Clean Air Act and hazardous waste inspections.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
Subject: Please act now on drinking water safety and the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS)
Dear Officials,
I'm writing as a member of the Port Townsend community about the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS), the 30-mile pipeline that supplies drinking water to Port Townsend, Glen Cove, and unincorporated Jefferson County.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates and maintains the entire Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) under lease, even though the City owns the system and its water rights, and there is no redundant source or second intake if it fails.
PTPC sits at or very near the Southern Whidbey Island Fault, which the United States Geological Survey says is capable of producing an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater. A 2021 engineering white paper for the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) already documents liquefaction risk to a downstream dam in this system, a dam the Washington State Department of Ecology's Office of Dam Safety inspects only once every five years given the risk to life and property if it failed.
I'm asking each of you, within your own authority, to confirm publicly whether a redundant water source exists for this community, and to state clearly what happens to our water supply if this pipeline or its dam fails during a major earthquake.
Thank you for your attention to this.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
Port Townsend, WA
If your email app doesn't open automatically, copy the letter above and paste it into a new email to the recipients listed higher on this page. Printing gives you a mailable copy for the Governor, Attorney General, Senators, or Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, listed above under "A few more worth contacting directly."
3. Report odors
Every report you file becomes part of the community record we use to hold Port Townsend Paper Company and regulators accountable.
File your report as close to the time of the odor as possible. Details fade fast, and a timestamp close to the event carries more weight.
File a new report every time you notice an odor, even if that means filing one every day. A pattern of daily reports is itself important evidence.
“I am noticing that many people are putting ‘Port Townsend’ or ‘Port Hadlock’ as the location of the odor. Unfortunately, these locations are too general for me to do a thorough investigation. Normally, I would reach out to the complainant to narrow down a location, but most of the people using general city names are not including a contact email.”
— Mady Lyon, P.E., Washington State Department of Ecology (Sept. 8, 2026)
If you're comfortable sharing your name and email, it gives Ecology a way to follow up with questions, which can help your report carry more weight. Anonymous reports are still taken seriously and are still added to the official record. This is entirely your choice.
Where this report goes: your submission is sent to the Washington State Department of Ecology, the agency that regulates air quality here, and is kept as part of the shared community record by both Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend and the ptodor.org project. Because Ecology receives it as an official complaint, it becomes a public record, and Ecology can release it in response to a public records request. If you choose to remain anonymous above, your name and email are never sent to us or to Ecology in the first place, so there is nothing identifying for Ecology to release. If you provide your email and do not choose to remain anonymous, you will also receive a confirmation email with a copy of what you submitted, and Ecology will have your email if they need to follow up.
4. Join us
Our work runs through small working committees. Tell us where you’d like to help, and someone from that committee will be in touch.
Newsroom
What’s changed in the campaign, and independent reporting on Port Townsend Paper Company.
Campaign updates
In the press
A Jefferson County nonprofit newsroom examined the company’s role in the water system, its environmental record and its economic footprint. Summaries are our own words; read the full series on the Beacon’s site.
Part 1 · July 28, 2026
How much Port Townsend’s drinking water system depends on Port Townsend Paper Company: an aging pipeline, a dam rated poor by the state, and a long-term maintenance fund that leans on about $4.5 million a year in payments from the company.
By Scott France, The Jefferson County Beacon
Part 2 · August 4, 2026
The most detailed independent review of the compliance record to date: Clean Air Act violations in 11 of 12 quarters, a May 2026 notice of violation over the wastewater treatment pond, and aging, uninspected white liquor tanks.
By Scott France, The Jefferson County Beacon
Part 3 · August 11, 2026
The economic footprint, checked against Jefferson County Assessor figures, and what a closure would mean for water rates, recycling and legacy cleanup.
By Scott France, The Jefferson County Beacon
Reporters can reach the campaign at safewaterandair@gmail.com or through the contact page.
About Us
We are a community-driven coalition dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and environmental integrity of Port Townsend and its surrounding waters. We advocate for clean air, clean water, transparency and accountability, so that industry operates responsibly, informed by science, and in a way that safeguards our families, our livelihoods and future generations.
Our focus
Port Townsend Paper Company is the largest polluter in Jefferson County, by far, and that is why we have made it our primary focus. We support good jobs. We are not asking for the facility to close; we are asking for it to be safe, healthy, honest and environmentally accountable.
For workers and the community alike. No state or federal agency requires structural safety inspection of the atmospheric tanks at Port Townsend Paper Company that store white liquor, the chemical involved in the Longview disaster that killed 11 workers. We’re advocating to close that gap before it costs someone here the same way.
Grounded in health science, not assumptions. A 2024 federal health consultation by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry put the acute hazard index for sulfur compounds near the facility at 90, against a threshold of concern of 1. We’re advocating for that finding to drive real action.
Our waterways and air, protected in fact. About 9.6 million gallons of treated wastewater go into Port Townsend Bay every day, and the facility spent 11 of 12 quarters in Clean Air Act High Priority Violation status. We’re advocating for compliance that is independently verified.
What’s known should be known by everyone. That means real answers from Port Townsend Paper Company, from its parent company Atlas Holdings, and from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Seven public records requests are open with state regulators.
The rules that already exist, enforced. Fourteen separate permit exceedances in one episode were settled for $27,000, a fraction of what state law allows. We’re advocating for enforcement that matches the scale of the violations.
How we work
A steering committee coordinates the campaign. Working committees carry the research, the records requests, the outreach and the events.
Facts on this site are drawn from named public sources: permits, federal health consultations, enforcement records and published reporting. If you believe something here is wrong, tell us and we will review it.
Working committees
Contact Us
Questions, tips, documentation corrections, press inquiries or anything else: here is how to reach the campaign directly.
safewaterandair@gmail.com
The fastest way to reach us. We read every message.
FAQ
Complete Q&A Following the Longview Mill Disaster of May 26, 2026
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document answers frequently asked questions about the May 26, 2026 white liquor tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, Washington, and what it means for Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC), a kraft pulp and paper mill on Port Townsend Bay. All factual claims are sourced from official government records, court documents, and published news reporting.
On May 26, 2026, at approximately 7:15 AM, a 900,000-gallon tank of white liquor imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, Washington. All eleven workers have been confirmed dead, the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history. Governor Ferguson called it 'the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington State history.' Approximately 550,000 gallons of white liquor rushed through work areas, including employee break rooms. 2,226 dead fish were recovered from drainage ditches near the facility by June 1, 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Seven chemical safety experts interviewed by Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) on May 30, 2026 converged on a leading theory. Expert Stan Kmiotek, with a 40-year career, said tank implosions are far rarer than explosions and that he could 'count on one hand' the number he had seen; implosions happen without warning. The leading expert theory is that a blockage prevented air from backfilling the tank as white liquor was pumped out, creating catastrophic negative pressure. Half a dozen colleagues reached the same conclusion.
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), citing its expert sources, reported that 'the implosion happened during a shift change that brought more workers on site and around a break room located next to the massive tank.' United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) Chairperson Steve Owens said, 'The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is opening an investigation to determine how it happened and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again.'
White liquor is a caustic solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium sulfide (Na2S) used in kraft pulping to dissolve lignin from wood chips. Contact causes immediate second and third-degree chemical burns. Its vapors are toxic to eyes, lungs, and throat. At the Longview site it was so caustic it damaged firefighter protective gear. White liquor is not covered by the Risk Management Program (RMP), meaning there are no required public safety plans, no mandated tank size disclosures, and no worst-case release scenario planning for any kraft mill in America.
Yes, identical process, identical chemical. PTPC is a kraft mill. It uses white liquor in the same way as Nippon Dynawave. PTPC sits on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. PTPC's daily production output of 950 to 1,000 tons per day actually exceeds Nippon Dynawave's approximately 770 tons, suggesting comparable or greater volumes of white liquor in storage. We do not know how large PTPC's white liquor tanks are, when they were last inspected, or what the emergency response plan is for a release near Port Townsend Bay.
On June 1, 2026, PTPC issued a public statement that the company had verified tank vents are open and overflow lines are not submerged, and is scheduling non-destructive testing for 2026. Three admissions stand out. First, 'We are unaware of the root cause of the tank failure or the technical details of the Nippon Dynawave facility.' Second, 'Since the incident in Longview, we have been conducting extra safety inspections,' which confirms pre-Longview practices were insufficient. Third, the company said it is 'working on scheduling further non-destructive testing,' meaning additional testing had not yet been scheduled as of the press release date. Self-conducted verification is not a substitute for independent inspection with publicly disclosed results.
Toxic chemicals, not rotten pulp. The rotten egg and cabbage smells residents report are hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, Total reduced sulfur (TRS) compounds produced directly by the kraft pulping process. These are the same chemical family as white liquor itself, just escaping through stacks at low concentration. A 2024 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) federal investigation found that short-term exposure to the mix of sulfur compounds near PTPC may cause occasional respiratory effects, with an acute hazard index of 90 against a level of concern of 1, driven mostly by sulfur dioxide. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the only one of these compounds compared with a long-term health level, was above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference concentration at 3 of 8 sampling sites, though ATSDR concluded it is not expected to harm people's health (ATSDR Health Consultation, June 24, 2024).
Established health effects include eye irritation, respiratory inflammation, fatigue, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Populations most at risk include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. Nearly 2,000 odor complaints were filed between 2016 and 2021 alone. These were not people being overly sensitive; they were people being repeatedly exposed to toxic compounds at harmful concentrations, confirmed by federal scientists. Critically, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) study detected fourteen distinct sulfur compounds near PTPC (ATSDR Health Consultation 334-170, June 2024). The Washington State Department of Ecology currently regulates only four of them, leaving ten compounds with no enforceable regulatory limit at PTPC.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), in a July 2024 document (DOH 334-553), concluded odors are 'Rarely Harmful,' stating that 'most environmental odors, such as those caused by a paper mill, are RARELY AT LEVELS THAT CAN HARM YOUR HEALTH.' This frames odors as a quality-of-life inconvenience, not a health hazard. The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), in its 2024 Port Townsend-specific finding, reached a different conclusion: short-term exposure to the mix of sulfur compounds near PTPC may cause occasional acute respiratory effects, and hydrogen sulfide was above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) long-term reference level at 3 of 8 sites. Same year, same community, different conclusions.
There are three possible explanations for the discrepancy, all newsworthy; see the Community Health Report for a full discussion.
Total penalties across all statutes over 5 years exceed $110,750: $63,750 under the Clean Air Act, at least $47,000 confirmed under the Clean Water Act, and $0 under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). For a facility with $319 million in annual expenditures, over $110,750 in confirmed penalties over five years, approximately $22,000 or more per year, is not deterrence; it is a cost of doing business. The Environmental Integrity Project's 2025 national study specifically named PTPC as an example of the enforcement gap between violations and consequences.
Separately, the American Geophysical Union's TEX has an active Port Townsend project pairing the community with pro-bono atmospheric scientists to design a community sulfur monitoring network and develop a regulatory proposal for the Washington State Department of Ecology, providing independent scientific support for this advocacy (thrivingearthexchange.org/project/port-townsend-wa/). The Good Jobs First Violation Tracker documents $108,020,712 in penalties across 143 violation records for companies currently owned by Atlas Holdings.
Per PTPC's own United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TRI filings for the 2024 reporting year (covering 2023 calendar year activity), PTPC released 377,546 pounds of toxic chemicals in total. The individual chemicals, their 2024-reported pounds, and their primary health effects are as follows.
PTPC operates a large industrial wastewater treatment plant that treats process water and discharges it directly into Port Townsend Bay, continuously, for more than 100 years. Between April 2018 and March 2023, PTPC discharged an average of 9.6 million gallons of treated wastewater per day; the highest recorded single day reached 14.4 million gallons. The discharge pipe extends 1,200 feet offshore and releases through 29 separate openings at a depth of 45 feet.
PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the legal document governing what PTPC can discharge into the bay, expired in October 2018 and remained on administrative extension for over six years. The Washington State Department of Ecology attributed the delay to 'largely competing priorities and staff turnover.' A new permit was issued in May 2025. It includes new limits for three carcinogens previously unregulated here despite 100-plus years of discharge: benzo(a)anthracene and chlordane, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies as possibly causing cancer in humans (Group 2B) and EPA classifies as probable human carcinogens (Group B2), and pentachlorophenol, known to cause cancer in humans, the same classification given to tobacco smoke and asbestos, and also a banned pesticide.
PTPC was also authorized to discharge 7 percent more effluent under the new permit. No enforceable final limits on these three carcinogens take effect until 2029. Background concentrations are assumed to be zero for 27 pollutants because no prior measurements exist. A Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) study is now required but has not yet been conducted.
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing exposes live aquatic organisms directly to discharge water and measures biological harm, regardless of which specific compound causes it. It catches what compound-by-compound testing misses entirely. Test organisms include fathead minnows, Daphnia water fleas, and mysid shrimp. Cost runs $12,000 to $24,000 per year on a quarterly basis, trivial for a facility with $319 million in annual expenditures. Port Townsend Bay has received 100-plus years of industrial discharge without a single independent biological harm assessment.
Order-of-magnitude comprehensive testing cost estimates, which require confirmation from certified labs, break down across four tiers.
In Longview, at Nippon Dynawave, the confirmed failed tank capacity was 900,000 gallons. Contents at the time of implosion were approximately 60 percent full, or roughly 550,000 gallons, and approximately 550,000 gallons were released. 2,226 dead fish were recovered from surrounding drainage ditches by June 1, 2026.
In Port Townsend, PTPC's white liquor tank sizes, ages, inspection dates, and secondary containment capacity are not in any public database. White liquor is exempt from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Risk Management Program (RMP), so there is no required public safety plan on file. PTPC's daily production of 950 to 1,000 tons exceeds Nippon Dynawave's approximately 770 tons, suggesting comparable or greater white liquor storage volumes, but no public document confirms the actual tank sizes. To obtain this information, file a public records request with the Washington State Department of Ecology, or request Tier II hazardous chemical inventory reports from the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
Confirmed from PTPC's own job postings on Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter, the schedule is a 4-day rotation on an 8-day tour: 2 day shifts from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 2 night shifts from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM, followed by 4 days off. Shift changes occur at exactly 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM, twice every day PTPC operates. Mandatory overtime is common; employee reviews describe 50 to 60-plus hours per week as normal. Scheduled shutdowns mean 'always 16-hour days' per employee reviews. Reviews also describe understaffing, stating 'Millwrights are doing jobs that used to take 6 people minimum with 3.'
Federal OSHA does not apply in Washington State. Washington is a federally-approved 'state plan state.' Worker safety is governed by Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L and I), not federal OSHA. Searching OSHA.gov will not return PTPC's worker safety record. The full Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) inspection and citation history for PTPC is held by L and I and has not been publicly obtained.
Three National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) unfair labor practice cases have been filed: 19-CA-341576, 19-CA-285952, and 19-CB-297178, the latter involving the Steelworkers Union. A public records request can be sent requesting all Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) inspection reports, citations, penalties, and injury or illness records for PTPC, 2015 to present. This is a public record and a matter of urgent community interest.
PTPC has been the subject of several legal actions across multiple statutes and forums, summarized here by case, action type, year, and outcome.
A kraft containerboard mill in Catawba, South Carolina, operated by New-Indy, released the identical Total reduced sulfur (TRS) chemicals as PTPC: hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, drawing more than 30,000 complaints to state regulators. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order in May 2021 under Clean Air Act Section 303, followed by a consent decree in December 2021 and a $1.1 million civil penalty. A $103 million total settlement was approved by a federal court in June 2024, including $18 million paid directly to approximately 6,000 households, or about $3,000 per household, and $85 million for remediation, including steam stripper installation, lagoon covers, and environmental repair.
Port Townsend's position is materially stronger than New-Indy's was: approximately 2,000 documented complaints, federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmation of toxic levels, 100-plus years of bay discharge, and a mill still actively operating, meaning both injunction and damages remain available as remedies.
Separately, a Maine kraft mill class action, Demmons v. ND Paper, was filed in October 2022 in United States District Court for the District of Maine. Plaintiffs are approximately 5,900 households within 2.5 miles, alleging nuisance, trespass, and negligence over chronic Total reduced sulfur (TRS) rotten-egg emissions identical to PTPC's. On September 12, 2023, the court denied the motion to dismiss on the nuisance and negligence claims, finding them legally viable and allowing the case to proceed to discovery. Port Townsend's position is stronger here too: approximately 2,000 documented complaints versus 70 in Maine, federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmation, and a mill still actively operating.
At the time of the acquisition, incoming Crown Paper Group chairman Randy Nebel stated, 'Our goal is simple; we will be a superb employer, a trusted steward of our communities and a valued partner for our customers and suppliers.' Atlas co-founder Tim Fazio said, 'Paper, packaging and allied industries remain an important and growing sector for Atlas. We are thrilled to welcome the Crown team and excited to get to work in building an even stronger company.' Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro said at the time of acquisition, 'The city perspective is the water supply, which was built into our water contract that was approved last year.'
In the three-plus years since, PTPC has continued 11 of 12 quarters in Clean Air Act High Priority Violation, has been subject to two new formal enforcement orders in April and May 2026, had 9 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) emergency preparedness failures in June 2025, and had a 114,000 gallon spill in April 2025 (source: peninsuladailynews.com/2022/10/14/port-townsend-paper-mill-parent-firm-purchased/).
Atlas Holdings' own website stated, in April 2023 (atlasholdingsllc.com/our-approach/safety/), 'Our view on safety is clear; all Atlas operating companies must pursue and achieve WORLD-CLASS SAFETY PERFORMANCE and are HELD ACCOUNTABLE for reaching that goal. We believe all workplace accidents are preventable.' The documented record since Atlas acquired PTPC in October 2022 stands in contradiction to that statement.
The question for county and city commissioners is who at Atlas Holdings is specifically 'held accountable' for this record, and what that accountability has looked like in practice.
PTPC describes itself as 'a responsible neighbor and preserving the environment.' On April 23, 2025, PTPC announced 156 consecutive days without a recordable injury, the highest in 25 years. This press release was issued approximately one month before the April 2025 discharge of 114,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Port Townsend Bay, PTPC's largest documented spill. A recordable injury is a cut, a fall, a burn, an acute traumatic event; it says nothing about chronic toxic exposure.
The same company calling itself a 'responsible neighbor' has 13-plus documented industrial spills into Port Townsend Bay since 2013, 11 of 12 quarters in Clean Air Act High Priority Violation, and federal scientists confirming toxic compounds above health reference levels near the facility.
Documents that exist at PTPC but are not public, and why they matter, include the following.
Contra Costa County's Industrial Safety Ordinance has been called 'the strongest local ordinance in the nation,' enacted after the Chevron Richmond fire. It was expanded in September 2024 to cover tanks of 50,000 gallons or more. It requires independent safety audits with public results, regular county inspections, fines for deficiencies, and root cause analysis after any major incident. Jefferson County can enact this now. The Longview disaster is Port Townsend's Chevron Richmond moment.
PTPC does not use bay water. PTPC draws freshwater from the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers via the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS), a nearly 30-mile gravity pipeline built in 1927 to 1928. Port Townsend Bay is the discharge destination for treated wastewater, not the water source for operations.
The City of Port Townsend uses approximately 1 million gallons per day. PTPC uses 10 to 12 million gallons per day, according to the City, and the 2021 agreement caps its average at 11 million gallons per day. That is roughly 10 to 12 times more than all Port Townsend residents combined, and approximately 3 to 5 times more than the entire county combined. Jefferson PUD's largest well, Sparling, produces 500,000 gallons per day; PTPC alone uses 20 to 24 times this amount.
The rate model updates every 5 years, and the next update is due by the end of 2026. The City of Port Townsend owns the water rights; PTPC has no independent right to the water. This is the most powerful near-term opportunity to attach conditions to water access, including mandatory independent white liquor tank inspections, public disclosure of all wastewater test results quarterly, WET testing as a contractual water agreement requirement, an independent environmental audit every 3 years, and a specific emergency response protocol for a white liquor release near the bay.
Kraft dominates because it produces the strongest pulp from the widest range of wood species, essential for containerboard. PTPC already blends recycled OCC fiber with virgin kraft; increasing the OCC ratio reduces white liquor volumes and proportionally reduces catastrophic release risk without changing the product line. Organosolv, a benign kraft alternative, produces no sulfur compounds and no large caustic tanks, but remains at pilot scale only.
The Environmental Integrity Project's May 2025 study of 185 large United States paper mills called out PTPC by name: Clean Air Act violation in 11 of 12 quarters, 5 enforcement actions, and $44,000 in total water fines. The study also found the oldest boiler of all 185 mills was installed in 1928 at Nippon Dynawave in Longview, the same plant that killed 11 workers, published 8 months before the disaster.
The community pattern matches Port Townsend exactly: odors dismissed as nuisance, thousands of complaints, years of inaction, federal scientists confirming toxic levels, enforcement actions, inadequate penalties, and litigation. Port Townsend is not ahead of this curve; it is somewhere in the middle. The question for Port Townsend is whether accountability comes before or after a disaster.
Both bodies must internalize a critical distinction: demanding a white liquor tank inspection is not threatening PTPC's existence. It is protecting the 300 workers inside it, the community around it, and the bay beneath it. The Longview workers did not die because someone demanded a safety inspection; they died because no one did. The economic argument for PTPC's importance is exactly why its safety must be verified. A Longview-scale disaster at PTPC would end 300 jobs, devastate the bay economy, and destroy the community relationship with PTPC permanently.
PTPC is not in the City of Port Townsend, so the city gets zero property tax. PTPC sits on unincorporated Jefferson County land, outside city limits. The City of Port Townsend receives zero property tax from PTPC. All property tax flows to Jefferson County, the state, school districts, and special districts. The city's entire financial relationship with PTPC is through the water agreement, not through any direct tax revenue. For the exact breakdown of PTPC's taxes by recipient, contact the Jefferson County Assessor or search trueweb.jeffcowa.us.
PTPC is a kraft pulp and paper mill on Port Townsend Bay that has operated since 1928. It sits in unincorporated Jefferson County, outside Port Townsend city limits. PTPC employs approximately 300 people and produces approximately 1,000 tons of unbleached paper, containerboard, and pulp each day. It is owned by Atlas Holdings of Greenwich, Connecticut, a private holding company with more than 16 billion dollars in capital.
Approximately 300 people work at PTPC today. That number matters, and protecting those jobs is part of why this group asks for a safe and compliant mill rather than a closed one. For historical context, PTPC's own company history records a peak of 820 employees in 1955. Open item: the number of auxiliary and indirect jobs PTPC supports in the county is not yet confirmed from a named public record. We are gathering this figure.
Open item: PTPC's total energy use, including natural gas, is not yet confirmed from a named public record in our hands. What is on the record now: PTPC reports its greenhouse gas emissions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with 62,519 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the most recent reported year under federal accounting rules that exclude carbon dioxide from burning wood. PTPC burns wood waste, called hog fuel, and operates a recovery furnace and a biomass boiler on site. We are compiling the full energy picture, including figures that count the wood burning.
PTPC uses the kraft process. Wood chips, from whole logs chipped on site, from sawmill leftovers, and from recycled cardboard collected across the Northwest and Canada, are cooked under heat and pressure in a chemical solution that dissolves the natural glue holding wood fibers together. The freed fibers become pulp, which is pressed and dried into paper and containerboard.
The kraft process uses sulfur compounds to break down the wood, and the human nose can detect those sulfur compounds at very low concentrations, which is why a kraft mill has a characteristic smell. PTPC treats its process water in a system that includes a primary clarifier added in 1971 and an aeration stabilization basin added in 1978, then discharges it to the bay.
The tall, visible plumes from PTPC's limekiln stacks are largely steam, meaning water vapor. The characteristic odor is mostly associated with PTPC's 33-acre wastewater runoff pond, not the tall stacks. Beyond what is visible, PTPC reported 416,729 pounds of total toxic chemical releases and transfers across all media in the most recent reporting year under the federal Toxics Release Inventory, the national public database of toxic chemical releases.
Air pollutants PTPC has historically reported to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include acetaldehyde, ammonia, and dioxins. Community odor complaints to regulators totaled nearly 2,000 between 2016 and 2021.
Approximately 3.5 billion gallons of treated wastewater per year, as described above, carrying solids, oxygen-consuming material, and the substances named in this fact sheet. In addition to the permitted discharge, the public record documents untreated wastewater spills, including approximately 114,630 gallons of untreated process wastewater discharged to the bay on April 28, 2025, the largest confirmed single untreated discharge in the public record.
In 2014, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife study of crab and prawn tissue in this marine area found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination, a family of combustion-related and industrial chemicals, at levels statistically comparable to areas near Seattle and Tacoma. A human health risk assessment was never completed. That is a documented 2014 finding, stated here as history, not as a claim about today's conditions.
We want PTPC to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Transparency
Since May 2026, this campaign has written directly to more than two dozen federal, state, county, tribal and company officials on behalf of the community, on the record, most with press or oversight bodies copied.
Below are the letters and emails we can verify were actually sent, with the date, recipient and subject of each. Want to add your own voice? Use our contact officials tool to send a letter of your own.
A note on what’s shown here
Every letter below is reproduced as it was actually sent. Home address and personal phone number have been redacted from the signature block for privacy; name, email and the full text of every letter are unchanged. A small number of early letters (written in the first days after the Longview disaster) cite a Clean Air Act violation figure of “12 of the last 12 quarters” that was later corrected, after closer review of the source record, to 11 of the last 12 quarters, the figure used everywhere else on this site. We’re leaving those letters exactly as sent rather than editing history; the corrected figure is what governs the rest of the site.
Every letter on this page is written and sent by Citizens for Safe Water and Air, Port Townsend. Facts cited within them are drawn from our research archive.
May 29 to June 2, 2026
Written in the first days after the Longview disaster, before the larger mailing wave below.
June 5 to 8, 2026
Part of a large batch of letters written June 5, 2026 and mailed together June 8, 2026.
June 5 to 8, 2026
Outreach to environmental groups already engaged on kraft mill accountability, requesting support, coordination and independent review.
June 5 to 8, 2026
June 5 to 8, 2026
June 5 to 10, 2026
Direct outreach to the company that operates the facility and its parent company, offering cooperation alongside accountability.
June 9, 2026
June 5 to 8, 2026
Hazardous materials preparedness outreach to every fire district and emergency medical provider near Port Townsend Paper Company, plus the federal occupational safety and maritime agencies with jurisdiction.
June 7 to 29, 2026
Add your voice
Use our contact officials tool to send a ready-made letter, or customize it in your own words before it opens in your email program.
Contact officialsResources
Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)
A Washington, D.C. nonprofit founded in 2002 by two former EPA enforcement attorneys. Publishes "A Paper Trail of Pollution," the report cited throughout this site's Air Quality and Research into PTPC pages.
Washington Conservation Action
Washington State's environmental advocacy coalition.
This campaign wrote to this organization in June 2026 under its former name, Washington Environmental Council. It has since merged with Washington Conservation Voters to form Washington Conservation Action.
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
A Seattle-based Clean Water Act watchdog for Puget Sound. This campaign wrote to their Executive Director in June 2026 regarding PTPC's wastewater discharge.
Olympic Environmental Council
A North Olympic Peninsula environmental group, led by Dr. Darlene Schanfald, that this campaign wrote to in June 2026.
No official website could be confirmed for this small, local organization; the link above is a University of Washington community-partner profile page instead.
Center for Sustainable Economy — John Talberth
Research and policy organization. Economist John Talberth authored the jobs and economic-transition analysis cited on this site's Jobs page.
Thriving Earth Exchange
A community science program of the American Geophysical Union. Running an independent, in-progress Port Townsend project, "Community-Led Sulfur Pollution Assessment: Monitoring Blueprint and Policy Strategy," co-led by Jaime Duyck and Derek Firenze with a team of academic atmospheric and public-health scientists.
Listed here for reference. Use the Contact Officials tool to write to any of the specific officials this campaign has corresponded with.
Washington State Department of Ecology
State environmental regulator; primary agency for PTPC's air, water, and chemical-storage permits.
U.S. EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest)
Federal environmental regulator for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
State workplace safety regulator; opened a safety inspection at PTPC following the Longview disaster.
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA)
Regional air quality authority covering Jefferson County.
Washington State Department of Health
Requested the 2024 ATSDR health consultation cited throughout this site's Health Risks page.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
State agency responsible for fish, wildlife, and habitat, including the waters PTPC discharges into.
Puget Sound Partnership
State agency coordinating Puget Sound recovery efforts.
Washington Geological Survey (WA Dept. of Natural Resources)
State geological authority; relevant to seismic risk questions raised about tank and dam safety.
Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)
State body overseeing hazardous-chemical emergency planning and community right-to-know reporting.
U.S. Chemical Safety Board
Independent federal agency that investigates industrial chemical accidents.
Not regulators, but local government offices and committees connected to this campaign's work.
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners
Local elected county government.
City of Port Townsend — City Council
Local elected city government; the Mayor and City Council are among the recipients available in this campaign's Contact Officials tool.
Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS)
The City-owned water system PTPC operates and maintains under lease; raised in this campaign's correspondence regarding seismic dam risk and system-wide disruption concerns.
Port of Port Townsend
Local port district.
Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee
Volunteer committee advising on Jefferson County marine and nearshore habitat issues; this campaign wrote to them regarding PTPC's bay water quality.
Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
County body responsible for hazardous-chemical emergency preparedness; this campaign's LEPC safety briefing is cited on this site's LEPC page.
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
Federally recognized tribal government with treaty and natural-resource interests in the area.
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
Federally recognized tribal government with treaty and natural-resource interests in the area.
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Federally recognized tribal government with treaty and natural-resource interests in the area.
The Jefferson County Beacon
Worker-directed local news nonprofit; publisher of Scott France's three-part investigative series on PTPC, cited on this site's Media & Press Coverage page.
Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
Local weekly newspaper; columnist Scott Doggett has covered PTPC's compliance and spill record.
KUOW
Seattle NPR affiliate; has reported on PTPC's regulatory enforcement record.
KING 5
Seattle television station; covered the Longview disaster and PTPC's response.
KIRO 7
Seattle television station; covered the Longview disaster and PTPC's response.
Washington State Standard
Nonprofit state-policy newsroom; publishes under a Creative Commons license permitting free republication with attribution.
The Seattle Times
Seattle's regional daily newspaper; profiled Port Townsend Airwatchers and the 2008 state order to rewrite PTPC's air permit, cited on this site's Air Quality page.
Peninsula Daily News
North Olympic Peninsula daily newspaper; reporter Elijah Sussman covered this campaign's call for volunteer scientists, cited on this site's Community Outreach page.
Port Townsend Paper Company's and Atlas Holdings' own websites, listed here for reference alongside everything else on this page.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)
The PTPC mill this campaign is focused on. Its own website, including company news, sustainability claims, and history.
Atlas Holdings
PTPC's ultimate parent company, a private equity firm headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Research library · V_1.3
Research, Monitoring, and Outcomes
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
In 2006, a Port Townsend resident named Elaine Bailey discovered that the Washington State Department of Ecology had issued PTPC a new air permit valid until 2009, one that relied heavily on PTPC to test and monitor its own emissions and to respond to citizen complaints itself, rather than on independent government-run monitoring[1]. The group she led grew to roughly 150 members and became known as Port Townsend Airwatchers[1]. A February 19, 2008 article profiled Cindy Buxton, a Port Townsend resident and geologist who, with her husband, had moved to the town in 2002[1].
Buxton described waking one night to the smell of rotten eggs while her 10-year-old son violently vomited[1]. She subsequently developed what she described as permanent chemical sensitivity, with headaches and respiratory problems that did not resolve, and sixteen months after the initial exposure, she and her family relocated permanently to Alaska[1]. She filed an appeal of PTPC's air permit and discovered through that legal process that the Washington State Department of Ecology had never investigated her original complaint[1].
That same month, the Washington State Pollution Control Board sided with mill critics and ordered the Washington State Department of Ecology to rewrite PTPC's air permit, after federal regulators had accused the state of being too lenient in its air quality monitoring requirements for PTPC[1]. No ambient air monitoring existed at that time to independently measure the concentration of contaminants drifting from PTPC's stacks[1].
A Washington State Department of Health Health Consultation, dated December 24, 2008, documented community complaints recorded by PTPC between January 19, 2004 and July 10, 2007: ten written letters and ten electronic mail messages[2]. The consultation summarized that community complaints described smells of rotten eggs and “pungent acid” odors that irritated eyes, throat, and nose and caused headaches, with some residents reporting that these odors triggered asthma-like reactions and vomiting[2]. The consultation's central finding was that all the information necessary to conduct a full health study was not available to assess the possible health effects associated with air emissions from PTPC[2].
Nearly 2,000 odor complaints were recorded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and PTPC between 2016 and 2021, specifically describing the smell of rotten eggs and “pungent acid” odors coming from the facility[3].
In 2015, the Washington State Department of Health requested that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conduct a formal exposure investigation in Port Townsend to address the ongoing odor complaints[3]. Preliminary air dispersion modeling was completed in 2016 and 2017[4]. Field air sampling was conducted over approximately ten weeks in fall 2018[4]. The resulting report was not published until June 24, 2024, nearly six years after sampling concluded[4].
Longview is home to several separate mill facilities, including Nippon Dynawave Packaging Corporation (the site of the May 26, 2026 fatal tank implosion), WestRock Longview (acquired by Smurfit in 2024 and now known as Smurfit Westrock), and North Pacific Paper Company[8]. A large wood chip pile at the Nippon Dynawave facility caught fire the evening of July 18, 2023, and burned through at least July 20[5][6]. The fire created smoke that traveled as far as Portland and Vancouver, Oregon and Washington, producing air quality officially rated “unhealthy” by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Southwest Clean Air Agency issued an air pollution advisory for Clark and Cowlitz counties[6].
Residents near the Nippon Dynawave facility were told to shelter in place, and fine particulate pollution was expected to linger for several days[5]. The exact cause of the fire was never determined[8].
A separate fire occurred on the same property in 2025 without injuries[8]. In September 2024, residents across a roughly 60-mile stretch from Longview to Portland reported a mysterious, persistent odor described as similar to burning rubber, garbage, ammonia, or natural gas, with some residents reporting itchy eyes, headaches, and sore throats[9][10]. The Washington State Department of Ecology opened an investigation into WestRock Longview's air quality data[9].
In November 2024, Ecology concluded that operations at the WestRock Longview mill “likely caused an increase in odors” in the area on September 24, 2024, while stating it did not have data proving the WestRock Longview mill was the source of odors reported as far away as Vancouver and Portland, and could not rule out other contributing sources[10]. WestRock stated no air permit violations occurred at the facility that day[9][10].
In November 2025, a group of residents filed a class action lawsuit against WestRock Longview over the odor, alleging the company had not used adequate odor mitigation and control technology[11]. The lawsuit noted WestRock was ranked the state's fourth-largest industrial air polluter in 2023 by an analysis of state data, had been fined $9,500 for air quality violations in 2022, and received an additional notice of violation on October 8, 2024 for exceeding permitted discharge limits[11].
Following the fatal May 2026 implosion, the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board opened its own independent investigation, separate from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries inspection already documented elsewhere in this campaign's files[8].
Following resident odor complaints and elevated county asthma rates, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conducted an exposure investigation at this kraft mill, testing air quality near schools and the community between October 2004 and February 2005[12]. The investigation found sulfur dioxide levels at points exceeding the United States Environmental Protection Agency's formal 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 140 parts per billion, a more consequential regulatory threshold than the screening-level comparisons used in some other exposure investigations[12].
A study measured 50 volatile organic compounds, including benzene, toluene, chloroform, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, near a kraft paper mill in the Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington area[13]. The study used both active and passive sorbent-tube air sampling, analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, across 10 monitoring sites and more than 800 samples collected in 2017 and 2018[13]. Passive samplers were also deployed at three urban comparison locations specifically to establish an independent baseline, a methodological step not taken in PTPC's own 2024 exposure investigation[13].
The study calculated a cumulative excess cancer risk range of 2 to 11 cases per 1,000,000 people, with the primary risk drivers identified as chloroform, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride, a different chemical profile than the aldehyde-driven risk finding at PTPC[13]. The study's overall conclusion characterized the risk as low, while also noting it was above the United States Environmental Protection Agency's baseline comparison level[13].
The Crofton kraft pulp mill in the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, has documented measurable air quality improvements over time. Daily particulate matter releases declined 95 percent between 1990 and 2019[14]. Total reduced sulfur emissions dropped 34 percent and greenhouse gas emissions dropped 66 percent over a comparable period[14]. These reductions are attributed to specific capital investments: new recovery boilers, new electrostatic precipitators, and a fuel switch from oil to natural gas[14].
The Province of British Columbia separately conducts its own dedicated Cowichan Valley air study through its Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and has found sulfur dioxide levels in the area well below Canadian air quality standards[15]. A community liaison forum exists in which mill officials provide operational updates and report on public complaints. A resident quoted in reporting on this forum described it as lacking the technical background to examine data closely without the community hiring its own outside consultant[14], a limitation directly comparable to the Local Emergency Planning Committee's own technical capacity gap already documented elsewhere in this campaign's files.
The Environmental Integrity Project's May 2025 report, “A Paper Trail of Pollution,” examined the 185 largest pulp and paper mills in the United States over more than six months of research, including site visits in three states[16]. Key national findings relevant to air pollution:
The average industrial boiler among the 185 mills studied is 41 years old[16]. The single oldest boiler of any mill studied, installed in 1928, belongs to the facility now called Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington, the same facility where the fatal May 2026 tank implosion occurred[16]. More than 40 percent of the 185 mills studied (77 of 185) had at least one boiler 50 years old or older[16].
Pulp and paper mills are among the largest sources of hydrogen sulfide air pollution in the United States. Six of the ten largest single industrial hydrogen sulfide emitters reporting to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2023 were paper mills[16]. Ninety plants reported emitting a combined 8 million pounds of hydrogen sulfide that year, with almost half of that total coming from just the top 12 plants[16].
A third of the 185 mills studied (63 of 185) had at least one air pollution violation in the preceding three years[16]. State and federal agencies brought 267 air pollution enforcement actions against 95 plants over five years, totaling $7.4 million in penalties nationally[16].
In 2020, the 185 mills studied reported emitting a combined 46,095 tons of sulfur dioxide[16]. The report noted some mills lack basic pollution control devices, including scrubbers, that could reduce sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide emissions[16].
The paper industry's reported greenhouse gas emissions substantially undercount its actual climate impact due to a federal reporting exemption for “biogenic” fuels such as wood and black liquor. In 2023, the 185 mills studied reported 33.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, less than a third of their estimated actual emissions of 115 million metric tons[16].
The report's dedicated Washington State case study states that PTPC's mill has been in violation of the Clean Air Act for 11 of the last 12 quarters, including for releasing hazardous air pollutants, soot, and nitrogen oxides, and has been subject to five air pollution enforcement actions and 23 violation notices over the last five years, resulting in $63,750 in penalties[16].
The report quotes Don Ehnebuske, identified as a neighbor of PTPC: “Local communities are subjected to noxious combinations of airborne chemicals from paper mills while there are proven strategies to dramatically reduce these odors. The lack of adequate regulation protects profits for these mills while putting the expense to health and quality of life onto the backs of local people.”[16]
Covington, Virginia (Smurfit Westrock): a 126-year-old mill using a boiler installed in 1940, among the worst national air polluters in the industry for nitrogen oxide and methane emissions[16]. PTPC reported 970,084 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, the most of any United States paper mill, though the report estimates actual emissions at approximately 2.49 million metric tons once biogenic fuel emissions are included[16].
Catawba, South Carolina (New-Indy Containerboard): a mill with a boiler system dating to the Eisenhower administration[16]. Local residents have filed nearly 50,000 odor complaints since the facility was acquired in 2018[16]. In 2023, the plant was the worst-ranked polluter in the nation for mercury and zinc air pollution among all 185 mills studied[16].
Rumford, Maine (ND Paper Mill): the same national report ranked this kraft mill the second-largest mercury emitter among all 185 mills studied nationally, one of the last plants in the country still burning both coal and tires as fuel[16][17]. Local residents have referred to the town as “Cancer Valley” due to persistent mill odor and smoke[17]. Skowhegan, Maine (Sappi Somerset Mill): ranked in the national top 20 for hazardous air pollutant emissions in a separate year's data cited in the same report[16].
Cost range approximately $200 to $300[18]. These sensors, including AirThings and the PurpleAir Zen (which added a general gas sensor alongside its particulate sensor), use metal oxide sensing technology that registers a combined total volatile organic compound reading and cannot distinguish one compound from another[18]. Readings can be affected by humidity, temperature, and background biogenic sources such as vegetation[18].
Cost range approximately $140 to $350 per unit[19]. PurpleAir is the most widely used brand in community monitoring networks and has been found by the South Coast Air Quality Management District's independent testing to have among the highest correlation with reference-grade instruments of 19 low-cost particulate sensors evaluated[19].
Cost range approximately $1,000 to $2,500 per unit for a base monitor plus one gas-specific sensor head[20]. The Aeroqual Series 500 is one example[20]. Each unit measures one gas at a time, so covering multiple compounds such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds simultaneously requires either swapping sensor heads or running multiple units[20]. The volatile organic compound sensor head on this class of instrument is still an aggregate reading, not true compound identification, the same fundamental limitation as consumer sensors, though more stable and better logged over time[20]. Sensors also drift and typically require replacement every two years[20].
Passive thermal desorption tubes collect air samples via diffusion over a set period, commonly one week, without power or pumps, and are analyzed at a laboratory by thermal desorption gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, which identifies and quantifies individual compounds[13][21]. Laboratory analysis costs, confirmed from multiple commercial sources, range from $160 to $468 per sample for badge or tube methods[21], and $650 to $936 per sample for canister-based methods under United States Environmental Protection Agency Method TO-15[22].
THRIVEair is a partnership between the Philadelphia environmental justice organization Philly Thrive and Drexel University public health scientists, conducted June 2023 through June 2024 near a former oil refinery site[23]. The project monitored 37 volatile organic compounds, including benzene, using passive thermal desorption tubes mounted 8 to 10 feet up on utility poles[23]. Nine sites were monitored weekly and 11 additional sites on a rotating seasonal basis[23].
Quality control included field and laboratory blanks every two weeks, a duplicate co-located sample each week, and one site co-located with a government reference monitor[23]. The project was funded through a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences research grant and Drexel University pilot funding[23]. Average benzene concentration across the project's stationary sites over the full year was 1.32 micrograms per cubic meter, ranging from 0.30 to 9.04 micrograms per cubic meter[23].
When the project's data caught an unexplained one-week spike at a specific site, project members brought the finding directly to the site's redeveloper[23][24]. The redeveloper had no legal obligation to respond, but voluntarily began its own ongoing benzene monitoring at that exact location and has continued sharing that data with the project weekly since[23][24].
Passed as Senate Bill 5141 in 2021, this is Washington State's first coordinated cross-agency environmental justice law[25]. It requires seven state agencies to conduct environmental justice assessments before certain major decisions and build community engagement plans, and it created the Environmental Health Disparities map used to rank overburdened communities statewide[25]. The law is procedural: it requires agencies to assess and document impacts and engage communities, but it does not itself grant any agency new authority to deny a permit or force a company to change its operations[25].
Also passed in 2021, this cap-and-invest program for greenhouse gas emissions separately requires the Washington State Department of Ecology to identify overburdened communities, build an air monitoring network in them, and identify the specific facilities responsible for the highest levels of criteria air pollutants in each[26]. That air monitoring network, known as SensWA, currently covers sixteen communities identified using the Environmental Health Disparities map: South King County, South Seattle, Spokane and Spokane Valley, South and East Tacoma, Tri-Cities to Wallula, Vancouver, Everett, East Yakima, Lower Yakima Valley, North Seattle and Shoreline, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Northeast Puyallup, Moxee Valley, Mattawa, and George and West Grant County[27].
Jefferson County and Port Townsend are not among these sixteen communities[27]. The selection criteria are built primarily from income, race, and historical redlining data, not from whether a documented industrial air pollution source exists nearby[27]. Port Townsend's demographics, an older, whiter, and comparatively higher-income population than the communities this program was designed to prioritize, place it outside the demographic profile the selection criteria were built to identify, regardless of the documented pollution source located there.
Sponsored by Representative Sharlett Mena of Tacoma and supported by the Front and Centered coalition, this bill would have gone further than either of the laws above by allowing the Washington State Department of Ecology to deny air pollution permits based on cumulative pollution burden in overburdened communities[28]. First introduced in 2024 as House Bill 2070, it did not pass[28]. Reintroduced in 2025 as House Bill 1303 and Senate Bill 5380, its substance had already been significantly reduced by that point, no longer including cumulative impact permit-denial authority, and instead limited to adding an environmental justice review step to existing state environmental policy review[28].
It did not pass in 2025 and did not pass in the 2026 session either[28].
PTPC's own documented air pollution history spans at least two decades: a 2006 discovery that PTPC's air permit relied on self-monitoring, a 2008 case of a named resident relocating permanently after reporting permanent health effects, a 2008 state pollution board order to rewrite PTPC's air permit, nearly 2,000 recorded odor complaints between 2016 and 2021, and a federal exposure investigation that took from a 2015 request to a 2024 publication to complete.
This is not an isolated pattern. The same structural issues, self-monitoring, outdated equipment, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur compound emissions, and gaps between community complaints and independent verification, recur across kraft and paper mill communities nationally and internationally, from Longview and Plymouth, North Carolina to Lewiston, Idaho, Crofton, British Columbia, Covington, Virginia, Catawba, South Carolina, and Rumford, Maine.
Real, working equipment and methodology exist to close the specific gap Port Townsend has faced, compound-specific identification rather than aggregate readings, at costs far below the six-figure sums sometimes cited as the only option. Other communities, including Philly Thrive's THRIVEair project, have used exactly this kind of rigor to build credible, defensible data and, in at least one documented case, to prompt voluntary action from a polluting facility.
Washington State has real environmental justice infrastructure, but it was built around demographic disparity criteria that do not currently include Port Townsend, and the one bill that might have added binding enforcement teeth to state air pollution permitting has failed in three consecutive legislative attempts.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.2
Technology, Washington Law, and Community Monitoring Efforts
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This is a factual summary prepared for the Thriving Earth Exchange sulfur pollution assessment team. It summarizes research compiled on air monitoring equipment, other community air monitoring efforts, and the Washington State legislative landscape relevant to air pollution monitoring and enforcement. It presents information only; it does not make recommendations about how this information might apply to any specific project or next step.
Cost range: approximately $200 to $300. Examples include AirThings and the PurpleAir Zen, which added a general gas sensor (Bosch BME688) alongside its particulate sensor. These sensors use metal oxide sensing technology, which registers a combined Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) reading and cannot distinguish one compound from another. Readings can be affected by humidity, temperature, and background sources such as vegetation.
Cost range: approximately $140 to $350 per unit. PurpleAir is the most widely used brand in community monitoring networks. Independent testing by the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center found PurpleAir's PA-II model had the highest correlation with reference-grade instruments among 19 low-cost particulate matter sensors tested. PurpleAir sensors are documented to overestimate particulate matter concentrations during high-pollution events (such as wildfire smoke) by up to a factor of two without a correction factor applied.
Cost range: approximately $1,000 to $2,500 per unit for a base monitor plus one gas-specific sensor head (examples include sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, or volatile organic compound heads). The Aeroqual Series 500 is one example, used by air quality professionals and environmental health and safety managers, and can be configured for handheld or wall-mounted semi-fixed use. Monitoring multiple compound classes simultaneously at one location requires either swapping sensor heads or purchasing multiple heads.
Passive thermal desorption tubes (a widely used brand is Markes International) collect air samples via diffusion over a set period, commonly one week, without requiring power, pumps, or calibration in the field. Samples are shipped to a laboratory for analysis by Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography With Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), which identifies and quantifies individual compounds. This method is the basis for United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 325, used for refinery fenceline benzene monitoring, and typically requires two-week passive monitoring periods under that method. A single sampler network of 100 to 200 units has been described in industry literature as deployable across a city or region.
Costs vary by method and were documented from multiple commercial environmental laboratories.
Passive badge or tube samples analyzed by Gas Chromatography With Flame Ionization Detection (GC/FID): $160 to $468 per sample. One laboratory's pricing caps at $468 per sample regardless of how many of up to 28 compounds are requested on a single sample.
Canister-based samples analyzed under United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method TO-15: $650 to $936 per sample, including field collection, transport, and reporting in one documented Seattle-area quote.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the SPod, a solar-powered, portable, lower-cost sensor system designed for deployment at industrial facility fencelines to detect fugitive volatile organic compound emissions. In December 2019, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a 21-day collocation study of prototype volatile organic compound sensors near a chemical facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The study found relative percent differences of 13 percent to 95 percent between same-manufacturer sensor units without correction; applying the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s own fenceline-style baseline correction algorithm improved unit-to-unit precision to within approximately plus or minus 30 percent in most cases.
A peer-reviewed 2026 study of a low-cost air quality sensor network in the New York City metropolitan area documented a Network Calibration Approach: a single keystone low-cost sensor package was collocated alongside regulatory reference-grade instruments at a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation monitoring site for 16 months. Data from that collocation period was used to train a calibration model, which was then applied across all sensor packages in the wider network. The approach was found to compensate for sensor degradation and drift over time.
A Washington nonprofit, Methow Valley Citizens Council, operates the Clean Air Ambassador Program, launched in 2018. As of spring 2022, it included 35 or more volunteer hosts operating PurpleAir particulate matter sensors across the Methow and Okanogan Valleys, a rural area spanning approximately 60 miles. The program explicitly collocates its low-cost sensors with the Washington State Department of Ecology's own reference-grade nephelometers in Twisp and Winthrop, and with a federal reference monitor in Omak, to develop a correction factor comparing the low-cost sensor readings against those instruments.
A partnership between the environmental justice organization Philly Thrive and Drexel University public health scientists, conducted June 2023 through June 2024, near the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery site. The project monitored 37 volatile organic compounds, including benzene, using passive thermal desorption tubes mounted 8 to 10 feet up on utility poles. Nine sites were monitored weekly; 11 additional sites were monitored on a rotating seasonal basis.
Quality control included field and laboratory blanks every two weeks, a duplicate co-located sample each week, and one site co-located with a government reference monitor. Samples were analyzed at a university laboratory using thermal desorption gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Funding sources included a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences research grant, Drexel University pilot funding, and a peace engineering fellowship; a Philly Thrive youth member was hired and paid as a field technician.
Average benzene concentration across stationary sites over the one-year period was 1.32 micrograms per cubic meter, with a range of 0.30 to 9.04 micrograms per cubic meter. When a specific site recorded an elevated one-week average, project members brought the finding directly to the site's redeveloper, Hilco Redevelopment Partners. The company had no legal obligation to respond, but began its own ongoing benzene monitoring at that location using a comparable sampling protocol, and has continued to share that data with the THRIVEair project on a weekly basis.
Philly Thrive's own public materials list the THRIVEair partnership as a named achievement, described as having “succeeded in putting air monitors up across South Philly.” Separately, and documented independently of the monitoring project itself: in October 2024, the site's redeveloper released a Community Benefits Commitment pledging $10 million toward community investment. Philly Thrive publicly characterized the negotiating process as non-transparent, and stated that the resulting document was a non-binding pledge rather than a legally enforceable community benefits agreement.
The organization's legal counsel stated publicly that the developer could modify or retract the document at its own discretion. Benzene monitoring and a binding cleanup standard, priorities Philly Thrive had sought, were not included as enforceable terms in the final commitment.
In 2013, residents reported persistent metallic odors to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Initial screening measurements found elevated levels of nickel and hexavalent chromium. This led to expanded monitoring, including a partnership between the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) specifically monitoring hexavalent chromium levels near schools in the area. According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)'s own published materials, monitoring data was used to identify emission sources, and the agency worked with local industry to reduce emissions through operational changes.
This program's outcomes led to the creation of a broader institutional effort, the Community Air Toxics Initiative, operating across the South Coast Air Basin.
A California state law creating a formal process for community involvement in designing air monitoring plans, with the stated goal of connecting monitoring data to required local emissions reduction measures. In Imperial County, near the United States-Mexico border, a community air monitoring network's data was documented as having directly informed the state's implementation of Assembly Bill 617 in that county, resulting in mandated activities and additional funding for the local air district, including a requirement to develop local emissions reduction measures with community input.
A separate, peer-reviewed academic analysis of Assembly Bill 617's implementation in Richmond, California, examined whether new community air monitoring data was connected to actual emissions-reduction strategies in that jurisdiction's plan documents. That analysis found that most monitoring data was not used and was rarely connected to resulting regulatory or policy change.
A community organization in a neighborhood adjacent to an industrial park containing an oil refinery, a shipbuilding yard, and a federal Superfund site. The group combined low-cost air sensor deployment with simultaneous resident-reported symptom and odor logs, intended to document a correlation between measured pollution events and community-experienced health symptoms and odors, for use in the organization's advocacy with regulatory agencies.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Air Sensor Toolbox provides published guidance for community groups on sensor selection, calibration, data interpretation, and communication of results. It was developed in part through a documented collaboration with two North Carolina groups, Clean Air Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and separately through a partnership with the Ironbound Community Corporation in Newark, New Jersey.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities program has issued grants in two tiers: “Small Grants” of $25,000 to $100,000 and larger “Large Grants,” specifically for community-led air sensor network projects, along with a published Guide to Leveraging Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring.
Passed as Senate Bill 5141 in 2021. Creates a statewide framework requiring seven state agencies (Health, Agriculture, Commerce, Ecology, Natural Resources, Transportation, and Puget Sound Partnership) to incorporate environmental justice considerations into strategic plans, develop community engagement plans, and conduct environmental justice assessments for certain significant agency actions.
The law is procedural: it requires agencies to assess and document cumulative environmental health impacts and community engagement, but does not itself grant agencies new authority to deny permits or mandate emissions reductions based on those assessments. The law directs 40 percent of covered agencies' environmental-benefit expenditures toward vulnerable populations and overburdened communities.
Also passed in 2021. Establishes a cap-and-invest program for greenhouse gas emissions. A section of the law directs the Washington State Department of Ecology to identify overburdened communities, construct an air monitoring network in those communities, and identify the sources responsible for the greatest levels of criteria air pollutants in each. The law mandates that at least 35 percent of Climate Commitment Act investments serve overburdened communities, with an additional 10 percent for Tribal Nation-supported projects.
Established under the Climate Commitment Act's overburdened communities provision. The Washington State Department of Ecology has identified 16 specific overburdened communities statewide, using the Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s EJScreen demographic index as primary selection criteria, alongside factors including historical redlining, health care access, and known health disparities.
The 16 identified communities are: South King County, South Seattle, Spokane and Spokane Valley, South and East Tacoma, Tri-Cities to Wallula, Vancouver, Everett, East Yakima, Lower Yakima Valley, North Seattle and Shoreline, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Northeast Puyallup, Moxee Valley, Mattawa, and George and West Grant County. Jefferson County and Port Townsend are not among the 16 identified communities.
Ecology's most recent report on this program found that residents of the 16 identified communities live, on average, 2.4 years less than residents of the rest of Washington State due to health conditions linked to air pollution, and separately estimated approximately 430 adult deaths associated with fine particulate matter exposure within these communities.
Legislation sponsored by Representative Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma) and supported by the Front and Centered coalition. First introduced in the 2024 legislative session as House Bill 2070; did not pass. As originally drafted, the bill would have required permitting agencies to conduct a cumulative impact analysis for proposed projects in already-overburdened communities, and would have granted agencies authority to deny permits for projects that would add unacceptable levels of pollution to those communities, including specific authority to deny air pollution permits ranking 9 or 10 on the Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map.
Reintroduced in the 2025 legislative session as House Bill 1303 and Senate Bill 5380. By this point, the bill's content had changed substantially: it no longer called for a cumulative impact analysis with permit-denial authority, and instead focused on integrating an environmental justice element into the existing State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process. House Bill 1303 did not advance to a full House vote in the 2025 session. The Front and Centered coalition has listed the bill again among its stated priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.5
A Plain-Language Guide to Pollutants and Emissions
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document describes the kraft white liquor unbleached pulp mill process in plain language: what chemicals go in, what happens at each step, and what pollutants come out. It covers air emissions, water discharge, physical pollution, and legacy contamination.
Two types of statements appear throughout each step below. Statements marked as confirmed for Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) are drawn from its own public regulatory record: its permits, enforcement documents, and government agency reports. Statements describing the general kraft unbleached mill process may or may not apply exactly as described to PTPC; the public record does not confirm or deny those specific details for this facility.
Two definitions apply throughout. An input pollutant is a substance brought onto the site and used deliberately in the production process. An output pollutant is a substance that leaves the facility, to the air, to the water, or as waste.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on the shore of Port Townsend Bay, an arm of Puget Sound in Washington State. PTPC has operated on this site for nearly a century. It produces unbleached pulp, kraft paper, and containerboard, the corrugated brown cardboard used in shipping boxes.
It operates two production lines: one that processes raw wood chips using the kraft chemical process, and one that repulps old corrugated cardboard for recycling into new containerboard. PTPC produces approximately 1,000 tons of product per day and discharges an average of 9.6 million gallons of treated wastewater into Port Townsend Bay every day, approximately 3.5 billion gallons per year. It employs roughly 300 workers. It is owned by Atlas Holdings of Greenwich, Connecticut, which acquired it in October 2022.
The word unbleached is significant. Many kraft pulp mills use chlorine compounds to bleach their pulp white, and that bleaching process generates a class of highly toxic compounds called chlorinated dioxins and furans as byproducts. PTPC does not bleach its pulp. As a result, it does not generate the chlorinated dioxins associated with the bleaching process. This is confirmed by the permit fact sheet.
However, the absence of bleaching does not mean the absence of carcinogens in the discharge. As this document describes, PTPC generates a range of toxic and carcinogenic byproducts through the pulping and combustion process itself, and carries legacy contaminants from historic site use. Several of these are confirmed in the treated wastewater that reaches Port Townsend Bay.
What follows is a description of the kraft white liquor unbleached pulp mill production process. Each step identifies what goes in, input pollutants, and what comes out, output pollutants. Steps confirmed from PTPC's own public regulatory record are noted as such. All other steps describe the standard industry process and may or may not apply exactly as described to this facility.
Logs are delivered to PTPC, debarked, and chipped into small uniform pieces roughly the size of a poker chip. The chips are stored in large outdoor piles until needed. At PTPC, raw wood chips are one of the two primary raw material inputs alongside old corrugated cardboard (OCC). PTPC processes both.
Input pollutant: wood chips are not themselves toxic, but the storage piles generate runoff containing wood sugars, tannins, natural astringent compounds found in wood, and resin acids, naturally occurring compounds in wood that are acutely toxic to fish at very low concentrations. Rain falling on chip piles can carry these compounds toward surface water. Output pollutant (potential): chip pile runoff containing resin acids and wood extractives if not contained.
Confirmed permit requirement: the 2025 permit requires sediment monitoring near the wood chip receiving dock, confirming that wood chip handling generates sediment contamination in Port Townsend Bay significant enough to warrant ongoing monitoring. Confirmed for PTPC: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit WA0000922 (2025) confirms kraft pulp production from wood chips and old corrugated cardboard (OCC) repulping. Approximately 1,000 tons per day confirmed by Fox13 News, September 2025, and Washington State Department of Ecology.
Wood chips are loaded into a large pressure vessel called a digester and cooked at high temperature and pressure, approximately 338 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius in the original source document) and about 100 pounds per square inch (roughly three times the pressure inside a typical car tire), in a chemical solution called white liquor. This is where the name kraft white liquor mill comes from.
White liquor is a highly caustic, meaning severely corrosive, mixture of two industrial chemicals: sodium hydroxide (the active ingredient in drain cleaners) and sodium sulfide (a sulfur compound that reacts aggressively with organic material). Together they dissolve lignin, the natural binding compound in wood that holds the cellulose fibers together, freeing the fibers to become pulp. Input pollutant: sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide are the primary process chemicals. Both are highly corrosive and acutely hazardous but are not carcinogenic.
A spill of white liquor is a serious acute hazard: contact causes severe chemical burns; ingestion or inhalation is life-threatening. It was a white liquor tank implosion that killed eleven workers at Nippon Dynawave in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026.
Output pollutant (air): when the cooking is complete, the digester is opened and pressure is released rapidly in a process called blowing. This releases a burst of steam and gases including hydrogen sulfide (the compound responsible for the rotten egg odor associated with kraft mills), methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide. These four compounds are collectively known as Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds. They are the primary source of kraft mill odor and can cause acute respiratory effects at sufficient concentrations.
Output pollutant (water): the cooking process generates what is called spent liquor or weak black liquor, the dark brown liquid that remains after the fibers are separated. It contains dissolved lignin, wood extractives, resin acids, fatty acids, and the spent cooking chemicals.
Output pollutant (byproduct, confirmed in permit): turpentine. Kraft pulping of softwood species releases crude sulfate turpentine as a byproduct when the digester is blown. Turpentine is a volatile, flammable liquid solvent composed primarily of terpenes, naturally occurring organic compounds from pine resin. Average yield from pine species is 11 to 22 pounds per ton of pulp (5 to 10 kilograms per metric ton in the original source). It is toxic to aquatic organisms and flammable at temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius in the original source document). The 2025 permit specifically requires PTPC to minimize spills of turpentine to the wastewater treatment plant, confirming its presence as a spill risk at this facility.
Confirmed for PTPC: white liquor composition confirmed in Washington State Department of Ecology National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Fact Sheet WA0000922 (2025). Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compound emissions confirmed by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Exposure Investigation (2024), which detected 14 sulfur compounds in air near the facility. Washington State Labor and Industries Press Release 26-07 (June 1, 2026) confirmed white liquor storage and the Longview disaster.
After cooking, the pulp and the spent black liquor are separated. The pulp, which is now brown, not white, because it has not been bleached, is washed with large volumes of water to remove as much of the residual black liquor as possible. This washing step is critical: black liquor that passes through to the wastewater system rather than being captured for recovery increases the pollution load substantially.
At well-designed mills, brown stock washing captures more than 99 percent of the black liquor for recovery. Failures in the washing process, spills, equipment malfunctions, or process upsets, can release black liquor directly into the wastewater stream. Output pollutant (water): wash water containing residual black liquor, dissolved lignin, resin acids, and organic compounds from the cooking process. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), the measure of how much oxygen bacteria consume breaking down organic waste in receiving water, rises substantially when black liquor enters the wastewater stream.
General kraft unbleached mill process. Whether and how PTPC performs this specific step is not documented in the public record reviewed for this document.
Black liquor, the spent cooking solution separated from the pulp, is one of the most significant pollution risks at a kraft mill. It is a dark, viscous liquid that contains dissolved lignin, spent cooking chemicals, wood extractives, and a high concentration of organic compounds. Its Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is extremely high, meaning that if it reaches a receiving waterway it depletes oxygen rapidly, creating conditions that suffocate fish and aquatic life.
In normal operations, black liquor is captured and sent to the chemical recovery system. When the system fails, through equipment malfunction, a spill, or a process upset, black liquor can enter the wastewater treatment system in quantities that overwhelm it, causing permit exceedances for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (particles of material floating in the water).
Confirmed spill history: in early January 2025, approximately 1,000 gallons of condensed water from the plant's steam system spilled into Port Townsend Bay. In April 2025, 114,630 gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged. Washington State Department of Ecology fined PTPC a total of $20,000 combined for both 2025 spills. Mill leadership appealed the penalty. Between November 2021 and March 2022, PTPC spilled approximately 800 gallons of untreated process wastewater and exceeded its permit limits 14 times, resulting in a $27,000 penalty.
Confirmed for PTPC: Washington State Department of Ecology enforcement record confirms that black liquor spill events on April 7 and April 10, 2026 caused six permit limit exceedances: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) on April 8 and 9, total suspended solids on April 9, 10, 12, and 14. Ecology found the facility failed to follow its own Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan.
Before black liquor can be burned in the recovery furnace, its water content must be reduced dramatically. It enters the evaporation system at roughly 15 to 20 percent dissolved solids and must reach approximately 65 to 70 percent dissolved solids before it can sustain combustion. This is achieved through a series of evaporators that use steam to boil off water progressively.
The evaporation process releases steam and gases that contain volatile organic compounds and Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds. These gases, called non-condensable gases (NCG), are an important source of kraft mill air emissions and odor. Modern mills collect these gases and route them to incineration rather than releasing them directly to the atmosphere. Output pollutant (air): non-condensable gases (NCG) including hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide released during evaporation if not fully collected.
General kraft unbleached mill process. Whether and how PTPC performs this specific step is not documented in the public record reviewed for this document.
The concentrated black liquor is sprayed into a large combustion vessel called the recovery furnace, where it burns. The recovery furnace serves two purposes simultaneously: it generates heat and steam that power the facility, and it converts the spent cooking chemicals back into a form that can be recycled into new white liquor. The combustion process produces a molten material at the bottom of the furnace called smelt, which is primarily sodium carbonate and sodium sulfide. When this smelt is dissolved in water it becomes green liquor, which is then processed back into white liquor for the next batch of cooking.
The recovery furnace is the largest single source of air emissions at a kraft mill. Its combustion stack releases particulate matter (fine particles that carry carcinogenic compounds), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and a range of combustion byproducts including dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (complex chemical compounds produced when organic material burns incompletely), formaldehyde, and lead compounds. These are all confirmed in PTPC's air emissions records.
The smelt dissolving tank, where molten smelt meets water, is also an emission source, releasing particulates and sulfur compounds. A recovery furnace failure or smelt-water explosion is among the most catastrophic events possible at a kraft mill. Input pollutant: concentrated black liquor, sodium sulfate makeup chemical.
Output pollutant (air): particulate matter (fine particles, some carrying carcinogens), sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, dioxins and furans (trace combustion byproducts), formaldehyde (known to cause cancer in humans, the same classification given to tobacco smoke and asbestos), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead compounds, hexavalent chromium (also known to cause cancer in humans), and acetaldehyde.
Confirmed for PTPC: recovery furnace confirmed in Air Operating Permit (AOP) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) records. The $56,250 air quality penalty issued December 2022 involved recovery furnace emissions: a clog in the emissions treatment system caused the hazardous air pollutant limit to be exceeded on July 6, 2022, undetected for 24 hours. The $342,000 Clean Air Act (CAA) settlement paid May 2019 involved a digester whose emissions were not fully routed to a control device. Carcinogenic air emissions confirmed by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Exposure Investigation (2024) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).
The chemical recovery cycle requires lime (calcium oxide) to convert green liquor back into white liquor. In the causticizing process, calcium oxide reacts with sodium carbonate in the green liquor to produce sodium hydroxide (one of the active ingredients in white liquor) and calcium carbonate as a byproduct. That calcium carbonate is then heated in a large rotating cylinder called a lime kiln to drive off carbon dioxide and regenerate the calcium oxide for the next cycle.
The lime kiln burns fuel, historically oil or natural gas, though some modern mills have converted to biofuels. It is one of the three major combustion sources at a kraft mill alongside the recovery furnace and the power boiler. Output pollutant (air): Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide. Washington State law, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-405-040, sets specific limits on Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) emissions from lime kilns at kraft mills.
General kraft unbleached mill process. Whether and how PTPC performs this specific step is not documented in the public record reviewed for this document.
PTPC operates a second production line that repulps old corrugated cardboard (OCC), used shipping boxes, into fiber that can be incorporated into new containerboard. This process does not use white liquor cooking. Instead, old cardboard is mixed with water and mechanically broken down into its component fibers.
The repulping process introduces whatever contaminants were present in the recycled cardboard: inks, adhesives, coatings, and trace chemical residues from the materials the boxes previously contained. It also generates wastewater with high fiber content and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). Output pollutant (water): wastewater from repulping containing fiber, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) load, and trace contaminants from recycled materials.
Confirmed for PTPC: old corrugated cardboard (OCC) repulping confirmed in Washington State Department of Ecology National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Fact Sheet WA0000922 (2025) and the 2018 State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist for the old corrugated cardboard (OCC) pulper upgrade.
All process wastewater from across PTPC is collected and treated before discharge. The treatment system is designed primarily to reduce Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), total suspended solids (floating particles), and pH before the water is discharged into Port Townsend Bay. Standard kraft mill wastewater treatment uses a combination of primary physical treatment (screens and settling tanks that remove large particles and suspended solids) and secondary biological treatment (large aeration basins where bacteria consume dissolved organic matter, reducing the biochemical oxygen demand of the water).
What this treatment does and does not do is critically important. It reduces Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) by 85 to 98 percent in a well-designed activated sludge system, plus total suspended solids, fiber content, and some dissolved organic compounds.
It does not meaningfully reduce three cancer-causing compounds: benzo(a)anthracene and chlordane, both classified as probably causing cancer in humans, and pentachlorophenol, classified as a known human carcinogen, the same certainty level as tobacco smoke and asbestos. These three substances survive secondary biological treatment largely intact and are present in the treated wastewater discharged into Port Townsend Bay. This is confirmed by the permit. The permit does not establish that treatment reduces their concentration.
Confirmed for PTPC: wastewater treatment and discharge confirmed in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit WA0000922 (2025). The presence of carcinogens in treated discharge is confirmed in the permit fact sheet. The characterization of what treatment does and does not remove is drawn from peer-reviewed literature (ScienceDirect, IntechOpen) and the permit fact sheet itself, which notes no established treatment reduction for these compounds.
After treatment, wastewater is discharged into Port Townsend Bay through a 1,200-foot outfall pipe at Glen Cove. The average discharge volume is 9.6 million gallons per day, approximately 3.5 billion gallons per year. This is the water that carries the confirmed pollutants described later in this document into the bay.
In the 2025 permit renewal process, PTPC requested permission to increase its discharge by approximately 7 percent and to increase total suspended solids by approximately 2 percent. The request was made at the same time carcinogen limits were being imposed in the permit for the first time. The outfall pipe at Glen Cove has been described as aging by journalist Scott Doggett of the Port Townsend Leader. When asked how old the pipe was and whether PTPC would replace it, Crown Paper Group declined to answer.
Port Townsend Bay is a semi-enclosed marine body with limited tidal exchange. Pollutants entering the bay tend to remain longer than they would in open water, concentrating in sediments, accumulating in organisms, and moving up the food chain. Confirmed for PTPC: discharge volume confirmed in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit WA0000922 (2025). Semi-enclosed bay characteristics confirmed in permit fact sheet dilution modeling.
The following pollutants are confirmed in the public record for PTPC. Every entry cites its source. This section is organized by where the pollutant goes: water discharge to Port Townsend Bay, or air emissions to the surrounding community.
Source for all water discharge entries: Washington State Department of Ecology National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Fact Sheet, Permit Number WA0000922, effective June 1, 2025 (240 pages), unless otherwise noted.
Note on this section: the source material reviewed for this rebuild preserved the section heading and citation above but did not preserve the itemized compound-by-compound data table (specific pollutant names, concentrations, and permit limits) that this heading refers to. Rather than estimate or reconstruct those figures, they are omitted here. Readers should consult National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit WA0000922 (2025) directly for the complete water discharge pollutant table.
Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Exposure Investigation published June 2024 (data from 2018); United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI); PTPC Air Operating Permit (AOP); Washington State Department of Ecology enforcement records.
Note on this section: as with the water discharge section above, the source material preserved this heading and its citations but not the underlying itemized pollutant-by-pollutant data table. That table is not reconstructed here. Readers should consult the cited Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Exposure Investigation and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) records directly for the complete air emissions pollutant data.
Input pollutants are chemicals brought onto the facility and used deliberately in the production process. At a kraft white liquor unbleached mill, the primary process chemicals are not themselves carcinogenic; the carcinogens associated with this facility arise as byproducts of the process, not as raw materials. This distinction is important and confirmed in the permit fact sheet.
The following findings come from peer-reviewed scientific research, studies published in named scientific journals and reviewed by independent scientists before publication. These studies examine the effects of kraft pulp mill wastewater on aquatic life and human health. They are not specific to PTPC except where noted. They represent the scientific consensus on what this category of wastewater does to marine environments.
The most extensively documented biological effect of kraft mill wastewater is disruption of fish reproduction. More than 30 years of peer-reviewed research across North America, Scandinavia, and New Zealand have established that pulp and paper mill wastewater affects fish reproduction through endocrine disruption: interference with the hormonal systems that control reproduction, growth, and sexual development.
The landmark Jackfish Bay study, conducted over 30 years at a bleached kraft mill on Lake Superior in Canada, documented reduced sex steroid hormone levels, delayed sexual maturation, reduced gonadal sizes, altered circulating sex steroid hormones, and changes in liver and body condition in white sucker fish. These effects persisted for decades even after the installation of secondary wastewater treatment.
A 2008 review by Hewitt et al. published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry examined 20 years of studies in North America, Scandinavia, and New Zealand. It confirmed that both bleached and unbleached kraft mill effluent affect fish reproduction. Unbleached kraft mill effluent specifically caused reductions in circulating testosterone concentrations in rainbow trout at concentrations as low as 1 percent of river flow.
A study of longear sunfish in the Pearl River, United States, found that unbleached kraft and recycled pulp mill effluent suppressed female reproductive hormone levels when effluent made up 1 percent or more of river flow. The compounds responsible for endocrine disruption in kraft mill wastewater include resin acids, naturally occurring compounds released from wood during pulping, confirmed in the discharge from PTPC and acutely toxic to fish at concentrations below 1 milligram per liter.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Toxicological Profile for Hydrogen Sulfide documents its health effects in detail. Effects at increasing concentrations: detectable by smell at 0.13 to 0.15 parts per million; respiratory, eye, and throat irritation at 100 parts per million; paralysis of the olfactory nerve (the loss of the ability to smell the gas) at 150 parts per million; coma at 1,000 parts per million; death at higher concentrations from respiratory arrest within minutes.
A peer-reviewed study of a pulp mill community in South Karelia, Finland found that during days of strong sulfur compound emissions from the South Karelia pulp mill, 63 percent of nearby residents reported at least one symptom, compared to 26 percent during reference periods. Symptoms included headaches, eye irritation, nausea, and respiratory effects.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons accumulate in marine sediments and build up through the food chain. Bottom-dwelling marine animals including crabs, clams, and mussels accumulate these compounds at higher concentrations than fish, because they live in direct contact with contaminated sediment.
The 2014 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife crab tissue study found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in Port Townsend Bay crabs at concentrations comparable to Seattle and Tacoma urban waters. Higher molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzo(a)anthracene, are more persistent, less readily broken down, and more carcinogenic than lower molecular weight compounds, and persist in marine sediment for years to decades.
Not all pollution is chemical. The term pollutant in environmental law covers physical conditions that harm aquatic life and receiving water quality, not just specific chemical compounds. The following physical pollution parameters are part of PTPC's permitted discharge and are confirmed in the public record.
Industrial processes generate substantial heat, and cooling water that has absorbed that heat is discharged into receiving water. Elevated water temperature reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen the water can hold and affects the metabolism, behavior, and reproduction of fish and aquatic organisms. Pacific salmon, present in the waters around Port Townsend, are particularly sensitive to water temperature changes. The permit includes temperature limits at the discharge point.
The treated wastewater carries dissolved lignin compounds that give it a characteristic dark brown or black tint. Colored water blocks sunlight from penetrating to aquatic plants and photosynthetic organisms on the bay floor. Color is not individually regulated in the current permit as a separate parameter.
The odor produced by kraft pulping is a measurable community health and quality-of-life impact. Between 2016 and 2021, nearly 2,000 odor complaints were recorded by Washington State Department of Ecology and PTPC. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed in 2024 that the sulfur compounds responsible for the odor can cause acute respiratory effects in nearby residents when multiple compounds spike simultaneously.
PTPC operates an approximately 25-acre landfill on its southern tract of land, adjacent to the PTPC site. This is a solid waste pollution pathway entirely separate from the water and air permits. It is not regulated by either the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit or the Air Operating Permit (AOP).
The landfill receives approximately 7,000 dry tons of boiler ash and lime grits annually, the solid residues from the recovery furnace and the lime kiln. The combination is highly alkaline, with a pH of 12 or higher, comparable to household bleach in alkalinity, which can affect the chemistry of surrounding soil and groundwater. The landfill is classified as an inert landfill for regulatory purposes, the only active ash landfill in Washington State with that classification. PTPC maintains groundwater monitoring wells at the site and holds $790,500 in a trust account for future landfill closure and post-closure costs.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.1
Complete Tier Two Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory, Reporting Year 2025
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document is the complete chemical inventory Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology for Reporting Year 2025 under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Section 312, commonly called Tier Two reporting. Facilities storing hazardous chemicals above certain threshold quantities must disclose what they store, how much, and where, so that firefighters, emergency planners, and the surrounding community know what is on site before an incident happens, not only after. This filing lists 33 reportable chemicals.
This inventory was obtained by David Ginsberg through a Washington Public Records Act request to the Washington State Department of Ecology, request number P030817-072026, closed by Ecology on August 13, 2026 as its final response on the request[1][2]. The underlying filing was certified by Bert Brown and received by the Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) on February 26, 2026[1].
One finding from the filing's own cover page is worth stating plainly: PTPC checked "No" to both threshold questions asked on the form itself, whether it is subject to Emergency Planning under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 302 (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 355), and whether it is subject to Chemical Accident Prevention under Clean Air Act Section 112(r) (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 68, the federal Risk Management Program)[1][3]. Those are separate, higher-threshold federal programs from Tier Two reporting itself, triggered only by specific extremely hazardous substances at specific quantities.
PTPC's own self-assessment is that it does not meet either threshold, despite the scale of chemical storage documented in this filing, including a single trade-secret chemical stored at nearly 4.9 million pounds. This campaign has not independently verified that self-assessment against the specific substance and quantity thresholds those two programs use.
Notably absent from this filing, as from every prior year's Tier Two filing reviewed by this campaign: white liquor and black liquor, the two chemical mixtures central to the kraft pulping process at the center of most of this campaign's tank safety research, are never listed as named chemicals here. Only their individual components are, principally sodium hydroxide and sodium hydrosulfide solution, both listed below. Tier Two reporting therefore cannot supply a single tank-specific white liquor or black liquor volume; the individual chemical entries below are the closest publicly available substitute.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Port Townsend Paper Corp (doing business as PTPC) |
| Address | Port Townsend, WA, Jefferson County |
| Community Right-to-Know ID# | WAD009270919 |
| Parent Company | Crown Paper Group |
| Maximum Occupants | 300 (manned) |
| North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code | 322120 |
| Tier Two Contact | Heather Holme, Environmental Engineer |
| Emergency Contact | Shannon Daugherty, Safety Manager |
| Secondary Emergency Contact | Pulp Mill Foreman |
| Facility Emergency Coordinator | Grant Boursaw, Pulp Superintendent |
| Certifying Official | Bert Brown, owner/operator's authorized representative |
Table 2. Facility identification and contacts as filed for Reporting Year 2025[1].
Each entry below reports two figures: the maximum amount of that chemical present on site at any one time during 2025, and the average amount present across the year, both in pounds. Hazard categories are the physical and health hazard checkboxes PTPC itself checked on the filing, using the federal Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard classification categories; this document reports exactly what PTPC checked, not an independent hazard assessment.
Four of the 33 chemicals, Infinity Ps4470, Hercobond Plus 555, Glyoxal 40 Percent, and Ultra-Phase 40T, are claimed by PTPC as trade secrets, marked with an asterisk throughout this document. Under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), a trade secret claim can withhold a chemical's specific identity from public disclosure, but it cannot withhold quantities, hazard categories, or storage locations, all of which are reported below exactly as filed. A data quality note on the trade secret entries specifically: as filed, Hercobond Plus 555 and Glyoxal 40 Percent both list an identical Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# (107-22-2), and Ultra-Phase 40T lists the same Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# as Aluminum Sulfate (10043-01-3).
This inconsistency exists in PTPC's own filing; it is reproduced here exactly as filed rather than corrected or omitted, since this campaign cannot determine from the filing alone whether it reflects a generic surrogate Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# used specifically because the chemical is trade secret, a data entry error, or something else.
Six chemicals were on site for fewer than the full 365 days of 2025, per the filing's own "number of days on site" field: Infinity Ps4470 (31 days), Glyoxal 40 Percent (92 days), Nalkleen (244 days), Nalcoat 2610 (306 days), Spent Sodium Hydroxide Solution (274 days), and Hercobond Plus 555 (151 days). This suggests these six chemicals were newly introduced, temporarily used, or reformulated partway through the year, consistent with year-over-year Tier Two comparisons this campaign has separately reviewed showing several of these same chemicals as recent additions to PTPC's inventory[4].
Table 1 and the chemical-by-chemical list in Section 6 both use the same set of federal Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard category labels that PTPC checked on its own Tier Two filing. Those labels are written in regulatory language; the definitions below translate each one used in this filing into plain English, following hazard classification guidance published by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), a government occupational safety agency whose published categories mirror the same Globally Harmonized System (GHS) used in the United States[9].
Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids): catches fire easily, creating a fire or explosion risk.
Acute toxicity (any route of exposure): can be fatal, toxic, or harmful from a single or brief exposure, whether inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin.
Skin corrosion or irritation: causes anything from reversible irritation to severe chemical burns on contact with skin.
Serious eye damage or irritation: causes anything from reversible irritation to permanent eye damage on contact.
Corrosive to metal: chemically damages or destroys metal it contacts, a hazard for storage tanks, piping, and equipment, not just for people.
Carcinogenicity: may cause cancer or increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure): can damage a specific organ, such as the liver, kidneys, or blood, after one exposure or after repeated exposure over time.
Aspiration hazard: if swallowed, can enter the lungs instead of the stomach, causing chemical pneumonia, lung injury, or death.
Germ cell mutagenicity: can cause permanent genetic damage to reproductive cells that can be passed on to future generations.
Reproduction toxicity: can damage fertility or harm an unborn child.
Respiratory or skin sensitization: can trigger an allergic reaction, such as asthma-like breathing symptoms or a skin rash, often after repeated exposure.
Gas under pressure (compressed gas): stored as a compressed or liquefied gas that could explode if the container is heated, or that can cause severe cold burns if a refrigerated gas escapes.
Simple asphyxiant: a gas that is not itself toxic but can displace breathable oxygen in an enclosed space, causing rapid suffocation.
Oxidizer (liquid, solid, or gas): does not itself burn but can intensify a fire or cause an explosion by feeding oxygen to whatever is burning nearby.
Combustible dust: fine particles that, suspended in air, can ignite or explode, similar to the well-known risk of flour dust in an enclosed space.
Hazard Not Otherwise Classified: a hazard PTPC identified on the filing that does not fit neatly into one of the standard categories above, but that the filer still judged serious enough to disclose.
| Chemical | CAS# | Max (lbs) | Avg (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Hydrocarbons | 068476-33-5 | 5,436,198 | 3,624,132 |
| Hercobond Plus 555 | 107-22-2 * | 4,932,866 | 352,804 |
| Calcium Oxide | 001305-78-8 | 710,402 | 290,844 |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 001310-73-2 | 589,616 | 446,004 |
| Starch (Cationic Amylopectin) | 0068936-82-3 | 303,535 | 147,064 |
| Soda Ash | 000497-19-8 | 298,606 | 243,642 |
| Spent Sodium Hydroxide Solution | 064742-40-1 | 294,000 | 80,000 |
| Propane | 000074-98-6 | 253,536 | 224,122 |
| Ultra-Phase 40T | 10043-01-3 * | 227,834 | 135,733 |
| Sulfuric Acid | 007664-93-9 | 208,532 | 169,832 |
| Compressed Natural Gas | 000074-82-8 | 129,482 | 75,531 |
| Sulfur | 007704-34-9 | 116,906 | 91,367 |
| Asbestos (Friable Only) | 001332-21-4 | 99,999 | 99,999 |
| Fiberglass | 065997-17-3 | 99,999 | 99,999 |
| Sodium Hydrosulfide Solution | 016721-80-5 | 86,849 | 76,423 |
| Oxygen | 007782-44-7 | 85,716 | 64,287 |
| Glyoxal 40 Percent | 000107-22-2 * | 78,228 | 58,671 |
| Turpentine | 008006-64-2 | 62,184 | 35,508 |
| Aluminum Sulfate | 010043-01-3 | 56,760 | 27,833 |
| Urea | 000057-13-6 | 51,666 | 25,802 |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentrations Under 52 Percent) | 007722-84-1 | 49,763 | 35,731 |
| Ammonium Nitrate Solution | 006484-52-2 | 43,795 | 24,547 |
| Distillates (Petroleum), Hydrotreated Li | 64742-47-8 | 25,752 | 14,864 |
| Diesel Fuel No 2 | 068476-34-6 | 24,865 | 18,649 |
| Nalcoat 2610 | 68002-97-1 | 24,271 | 11,368 |
| Phosphoric Acid Solution | 007664-38-2 | 23,664 | 15,061 |
| Ferric Sulfate | 10028-22-5 | 22,853 | 8,372 |
| Rosin, Fumarated | 68554-16-5 | 22,781 | 6,446 |
| Nalkleen | 34590-94-8 | 22,583 | 12,605 |
| Amorphous Silica | 07631-86-9 | 18,702 | 2,611 |
| Polyaluminum Chloride | 001327-41-9 | 11,390 | 6,068 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 000127-18-4 | 11,030 | 11,030 |
| Infinity Ps4470 | 2008-39-1 * | 6,728 | 6,434 |
Table 1. All 33 reportable chemicals, sorted by maximum quantity on site during Reporting Year 2025, as filed[1]. An asterisk (*) after a CAS# marks a chemical claimed as a trade secret; see Section 3 for what that designation does and does not withhold.
The following lists every chemical in Table 1 again, in the same descending order, with its full hazard category list and reported on-site storage location or locations, exactly as filed, plus a plain-language note on what each chemical commonly is or is used for. See Section 4 for what each hazard category term means in plain English.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 068476-33-5. Max 5,436,198 lbs, average 3,624,132 lbs. Hazard categories: Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids), Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Hazard Not Otherwise Classified. Storage: Fuel oil tank farm; transformer yard; various containers and oil-filled equipment throughout PTPC; two package boiler fuel tanks; two used oil tanks inside the oil storage building; stove oil tank near the millwright shop; two baker tanks near the tank farm. What this is: A general term for oil-based fuels, mostly fuel oil PTPC burns to power equipment and generate steam. These are flammable and can be toxic if inhaled in concentrated vapor form, similar to home heating oil or the bunker fuel used by ships.
Hercobond Plus 555 (trade secret chemical), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 107-22-2. Max 4,932,866 lbs, average 352,804 lbs. On site 151 of 365 days in 2025. Hazard categories: Aspiration hazard. Storage: Outside the roll hole door, for Paper Machine 2 (PM2). What this is: A Solenis brand-name paper strength additive. Solenis's own public product literature describes this line as a dry strength additive used to increase paperboard strength without adding more wood fiber[5]. PTPC's trade secret claim withholds this chemical's exact formulation, not its identity, quantity, or hazard category.
Calcium Oxide, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 001305-78-8. Max 710,402 lbs, average 290,844 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Carcinogenicity, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure). Storage: Fresh lime silo at the lime kiln; reburn lime silo at the lime kiln. What this is: Commonly known as quicklime, made in PTPC's lime kiln by heating limestone as part of recovering pulping chemicals for reuse. It reacts violently and generates intense heat when it contacts water, and can cause severe burns to skin, eyes, and the airway.
Sodium Hydroxide, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 001310-73-2. Max 589,616 lbs, average 446,004 lbs. Hazard categories: Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal. Storage: White liquor, green liquor, and black liquor tanks; south side of the machine shop; Paper Machine 2 (PM2). What this is: Commonly known as lye or caustic soda, the same chemical found in a far more dilute form in some household drain cleaners. It is the central chemical that breaks down wood chips into pulp fiber at PTPC, and is highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and lung tissue.
Starch (Cationic Amylopectin), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 0068936-82-3. Max 303,535 lbs, average 147,064 lbs. Hazard categories: Combustible dust. Storage: Paper machines, wet end. What this is: A modified corn starch used across the papermaking industry to help bind paper fibers together and add strength. It is a routine, comparatively low-hazard additive; its only reported hazard here is as a combustible dust, similar to flour dust, if it becomes suspended in the air of an enclosed space.
Soda Ash, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 000497-19-8. Max 298,606 lbs, average 243,642 lbs. Hazard categories: Serious eye damage or irritation. Storage: Lime kiln area, green and white liquors; lime kiln area, soda ash tank. What this is: Commonly known as washing soda, the same compound (sodium carbonate) sold for laundry and water softening. At PTPC it is part of the chemical recovery cycle at the lime kiln, and can seriously irritate eyes on contact.
Spent Sodium Hydroxide Solution, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 064742-40-1. Max 294,000 lbs, average 80,000 lbs. On site 274 of 365 days in 2025. Hazard categories: Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure), Aspiration hazard. Storage: Pulp mill, former M&D tank. What this is: The same lye described above under Sodium Hydroxide, after it has already been used once in the pulping process and remains as a leftover process stream rather than fresh caustic soda. It carries the same corrosive hazards to skin, eyes, and the airway.
Propane, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 000074-98-6. Max 253,536 lbs, average 224,122 lbs. Hazard categories: Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids), Gas under pressure (compressed gas), Simple asphyxiant, Hazard Not Otherwise Classified. Storage: South of the main tank farm; northwest corner of the bag plant; small tanks throughout PTPC. What this is: The same fuel gas used in home barbecue tanks, forklifts, and some rural home heating systems. It is highly flammable, and in an enclosed, unventilated space it can build up and displace breathable oxygen.
Ultra-Phase 40T (trade secret chemical), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 10043-01-3. Max 227,834 lbs, average 135,733 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation. Storage: Outside the roll hole door, Paper Machine 2 (PM2); smaller day tank near PM2. What this is: PTPC's filing withholds this product's specific identity as a trade secret, and this campaign could not locate a public safety data sheet naming its manufacturer or exact composition. Its reported hazards (skin and eye damage) and the fact that its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number matches Aluminum Sulfate's (see Section 3's data quality note) are consistent with an acidic aluminum-salt-based papermaking additive, though this is not confirmed.
Sulfuric Acid, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 007664-93-9. Max 208,532 lbs, average 169,832 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure). Storage: Tank south of the HD storage tank; primary clarifier tank farm; demineralizers, east side of the lime kiln control room; day tank above the C-side low density tank; Thickener Building. What this is: The same acid used in car batteries, in a stronger industrial concentration. It is highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and metal, and PTPC uses it in water treatment and other process steps.
Compressed Natural Gas, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 000074-82-8. Max 129,482 lbs, average 75,531 lbs. Hazard categories: Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids), Gas under pressure (compressed gas). Storage: Trailers west of the oil pump house. What this is: The same fuel, mostly methane, piped into many homes for stoves, furnaces, and water heaters, stored here in compressed form. It is flammable, and like propane, can displace breathable oxygen in an enclosed space.
Sulfur, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 007704-34-9. Max 116,906 lbs, average 91,367 lbs. Hazard categories: Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids), Skin corrosion or irritation, Combustible dust. Storage: Fire end of the kiln. What this is: Elemental sulfur, part of PTPC's chemical recovery cycle. In dust or powder form it can catch fire, it irritates skin on contact, and burning sulfur releases sulfur dioxide, a toxic, sharp-smelling gas.
Asbestos (Friable Only), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 001332-21-4. Max 99,999 lbs, average 99,999 lbs. Hazard categories: Carcinogenicity. Storage: Insulation throughout PTPC. What this is: A once-common heat-resistant insulation material. "Friable" means it easily crumbles into microscopic fibers that become airborne and can be inhaled. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies asbestos as a Group 1 known human carcinogen, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) both link inhaled asbestos fibers to mesothelioma and lung cancer[6].
Fiberglass, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 065997-17-3. Max 99,999 lbs, average 99,999 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure). Storage: Stored behind the pulp mill and insulation throughout PTPC. What this is: Spun glass fiber insulation, the same general material used in home attic insulation (pink batts). Handling or disturbing it can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract with tiny glass fibers.
Sodium Hydrosulfide Solution, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 016721-80-5. Max 86,849 lbs, average 76,423 lbs. Hazard categories: Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal. Storage: Lime kiln area, green and white liquor clarifiers. What this is: One of the two core chemicals, along with sodium hydroxide, that make up the "white liquor" and "green liquor" used in kraft pulping (see Section 1). It is highly corrosive, and if it contacts an acid, it can release hydrogen sulfide, the toxic gas known for its rotten-egg smell.
Oxygen, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 007782-44-7. Max 85,716 lbs, average 64,287 lbs. Hazard categories: Oxidizer (liquid, solid, or gas), Gas under pressure (compressed gas). Storage: By the Aerated Stabilization Basin (ASB). What this is: Concentrated industrial oxygen, likely used here to help treat wastewater at PTPC's Aerated Stabilization Basin (ASB). Oxygen itself does not burn, but it dramatically accelerates the burning of anything flammable nearby.
Glyoxal 40 Percent (trade secret chemical), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 000107-22-2. Max 78,228 lbs, average 58,671 lbs. On site 92 of 365 days in 2025. Hazard categories: Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Germ cell mutagenicity. Storage: Outside the roll hole door, for Paper Machine 2 (PM2). What this is: A widely used industrial chemical that works as a cross-linking agent, commonly added to paper and textiles to make them stronger and more water-resistant when wet[7]. It can irritate the body on contact and is classified here as a possible cause of heritable genetic damage (germ cell mutagenicity).
Turpentine, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 008006-64-2. Max 62,184 lbs, average 35,508 lbs. Hazard categories: Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids), Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Respiratory or skin sensitization, Aspiration hazard. Storage: Fuel oil tank farm. What this is: A solvent distilled from pine resin, historically familiar as a paint thinner. At a kraft pulp mill it occurs naturally as a byproduct of processing pine and fir wood chips, and its vapors are flammable and irritating.
Aluminum Sulfate, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 010043-01-3. Max 56,760 lbs, average 27,833 lbs. Hazard categories: Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal. Storage: Dock side of the paper machine building (alum and Fennosize G516); paper machine tote storage and inside the paper machine building through the roll hole by the concrete stairs (shared storage areas also used for Ultraphase 40T). What this is: Commonly known as alum, the same chemical municipal water treatment plants use to help clear cloudiness from drinking water. At PTPC it is used as a papermaking additive; concentrated alum can irritate eyes and corrode metal.
Urea, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 000057-13-6. Max 51,666 lbs, average 25,802 lbs. Hazard categories: Serious eye damage or irritation. Storage: Primary clarifier tank farm (UAN); Thickener Building, Nalco 1T60. What this is: The same compound found in agricultural fertilizer and naturally present in mammal urine. It is generally low hazard; its only reported hazard here is eye irritation.
Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentrations Under 52 Percent), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 007722-84-1. Max 49,763 lbs, average 35,731 lbs. Hazard categories: Oxidizer (liquid, solid, or gas), Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure). Storage: South side of the machine shop; caustic baker tank; white liquor, green liquor, and black liquor clarifiers and tanks. What this is: The same chemical family as household hydrogen peroxide disinfectant, but at industrial strength. PTPC uses it as a bleaching and oxidizing agent, and at this concentration it can burn skin and eyes and irritate the airway.
Ammonium Nitrate Solution, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 006484-52-2. Max 43,795 lbs, average 24,547 lbs. Hazard categories: Oxidizer (liquid, solid, or gas), Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Serious eye damage or irritation. Storage: Primary clarifier tank farm (two separate tanks, APP and UAN). What this is: The same compound widely used in agricultural fertilizer. In solid, highly concentrated form it is also a component of some industrial explosives, but PTPC's filing reports it here only as a dissolved solution, classified as an oxidizer and an eye and health irritant, not as an explosive.
Distillates (Petroleum), Hydrotreated Li, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 64742-47-8. Max 25,752 lbs, average 14,864 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Carcinogenicity, Aspiration hazard. Storage: Tote storage near the toolroom; finishing room; tote storage, office side of PM2; roll hole, paper machine basement; waste drum under the kiln; waste drum, OCC basement; ASB dredging area, in totes. What this is: A refined mineral oil product, similar to base oils used in lubricants (the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number filed, 64742-47-8, corresponds to what is commonly labeled hydrotreated light distillates). Some petroleum distillates in this general category are classified as carcinogens, and can cause lung damage if swallowed and drawn into the airway (aspiration hazard).
Diesel Fuel No 2, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 068476-34-6. Max 24,865 lbs, average 18,649 lbs. Hazard categories: Flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids), Skin corrosion or irritation, Carcinogenicity, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure), Aspiration hazard. Storage: Diesel fire pump tank at the tank farm; day tank in the pumphouse by the Peco crane; west of the woodmill by the haul-in hopper; split gasoline and diesel fueling tank west of the tank farm. What this is: Ordinary diesel fuel, the same fuel used in trucks, generators, and heavy equipment. It is flammable, and diesel fuel and its combustion byproducts are linked to increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
Nalcoat 2610, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 68002-97-1. Max 24,271 lbs, average 11,368 lbs. On site 306 of 365 days in 2025. Hazard categories: Aspiration hazard. Storage: Paper Machine 2 (PM2). What this is: This campaign could not locate a public safety data sheet identifying this product's manufacturer or exact composition. Its name and its use at Paper Machine 2 (PM2) suggest a specialty papermaking process chemical, possibly a coating aid, though this is not confirmed; its only reported hazard is aspiration hazard.
Phosphoric Acid Solution, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 007664-38-2. Max 23,664 lbs, average 15,061 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation. Storage: Primary clarifier tank farm. What this is: The same acid, in a far more dilute form, used as a flavoring in cola soft drinks. At the concentration used industrially here, it is corrosive to skin.
Ferric Sulfate, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 10028-22-5. Max 22,853 lbs, average 8,372 lbs. Hazard categories: Acute toxicity (any route of exposure), Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal. Storage: Reverse osmosis unit; Thickener Building. What this is: An iron-based chemical widely used by municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment plants to help clump and remove suspended particles from water. It is corrosive to skin, eyes, and metal in concentrated form.
Rosin, Fumarated, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 68554-16-5. Max 22,781 lbs, average 6,446 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal. Storage: Paper machine dock (Fennosize G17894; changed to EXPN 15008 without change of location on 8/21/23). What this is: A modified form of rosin, the same pine tree resin used on violin bows and by baseball pitchers, chemically treated to work as a papermaking sizing agent that helps paper resist water and ink bleed-through. It is corrosive to skin, eyes, and metal in concentrated form.
Nalkleen, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 34590-94-8. Max 22,583 lbs, average 12,605 lbs. On site 244 of 365 days in 2025. Hazard categories: Aspiration hazard. Storage: Paper Machine 2 (PM2). What this is: This campaign could not locate a public safety data sheet identifying this product's manufacturer or exact composition. Its name and its use at Paper Machine 2 (PM2) suggest a specialty cleaning or deposit-control chemical for papermaking equipment, though this is not confirmed; its only reported hazard is aspiration hazard.
Amorphous Silica, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 07631-86-9. Max 18,702 lbs, average 2,611 lbs. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Respiratory or skin sensitization. Storage: Drop trailer near the roll hole door; totes inside the paper machine roll hole; mill-wide. What this is: A processed, non-crystalline form of silicon dioxide, the same basic mineral found in sand, used here as a filler or coating aid. Unlike crystalline silica dust, amorphous silica is not classified as a carcinogen, but it can still irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract.
Polyaluminum Chloride, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 001327-41-9. Max 11,390 lbs, average 6,068 lbs. Hazard categories: Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal. Storage: Paper machines (Fennosize G516). What this is: Another aluminum-based water treatment chemical, similar in role to alum (see Aluminum Sulfate above), commonly used by municipal water treatment plants and in papermaking to help clear water and improve paper formation. It can irritate eyes and corrode metal.
Tetrachloroethylene, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 000127-18-4. Max 11,030 lbs, average 11,030 lbs. Hazard categories: Carcinogenicity. Storage: Electrical Room 6, #2 paper machine, elevation 34; Electrical Room 26, west of refiners, elevation 18; Electrical Room 27, north of the cat shop, elevation 18. What this is: Commonly known as "perc," the standard solvent used at most dry cleaners. Here it is reported in electrical rooms, likely as an insulating or cleaning fluid for electrical equipment. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a Group 2A probable human carcinogen, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) also documents cancer risk from long-term exposure[8].
Infinity Ps4470 (trade secret chemical), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# 2008-39-1. Max 6,728 lbs, average 6,434 lbs. On site 31 of 365 days in 2025. Hazard categories: Skin corrosion or irritation, Serious eye damage or irritation, Corrosive to metal, Carcinogenicity, Reproduction toxicity, Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure). Storage: Pulp mill. What this is: PTPC's filing withholds this product's specific identity as a trade secret, and this campaign could not locate a public safety data sheet naming its manufacturer, composition, or intended use. Its reported hazard profile, corrosive to skin, eyes, and metal, plus carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and organ toxicity, is the broadest of any single chemical in this filing, which makes its undisclosed identity a notable transparency gap given that it is stored directly in the pulp mill.
This document reports only what PTPC self-reported on its own Tier Two filing. It is not an independent chemical audit, and this campaign has not independently verified the quantities, hazard classifications, or storage locations against any source other than the filing itself.
Tier Two reporting thresholds mean chemicals below certain quantities do not have to be reported at all; this list should not be read as a complete accounting of every chemical present on site, only of those that crossed Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)'s reporting thresholds for Reporting Year 2025.
White liquor and black liquor, though central to this campaign's broader tank safety research, are not named anywhere in this filing; see Section 1.
The four trade secret entries withhold the specific chemical identity behind a product name; the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)# irregularities noted in Section 3 could not be resolved from the filing alone.
The plain-language notes in Section 6 identify well-known chemicals from general public knowledge and, where cited, named public sources. For several proprietary product names (Nalkleen, Nalcoat 2610, Ultra-Phase 40T, and Infinity Ps4470), this campaign could not locate a public safety data sheet confirming the manufacturer or exact composition, and says so plainly rather than guessing at an unconfirmed identity.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.3
Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing, Second Quarter 2026
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document summarizes a Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) test performed on treated wastewater discharged by Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC). The testing laboratory, Spheros Environmental of Port Gamble, Washington, conducted the work at the request of PTPC as part of the effluent characterization required under the facility's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, permit number WA0000922. Spheros Environmental's report is identified as Report ID PG2398.01 and was submitted June 1, 2026, covering the second quarter of 2026. The report's author and Project Manager is Michelle Bennett; its quality assurance review was performed by Dani Mulligan[1].
Whole Effluent Toxicity testing exposes live aquatic test organisms directly to samples of the facility's treated wastewater, at several dilution levels, to measure whether the effluent causes acute toxicity, meaning short-term lethal or sublethal harm, under laboratory conditions. It is a direct biological test rather than a chemical concentration measurement: the organisms themselves are the instrument. The objective stated in the report is to assess the potential toxicity of the effluent to aquatic organisms, following procedures defined under the facility's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit[1].
Two species were tested: the water flea (Ceriodaphnia dubia) and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Each was exposed to the effluent at five concentrations, 1.9 percent, 2.2 percent, 4.4 percent, 25 percent, and 100 percent effluent, alongside an unexposed laboratory control[1]. The 2.2 percent concentration is significant because it is defined in the facility's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit as the acute critical effluent concentration (ACEC), the specific dilution level the permit uses as the regulatory threshold for compliance[1]. This 2.2 percent dilution reflects the permit's regulatory mixing zone calculation for how the effluent is diluted in Port Townsend Bay after discharge, not the undiluted concentration of the effluent itself.
For both species tested, the report states that a statistically significant difference between the laboratory control and the acute critical effluent concentration (ACEC), 2.2 percent effluent, was not detected for the acute endpoints, and that the sample does not exceed the defined permit requirements for the acute endpoints[1]. This is a narrow, specific finding: it means the effluent sample, at the permit's regulatory dilution level, did not produce statistically distinguishable short-term mortality in the two test species compared to the laboratory control, under the specific conditions of this quarter's test.
It is not a broader statement about the chemical composition of the effluent or about its potential for chronic, sublethal, or long-term effects, which this test was not designed to measure.
| Test Organism | Endpoint | NOEC (%) | LOEC (%) | LC (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water flea (Ceriodaphnia dubia) | 48-hour survival | 100 | >100 | >100 |
| Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) | 96-hour survival | 100 | >100 | >100 |
Table 1. Toxicity test results summary, as reported[1]. NOEC is the No Observed Effect Concentration, the highest tested concentration producing no statistically significant effect. LOEC is the Lowest Observed Effect Concentration, the lowest tested concentration producing a statistically significant effect. LC is the Lethal Concentration, the concentration causing a defined percentage of test-organism mortality. A result of ">100" means the effect was not reached at any concentration tested, up to and including full-strength, undiluted effluent.
Permit requirement: conduct acute toxicity testing under the conditions of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The report notes this particular testing event was ordered by the Washington State Department of Ecology outside the permit's normal testing timeline[1].
Result: a statistically significant difference between the laboratory control and the ACEC (2.2 percent effluent) was not detected for the acute endpoints. The sample meets permit compliance for the acute endpoints[1].
The samples were tested using criteria set out in the Washington State Department of Ecology's Laboratory Guidance and Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Review Criteria, publication WQ-R-95-80 (2016), further defined through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s most recently promulgated effluent guidance documents[1][3][4].
The project consisted of two acute bioassays, summarized below.
| Test Type | Species | Descriptor | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute, 48-hour survival | Ceriodaphnia dubia (water flea) | WDOE WQ-R-95-80 (2016) | EPA-821-R-02-012, Method 2002.0; SOP TOX004.13 |
| Acute, 96-hour survival | Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) | WDOE WQ-R-95-80 (2016) | EPA-821-R-02-012, Method 2000.0; SOP TOX017.10 |
Standard operating procedure (SOP) references above are Spheros Environmental's own internal laboratory procedures for each test method.
Collecting a valid sample for this quarter's test required four separate attempts. PTPC personnel collected the first sample on May 6, 2026, but it was delivered to the laboratory out of the required temperature range of 0 to 6 degrees Celsius, and could not be used[1]. A second sample was collected May 7, 2026, and picked up by Spheros Environmental laboratory staff the same day[1]. A laboratory error then compromised the entire Ceriodaphnia dubia test run on that sample, so a third sample was collected May 13, 2026, also picked up the day of collection[1].
That sample failed a test acceptability criterion for Ceriodaphnia dubia, requiring a fourth sample collection on May 20, 2026, again picked up the same day[1]. All effluent samples were held in a walk-in cold room at 4 degrees Celsius, plus or minus 2 degrees, in the dark until used for testing[1].
The May 7, 2026 sample (laboratory ID P260507.01) was ultimately used for the fathead minnow test, and the May 20, 2026 sample (laboratory ID P260520.01) was used for the water flea test[1].
| Sample (Collected) | May 6, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | May 13, 2026 | May 20, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory ID | P260506.02 | P260507.01 | P260513.01 | P260520.01 |
| Date/Time Received | 5/6/26, 13:30 | 5/7/26, 07:55 | 5/13/26, 08:33 | 5/20/26, 08:00 |
| Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) | 7.4 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 8.7 |
| Temperature Upon Receipt (deg C) | 6.8 | 6.6 | 3.8 | 4.4 |
| pH (units) | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Conductivity (uS/cm) | 1387 | 1186 | 1337 | 1569 |
| Hardness (mg/L CaCO3) | 446 | 368 | 380 | 390 |
| Alkalinity (mg/L CaCO3) | 177 | 202 | 260 | 151 |
| Total Chlorine (mg/L) | <0.02 | <0.02 | 0.02 | <0.02 |
| Total Ammonia (mg/L) | 6.66 | 6.37 | 8.28 | 4.43 |
Table 2. Sample conditions upon receipt for all four collection attempts[1]. Recommended ranges per the report: dissolved oxygen greater than 4.0 mg/L; temperature upon receipt 0 to 6 degrees Celsius (if 4 or more hours elapsed since collection) or 0 to 12 degrees Celsius (if less than 4 hours elapsed); pH 6 to 9 units. The May 6, 2026 sample's 6.8 degree Celsius receipt temperature is the reading the report cites as the reason that sample was rejected as out of range.
The freshwater diluent used for the tests was prepared using an United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method for standard, synthetic, moderately hard, reconstituted water, using reagent-grade chemicals (cited in the report as USEPA 2002a)[1][5]. The report states that extensive testing on a variety of test species has shown no significant potential for toxicity or bioaccumulation of contaminants from this water supply, and that Spheros Environmental conducts and reviews a chemical analysis of this water source annually[1].
The sample used in the tests did not require adjustment prior to analysis[1].
Endpoint data were calculated for each replicate, with mean value and standard deviation determined for each test treatment. All hand-entered data were reviewed for entry errors, which were corrected before summary calculations, and a minimum of 10 percent of all calculations and data sorting were separately reviewed for errors, with review counts conducted on any apparent outliers. Statistical comparisons were made according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance and performed using CETIS software, cited in the report's own body text as "CETIS 2022"[1][2].
The laboratory's quality assurance objectives for accuracy and precision are detailed in method-specific guidance documents and the laboratory's own quality manual (QM), and cover the source and condition of test organisms, condition of equipment, test conditions, instrument calibration, use of reference toxicants, record keeping, and data evaluation[1].
Each batch of test organisms was evaluated in a reference toxicant test, run within a month of the testing period, to establish the sensitivity of the test organisms; the reference toxicant Lethal Concentration or Effect Concentration is expected to fall within two standard deviations of the historical laboratory mean[1]. Water quality measurements were monitored to ensure they fell within prescribed limits, and the methods used in every phase of the program are detailed in Spheros Environmental's own Standard Operating Procedures, in which all staff receive regular, documented training[1].
All data collected were recorded on approved data sheets, and any deviation from protocol was evaluated to determine whether the affected test remained valid according to the regulatory agencies responsible for approving the permitting action in question[1].
The acute toxicity test with Ceriodaphnia dubia was initiated May 20, 2026, using sample P260520.01. The test met its survival acceptability criterion, and water quality parameters were within acceptable limits throughout the 48-hour static test. The reference toxicant test results were within two standard deviations of the laboratory's historical mean for survival, indicating the test organisms were of similar sensitivity to those previously tested at the Spheros Environmental laboratory[1].
| Concentration (%) | Mean Survival (%) | Standard Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Control (0) | 100 | 0 |
| 1.9 | 100 | 0 |
| 2.2 (ACEC) | 100 | 0 |
| 4.4 | 100 | 0 |
| 25 | 100 | 0 |
| 100 | 95 | 10 |
Table 3. Endpoint summary for the Ceriodaphnia dubia acute test, sample P260520.01[1]. Overall test endpoints: NOEC 100 percent, LOEC greater than 100 percent, LC greater than 100 percent.
Permit compliance: under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and Washington State Department of Ecology requirements, the permittee must conduct acute toxicity testing using a series of dilutions that includes the ACEC, equal to 2.2 percent effluent. No statistically significant difference between the laboratory control and the ACEC (2.2 percent) was shown[1].
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Test duration / type | 48-hour / static |
| Supplier | In-house culture |
| Test dates | 5/20/26 to 5/22/26 |
| Age at test initiation | Less than 24 hours (recommended: less than 24 hours) |
| Sample holding time at initiation | 5 hours (recommended: less than 36 hours; not to exceed 72 hours) |
| Test location | Spheros Environmental, Port Gamble, WA |
| Control water / diluent | Cerio Reconstituted Freshwater (CRFW) |
| Test lighting | 16-hour light / 8-hour dark |
| Test chamber | 30-mL plastic chamber; 15 mL exposure volume |
| Replicates per treatment | 4, with 5 organisms per replicate |
| Feeding / renewal | None |
| Test dissolved oxygen | 5.6 to 8.8 mg/L (recommended: greater than 4.0 mg/L) |
| Test temperature | 20.2 to 20.7 deg C (recommended: 20 plus or minus 1 deg C) |
| Test conductivity | 368 to 1548 uS/cm |
| Test pH | 7.6 to 8.3 units (targeted range: 6 to 9 units) |
| Control survival | 100%; meets acceptability criterion (recommended: 90% or greater) |
| Power standard | 0%; meets criterion (standard: 29% or less) |
| Reference toxicant date | 5/13/26 |
| Reference toxicant LC | 9.33 ug Cu/L |
| Laboratory mean LC range (plus or minus 2 SD) | 10.8 ug Cu/L (5.39 to 21.4 ug Cu/L) |
| Deviations from test protocol | None |
Table 4. Test condition summary for the Ceriodaphnia dubia acute test[1].
The acute toxicity test with Pimephales promelas was initiated May 7, 2026, using sample P260507.01. The test met its control acceptability criterion. On day 1, measured dissolved oxygen fell below the test's recommended range; the report gives this recommended range as 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, though dissolved oxygen is conventionally measured in mg/L rather than degrees Celsius, and this figure is reproduced here exactly as it appears in the underlying report rather than corrected. The test chambers were aerated and remained within the recommended range for the rest of the test. Other than this noted deviation, water quality parameters were within acceptable limits throughout the 96-hour static-renewal test.
The reference toxicant test results were within two standard deviations of the laboratory mean for survival at the time of testing, indicating the organisms used were of normal sensitivity to those previously tested at the Spheros Environmental laboratory[1].
| Concentration (%) | Mean Survival (%) | Standard Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Control (0) | 100 | 0.0 |
| 1.9 | 100 | 0.0 |
| 2.2 (ACEC) | 97.5 | 5.0 |
| 4.4 | 100 | 0.0 |
| 25 | 100 | 0.0 |
| 100 | 92.5 | 9.6 |
Table 5. Endpoint summary for the Pimephales promelas acute test, sample P260507.01[1]. Overall test endpoints: NOEC 100 percent, LOEC greater than 100 percent, LC greater than 100 percent.
Permit compliance: under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and Washington State Department of Ecology requirements, the permittee must conduct acute toxicity testing using a series of dilutions that includes the ACEC, equal to 2.2 percent effluent. No statistically significant difference between the laboratory control and the ACEC (2.2 percent) was shown[1].
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Test duration / type | 96-hour / static renewal |
| Supplier | Spheros Environmental, Florida; acquired 5/6/26 |
| Test dates | 5/7/26 to 5/11/26 |
| Age at test initiation | 10 days (recommended: 1 to 14 days) |
| Sample holding time at initiation | 7 hours (recommended: less than 36 hours; not to exceed 72 hours) |
| Test location | Spheros Environmental laboratory |
| Control water / diluent | Reconstituted Fresh Water (RFW) |
| Test lighting | 16-hour light / 8-hour dark |
| Test chamber | 12 oz. plastic chamber; 250 mL exposure volume |
| Replicates per treatment | 4, with 10 organisms per replicate |
| Feeding | 0.2 mL concentrated Artemia nauplii, two hours prior to renewal |
| Test solution renewal | Day 2 |
| Test dissolved oxygen | 0.9 to 9.3 mg/L (recommended: greater than 2.0 mg/L) |
| Test temperature | 19.8 to 20.9 deg C (recommended: 20 plus or minus 1 deg C) |
| Test conductivity | 285 to 1368 uS/cm |
| Test pH | 7.5 to 8.4 units (targeted range: 6 to 9 units) |
| Control survival | 100%; meets acceptability criterion (recommended: 90% or greater) |
| Power standard | 3%; meets criterion (standard: 29% or less) |
| Reference toxicant date | 5/7/26 |
| Reference toxicant LC | 253 ug/L copper |
| Laboratory mean LC range (plus or minus 2 SD) | 162 ug/L copper (39.3 to 671 ug/L copper) |
| Deviations from test protocol | Dissolved oxygen (see day 1 note above) |
Table 6. Test condition summary for the Pimephales promelas acute test[1].
The full underlying report includes two appendices of bench-level laboratory records, which this summary condenses to their reported results rather than reproducing in full. Appendix A contains statistical comparisons and laboratory documents; Appendix B contains chain-of-custody and sample receipt forms[1].
Appendix A's power standard calculations, the statistical backup for the survival results above, show a control mean of 5 organisms surviving versus an ACEC mean of 5 for Ceriodaphnia dubia, a difference of 0, expressed as 0 percent, which is well within the laboratory's 29 percent or less power standard threshold. For Pimephales promelas, the control mean was 10 organisms surviving versus an ACEC mean of 9.75, a difference of 0.25, expressed as 3 percent, also within the 29 percent threshold[1]. Both calculations are marked as a pass in the underlying report.
Appendix A also includes reference toxicant data sheets, recording organism survival at each copper concentration in a serial dilution series, for both species[1].
The report defines a standard set of error codes used on its laboratory bench data sheets, reproduced here for completeness:
CA: called away, task completed by another technician
DC: test solution too turbid or too dark to count organisms
FB: found body, an animal found that was previously noted as missing
IE: incorrect entry
IW: illegible writing
MC: miscount
MR: meter reading changed, or meter not ready
NB: no body, meaning no organism found
SM: stray mark
WC: wrong cell, an incorrect data box used
WD: wrong date, an incorrect date entered
WN: wrong number, an incorrect number entered
WP: wrong page, an incorrect data sheet
WT: wrong time, an incorrect time entered
Appendix B's chain-of-custody records include a handwritten note reading, "Sample not used due to being out of temperature range," dated May 29, with a temperature reading of 6.6 degrees Celsius, associated with sample ID P260507.01[1]. This appears inconsistent with Section 2's account, which identifies the May 6, 2026 sample, not the May 7, 2026 sample bearing ID P260507.01, as the one rejected for being out of temperature range; that discrepancy exists in the underlying report and is not resolved here.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.1
A Summary of the ATSDR Health Consultation, June 24, 2024
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document summarizes a federal health agency's direct study of air quality near Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a ten week air sampling investigation near PTPC in the fall of 2018 and published its findings on June 24, 2024[1]. This is not a study of workers inside the facility. It is a study of outdoor air in the surrounding community, measured at eight locations including private residences, a public school, and a local business, all within three miles of the facility.
This summary presents the agency's findings plainly, including findings that support community health concerns and findings that do not. Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend is committed to accuracy over advocacy. Every figure below is drawn directly from the published consultation report[1].
Citizens in Port Townsend and Jefferson County, Washington first contacted the Washington State Department of Health in 2007 with concerns about air emissions from PTPC. Between 2016 and 2021, nearly two thousand odor complaints about the facility were recorded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and by PTPC itself[1].
In response, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) placed air monitors at eight locations near the facility for ten weeks, from August 30, 2018 to November 10, 2018, and measured sulfur compounds, fine particle pollution, and aldehydes in the outdoor air that residents breathe. The investigation period was extended specifically to capture a one week shutdown of PTPC's operations, so that air quality during normal operation could be directly compared to air quality while the facility was not running[1].
Of the contaminants measured, two aldehydes, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, were found at levels that exceeded Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)'s cancer risk evaluation guideline. Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program, a probable human carcinogen by United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Acetaldehyde is classified as reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program and as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)[1].
All thirty formaldehyde samples collected over twenty four hour periods, one hundred percent, exceeded the cancer risk evaluation guideline. Twenty three of thirty five acetaldehyde samples, sixty six percent, also exceeded the guideline. Concentrations of both chemicals were significantly higher while PTPC was operating than during the one week shutdown[1].
Combining both chemicals, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) calculated an additional lifetime cancer risk of approximately eleven cases per one million people, based on thirty three years of continuous exposure at the same location. The agency describes this combined risk as low. Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend presents this figure exactly as published, without characterizing it further, so readers can draw their own conclusions[1].
The agency's report is equally clear that two of the most prominent contaminants near PTPC, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, the chemicals most responsible for the facility's characteristic sulfur odor, are not classified as carcinogens. Hydrogen sulfide has not been shown to cause cancer in humans and is not currently classified as a carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Neither the National Toxicology Program, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nor International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified sulfur dioxide as a carcinogen[1].
Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend includes this finding deliberately. A credible campaign states what the science supports and what it does not. The case for concern about hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide near PTPC rests on acute respiratory effects and odor impact on quality of life, not on cancer risk.
The agency concluded that breathing the mixture of sulfur compounds in the air near PTPC, specifically sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and methyl mercaptan, can potentially cause adverse acute respiratory effects. While no single one of these chemicals at the concentrations measured was likely to cause harm on its own, the combined mixture produced an acute hazard index of ninety, far above the threshold of one that the agency uses to flag a combined exposure for further evaluation. This acute hazard was dominated by sulfur dioxide[1].
The connection between these contaminants and PTPC's operations was direct and measurable. During the facility's one week shutdown in 2018, concentrations of aldehydes, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide were all significantly lower than during normal operation[1].
Community odor complaints followed the same pattern: twenty eight complaints were recorded in the two weeks before the shutdown, only one complaint during the shutdown itself, and sixteen complaints in the two weeks after the facility restarted[1].
In the interest of accuracy, Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend also reports a finding that does not support a community health concern. The agency reviewed asthma hospitalization records for the zip code covering Port Townsend from 2010 through 2020 and found that the rate was not statistically different from the surrounding county or from the state of Washington as a whole. The agency was careful to note that hospitalization data alone cannot identify the cause of any health outcome, and that asthma can be influenced by many factors over a person's lifetime. This finding is included here because a campaign that only reports favorable findings is not a credible campaign[1].
The agency also concluded that fine particle pollution and the aldehydes measured were not expected to harm the general public's health, though it noted that particle pollution could affect unusually sensitive individuals, including children, older adults, and people with existing heart or lung disease, on days when concentrations were higher[1].
The agency's own report lists several limitations that should be carried forward honestly in any discussion of these findings. The ten week sampling period may not represent long term, year round exposure. The agency sampled during conditions it expected to be among the most severe, which may produce a higher estimate of annual exposure than would otherwise occur[1].
Air samples were collected at fixed locations, while people move throughout the day, so the measurements are not a direct measure of any individual person's actual exposure. Finally, one of the two sampling methods used for sulfur compounds is new to this type of investigation and was found to be less reliable for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide than measuring those two chemicals alone, which may have led to an overestimate of the highest short term concentrations[1].
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.7
Tank Inspection Gaps, Worker Protections, and Emergency Preparedness
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document consolidates every safety-related research thread developed for this document across 13 sections, covering the structural regulatory gap around white liquor tank inspection, worker safety protections, and local emergency preparedness. It draws on primary legal sources (RCW and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) citations), four internal Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) manuals, direct correspondence with county emergency management, and news reporting confirmed against original sources.
Unresolved items are marked as open questions throughout rather than presented as settled.
No regulatory body in Washington state or at the federal level currently has authority to inspect the structural integrity of an above-ground white liquor storage tank. This traces to specific, identifiable exclusions in Washington's boiler and pressure vessel program, the Washington State Department of Ecology's underground-only inspection authority, and a closely comparable inspection model that already exists for oil storage tanks but cannot legally reach white liquor.
Two existing legal tools give the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) real authority here, right now, without a new law. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.17.060, internally called the Safe Place Standard, requires an employer to keep the workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause serious injury or death.
Confirmed directly from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s internal Compliance Manual: this provision may be used only where no specific Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) standard already covers the hazard. Since no specific rule covers white liquor tank structural integrity, that bar does not apply, meaning the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) already has authority to act under this clause.
Proving a violation requires four elements: the hazard existed and workers were exposed to it; the hazard was recognized; it was causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and a feasible method existed to correct it. A recognized hazard does not require a visible defect on a specific tank.
Industry-wide knowledge of a failure mode, eleven deaths at a nearly identical facility using the same equipment type, can itself establish that a hazard is recognized. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.17.130 sits alongside it.
Where a Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) inspector believes a condition creates a substantial probability of death or serious harm, the director can issue an Order of Immediate Restraint, halting use of the equipment on the spot. Confirmed from the Compliance Manual: situations of this kind must be inspected by the employer's next scheduled workday, with no exception for weekends or holidays.
Washington's fire code, based on the International Fire Code (IFC), recognizes corrosive liquids as their own hazardous material category and covers above-ground stationary tanks storing them. What it actually requires is narrower than it might sound: periodic safety audits, seismic bracing per the International Building Code (IBC), secondary containment, and overfill prevention for tanks over 500 gallons.
It does not appear to require a recurring structural engineering inspection like American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653's five and ten year cycles. A second limit matters more.
The fire code states plainly that existing above-ground tanks are maintained according to the code in effect when they were installed, not automatically updated. Washington's oil rule only reaches existing tanks because it explicitly wrote in a retroactive 2033 compliance deadline.
No equivalent retroactive clause exists for corrosive material tanks. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) began operating in 1928, before the recovery boiler was even invented as a technology in the early 1930s, and this campaign's own research has already confirmed a 50 year old boiler among PTPC's equipment.
If PTPC's white liquor tank predates current code editions, likely given what is known about PTPC's age, there is currently no seismic or fire code requirement that actually reaches it.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330, Washington's petition for rulemaking process, is the tool available to residents directly. Any person may petition any Washington state agency to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule.
The agency has 60 days to respond, either denying in writing with specific reasons or beginning rulemaking. A denial can be appealed to the Governor within 30 days, who then has 45 days to respond.
Washington also has direct precedent for closing a gap of exactly this kind. After a 2014 chemical storage tank leak in West Virginia contaminated drinking water for 300,000 residents, the state legislature passed a mandatory tank inspection law within weeks, with unanimous support.
The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the same federal board now investigating the Longview disaster, credited that law with closing the gap it had identified. The cautionary half of that precedent: the law has been weakened repeatedly since, down to roughly 11 percent of tanks still regulated as of March 2026, a reminder that a legislative fix needs sustained attention to survive industry pressure afterward.
This week, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) opened a new, targeted investigation specifically naming PTPC, reviewing tank maintenance records, inspection and repair history, Washington State Department of Ecology and United States Environmental Protection Agency records on possible spills, written operating procedures, and safety records for injuries or near misses. Smurfit Westrock in Longview received the same treatment; seven other Washington paper mills using different chemicals are receiving separate targeted enforcement inspections through February 2027.
This is a genuine and welcome exception to the pattern described elsewhere in this document, and worth stating plainly rather than only cataloguing gaps. Three limits still apply.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s authority reaches worker safety inside the plant, not the surrounding community's exposure to air or water. A KUOW reporter who asked PTPC directly what safety measures it has taken since Longview received no response at all; a second outlet, KIRO 7, independently confirmed the same silence.
And most precisely: the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s own public information officer, Matt Ross, confirmed directly to a reporter that the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s authority to verify a company follows the rules does not extend to inspecting the structural integrity of a storage tank like the one involved in the Longview disaster. This investigation can verify whether PTPC followed its own claimed procedures and can act on general workplace safety findings, but it does not by itself close the structural inspection gap described in section 1.
Scope correction: on July 1, 2026, the Washington State Attorney General's Office was granted concurrent jurisdiction with the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to investigate whether any crimes were committed in the Longview disaster specifically. Attorney General Nick Brown stated he is not alleging a crime took place, but that a thorough investigation is warranted.
This investigation covers Nippon Dynawave in Longview only. It does not currently extend to PTPC. This distinction matters and should not be blurred in any campaign material.
OPEN QUESTION: The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has stated its PTPC investigation could take up to six months from July 2, 2026, with results published on completion. No interim findings, timeline update, or scope narrowing has been reported as of this writing.
Washington's retaliation protections, administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), are directly relevant to any PTPC worker who might report a safety concern. Protected activities explicitly include filing a safety complaint, participating in a Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) inspection, refusing a task that creates a reasonable fear of death or serious injury, and communicating with the news media about an unsafe or unhealthy workplace condition.
Protection extends even to an employee merely perceived as having engaged in protected activity, or associated with someone who did. Retaliation covers far more than firing: demotion, undesirable shift reassignment, denial of overtime, surveillance, harassment, and any other action that would deter a reasonable employee from exercising these rights all qualify.
A complaint must be filed within 90 days of the retaliatory action. Penalties are scaled to employer size, as shown below.
| Employer Size | Penalty per Violation |
|---|---|
| 1 to 25 employees | $5,000 |
| 26 to 100 employees | $7,000 |
| 101 to 250 employees | $10,000 |
| 251 or more employees | $14,000 |
PTPC's approximately 300 employees place it in the top bracket.
OPEN QUESTION: Whether any PTPC worker has ever filed, or is currently considering filing, a safety complaint or retaliation complaint is unknown to this campaign. No verified account of a specific worker facing retaliation currently exists.
On July 3, 2026, David reported to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) a secondhand account, relayed through a community member whose friend works in the emergency room, of a PTPC worker treated at Jefferson Healthcare for tar-like burns and flown to Harborview the prior weekend. This report should be treated as an unverified community account, not confirmed fact, and it has not been independently corroborated as of this writing.
A relevant procedural note, confirmed from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s Compliance Manual: confidentiality protections apply specifically to employees or their representatives filing a formal complaint. As a third-party community member relaying a secondhand account, David's report is classified as an informal complaint or referral, which the manual states plainly is not confidential.
PTPC could learn the identity of the reporting party through a public records request.
OPEN QUESTION: Whether the July 3, 2026 secondhand injury report and the incident described in the July 1 Air and Water Group meeting minutes are the same event or two separate events has not been confirmed.
Separately, in response to the Longview disaster, PTPC issued a public statement on June 1, 2026, stating it had verified that tank vents are open and overflow lines are not submerged, to prevent vacuum-related issues, and that it is scheduling further non-destructive testing to reassess tank conditions in 2026. This is a specific, on-record technical claim from PTPC, notable both for its content and for standing in contrast to PTPC's later silence toward out-of-town investigative reporters.
Jefferson County's Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), holds its first meeting since the Longview disaster on July 8, 2026, with the Washington State Department of Ecology and PTPC both expected to attend. A direct written exchange with Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, conducted June 7 through June 25, 2026, has already surfaced substantive findings ahead of that meeting.
David's original letter, sent June 7, 2026, laid out the scale of what a comparable release at PTPC would require: PTPC's daily production of 950 to 1,000 tons exceeds Nippon Dynawave's approximately 770 tons, and the facility sits on 450 acres directly adjacent to Port Townsend Bay. The letter asked seven specific questions covering regional hazmat decontamination capability, whether PTPC is modeled as a named scenario in the county's Hazardous Materials Response Plan, joint exercises, bay contamination notification protocol, a documented June 2025 Washington State Department of Ecology inspection, Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) vulnerability, and tribal coordination.
Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, replied in writing on June 24, 2026, answering each question directly rather than deferring everything to the meeting. Jefferson County Emergency Management has no direct hazardous materials response capability of its own.
The department operates with 2.8 full-time equivalent staff and relies primarily on the Washington State Department of Ecology's spill response team, based in Olympia, several hours away once mobilization and travel time are counted. The county's role in a release would be coordinating public notification, evacuation, and sheltering, not hands-on hazmat response.
The county's current Hazardous Materials Response Plan (most recent draft, Revision 5, March 24, 2025) uses a generic all-hazards framework with no provisions specific to white liquor or to PTPC by name. Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, indicated the county will discuss whether a white liquor-specific annex is needed, and asked David directly for any comparable community's annex as a model if one could be found.
No joint tabletop or field exercise simulating a white liquor release at PTPC has ever been conducted. Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, indicated the county will likely wait for the Longview after-action report before designing one, though the county has separately run a wildfire evacuation tabletop exercise, with lessons Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, said would be partially applicable.
The notification protocol for any hazardous materials release is direct notification to the State Emergency Management Division Duty Officer and the Washington State Department of Ecology, who then handle further notification to other state, federal, or tribal partners depending on the release's scope.
Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, confirmed direct awareness that a June 2025 Washington State Department of Ecology inspection of PTPC found nine violations, including failures in emergency preparedness and prevention procedures, with an informal enforcement notice issued in October 2025. Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, stated Jefferson County Emergency Management has not had direct conversations with PTPC about corrective action on these findings, deferring instead to the Washington State Department of Ecology's regulatory role.
The City of Port Townsend is a partner in the county's Emergency Operations Center, but the current plan does not specifically address Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) contamination from a white liquor release; this is something Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, said the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will need to build out. Neither the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe nor the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe has ever been involved in Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) conversations regarding PTPC.
Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, committed to including them going forward given their treaty fishing interests in Port Townsend Bay. David separately located and shared with Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, the Washington County, Maine Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)'s hazardous materials plan, which includes a facility-specific annex for Woodland Pulp, a kraft mill in Baileyville, as a possible structural model for a PTPC-specific annex.
Two important limits on that comparison are worth stating plainly. First, white liquor is not named anywhere in that annex either, for the same structural reason it escapes tracking here: it does not cross the specific federal reporting thresholds that determine which chemicals get named in this kind of plan.
Second, and more importantly, that same facility experienced two separate chemical incidents despite having this detailed plan in place: a toxic gas release in February 2017 that affected 18 people, and a fatal incident on January 27, 2026, four months before Longview, in which two workers died after sulfuric acid mixed with sulfurous compounds released hydrogen sulfide gas. The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has an open, unpublished investigation into that incident.
The most detailed comparable annex found anywhere did not prevent two separate incidents at the same facility, which is itself a finding: documentation alone, even done well, is not sufficient on its own.
OPEN QUESTION: Whether Jefferson County Emergency Management will follow up directly with PTPC on the corrective action plan for the nine violations found in the June 2025 Washington State Department of Ecology inspection, rather than deferring entirely to the Washington State Department of Ecology, has not been addressed.
OPEN QUESTION: Whether a white liquor-specific annex to the county's Hazardous Materials Response Plan will actually be developed, and on what timeline, remains undecided as of this writing; Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, described it as something the county will discuss rather than something committed to.
Separately, David sent a formal letter to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, on June 29, 2026, requesting only that it be distributed to the committee in advance of the July 8 meeting and entered into the official record. This is the single most comprehensive document this campaign has produced: twelve lettered sections containing approximately 150 individually numbered questions, organized so that any specific point can be referenced by item number, for example Item G-11 or Item L-9.
As of this writing, none of it has been answered. What follows is a representative summary of each section, not the complete text; the full letter is reproduced in full below, in the appendix to this document.
Section A, Foundational Documentation: requests the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)'s prior meeting minutes, plans, or reports specific to PTPC, its bylaws and membership rules, how it makes decisions, a current member list, its meeting history, any votes taken and their results, and whether a PTPC-specific emergency response plan is even being developed.
Sections B and C, Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS): asks what happens if the 30-mile transmission pipeline itself fails, not just contamination of it, including whether a redundant water source exists at all, how long an alternative supply could be sustained, and a specific question about responsibility: since PTPC operates and maintains the entire system under lease from the City, what happens to pipeline operation if PTPC's own staff were disabled by a major incident, and who would pay for damage depending on where and how it originated.
Section D, Reference Point and Chemical Inventory: directly modeled on the Woodland Pulp, Maine annex, which names a Facility Emergency Coordinator, the nearest hazmat team, and the closest medical facility by name, and lists 28 specific chemicals on site with exact quantities, three at the highest federal hazard designation. The letter asks whether Jefferson County's Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has an equivalent named list for PTPC and requests a copy of PTPC's complete chemical inventory under the federal Tier II reporting requirement, not just its most hazardous substances.
Section E, Fire: covers evacuation and accounting for everyone on site, fire spread to adjacent chemical tanks or the wastewater basin, toxic combustion byproducts, whether water is even the correct suppression agent for these specific chemicals, and whether Jefferson County has enough firefighters given its own confirmed reliance on volunteers and mutual aid.
Section F, Explosion and Implosion: asks directly whether the specific failure mechanism at Longview, a blockage preventing air backfill during liquid removal that created catastrophic negative pressure, has been evaluated against PTPC's own tanks, and references that Longview workers had reportedly filed a structural warning with the Washington State Division of Occupational Safety and Health two months before the disaster with no action taken, asking whether PTPC has a process for workers to report structural concerns and whether any have been reported.
Section G, Chemical Spill: requests the actual chemical names and quantities involved in a catastrophic white liquor release, not a general category, and asks pointed questions about the still-open November 2025 wastewater spills and October 2025 aerated stabilization basin issue: what specifically happened, what chemicals were involved, their current status, and whether Jefferson County Emergency Management has any role at all or considers this exclusively the Washington State Department of Ecology's matter.
Section H, Equipment Failure Short of Fire, Explosion, or Spill: asks whether the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has a complete equipment and infrastructure list for PTPC at all, and raises failure modes that would not produce an immediate visible release, such as a slow leak or a breach in the wastewater treatment basin that is not immediately obvious.
Section I, Worker, Subcontractor, and Agency Access: asks whether East Jefferson Fire Rescue, Jefferson County Emergency Management, and the Washington State Department of Ecology have established physical site access protocols, including whether an evacuation or lockdown protocol would account for where chemicals are actually stored during a security incident.
Section J, Public Notification and Protective Action: asks, for every scenario raised in Sections E through H, what residents would actually be told to do, through what channel, and whether pre-drafted public alerts and defined evacuation or shelter-in-place zones exist, or whether that messaging would be improvised in real time during an actual event.
Section K, PTPC's Own Role as a Committee Member: notes that PTPC is itself a member of the committee, not merely the facility under discussion, and asks what PTPC has formally reported to the committee, as distinct from what it has told the press. This directly targets PTPC's June 1, 2026 public statement about verifying tank vents and scheduling non-destructive testing, asking what specifically is being tested, by what method, on what schedule, and with what results, reported to the committee itself rather than through a press release.
Section L, Seismic Event: closes the letter by tying every prior scenario together. PTPC sits at or very near the Southern Whidbey Island Fault, which the United States Geological Survey (USGS) describes as capable of generating earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater.
This section asks what happens if several of the failures described in earlier sections occur simultaneously rather than in isolation, for example fire spreading faster because containment systems were also damaged in the same event, and references that a 2021 engineering white paper for the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) already documents liquefaction risk to a downstream dam inspected every five years by the Washington State Department of Ecology's Office of Dam Safety, meaning this seismic concern is already part of the system's own engineering record, not a new one being raised here.
It closes by asking whether county-wide planning accounts for an extended aftermath, comparable to Hurricane Katrina, rather than only the first hours of response.
OPEN QUESTION: None of the approximately 150 questions in the letter to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, have been answered as of this writing. The July 8 meeting is the first opportunity for a response.
OPEN QUESTION: The letter also requested the committee's foundational documentation: prior meeting minutes and plans specific to PTPC, the committee's bylaws and membership rules, how decisions are made, a current member list, meeting dates past and scheduled, any votes taken and their results, and whether a PTPC-specific emergency response plan is even being developed. None of these foundational questions have been answered either.
OPEN QUESTION: The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)'s full board is up for a two-year membership renewal at the July 8 meeting, alongside Chair and Vice Chair elections. Whether David Pederson of Taylor Shellfish Farms occupies the community or business representative seat, and whether that seat is part of what is being renewed, has been asked directly but not yet answered.
This section documents confirmed accidents at kraft pulp and paper facilities beyond the Longview and Woodland Pulp incidents already covered in this document, organized chronologically by country. A search specifically for fatal accidents at Suzano and Klabin, Brazil's two largest kraft producers, found no documented incident at either; this is noted as a gap in what is publicly searchable, not as evidence of a clean safety record.
Stone Savannah River pulp and paper mill, Wentworth, Georgia, December 8, 1990: one worker killed, four injured. Hydrogen sulfide gas formed during acid cleaning of a pulping solution pressure filter; ventilation intended to control the gas failed.
Georgia-Pacific Naheola Mill, Pennington, Alabama, January 16, 2002: two workers killed, eight injured. Investigated by the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). A leaking pump allowed sodium hydrosulfide, a process chemical, to accumulate in a containment pit connected to the plant's acid sewer. Draining the pit triggered a reaction that released hydrogen sulfide gas into an area where contract workers were performing maintenance.
International Paper mill, Vicksburg, Mississippi area, approximately 2008: one contract employee killed, seventeen others injured in a recovery boiler explosion.
Packaging Corporation of America, DeRidder, Louisiana, February 8, 2017: three contract workers killed, seven injured. United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) final report issued. Workers were performing welding and grinding, referred to as hot work, directly above a tank containing flammable material.
Pixelle paper mill, New Hampshire, April 15, 2020: a 166 foot tall pulp digester, a large pressure vessel built in 1964, failed catastrophically while operating within its normal pressure and temperature range, erupting approximately 260,000 gallons of hot corrosive chemicals and wood fiber into the air. The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) determined the cause was caustic stress corrosion cracking along a weld seam in the vessel's carbon steel shell. Contractors nearby were on a lunch break at the time; this is a direct, documented example of why the location of break areas relative to hazardous equipment, already raised as an open question in this document, is a genuine safety question rather than an abstract one.
Evergreen Packaging paper mill, Canton, North Carolina, September 21, 2020: fire during hot work maintenance inside pulp bleaching process vessels during a planned shutdown. Flammable resin ignited from an electric heat gun.
International Paper, Savannah, Georgia: two separate fatalities at the same facility. In August 2014, a maintenance employee was pinched by a hydraulic-powered elevating device and carried approximately 18 feet, sustaining injuries that proved fatal. In June 2021, a contractor was killed when a boiler platform collapsed.
Squamish, British Columbia, 1963: seven workers killed, recovery boiler explosion, 300 workers left without work while the recovery area was repaired.
Daishowa-Marubeni International mill, Peace River, Alberta, September 22, 2017: recovery boiler explosion, no injuries, but significant damage that halted production for three to six weeks. A subsequent industry case study documented the incident minute by minute, from a low drum level alarm through a large explosion five seconds after the final control action.
British Columbia, December 2022: a dissolving tank explosion; serious injury or death was avoided only because workers evacuated quickly and sheltered in a protected control room.
British Columbia, March 2023: a worker suffered severe burns after being struck by molten smelt ejected from a recovery furnace.
Aanekoski, Finland, September 28, 1965: four workers killed, a smelt-water explosion caused by a large crack in a furnace screen tube, itself caused by a plugged tube overheating after magnetite dregs came loose due to low boiler water pH.
Kemi, Finland, March 21, 2024: a gas explosion in the evaporation unit at the Kemi bioproducts plant, described as the world's largest kraftliner manufacturing plant. Three workers were exposed to hydrogen sulfide and returned to work after a health check. The plant, though structurally undamaged, was unable to produce unbleached pulp without its chemical recovery system and halted production.
This section addresses the general engineering literature on how large atmospheric steel storage tanks, the same general category as PTPC's white liquor tank, fail during earthquakes. No documented instance of a kraft mill tank failing in an earthquake specifically was found; this is general tank engineering research, not a kraft-specific incident, and should not be presented as though it were.
The well-documented failure mode for this category of tank is called elephant foot buckling, in which the tank wall buckles outward near its base under seismic shaking. This falls within a formally recognized federal risk category called Natech, short for Natural Hazard Triggering Technological Disaster, a term already connected to this campaign's Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) engineering research.
Academic seismic modeling has demonstrated that specific real-world tank designs cannot be considered safe from this failure mode under realistic earthquake loading, and separately, that American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 650's standard linear design method has been found insufficient for real seismic demands when compared against full nonlinear structural analysis. Real tanks have failed this way in earthquakes directly comparable to the Pacific Northwest's seismic environment.
The 2014 Napa, California earthquake damaged storage tanks in the San Francisco Bay Area. Japan's 2011 Tohoku earthquake caused new tank damage along the Pacific coast. Historical tank failures have also been documented in the 1933 Long Beach, 1994 Northridge, and 1995 Kobe earthquakes, among others.
For the Cascadia region specifically, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates roughly a 10 to 15 percent chance of an approximately magnitude 9 earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and an 85 percent chance of a magnitude 6.5 or greater deep earthquake in the Puget Sound region specifically. This is the same general seismic environment already raised in Section L of the letter to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, regarding the Southern Whidbey Island Fault.
Recovery boiler and smelt-related explosions are physical steam explosions, not combustion events. Inside a recovery boiler, black liquor is burned as fuel while the process simultaneously recovers the facility's inorganic cooking chemicals as molten smelt, a pool of melted sodium salts at the furnace floor, typically 1,500 to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
If water reaches that molten pool, through a leaking boiler tube, a cooling water leak, or water introduced improperly during startup or shutdown, it flashes to steam almost instantly, expanding by a factor of roughly 1,600 in a fraction of a second. This is why water leak detection, not fire prevention, is the central safety discipline for this equipment.
Assessed against what is confirmed about PTPC's own equipment, likely applicable: PTPC operates the same equipment class as recovery boiler smelt-water explosions (comparable to Vicksburg, Mississippi; Squamish, British Columbia; Peace River, Alberta; and Aanekoski, Finland); smelt dissolving tank explosions and molten smelt burns (comparable to the two 2022 and 2023 British Columbia incidents); evaporator-related gas exposure (comparable to Kemi, Finland), since PTPC uses evaporators to concentrate black liquor; and general mechanical and hot-work hazards not tied to a specific chemical process, such as elevated platform collapse or hydraulic-equipment injury (comparable to International Paper, Savannah) and hot work igniting nearby flammable material (comparable to Packaging Corporation of America, DeRidder, Louisiana).
Likely does not apply the same way, a structural equipment mismatch: the Evergreen Packaging fire in Canton, North Carolina occurred inside bleach plant process towers built of fiber-reinforced plastic. PTPC produces unbleached paper, containerboard, and pulp. Whether PTPC operates a bleach plant at a comparable scale is not confirmed, but if it does not, this specific failure point may not exist on site at all.
Genuinely unknown, requiring verification rather than assumption: whether PTPC uses or stores sodium hydrosulfide the way it was used at the Georgia-Pacific Naheola Mill and the Stone Savannah River mill, both fatal incidents involving that specific chemical; and the age, type, and inspection history of PTPC's digester, given that the Pixelle, New Hampshire failure involved a pressure vessel built in 1964 that failed from decades of corrosion cracking along a weld seam.
The following draws on every section of this document, not only the accident history and applicability analysis in sections 10 through 12, to compile a comprehensive set of safety-relevant questions for PTPC. None of these have been formally asked of or answered by PTPC through any correspondence on record.
They are organized by category rather than presented as a single flat list, since they draw on distinct parts of this document and would likely go through different channels. This is a drafting resource, not a letter that has been sent.
What is the age and manufacture date of PTPC's white liquor storage tank, and has it ever undergone a voluntary inspection under American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653, the industry standard used for oil tanks under similar circumstances, even though PTPC is not legally required to do so?
What is the age and manufacture date of PTPC's recovery boiler, and when was its most recent inspection for tube leaks or corrosion, the documented failure point behind the majority of smelt-water explosions described in section 10?
What water leak detection systems are in place around PTPC's recovery boiler and smelt dissolving tank specifically, given that water intrusion, not fire, is the documented cause of the majority of catastrophic events described in this document?
What is the age, construction material, and most recent pressure or structural inspection date of PTPC's digester or digesters?
Does PTPC use or store sodium hydrosulfide as part of its pulping process, and if so, in what quantity and where is it stored relative to acidic process streams or sewers, the specific failure pathway in both the Georgia-Pacific Naheola and Stone Savannah River fatal incidents described in section 10?
Does PTPC operate a bleach plant, and if so, at what scale and using what process vessel construction, relevant to whether the Evergreen Packaging fire's specific failure point, described in section 10, exists on site?
What is PTPC's complete chemical inventory under the federal Tier II reporting requirement, not limited to its most hazardous substances, matching the level of detail the Woodland Pulp, Maine facility provides in its own Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) annex, described in section 9?
What has PTPC told the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) so far in response to its new investigation, described in section 5, and will PTPC make its response public?
What corrective action, if any, has PTPC taken in response to the nine violations found in the June 2025 Washington State Department of Ecology inspection, described in section 8, including the specific failures in emergency preparedness and prevention procedures?
What specifically is being tested under PTPC's June 1, 2026 public statement about verifying tank vents and scheduling non-destructive testing, described in section 7, by what method, on what schedule, and with what results, reported formally to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) rather than only through a press statement?
Has any worker at PTPC ever filed a safety complaint or a retaliation complaint against PTPC, and if so, what was the outcome?
What is PTPC's internal policy for workers to report structural or safety concerns, and does that process include any way to confirm a report was received and acted upon, given that Longview workers reportedly filed a structural warning two months before that disaster with no action taken, as described in section 9?
Was the injury described in the July 3, 2026 community report, described in section 7, reported to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) within the 24-hour serious injury reporting window required by law, if the report is confirmed accurate?
What has PTPC formally reported to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) as a member of that committee, as distinct from what it has told the press?
Does PTPC have a facility-specific emergency response plan on file with the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and if not, why not, given that even small facilities in comparable counties, such as cell tower sites with a few hundred pounds of chemical inventory, have named coordinators and documented procedures?
What is PTPC's own internal notification and evacuation protocol for a release affecting Port Townsend Bay or the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS), and has it ever been tested in a joint exercise with county or state responders?
Has PTPC's site been evaluated specifically for elephant foot buckling risk under the Southern Whidbey Island Fault seismic scenario already raised in Section L of the letter to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, and if so, by whom and when?
Were PTPC's tanks and recovery boiler designed to current seismic standards, or do they predate them, given this document's finding that codes generally apply to tanks based on the standard in effect when they were built, not the current one?
This question list is a drafting resource for future correspondence, not itself a letter that has been sent. It has not yet been formally submitted to PTPC, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), or any regulator.
The following pages are the actual sent and received correspondence referenced in sections 8 and 9 of this document, reproduced in full rather than only summarized.
Document A: correspondence with Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, June 7 through June 25, 2026, full thread, both the original letter and Willie Bence's complete reply.
Document B: letter to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, sent June 29, 2026, as confirmed sent.
Sent June 7, 2026, to Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, with a copy to Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette, Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, and Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, Jefferson County Emergency Management.
Dear Mr. Bence, thank you for your public comments following the May 26, 2026 Nippon Dynawave disaster, in which you confirmed that PTPC stores white liquor and described it as a particularly nasty and caustic chemical. That candor is exactly what the community needs from its emergency management leadership, and I appreciate it.
I am writing to ask a focused set of questions about Jefferson County's preparedness for a white liquor release scenario at PTPC, not to alarm, but because the Longview disaster has made clear that this is precisely the kind of scenario that emergency management must have planned for in advance. I am aware of the July Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting and intend to attend. These questions are intended to help that meeting be as productive as possible.
The Nippon Dynawave implosion on May 26, 2026 required the following:
Approximately 40 firefighters and paramedics, including a regional hazmat team.
On-scene chemical decontamination of casualties before hospital transport, standard protocol for caustic chemical exposure.
Formal declaration of a mass casualty scene by the Longview Fire Department.
Ongoing environmental monitoring of drainage ditches, which produced 2,226 dead fish by June 1, 2026, per the Washington State Department of Ecology.
PTPC's daily production of 950 to 1,000 tons exceeds Nippon Dynawave's approximately 770 tons. The facility sits on 450 acres directly adjacent to Port Townsend Bay. A release of comparable scale would involve the bay, the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline corridor, and a small-city emergency response infrastructure. The question is not whether this scenario is possible, it is whether Jefferson County is prepared for it.
Regional hazmat decontamination capability: does Jefferson County Emergency Management have a regional hazmat decontamination team pre-positioned and trained for a white liquor release scenario near Port Townsend Bay? White liquor (sodium hydroxide plus sodium sulfide) causes immediate second and third-degree chemical burns and was caustic enough to damage firefighter protective gear at Longview. If a comparable release occurred at PTPC, would East Jefferson Fire Rescue have the decontamination capability required, or does that require mutual aid from Clallam County or beyond? What is the estimated response time for that mutual aid?
Current Hazardous Materials Response Plan, PTPC-specific provisions: does the current Jefferson County Hazardous Materials Response Plan (most recent draft, Revision 5, March 24, 2025) include a specific release scenario for white liquor at PTPC, covering estimated release volumes, bay contamination protocols, evacuation zones, and public notification procedures? The question is whether white liquor at PTPC has been modeled as a specific scenario within that plan, not just as a generic hazmat category, and whether the plan reflects the proximity of the discharge outfall to Port Townsend Bay.
Joint exercises: has Jefferson County Emergency Management conducted a joint tabletop or field exercise with East Jefferson Fire Rescue, PTPC, and Jefferson County Public Health simulating a major white liquor release at the facility? If not, is one planned in 2026? The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigation into the Longview disaster is expected to address preparedness and inter-agency coordination as contributing factors.
Bay contamination protocol: what is the current emergency protocol for a major industrial chemical release into Port Townsend Bay, including notification to the United States Coast Guard, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes, who hold treaty fishing rights in these waters?
PTPC emergency preparedness violations: are you aware that a June 2025 inspection of PTPC by the Washington State Department of Ecology found nine violations including failures in emergency preparedness and prevention procedures, the exact regulatory category relevant to chemical storage tank failure, with an informal enforcement notice issued in October 2025? Has Jefferson County Emergency Management been in contact with the Washington State Department of Ecology or PTPC regarding the corrective action plan for these violations?
Water system vulnerability: the PTPC facility lies upstream of the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline corridor. Does the county emergency plan address contamination of the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) water supply in a white liquor release scenario, including protocols for notification to the City of Port Townsend, which owns the water rights, and for alternative water supply?
Tribal nation coordination: have the Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes been formally consulted as part of Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) emergency planning for PTPC? Their treaty fishing rights in Port Townsend Bay give them a direct legal and health interest in any release scenario affecting the bay.
The letter formally requested that Jefferson County Emergency Management confirm, in writing or at the July Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting, the following:
Whether a regional hazmat decontamination team is pre-positioned and trained for a white liquor release near Port Townsend Bay.
Whether the current Hazardous Materials Response Plan includes a white liquor release scenario specific to PTPC.
Whether a joint hazmat exercise with PTPC has been conducted or is scheduled for 2026.
The letter closed by stating that if any of these are gaps, the post-Longview moment is exactly the right time to close them, offered as a constructive community partner, not an adversary. PTPC is an important employer and a genuine part of this community; the 300 workers inside that facility deserve the same level of emergency preparedness that Nippon Dynawave's workers deserved and did not receive. Getting that right is not in conflict with the facility's continued operation, it is a prerequisite for it.
Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, replied in writing on June 24, 2026, answering each question directly rather than deferring everything to the meeting. Good afternoon Mr. Ginsberg, apologies for the delay in this response. I wholeheartedly appreciate your attention to this matter and hope you are able to join us at the July 8 Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting, where we will be joined by both the Washington State Department of Ecology and PTPC to discuss this further. Below are some preliminary answers to your questions; however, I will let our partners speak on their own behalf, and some of these will be addressed in detail at the July 8 meeting.
Unfortunately, we here at Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) have no direct hazardous materials response capability. We are a small department (2.8 full-time equivalent staff) and rely extensively on volunteers for work typically supporting first responders and broader emergency management functions. Our primary role during a hazardous materials incident would be to coordinate emergency notification to the general public, evacuations and sheltering for those in the affected area, and to help direct the Emergency Operations Center, which would coordinate the broader response among partner agencies. Here in Jefferson County, we have limited hazmat response capability as a rural jurisdiction. I understand you have reached out to East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Chief Bret Black, and I will let him speak on his department's capabilities, but our primary resource for hazmat response and mitigation is through the Washington State Department of Ecology. Their nearest spill response team is based in Olympia, which means their response time is several hours out, taking into consideration the time required to mobilize and travel. They will be speaking on this in more detail at the upcoming Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting.
The plan you referenced is the most current plan and does not have specific provisions for white liquor. Like most emergency response plans, it was developed with an all-hazards framework to be applicable to all potential risks or incidents. However, given recent events, we will discuss the potential need for a white liquor-specific annex in the plan. I am unaware if any other communities with paper processing facilities have such an annex, but if, in the course of your research, you find a community that does, I would appreciate that resource to utilize as a basis for ours.
We have not, but as above, it is something we will discuss and explore given the recent events. As you noted, the incident in Longview is still under investigation and review. It is likely we will wait for an after-action report from that event to apply lessons learned here locally. Last year, we did hold a tabletop exercise on evacuation coordination, although that was in response to a wildfire threat. We also have experience in the last several years coordinating evacuations during active wildfires. Those lessons learned would be applicable to evacuations due to a hazardous materials spill, but we have not drilled on that threat specifically.
Our notification protocol is to directly notify the State Emergency Management Division Duty Officer and the Washington State Department of Ecology after any release of hazardous materials. This includes either us here at Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management (DEM), or the dispatchers at JeffCom 911. Those entities then make the appropriate notifications to other state, federal, or tribal partners depending on the type, size, and scope of the release.
I am indeed aware, but have not had conversations with PTPC on these issues. The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for the regulatory oversight and corrective action, and we hope both PTPC and the Washington State Department of Ecology will be addressing that shortly.
The City of Port Townsend is a partner in the Emergency Operations Center under our respective Emergency Support Functions, for example law enforcement and public works, and would be notified and involved in any response to a large spill incident. As above, the plan does not specifically address a white liquor release and its potential impacts, like contaminated water supply, but this is something we will look to build through conversations among the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) members, of which the City is one.
Neither tribe has been involved in Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) conversations previously, but given the potential for impacts to their interests, we will make sure they are included in this conversation.
Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, closed by offering to connect directly before or after the July 8 meeting, and thanked David for his commitment to the safety of the community. Signature block: Willie Bence, Director, Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management.
Dear Mr. Bence, thank you for the thoughtful, detailed response. I know you have a small department, and I appreciate you taking the time to walk through each question rather than waving me off to wait for the meeting. A few things stood out.
The fact that Jefferson County's nearest dedicated spill response support is hours away in Olympia is exactly the kind of gap I think the community needs to understand clearly, not as a criticism of your department, but as a real constraint that should shape how the rest of us think about risk here.
I did some digging on the white liquor-specific annex question, and the result is worth sharing, though it is more complicated than expected. I am attaching the Washington County, Maine Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Hazardous Materials Plan, since you mentioned you would appreciate a resource like this if one were found. It is a genuinely detailed, facility-specific document, and the relevant section covers Woodland Pulp, a kraft mill in Baileyville, with step-by-step internal procedures for a chemical release, evacuation triggers, and plume mapping. It is a real template for the format such an annex could take, and worth using as a structural model.
Two things are worth flagging. First, white liquor is not named anywhere in it. The chemicals it covers, chlorine dioxide, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid, are the ones that happen to cross federal reporting thresholds at that facility, for the same structural reason white liquor does not get tracked here.
Second, and this is the harder part: that same facility has had two separate chemical incidents despite having this plan in place, a toxic gas release in February 2017 that affected 18 people, and a fatal incident on January 27, 2026, four months before Longview, where two workers died after sulfuric acid mixed with sulfurous compounds and released hydrogen sulfide gas. The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has an open investigation into that incident; no findings have been published yet. The most detailed annex found anywhere still did not prevent two incidents at the same facility.
This is the more important point to bring to the July 8 meeting, not a template to copy outright, but evidence that documentation alone, even done well, is not sufficient on its own.
The letter also raised a question about the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)'s composition ahead of July 8: from the committee's own minutes, the full board's two-year membership term expires this year, with elections for the next slate of voting members happening at the July meeting, alongside the Chair and Vice Chair elections. David Pederson of Taylor Shellfish Farms appears in recent minutes as a regular voting member, and seems like he may be the closest fit to a community or business representative seat, separate from the fire, law enforcement, health, and facility seats, though this was not assumed to be confirmed.
The letter asked how that seat is actually defined, and whether it is part of what is being renewed in July.
The letter closed by again welcoming a chance to connect before or after the meeting, and thanking Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, for his leadership. Attached to the message: the Washington County, Maine Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Hazardous Materials Plan.
Sent June 29, 2026, to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, Jefferson County Emergency Management, with copies to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, Willie Bence, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management, and a City of Port Townsend contact. The letter requested only that it be distributed to the committee in advance of the July 8 meeting and entered into the official record.
Dear Mr. Brooks, with the July 8 meeting now about a week away, the only request for the meeting itself is that this letter be distributed to the committee's members in advance and entered into the official record as a submitted document. The letter is organized into lettered sections, with every individual question given its own number within each section, so that specific points can be referenced easily, for example as Item D-3 or Item L-9.
The letter opened by explaining its starting point: no background in how the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has operated, what has already been done, or how the committee is structured.
A-1. Can I receive documentation of what the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has done to date regarding PTPC, including any prior meeting minutes, plans, or reports specific to the facility?
A-2. Can I receive documentation of how the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is structured, including its bylaws and membership rules?
A-3. How are decisions made by the committee?
A-4. Can I receive a current list of the committee's members, including which organization or role each one represents?
A-5. What are the dates of past meetings?
A-6. Are there dates for any upcoming meetings beyond July 8 that are already scheduled?
A-7. Have any votes taken place by the committee, and if so, on what?
A-8. What was the result of each vote referenced in Item A-7?
A-9. Have any requests been made by any of the participating member agencies or organizations to the committee, and if so, what were they?
A-10. Have any requests been made by the committee to any of the participating member agencies or organizations, and if so, what were they?
A-11. What came of the requests referenced in Items A-9 and A-10?
A-12. Is there a schedule for when a draft emergency response plan specific to PTPC is expected to be completed, if one is being developed at all?
This section concerns a failure of the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline itself, as distinct from contamination of it. This affects not only Port Townsend and PTPC, but also Glen Cove and parts of unincorporated Jefferson County west of town.
B-1. What is the worst case scenario for a failure of the pipeline itself?
B-2. What is the plan for a failure of the pipeline itself?
B-3. How would residents and businesses across all of the areas served, not just within city limits, obtain water for drinking, cooking, and bathing if the pipeline failed?
B-4. For how long could an alternative water supply, if any, be sustained during a pipeline failure?
B-5. Is there a redundant water source or second intake, separate from the single gravity-fed system?
B-6. If there is no redundant source, would a pipeline failure mean there is no alternative supply for any of the areas served?
B-7. How would the public across this entire service area be notified of a pipeline failure?
B-8. What is the expected timeline for repair and restoration of service for a minor pipeline repair?
B-9. What is the expected timeline for repair and restoration of service for a major structural failure of the pipeline?
B-10. PTPC operates and maintains the entire 30-mile transmission system under lease, not only its own connection point. Does a major disaster at PTPC have the potential to interfere with the City's or other locations' water supply, even if the physical pipeline itself, located mostly in the watershed far from PTPC, is not directly damaged?
B-11. If PTPC's own operations and staff were disabled by a fire, explosion, or other major incident, who would be available to operate and maintain the pipeline in their place?
B-12. For how long could the pipeline continue to be operated and maintained without PTPC before it affected water delivery to the City, Glen Cove, or unincorporated areas?
B-13. Who would pay for repair of major damage to the pipeline, given the City owns the system and the water rights while PTPC operates and maintains it under lease?
B-14. Does responsibility for the cost of repair depend on the cause of the damage, for example whether the damage originated at PTPC versus elsewhere along the pipeline's 30-mile route?
B-15. Is that division of responsibility documented anywhere?
B-16. Is there any insurance covering damage to the pipeline, held by either the City or PTPC?
B-17. If such insurance exists, what does it cover?
B-18. Would that insurance cover a major disaster scenario such as the ones described in this letter?
C-1. Separate from a physical failure of the pipeline itself, addressed in Section B, has the committee considered contamination of the source water at the Big Quilcene or Little Quilcene diversions or at Lords Lake Reservoir?
C-2. Has the committee considered a failure or major incident at the City's water treatment facility itself?
C-3. What other emergency scenarios affecting the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS), beyond pipeline failure and the two scenarios above, have been considered?
C-4. What is the worst case scenario and plan for whatever has actually been considered under Items C-1 through C-3?
C-5. What, if anything, related to the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) has not yet been addressed by the committee?
This section drew directly on the Washington County, Maine Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)'s Hazardous Materials Plan, which includes a detailed annex for Woodland Pulp, a kraft pulp mill in Baileyville, Maine. That annex names specific roles and information used to frame the following questions.
D-1. The Maine annex names a Facility Emergency Coordinator, by name and title. Who fills that role for PTPC?
D-2. The Maine annex names the nearest hazmat response team, by name. Who fills that role for PTPC?
D-3. The Maine annex names the closest medical facility, by name. Is the closest medical facility for PTPC Jefferson Healthcare?
D-4. Who is the emergency contact at the closest medical facility?
D-5. Is there a representative from the closest medical facility on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)?
D-6. If so, who is that representative? Apple Martine, Director of Jefferson County Public Health, appears to fill the required public health representation seat, but who fills the required emergency medical services seat specifically, separate from public health, was not able to be identified.
D-7. The Maine annex names the chemicals of concern on site, by name and exact quantity. Does the committee have that list for PTPC?
D-8. If so, can a copy of it be provided? The Maine plan reports 28 chemicals on site in total at that facility, three of which carry the highest federal hazard designation as Extremely Hazardous Substances. This request is for PTPC's complete chemical inventory under the federal Tier II reporting requirement, not only its most hazardous substances.
D-9. The Maine plan states that in the event of a catastrophic cascading incident, first responders and the public may be at unanticipated high risk for inhalation illness or exposure due to various chemicals reacting with one another. Has this kind of cascading, multi-chemical risk been considered for PTPC? This is raised because it is a planning concern already named by a comparable facility's own emergency plan, not speculation.
E-1. What is the worst case scenario for a fire at PTPC?
E-2. What is the plan for a fire at PTPC?
E-3. What is the plan for employee and subcontractor safety during a fire, including evacuation and accounting for everyone on site?
E-4. What is the plan for fire spread to adjacent chemical storage tanks?
E-5. What is the plan for fire spread to the wastewater treatment basin?
E-6. What is the plan for fire spread to other major equipment?
E-7. What is the plan for fire spread beyond the facility's boundary toward neighboring properties or wildland areas?
E-8. What toxic byproducts could be released into the air from chemicals burning?
E-9. How would those airborne byproducts be monitored?
E-10. How would those airborne byproducts be communicated to the public?
E-11. What would be the results of major equipment, such as the recovery furnace or power boiler, being burned or damaged by fire?
E-12. Would there be enough firefighters available to respond, given Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management has already confirmed it is a small department that relies extensively on volunteers and mutual aid?
E-13. Would there be enough medical aid available to respond to a fire at PTPC?
E-14. Is water the appropriate agent to fight a fire involving these specific chemicals?
E-15. If water is not appropriate for some chemicals, what suppression method is required instead?
E-16. Is there appropriate and sufficient protective equipment, including gas masks and other respiratory and chemical protection, available to first responders?
E-17. Is there appropriate and sufficient protective equipment available to PTPC's own employees and subcontractors on site, who may need that protection before responders even arrive?
E-18. Jefferson County has real, recent experience coordinating wildfire evacuations, including a tabletop exercise last year. Has that wildfire evacuation experience and planning ever specifically considered PTPC, given what is stored there?
E-19. What is the worst case scenario and plan for a large regional wildfire reaching or threatening the facility from outside?
The May 26, 2026 disaster at Nippon Dynawave in Longview was not an explosion in the conventional sense; it was an implosion, caused by a blockage that prevented air from backfilling a white liquor tank as liquid was pumped out, creating catastrophic negative pressure.
F-1. Has the specific implosion mechanism from Longview, a blockage preventing air backfill during liquid removal, been evaluated against PTPC's own white liquor tanks?
F-2. What is the worst case scenario for an implosion at PTPC?
F-3. What is the plan for an implosion at PTPC?
F-4. What is the worst case scenario for a conventional explosion at PTPC, whether from a pressure vessel, the recovery furnace, the power boiler, or another source of stored or generated pressure?
F-5. What is the plan for a conventional explosion at PTPC?
F-6. What is the plan for employee and subcontractor safety in an explosion or implosion?
F-7. Workers at Longview reportedly had little to no warning before the implosion occurred there. How quickly can an implosion of this kind occur at PTPC?
F-8. What is the plan for structural damage to surrounding equipment, buildings, or storage tanks resulting from either an explosion or an implosion?
F-9. Workers at Longview had reported a structural warning to the Washington State Division of Occupational Safety and Health two months before the disaster, and no action was taken before the implosion occurred. Does PTPC have a process for workers to report structural concerns?
F-10. Is the committee aware of whether any structural concerns have been reported by PTPC workers?
F-11. What toxic byproducts could follow an explosion or implosion?
F-12. What contamination of the surrounding ground, water, or bay could follow an explosion or implosion?
F-13. How would the toxic results referenced in Items F-11 and F-12 be monitored?
F-14. How would the toxic results referenced in Items F-11 and F-12 be communicated to the public?
F-15. What is the suppression and containment plan for an explosion or implosion, separate from the fire suppression question in Item E-14?
F-16. Are existing equipment and protocols adequate to contain a release of this kind once it has begun?
F-17. What is the cleanup plan following an explosion or implosion?
F-18. Who is responsible for cleanup following an explosion or implosion?
F-19. What timeline is expected for cleanup following an explosion or implosion, given that the Longview disaster required ongoing environmental monitoring well after the initial incident?
F-20. How would the public be informed when the area is actually safe again after an explosion or implosion?
G-1. What is the worst case scenario for a chemical spill originating at PTPC?
G-2. What is the plan for a chemical spill originating at PTPC?
G-3. What specific chemicals, by name and typical or maximum quantity, are involved in a catastrophic white liquor release? This asks for the actual chemical names and quantities, not a general category.
G-4. What specific chemicals, by name and typical or maximum quantity, are involved in the smaller incidents described in Item G-11?
G-5. What are PTPC's permitted discharge points and outfall locations into Port Townsend Bay?
G-6. Are there other pathways, such as stormwater drains, ditches, or groundwater, through which a spill could reach the bay or surrounding area without passing through a permitted outfall?
G-7. What is the plan for employee and subcontractor safety during a spill, including how they would be alerted?
G-8. What is the plan for evacuating employees and subcontractors from the immediate area during a spill?
G-9. What is the plan for decontaminating employees and subcontractors if directly exposed during a spill?
G-10. What are the specific health and environmental risks of each chemical involved in a spill, including risks to workers from direct contact or inhalation, and risks to marine life, shellfish beds, and public health from the chemical reaching the bay?
G-11. The November 2025 wastewater spills and the October 2025 aerated stabilization basin issue remain open, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology's own account. What specifically happened in each of these two incidents?
G-12. What chemicals or substances were involved in the two incidents referenced in Item G-11?
G-13. What is the current status of the two incidents referenced in Item G-11?
G-14. Does Jefferson County Emergency Management have any role in responding to incidents at the scale described in Item G-11, or is that considered the Washington State Department of Ecology's matter exclusively, with no county involvement at all?
G-15. Which specific agencies would need to be contacted in the event of a spill?
G-16. In what order would the agencies referenced in Item G-15 be contacted?
G-17. Who would be responsible for making those contacts?
G-18. What is the specific backup contact for each agency referenced in Item G-15, in case the primary contact is unreachable?
G-19. What specifically would be tested as part of environmental monitoring following a spill?
G-20. Where would the testing referenced in Item G-19 take place?
G-21. For how long would monitoring continue following a spill, given that the Longview disaster required ongoing monitoring of drainage ditches well after the initial event?
H-1. Does the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) have a complete list of all major equipment and infrastructure at PTPC?
H-2. If such a list exists, can a copy of it be provided?
H-3. What is the worst case scenario for a failure of PTPC's major equipment or infrastructure that does not itself cause an immediate fire, explosion, or chemical release, but could still create a hazard or compromise safety?
H-4. What is the plan for the kind of equipment failure described in Item H-3?
H-5. What happens to chemical storage, containment, and treatment systems during a power failure or loss of process control affecting the recovery furnace, the power boiler, or the wastewater treatment system, even without an immediate visible release?
H-6. What is the plan for a structural failure of a containment or treatment system, such as the wastewater treatment basin, that compromises its function without an immediate, visible spill, for example a slow leak or a breach that is not immediately obvious?
H-7. Has the committee identified any other major equipment failure that does not fall under Section E, F, or G specifically?
I-1. Beyond what is addressed under Sections E through H, does PTPC have a general internal emergency evacuation plan covering its own employees and any subcontractors on site?
I-2. Has the plan referenced in Item I-1 been shared with or reviewed by the committee?
I-3. Do East Jefferson Fire Rescue, Jefferson County Emergency Management, and the Washington State Department of Ecology have established physical access protocols to the PTPC site, including site maps and gate access?
I-4. Is there a designated facility emergency contact for physical access purposes, separate from the Facility Emergency Coordinator referenced in Item D-1?
I-5. If established access protocols do not exist, would access need to be negotiated at the time of an incident?
I-6. Has any security incident at the facility, including an active threat or workplace violence, been considered?
I-7. How would a security incident of the kind described in Item I-6 coordinate with the site's chemical hazards, for example, would an evacuation or lockdown protocol account for the location of chemical storage?
I-8. Do responding law enforcement personnel have the same site familiarity requested of fire and emergency management agencies in Item I-3?
J-1. For each of the scenarios described in Sections E through H, what would residents actually be told to do?
J-2. Through what channel would the information described in Item J-1 be delivered?
J-3. Are there pre-drafted public alerts for the scenarios described in Sections E through H?
J-4. Are there defined evacuation or shelter-in-place zones for the scenarios described in Sections E through H?
J-5. Is there a designated public information channel for each of the scenarios described in Sections E through H?
J-6. If the items referenced in J-3 through J-5 do not currently exist, would that messaging be developed in real time during an actual event?
K-1. PTPC is itself a member of this committee, not merely the facility being discussed. As a member, what has PTPC formally committed to the committee regarding white liquor tank safety?
K-2. PTPC announced publicly on June 1, 2026 that it had met with industry experts and was scheduling non-destructive testing of its tanks. That announcement was made to the press, not to the committee specifically. Non-destructive testing covers inspection methods, such as ultrasonic thickness testing or similar techniques, that check a tank's structural condition without taking it out of service. What has PTPC formally reported to the committee about this testing, including what specifically is being tested, by what method, on what schedule, and with what results once available, separate from what the public has been told through the press?
K-3. What has PTPC formally committed to or reported to the committee regarding any of the other scenarios raised in this letter?
K-4. Has PTPC, in its committee capacity, shared any internal emergency response plan with the committee, separate from its public statements to the press?
K-5. Has PTPC, in its committee capacity, shared any tank inventory with the committee, separate from its public statements to the press?
K-6. Has PTPC, in its committee capacity, shared any testing results with the committee, separate from its public statements to the press?
The letter closed by tying every prior scenario together. PTPC sits at or very near the Southern Whidbey Island Fault, which the United States Geological Survey (USGS) describes as capable of generating earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater.
L-1. Does the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) have a complete list of all major equipment and infrastructure at PTPC, as requested in Item H-1?
L-2. What is the worst case scenario for a chemical release at PTPC triggered by a seismic event, as opposed to plans addressing only a release that has already occurred from an unspecified cause?
L-3. What is the plan for a chemical release at PTPC triggered by a seismic event?
L-4. The Maine plan referenced in Item D-9 explicitly identifies cascading, multi-chemical risk as a real planning concern at a comparable facility, not merely a hypothetical. Has the committee considered the risk of chemicals from different storage systems mixing in unintended ways as a result of a seismic event at PTPC?
L-5. What is the worst case scenario for that kind of chemical mixing as a result of a seismic event?
L-6. What is the plan for that kind of chemical mixing as a result of a seismic event?
L-7. What would the results be if there were major damage to the recovery furnace as a result of a seismic event?
L-8. What would the results be if there were major damage to the power boiler as a result of a seismic event?
L-9. What would the results be if there were major damage to connecting pipework as a result of a seismic event?
L-10. What would the results be if there were major damage to any other major equipment on the list requested in Item H-1, as a result of a seismic event?
L-11. What is the worst case scenario and plan for each of the equipment failures described in Items L-7 through L-10?
L-12. What is the worst case scenario and plan for a fire resulting from seismic damage to equipment or from mixed chemicals?
L-13. What is the worst case scenario and plan for release of treated and untreated wastewater from damage to the treatment basin or related infrastructure during a seismic event?
L-14. What is the worst case scenario and plan for collapsed or damaged buildings at the facility itself during a seismic event?
L-15. What is the plan for employees potentially trapped inside collapsed or damaged buildings during a seismic event?
L-16. What is the worst case scenario and plan for the safety of PTPC's own employees and any subcontractors on site during a seismic event, separate from the plan for community members beyond the facility's boundary?
L-17. How would employees and subcontractors be accounted for during a seismic event?
L-18. How would employees and subcontractors be evacuated or rescued if trapped during a seismic event?
L-19. A single seismic event could plausibly cause several or all of the failures described in Items L-2 through L-14 at the same moment, rather than as isolated, separate incidents, each compounding the others, for example a fire spreading more easily because containment systems were also damaged, or rescue of trapped employees being delayed because the area is also a chemical release site. What is the plan if several or all of these failures happen simultaneously?
L-20. The same earthquake capable of causing the facility level failures described above would also likely damage roads and bridges throughout Jefferson County, cutting off evacuation and access routes; disrupt power and cellular communications; and damage the county's own water infrastructure, including the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS). What is the plan if a seismic event overwhelms available resources entirely, because the county as a whole, not just PTPC, has been affected at the same time?
L-21. An existing 2021 engineering white paper for the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) already discusses liquefaction risk to a downstream hazard dam in this system during a design earthquake, and the Washington State Department of Ecology's Office of Dam Safety already inspects this dam every five years given the risk to life and property if it were to fail. This is raised because it means the seismic vulnerability of this water system is not a new concern being introduced here, but one already documented in the system's own engineering record. Has the scenario of dam failure during a seismic event been incorporated into the county-wide emergency response plan referenced in Item L-20?
L-22. If the water pipeline goes down during a county-wide seismic event, how would residents get water for drinking, cooking, and bathing?
L-23. For how long could the water supply situation described in Item L-22 be sustained?
L-24. If the air becomes too dangerous to breathe near the facility during a county-wide seismic event, how would that be communicated to residents?
L-25. How would people actually be moved out of the danger zone described in Item L-24 if roads are damaged and normal evacuation routes are not available?
L-26. Hurricane Katrina demonstrated how a single disaster can simultaneously disable communications, transportation, and the distribution of basic supplies like food and water, leaving people stranded for days even after the initial event has passed. Does Jefferson County's planning account for that same kind of extended aftermath, not just the first hours of a response, following a major seismic event?
As noted at the start of the letter, the only essential request was that it be distributed to the committee and entered into the official record. A PDF of the letter was attached for easier distribution.
As of this writing, none of the approximately 150 questions in the letter to Bradley Brooks, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator, have been answered. The July 8 meeting is the first opportunity for a response.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
No regulatory body in Washington state or at the federal level currently has legal authority to inspect the structural integrity of an above-ground white liquor storage tank. This has been confirmed on the record by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s own public information officer, and separately by a University of Washington occupational health researcher.
This is not a single oversight. It traces to specific, identifiable gaps in the way several different regulatory programs each define their own scope.
Washington's boiler and pressure vessel program, chapter 296-104 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), authorized under Chapter 70.79 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), excludes white liquor tanks on two separate and independent grounds.
Definitional exclusion. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-104-010(q) defines an unfired pressure vessel as a closed vessel under pressure.
A white liquor storage tank is atmospheric, not pressurized, so it does not meet this definition and the entire chapter does not apply to it, independent of anything else.
Named exclusion. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-104-100(vi) states plainly that standard inspection provisions do not apply to a black liquor recovery boiler, showing that Washington's own regulation writers were specifically aware this class of pulp and paper equipment exists, and chose to exclude it rather than overlook it.
The Washington State Department of Ecology inspects underground storage tanks at least once every three years, because of the groundwater contamination risk they pose. This authority does not extend to above-ground tanks.
A separate rule, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-24-33005, does set construction standards for above-ground atmospheric tanks, but only for flammable liquids. White liquor is caustic and corrosive, not flammable, so even this rule does not reach it.
A real, mature, industry-recognized inspection standard for tanks like this already exists. American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, sets out a full inspection regime for above-ground steel storage tanks: external inspections at least every five years, and internal inspections roughly every ten, performed by American Petroleum Institute (API)-certified inspectors, covering shell corrosion, settlement, welds, and structural distress, exactly the kind of engineering assessment that could catch the failure mode seen in Longview.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 was written with petroleum tanks in mind, but its own standard explicitly allows an owner to apply it, at their discretion, to tanks built to other specifications. Nothing in Washington law requires Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) to do this for its white liquor tanks.
Many petroleum storage facilities are required to comply with American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 as a condition of their permits. Chemical plants storing corrosive, non-petroleum liquids generally are not.
On January 9, 2014, a storage tank at Freedom Industries in Charleston, West Virginia, leaked approximately 10,000 gallons of a coal-processing chemical called 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) into the Elk River, contaminating the drinking water supply for approximately 300,000 residents across nine counties for several days. At the time, no West Virginia state agency was responsible for inspecting that tank or its containment measures.
State officials said plainly that it was not their department's responsibility to do so, the same pattern found in Washington's white liquor tanks today. West Virginia's response was swift and, initially, broadly bipartisan.
Within weeks, the state legislature passed the Aboveground Storage Tank Act with unanimous support. The new law required tanks to be registered with the state, required an inventory of what each tank contained, required owners to prepare spill response plans describing how a leak could affect local water supplies, and, critically, required certified inspections to confirm the tanks were actually working as intended.
The federal United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the same independent federal agency now investigating the Longview disaster, investigated the Elk River spill and published a final report in 2017. That report concluded the new West Virginia law and its accompanying regulation addressed many of the gaps and deficiencies the board had identified, and that West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection was now equipped with the appropriate authority and tools to prevent a similar incident.
The West Virginia law did not stay strong. Over the decade following its passage, the state legislature weakened it repeatedly under sustained industry pressure, most often from oil and gas interests.
By early 2026, roughly 89 percent of the originally registered tanks, more than 41,000 of the original 46,000, had been exempted from the law's requirements, leaving only about 11 percent still regulated. As this document is being written, in March 2026, the West Virginia Senate passed a further rollback bill, which the House narrowed but did not reject, specifically reducing inspection requirements for smaller tanks storing oil and gas production fluids.
A former West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection official who helped write the original law testified that the state now regulates roughly 4,500 of the state's approximately 42,000 aboveground tanks. The lesson for this campaign is not that legislative fixes do not work.
West Virginia's law worked, by the federal investigating board's own account, for over a decade, and there has been no repeat of a Freedom Industries-scale spill since. The lesson is that a new inspection law is not a one-time win.
It requires sustained attention afterward to survive industry pressure to narrow its scope.
Two Washington state legislators representing the Longview district, Republican State Senator Jeff Wilson and Republican State Representative Joel McEntire, have both said publicly they are open to considering new legislation to close this gap, after learning that no regulatory agency currently has the authority to inspect white liquor tanks. Neither has proposed specific bill language yet, since the investigations into the Longview disaster are still ongoing.
No bill has been filed as of this writing.
Washington has a real, concrete model to point to: a state that faced the same kind of gap, closed it with a specific, unanimously passed law within weeks of a disaster, and had that law credited by the same federal board now investigating Longview. That is a strong, specific ask this campaign could make of state legislators rather than only regulators who have already confirmed they lack the authority to act.
It also means any such law needs to be written, and defended afterward, with an eye toward the kind of incremental narrowing West Virginia's law experienced.
Washington's fire code, based on the International Fire Code (IFC), does recognize corrosive liquids as their own hazardous material category, separate from the flammable and combustible liquids covered by Washington's oil rule. Chapter 50 of the fire code, Hazardous Materials General Provisions, applies to above-ground stationary tanks storing hazardous materials generally, which would include a corrosive chemical like white liquor.
What that chapter actually requires, confirmed against the code text, is narrower than it might sound. It calls for periodic safety audits to verify compliance with the chapter's requirements, seismic bracing and anchoring of hazardous material equipment in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC), secondary containment, and overfill prevention devices for tanks larger than 500 gallons.
It does not appear to require a recurring structural engineering inspection of the kind American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 requires for oil tanks under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-180-330, an ultrasonic thickness test checking for internal wall corrosion, for example. A safety audit confirming proper signage and containment is a different thing from an engineering inspection checking whether the tank itself is still structurally sound.
A second limit matters even more. The fire code states plainly that existing above-ground tanks are maintained according to the code requirements that were applicable at the time of installation, not automatically updated to whatever the current code requires.
Washington's oil rule only reaches existing tanks because it explicitly wrote in a retroactive compliance deadline, the 2033 date already discussed. No equivalent explicit retroactive requirement was found for corrosive material tanks under the fire code's hazardous materials chapter.
In practice, that means an older white liquor tank could fall entirely outside current code requirements, regardless of what the code says today, simply because of when it was built. That makes PTPC's tank age directly relevant, and it is not fully known.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) began operating in 1928, before the recovery boiler, the equipment that recovers and reforms the chemicals in white liquor, had even been invented as a technology in the early 1930s. Today's recovery system is necessarily a later addition or rebuild, not part of the original 1928 construction.
This campaign's own violations research has already identified a confirmed 50 year old boiler among PTPC's equipment, placing at least one piece of relevant equipment's installation around the mid-1970s, decades before the current edition of the fire code or International Building Code (IBC) existed. A specific construction or installation date for the white liquor storage tank itself, as distinct from the boiler, has not been confirmed.
Everything documented so far describes what does not reach white liquor tanks. Two existing legal tools point the other direction, and neither requires anyone to spot visible corrosion first.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.17.060, Washington's general duty clause under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), requires an employer to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause serious injury or death. The statute itself bars a citation under this general clause only where a specific rule already covers the hazard.
Since no specific rule covers white liquor tank structural integrity, that bar does not apply here, meaning the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) already has the authority to act under this clause. A recognized hazard does not require a visible defect on this specific tank.
Industry-wide knowledge of a failure mode, eleven deaths at a nearly identical facility using the same equipment type, can itself establish that a hazard is recognized. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.17.130 sits alongside it.
Where the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) director believes a condition creates a substantial probability of death or serious harm, based on inspection or investigation rather than necessarily a visible defect, the director can issue an order immediately restraining use of the equipment. This is existing emergency authority, not something requiring new legislation.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330, Washington's petition for rulemaking process, is the tool available to residents directly rather than to a regulator. Any person may petition any Washington state agency to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule.
The agency has 60 days to respond, either denying the petition in writing with specific reasons or beginning rulemaking. A denial can be appealed to the Governor within 30 days, and the Governor then has 45 days to respond.
This mechanism could be used to formally ask the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to adopt a rule requiring periodic structural inspection of large process tanks holding corrosive chemicals, closing the same definitional gap already identified in chapter 296-104 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). This campaign has already done exactly that.
A rulemaking petition under this statute was filed with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) on July 3, 2026, requesting that the department: "adopt a new rule, or amend chapter 296-104 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), to require periodic structural integrity inspection of atmospheric storage tanks holding highly hazardous corrosive process chemicals at industrial facilities in Washington state, modeled on the inspection regime already required for oil storage tanks under WAC 173-180-330, with inspection frequency tied to tank age as described below." On the specific inspection intervals requested, the petition states: "Tanks under 20 years old, or newly constructed after the rule's effective date: external inspection at least every 5 years, internal inspection at least every 10 years, consistent with baseline American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 intervals.
Tanks 20 to 40 years old: external inspection at least every 2 to 3 years, internal inspection at least every 5 years. Tanks over 40 years old: external inspection annually, internal inspection at least every 2 to 3 years, with a mandatory engineering assessment of remaining corrosion life."
The petition also asks that any rule "require submission of inspection results to the department, and seismic evaluation for tanks constructed before the rule's effective date, consistent with the approach already used in WAC 173-180-330." The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) confirmed formal receipt of the petition in a letter dated July 8, 2026, from Caitlin Gates, Deputy Policy Director and Agency Rules Coordinator, copied to L&I Director Joel Sacks and other senior L&I leadership.
That letter states: "We received your petition on July 3, 2026, requesting rulemaking to require periodic structural integrity inspection of atmospheric storage tanks holding highly hazardous corrosive process chemicals at industrial facilities in Washington State, modeled on the inspection regime already required for oil storage tanks under WAC 173-180-330, with inspection frequency tied to tank age." On the response timeline, the letter states: "Under RCW 34.05.330, we must respond to your petition within 60 days.
Accordingly, we will respond no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2026." Worth noting on agency choice: the Washington State Department of Ecology's authority for tank seismic and American Petroleum Institute (API) 653 inspection requirements, discussed earlier in this document, is grounded in chapter 90.56 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), a statute specifically about oil.
Ecology likely cannot extend that model to a non-oil chemical through rulemaking alone, since its authority there is chemical-specific by statute. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s authority under chapter 49.17 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is broader, covering safety and health standards for conditions of employment generally, not limited to any one chemical category.
That makes the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), not Ecology, the more legally sound target for a rulemaking petition on this specific gap.
The following pages reproduce, in full, the actual rulemaking petition filed with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) on July 3, 2026, the department's written confirmation of receipt, and the email that transmitted that confirmation.
Document A: Petition for Rulemaking Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330, filed July 3, 2026.
Petition for Rulemaking Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330: Structural Inspection of Corrosive Process Chemical Storage Tanks 1 message
David Ginsberg
Fri, Jul 3, 2026 at 9:24 AM
To the Rules Coordinator,
I am submitting this as a formal Petition for Adoption of a State Administrative Rule under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330 and chapter 82-05 Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
Requested action: adopt a new rule, or amend chapter 296-104 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), to require periodic structural integrity inspection of atmospheric storage tanks holding highly hazardous corrosive process chemicals at industrial facilities in Washington state, modeled on the inspection regime already required for oil storage tanks under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-180-330, with inspection frequency tied to tank age as described below.
Why this petition is being filed: On May 26, 2026, a white liquor storage tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, Washington, imploded, killing eleven workers.
White liquor is a hot, corrosive chemical used throughout Washington's kraft pulp and paper industry, including at facilities in Longview and Port Townsend.
Following that disaster, I confirmed directly with Washington State Department of Ecology staff, and separately through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)'s own public information officer as reported in the press, that no state or federal agency currently has authority to inspect the structural integrity of an above- ground white liquor storage tank.
This gap traces to specific, identifiable exclusions: - Chapter 296-104 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Washington's boiler and pressure vessel program, excludes atmospheric tanks by definition (Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-104-010(q) requires a closed vessel under pressure), and separately names black liquor recovery boilers as excluded from standard inspection provisions (Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-104-100(vi)). - The Washington State Department of Ecology's tank inspection authority is limited to underground tanks. - Washington already operates a detailed, working model for exactly this kind of inspection requirement, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173- 180-330, which mandates seismic design compliance and American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 inspection for oil storage tanks.
That rule's authority is limited by statute to oil under chapter 90.56 Revised Code of Washington (RCW), and cannot reach a chemically similar but legally distinct hazard like white liquor.
Washington also has direct, relevant precedent for closing a gap of exactly this kind: after a 2014 chemical storage tank leak in West Virginia contaminated drinking water for 300,000 residents, that state's legislature passed a mandatory tank inspection law within weeks.
The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, the same federal board now investigating the Longview disaster, credited that law with closing the gap it had identified.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) already possesses the general statutory authority needed to adopt a rule of this kind under chapter 49.17 Revised Code of Washington (RCW), the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, which is not limited to any single chemical category.
This petition asks the department to use that existing authority.
Specifically requested, with inspection frequency tied to tank age: Tank age is directly relevant to corrosion and structural risk, and a flat inspection interval treats a newly installed tank the same as one nearing or past the end of its original design life.
I am requesting that any rule adopted include graduated inspection intervals based on tank age, for example: - Tanks under 20 years old, or newly constructed after the rule's effective date: external inspection at least every 5 years, internal inspection at least every 10 years, consistent with baseline American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 intervals. - Tanks 20 to 40 years old: external inspection at least every 2 to 3 years, internal inspection at least every 5 years. - Tanks over 40 years old: external inspection annually, internal inspection at least every 2 to 3 years, with a mandatory engineering assessment of remaining corrosion life.
I recognize the department's engineers may determine different specific thresholds are more appropriate based on the technical record developed during rulemaking; these figures are offered as a starting point reflecting the basic principle that older tanks warrant more frequent scrutiny, not as a fixed demand.
I would also ask that any rule require submission of inspection results to the department, and seismic evaluation for tanks constructed before the rule's effective date, consistent with the approach already used in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-180-330.
Thank you for your consideration of this petition.
Respectfully, David Ginsberg
Document B: Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) confirmation letter from Caitlin Gates, dated July 8, 2026.
STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRIES Via email July 8, 2026 David Ginsberg
Dear David:
On behalf of the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), I am acknowledging receipt of your petition for rulemaking under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330, Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
We received your petition on July 3, 2026, requesting rulemaking to require periodic structural integrity inspection of atmospheric storage tanks holding highly hazardous corrosive process chemicals at industrial facilities in Washington State, modeled on the inspection regime already required for oil storage tanks under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-180-330, with inspection frequency tied to tank age.
In your petition you reference both Chapter 296-104 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Chapter 49.17 Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
Chapter 296-104 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is the rule chapter that governs boilers in Washington State under Chapter 70.79 Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
Those rules are adopted by the Board of Boiler Rules (Board) and administered by Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will work with the Board to coordinate their response.
Chapter 49.17 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the statute that governs the occupation safety and health rules in Washington State within Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Your rule petition, as it relates to the occupational safety and health of workers in Washington State, will be reviewed by Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for consideration.
We will respond to your request according to the rulemaking procedures of the APA.
Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330, we must respond to your petition within 60 days.
Accordingly, we will respond no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Gates Deputy Policy Director & Agency Rules Coordinator
cc: Joel Sacks, Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Director
Maggie Leland, Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Policy Director
Jennifer Williams, Assistant Director for Customer Service, Compliance, & Public Safety
Craig Blackwood, Assistant Director for Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Document C: Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) transmittal email from Valerie Hines, sent July 8, 2026, delivering the confirmation letter in Document B as an attachment.
Petition for Rulemaking Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330: Structural Inspection of Corrosive Process Chemical Storage Tanks 1 message Hines, Valerie (LNI)
Wed, Jul 8, 2026 at 4:49 PM
To: David Ginsberg
Cc: Tharinger, Steve, Gates, Caitlin (LNI), LNI RE Rules
David,
An acknowledgment letter confirming the receipt of your rule petition to Labor & Industries is attached.
Valerie Hines (she/her/hers) Assisting in agency rulemaking Government Affairs & Policy Division We Keep Washington Safe and Working
From: David Ginsberg
Sent: Friday, July 3, 2026 9:24 AM
To: LNI RE Rules
Cc: Tharinger, Steve
Subject: Petition for Rulemaking Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 34.05.330: Structural Inspection of Corrosive Process Chemical Storage Tanks External Email
[Quoted text hidden]
Petition
Acknowledgment_Ginsberg.pdf (185 KB)
Research library · V_1.6
1,097 odor complaints, 2019–2026 — a Washington Public Records Act production from WA Ecology plus live cswapt.com and ptodor.org submissions
This record combines a Washington Public Records Act production from the WA Department of Ecology (768 entries, 2019–2024) with live public submissions through cswapt.com (124 entries) and ptodor.org (205 entries), both continuing into 2026. All personal information — names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers — has been removed from every entry; only the complaint content and, where applicable, Ecology's investigation notes are shown. Some entries read nearly identical to each other: both submission forms use a short fixed checklist of symptoms (headache, nausea, eye/throat irritation, difficulty breathing, had to go indoors or leave the area), so two different people reporting the same symptom on the same day can produce near-identical text. This reflects the form design, not duplicate or fabricated reports. The Ecology production currently covers complaints through 2024; the live cswapt.com/ptodor.org entries continue the record into 2026 and will be reconciled against a newer Ecology production once one is obtained. If you believe any entry here is inaccurate or should not be public, contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed.
The severity scale and symptom checklist as they appear on the ptodor.org and cswapt.com forms, screenshotted October 18, 2026. Two different people who pick the same severity and the same checkbox(es) on different days produce reports that read the same, word for word, in that portion of the text.
cswapt.com and ptodor.org date ranges show the earliest dated entry in this published record, not necessarily the date each site's reporting form first went live.
Complaints by year, across all three sources:
| Year | Ecology | cswapt.com | ptodor.org | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 264 | 0 | 0 | 264 |
| 2020 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 121 |
| 2021 | 79 | 0 | 0 | 79 |
| 2022 | 83 | 0 | 0 | 83 |
| 2023 | 109 | 0 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 103 | 0 | 0 | 103 |
| 2026 | 0 | 122 | 202 | 324 |
Every entry below is sourced from the Washington Public Records Act production or a live public submission, sorted most recent first, with names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers removed. Use your browser's find function (Ctrl/Cmd+F) to search by date, street, or keyword.
| Date | Source | Severity / ERTS no. | Complaint | Agency notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | So unpleasant. Went home (17 miles away) to get away from it. | |
| 2026-10-16 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sewage, fairly strong / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Mill is noisy | |
| 2026-10-16 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Smells like rotten cabbage all inside my house / Nausea / The smell seeped inside my home from outside it does this most evenings | |
| 2026-10-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | rotten garbage / [redacted] / Have to cover my nose. It is also causing me a lot of emotional stress again. I can't understand why this is allowed. | |
| 2026-10-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten / [redacted] / Had to keep my nose covered for several minutes while I traveled down that road. | |
| 2026-10-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Putrid odor, something rotten / [redacted] / 2nd day I noticed it in the same area, but stronger today | |
| 2026-10-13 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | It simply smells bad! | |
| 2026-10-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | bad chemical odor / [redacted] / First time I smelled it in several weeks. I was in Iceland and Norway for two weeks. When I came back, PTPC was closed. I enjoyed the fresh air and being outside so much when PTPC was closed! Other people I know were commenting on how nice it was not to smell PTPC. | |
| 2026-10-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Cabbage strong / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / While walking on the North Beach of Flagler State Park a loud noise interrupted our conversation. I have never heard anything like it before from PTPC. A great deal of steam [redacted] from several short buildings to the right of the big smokestack. Best described as several pressure relief valves going off at the same time. About 5 minutes later the smell was detected even though there was a slight breeze. About 10 minutes later it began to hurt deep in my lungs even though I have no lung issues. When I turned away from PTPC the smell disappeared. I left the area as soon as I could get back to the truck. The pain in my lungs finally cleared after approximately one hour. It was very bad. | |
| 2026-10-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | just a extreme pungent odor that is genuinely making me feel sick / Headache | |
| 2026-10-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Smells like rotten eggs and burning tires. / [redacted], Difficulty breathing / Had to close all the windows and the whole house stinks. Not where to escape, I’m nauseous and having a hard time breathing. | |
| 2026-10-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Sulfur / Eye or throat irritation, Other / Needed to close windows. Thus unable to ventilate house properly . Wind speed 3-5 mph, SW direction. | |
| 2026-10-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area, [redacted] | |
| 2026-10-06 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Absolutely the worst / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-10-06 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Strong acidic rotting smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-10-03 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | My concern is the associated toxins and lack of modern equipment to ensure safety / Difficulty breathing / The municipal and state government should absolutely demand that the absentee owners are producing no toxins. The equipment exists and enforcement is needed. | |
| 2026-10-03 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Acid, burning plastic / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / Impossible to sleep. | |
| 2026-10-03 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Other / Woke me up - all of our windows are closed | |
| 2026-10-02 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Burning smell that hurts noise to breathe in, then a rotten smell follows. Am I supposed to wear a mask just to garden or sit outside in the sun? / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / If PTPC management just ignores complaints and fines, mill management should be fired! | |
| 2026-10-02 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Burning creosote or petroleum with rotten egga / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Cannot go outside. Makes us feel sick | |
| 2026-09-29 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Very strong rotten egg smell / [redacted] / This affects me and my children every single day we drive to and from school. | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 2/5 | Sulfur/dead animal / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Didn’t go outside, which is the preferred/best routine to start my day. Big deal with a chronic health condition. | |
| 2026-09-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / This should not happen in a community | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Chemicals / Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Very potent diesel fuel smell. / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Felt terrible and unwell with fatigue all day. | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Difficulty breathing / Lungs feel distressed | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | The usual mill rotten eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area / To live in beautiful nature and be forced indoors makes me wonder why I pay astronomical taxes. | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Burning petroleum rotten egg stench / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Awful. Need to close windows and go inside. What are they doing at PTPC? | |
| 2026-09-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Burning tires / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing, My entire property and the surrounding streets smell of burning tires. The odor feels as though it's suffocating you. / Can't be outdoors and have to close all windows but the odor still creeps in. Furthermore, the noise since 4am from PTPC has prevented me from sleeping. | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten egg / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to close windows so we could not feel sick | |
| 2026-09-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Smells like burning tires. / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-28 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Strong burning rubber smell. Caused headaches and sore throat. Closed windows as well as I could and still seeped into my home, waking up family members and irritating pets. It is like we’re being poisoned in our own home. / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / Woke us up early, ruined the morning as it feels like we’re being poisoned by harmful chemicals in the air. Still dealing with the headache from the fumes. The smell is ongoing. | |
| 2026-09-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Burnt rubber, fecal / [redacted] by the putrid smell— burnt my throat and nose. | |
| 2026-09-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Sulfur, rotten vegetables, rotten milk / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation / Woke me up at 3 AM, absolutely horrible | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Like burning tires. Foul, foul, foul. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / I had to close my windows, though of course the stench was already trapped inside. I felt violated. The air belongs to ALL of us, and how dare this be allowed?? | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Like burning tires. / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Had to close my windows, even though the stench was already trapped inside. / This is EVERYONE'S air! How is this poison allowed? | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | smelled like burning oil or burning tar, different from the usual Mill Stink / It is worrisome to think we are breathing fumes that could be injurious to our health | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Petroleum, sulfur / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / My children were complaining about the smell and coughing. | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Petroleum, sulfur / Had to go indoors or leave the area / My children were coughing. | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burning tar. Strong smell!! / Had to go indoors or leave the area / I was distressed that for two days and nights I couldn't get away from the smell of burning tar | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Hot tar/ asphalt being laid onto a roadway / Had to go indoors or leave the area / The smell was actually over a 48 hour period, and I was disturbed that I couldn't get away from the smell of burning tar all day, all evening and even inside my home. The smell has been on and off (whenever wind blows from the north/ northwest) all summer!! | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burning tar or some sort of petroleum product / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Headache | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 1/5 | petroleum/diesel / Other / generally disturbing. This has occurred several times in the past month. | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Very acrid / Had to go indoors or leave the area / A loud noise coming from the vicinity of PTPC. Not sure if it's from there or not. | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Burned matches / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / The smell suddenly filled the room and all windows had to be shut. The air purifier was turned on. | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / I’ve smelled this all day long. There was a pretty reliable breeze going today, which kept the smell at a 2 or 3. But in the evening the wind died and the smell “socked in” and became significantly worse. It’s a 4 or 5 now. Utterly horrible. | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | A sharp and overpowering smell. Cannot tolerate it at all. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Honestly, it makes me think I might need to move out of the area. Though, I don’t know who would ever move here, under such intolerable conditions. | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | It smells like I burning garbage truck. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / The smell is very disturbing, I had to drop everything in was doing, go inside, and turn on an air purifier. | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Very noticeable and awful. Smells burnt / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Definitely returned indoors. Smell lingered all day from am through pm. | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Disgusting. PTPC never used to smell like this. Or this strong. It’s gotten much worse in the past couple months. What changed? / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Ooof. I’d say a chemical version of garlic. It’s quite unlike the sulfury smell I’m | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | I walked my dog on the Kala Point Beach today. I could TASTE the pulp mill's discharge. / I didn't want to breath, inhale, or swallow. It ruined my enjoyment of the beach. / There was a strong breeze today from the north (6-9 mph). I was shocked that the waste from PTPC carried as far as it did and was as strong as it was. Very unpleasant to realize that I was swallowing the chemicals. | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Methane Gas / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Methane Gas / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-26 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sour garlic and sulfur / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-26 | ptodor.org | Severity 1/5 | Mild, sour garlic. Causes breath to be visible at 61 degrees / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-26 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / This will be my last report. I have lived here 6 months and it is apparent that PTPC odors come with the East wind, almost everyday. Thanks for your work! | |
| 2026-09-26 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Rot / Nausea | |
| 2026-09-26 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I was in my car driving on Jacob Miller Rd this time. About a week ago it was so bad at my home that I had to go back inside. It's been getting worse in general for weeks | |
| 2026-09-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rotten eggs, sour vegetation, baby poop / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Nausea | |
| 2026-09-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-25 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Strong smell of rotting cabbage—if smells like a dirty diaper. / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-24 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | [redacted], Eye or throat irritation | |
| 2026-09-24 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-23 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Struck matches / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / Woke up to sing smell in the house. Closed all windows. | |
| 2026-09-23 | cswapt.com | Severity 2/5 | Sulfur, rotten eggs, cabbage / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / We had to make sure all window were shut. My child had to use her inhaler. | |
| 2026-09-23 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs. Acrid and chemical smelling. / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-23 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | sulflur + burning / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Didn't want to be outside. People who come over ask what the stinky smell is. | |
| 2026-09-23 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sulfur / Headache | |
| 2026-09-22 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rotten eggs, chemicals / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Nausea | |
| 2026-09-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sour, rotting cabbage / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-21 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Like Barf / Had to go indoors or leave the area / It was nauseating | |
| 2026-09-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burning tires + sulfur / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs / [redacted] | |
| 2026-09-21 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Worse that rotten eggs, almost chemical. / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I can only think of how bad this is to breathe. | |
| 2026-09-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burnt rubber and sulfur / Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-09-20 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Odor can cause nausea / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to end outdoor activities with children | |
| 2026-09-20 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Terrble smell in Chimacum -- rotten eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-20 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Strong egg / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / Cannot open windows | |
| 2026-09-20 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Burnt Match / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Insomnia | |
| 2026-09-20 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Very sour smell. / Middle of night-had to close all the windows. / 3:30 am is guesstimate since the odor woke me. | |
| 2026-09-20 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / Just gross. I can’t sit on my back porch without seeming rotten eggs for at least 2 hours. | |
| 2026-09-20 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Chemical sul photos / Woke up to odor at 1.30am. Diminished by 6am | |
| 2026-09-20 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | pungent, chemical, rotting vegetables not egg / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / stuffing crack under door sweep. all windows closed, scratchy throat itchy eyes. persistent and obnoxious . Smell lingers in House and woke me from deep sleep. its awful | |
| 2026-09-20 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Foul, chemical / Had to go indoors or leave the area / creeping in the house | |
| 2026-09-19 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-19 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-19 | cswapt.com | Severity 2/5 | sour sulfur / Had to go indoors or leave the area / had to close windows and stop our air circulation. | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Smells like rotten toxic waste. I never used to smell it at my address but it's getting so much worse. On my ride to work I get pummeled with the smell. It's terrible. / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | I don't live in PT, but I work there. The smell is unbearable. The order is so dense that you can taste it. / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / I can't imagine living near PTPC. | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Pungent Burt match and rot smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Was going to walk a trail in this area but it’s too stinky, going elsewhere | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Farts | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Dead animal / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / This has been increasingly bad all summer, in a neighborhood where it’s usually not a problem. I’ve been here 25 years. This is bad. | |
| 2026-09-19 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Everything is rotting / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / Worst day in months | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sulfur, mild / Wish I had a mask to block the odor / Odor present all along the Ft Worden trails to the North beach area as well | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Supper. Very strong. / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-19 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs mainly. don't want to go out and smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / Absolutely disgusting. Can't go out and walk dog. | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burning chemical | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Burning rubber and sulfur / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Dizziness / Unable to be outdoors | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Runny shit, rotten eggs. Woke me up. Only one window in house open less than inch and it permitted whole house. / [redacted] / Made me want to throw up. | |
| 2026-09-19 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Woke my family up from a deep sleep. Had to close windows and put on an air purifier. / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation, Headache | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Rotten eggs and farts / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Broccoli farts / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Had to hold my breath while driving thru area of stink (took a few minutes to get out of odor zone) / It sucks driving to work and having to experience that every time. If I breath thru my mouth, I can taste the stink. It’s horrible! | |
| 2026-09-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sulfur Ish / Had to go indoors or leave the area, The smell seeped in through the closed car. I had to turn on the recirculate air button in the car. / The smell lingers in the car well after I have been out of the odor plume. | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Dimethyl Sulfide / [redacted], Difficulty breathing / Its stench is trapped inside a business on west park avenue | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Sewage with a hot sourness to it. / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / It seeps into our house downstairs where I work and it makes me feel so ill. | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs mixed combined with an acrid, burnt smell. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to go inside because breathing the air outside made me feel nauseous. Unfortunately, it is not much better inside. | |
| 2026-09-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Pungent gas and rotting vegetation smell / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I can’t exercise outside when the stench is present and these days it’s often. | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Burnt cabbage / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Other / Woke up to the smell coming in the cracked open windows and had to shut them and stay inside. | |
| 2026-09-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Sulfur chemicals / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Cancelled bike riding with exercise partner | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 2/5 | Rotten eggs, or rotten vegetables—smells like how a town dump smells. Rotting garbage. / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / Had to shut windows to the house because the stench was awful. | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Sulphur acid / Eye or throat irritation / Burning inside of nose | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten, sulfur, chemical, harsh, eye-watering / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / Eyes watering | |
| 2026-09-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rotten, sharp / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Headache | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten egg, sulfur smell / I first noticed the smell inside my house - in my closet - then it seemed to be everywhere. I Opened the front door and was hit with the worse smell ever from PTPC. Now I have a headache and scratchy throat. | |
| 2026-09-18 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs, burnt matches / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / On top of the physical symptoms from exposure to toxins, PTPC causes depression and despair over our [redacted] beleaguered ecosystem, the plants and animals that must live with a constant spewing of dangerous industrial waste in our water and air. | |
| 2026-09-17 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Awful pungent acrid smell for at least 4+ hours / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Unable to sleep, sick feeling, need to work the next day | |
| 2026-09-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sulpher / Very unpleasant odor | |
| 2026-09-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | [redacted] / It seeps into our house :( | |
| 2026-09-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Like chemicals and cardboard / Headache | |
| 2026-09-17 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | From my husband: “The mill smells like a mix of cat food, burnt rubber and rotting veggies.” / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Causes distinct anxiety and fear of how inhaling these toxic fumes day after day are affecting our young children—and how their growing bodies are being harmed. | |
| 2026-09-17 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | unnatural, sour, chemical, rotten odor / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I was driving in my car and I had to put on a mask to drive through the neighborhood. I went to the north end of Kala Point down Pinecrest Rd. The entire drive was miserable. The odor would not ease up. When I got to [redacted] it had gone down a little but was still horrible. | |
| 2026-09-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Headache | |
| 2026-09-17 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | something rotten-difficult to define, instantly nauseating / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to come inside my house and close windows. It's a lovely day and I can't tolerate being outside with that odor. | |
| 2026-09-17 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Burned matches / Woke me up and couldn't get back to sleep. Had to close all windows. | |
| 2026-09-17 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs to a sharp struck match / Nausea / Insomnia | |
| 2026-09-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Extremely strong, normally only noticeable outdoors but was unbearable inside our home. / Eye or throat irritation / The smell has become much worse since 2022. It is an everyday occurrence now! Unbearable!! | |
| 2026-09-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | something that makes me sick when I breathe it. / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / had to close my doors and windows. Lasted for a while. Strong odor. Definitely couldn't enjoy fresh air through my windows. | |
| 2026-09-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | something rotten / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / It's been bad for about an hour. I can't go outside or open my windows. It affects me physically and adds a lot of stress. | |
| 2026-09-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 2/5 | Rotten egg garlic / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Makes one not want to breathe | |
| 2026-09-16 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / This happens too often in this town! | |
| 2026-09-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Like something rotting / [redacted] / Had to close my doors and windows on a beautiful day | |
| 2026-09-16 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | something sour and rotten / Nausea / Was driving. Put on a mask | |
| 2026-09-15 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Like Brie cheese and rot / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-15 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | It woke me up. All doors and windows were closed. | |
| 2026-09-15 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sulfur, foul. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / We lived here for 10 years and didnt realize how much it affected us until we moved last week. Still in PT, but so far no Paper Mill smell. | |
| 2026-09-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotting milk / Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-09-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Sharp and sour. Very high level / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I was in my car and just had my vents open. It was so bad at 20 & Mill that it made me gag and I couldn't breathe. I had to cover my mouth and nose. It was strong all the way down to 20 & Sheridan St. I was going to an eye appointment so ironic that it irritated my eyes as well. Luckily I had the wrong day for the appointment because I was really sick all morning and afternoon with nausea and headache that lingered from the strength of the odor. | |
| 2026-09-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Extreme Sulphur- sewage smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area / I was just driving by and the stink was nauseating. | |
| 2026-09-14 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Smells like the Tacoma Aroma from many years ago. Sulfur ish. / [redacted] to roll the windows up while driving, unpleasant once I was outside. | |
| 2026-09-14 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Nausea | |
| 2026-09-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Rotten Eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | toxic rotten cabbage , sharp struck match / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Not able to take a deep breath and have to go indoors | |
| 2026-09-14 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-09-13 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Sewer and cheese / Eye or throat irritation | |
| 2026-09-13 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | very putrid and strong / [redacted], Difficulty breathing / Driving by and had to cover my nose. | |
| 2026-09-13 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rotten eggs, gassy / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to close all the windows, hopefully it doesn’t get worse and seep through the house tonight | |
| 2026-09-13 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Rotten Egg / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | something rotten. / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / I had to shut my patio door. | |
| 2026-09-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Rotten Egg / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | acidic, sour, skunky / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Burning sulfur / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Could not remain outdoors | |
| 2026-09-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Difficult to explain the smell. Very rotten / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / I was in my car with vents open. Had to hold my breath. I came out to my car 30 minutes afterwards and the odor was still in my car. | |
| 2026-09-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | disgusting / [redacted] / I rode my bike for 20 minutes and it smelled bad the whole time from my house to the entrance of Kala Point and back | |
| 2026-09-12 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | something rotten / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / Horrible stench. No reason for it to this far south. | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Very strong- even in the rain! / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Thank you for helping | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Terriable smelling with nausea / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Rotten eggs, decaying matter / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Smell has gotten worse over the last 2 years | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sharp, chemical, sulfur / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / I’m getting ready to go for a run but I’ll have to postpone so I’m not ducking toxic fumes. This makes planning everyday life difficult. I’m always changing things around because it’s unpredictable when I will or won’t be able to do things outdoors. | |
| 2026-09-12 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | It's just getting stronger and stronger. How is this acceptable? / Hard to fall asleep / This is seriously not okay. They need to be aware of the community. Why won't the state do anything? | |
| 2026-09-11 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | something rotten / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / The odor came into my bedroom and I had to close my door and windows. One hour later I could still smell the odor in the room. It often lingers in my house if my windows had been open. | |
| 2026-09-11 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | something rotten, putrid / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-11 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sewer / Affecting my sleep / It bothers me while trying to fall asleep. Comes into the house through closed doors because it’s consistent. | |
| 2026-09-11 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rotten eggs/sewer smell, inside, with a window in the other room open. / Distractingly annoying. Enough to feel the need to report it and think about it. / It's really obnoxious. It makes you think something is wrotting and then you go, "Oh, right, it's the paper mill." | |
| 2026-09-11 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | rotten egg, bitter sharp / Eye or throat irritation | |
| 2026-09-11 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Smells like rotten eggs/sulfar / It fills the house when the windows or doors are open / Super annoying. Too frequent. Extremely noticable, and really not acceptable. | |
| 2026-09-10 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sulfur / My Beach walk would have been better without smell | |
| 2026-09-09 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | disgusting / [redacted] | |
| 2026-09-09 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / We always have to close all windows. The fumes and odor will stay in the house for hours. | |
| 2026-09-09 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Acidic and chemical. Not even close tot he “normal” sulfur smell. Wakes me from my sleep and last night felt like I would throw up from it / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation, Had to close windows and put something over my nose | |
| 2026-09-09 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Sulfur / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing, Nausea / Couldn't go outside | |
| 2026-09-09 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Other / Had to shut windows and spray odor removal spray | |
| 2026-09-09 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Sulfur, rotten / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / Woke up to the smell creeping into my house. It’s really strong and nauseating. | |
| 2026-09-09 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rotten / [redacted] sleep / Exhausted the next day | |
| 2026-09-08 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | acidic sulphur smell / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I live a 10-min drive to Port Townsend (out by the airport), PTPC smell permeates out here on a regular basis, probably 3-4 times per week. | |
| 2026-09-08 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Strong sulfur / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-08 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation | |
| 2026-09-08 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Difficulty breathing, Eye or throat irritation | |
| 2026-09-08 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Rotten cabbage diapers / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / Almost caused me to vomit my lunch | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Really should be reaching this far! Horrible! / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / It is making my stomach hurt, so potent. | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | It smells like burning plastic and sulfur / [redacted] / The smell gets trapped in our home for hours. We used to live West of PTPC on Hastings and thought moving to Marrowstone would rid us from the smell. We’re disappointed it’s following us all the way down here. This is my first time filing a formal complaint. I suffer from terrible headaches from PTPC odor. | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Horrible sulfur/chemical / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / It’s happening way more often and something needs to be done because it is absolutely impacting the way we move about our property and breathe every day. | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | The smell woke me up it was so strong and potent / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / We have noticed a significant smell over the past few weeks. So much so that we have had to close windows that we would normally leave open and we don’t want to be outside in the yard. My eyes burn in my throat hurts and my husband has asthma and he’s coughing. I understand when it’s once in a while, but it feels like it’s been pretty constant for the last month. | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | The smell hits you like a punch to the face and the gut. Smells like sulfur and decay and chemicals. / Difficulty breathing, [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Once again, limiting the time humans can bear to spend in this area. They are poisoning a whole town. | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Nauseating and burning nose and throat / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burnt oil, outhouse smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to close all windows | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Burnt oil smell, outhouse smell, can't even describe it / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Couldn't open windows as it was sunny and just rained. | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Other / Burning sensations in nasal and face from smell | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Smelled like PTPC, foul egg / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Nausea / Woke me up because the odor was so foul. | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Acrid / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Wakes you up at night | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Mill smoke, sulfer rotten eggs hideous / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area / Could not go outside | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Unable to open windows or doors due to overwhelming heavy stench. This has happened 4 other times in two weeks. The air pollution is getting worse by the day. Please install the filters they use in Tacoma or shut the plant down. | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Rotten eggs / Nausea / Even with all the windows shut the smell is seeping in and it is noxious! | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burning garbage. / Difficulty breathing / Concerned if elements in the odor is carcinogenic | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Strong chemical sulfur stench / [redacted], Difficulty breathing / Cannot go outside right now or open windows. Are they trying to kill us is our wonder right now? | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Gross rotten fart smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-07 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Strong sulfur chemical stench / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Other / Had to close windows and turn on airfilter. Still i. The house the stench | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | It was so strong it awoke me from a deep sleep and it felt unhealthy to breathe. I had to get up and move to a different part of the house (with no open windows) but it was still offensive enough I couldn’t go back to sleep). I thought I might have to leave my property. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / It’s extremely upsetting to have my private property suddenly feel uninhabitable due to air quality! Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-07 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Acrid, burnt rubber, sulfur and ammonia / Difficulty breathing, Eye or throat irritation, [redacted] / Everyone in the household including children and adults aren’t able to sleep though the smell. We all woke up feeling nauseated and experienced panic at the noxious odor. | |
| 2026-09-06 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Difficulty breathing / Lost sleep, unable to sleep with window open for fresh air. | |
| 2026-09-06 | cswapt.com | Severity 2/5 | Chemically / Other / I don't normally smell PTPC over by fort Worden, but lately I have been. I sleep with my window open and lay night, and a few other recent nights, I've been awoken by it. | |
| 2026-09-06 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | disgusting / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-06 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | disgusting / [redacted], Other / It came in through my open patio door in my bedroom and woke me up. I got instantly sick. | |
| 2026-09-06 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Nausea / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-06 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | An oily chemical smell / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation / It is really making me feel unwell. Very nauseated! Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-06 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | The odor was strong enough to wake me out of a deep sleep. Like an acid punch to the nose. / I fully woke up, had to shut the window, and did not go back to sleep for some time. It seems like PTPC smells are becoming more frequent and stronger. It's very distressing to live in such a beautiful area with such a bad odor. | |
| 2026-09-06 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Chemical, thick / Eye or throat irritation, [redacted] / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-06 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Sulfer / Other / House filled with the order and kept me awake. Had to close all the windows. | |
| 2026-09-05 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-05 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Woke us up, had to close window. Persisted until early morning / Other / Have to close windows and had a fairly sleepless night. Also accompanied by unusually loud mill noise. | |
| 2026-09-05 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | disgusting / [redacted], Other / I had to close my bedroom door to the patio and my windows. I could not sleep well once the odor was in my house | |
| 2026-09-05 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | [redacted] / I played tennis from 10am-11am and could smell PTPC the entire time. It affected my enjoyment as well as my health. I regularly smell it strongly near my home in Kala Point but was surprised it would smell so bad all the way to Port Ludlow. | |
| 2026-09-05 | cswapt.com | Severity 1/5 | Other / No problems | |
| 2026-09-05 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sulfur/rotten eggs | |
| 2026-09-04 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Pungent sour waste / [redacted] / Unable to sleep Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-04 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Makes me feel sick. | |
| 2026-09-04 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-04 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Disgusting Rot / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Very upsetting. We had guests over and we couldn't stay outside. | |
| 2026-09-04 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Really putrid, burnt rotten eggs with a hint of oil / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Had to close all windows and go inside | |
| 2026-09-03 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | A chemical so strong I could not take a clear breath / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I finished work and wanted to relax on my porch. The new chemical smell eveloped our development. I could not breath, was choking and ran inside. The paper mill has changed the noxious sulfur smell to a deadly chemical. How do you actually get them to stop poluting our air? | |
| 2026-09-03 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | Chemicals toxic / Other / I was driving did not smell it after leaving that area | |
| 2026-09-03 | ptodor.org | Burnt metal and sulfur, although moderate / Eye or throat irritation, All smoke alarms set off in home ( built 2021) able to stop alarms by closing all windows Odor severity (rank 1 to 5): Distressing (3) Overall impact and additional comments: Increased irritation of mouth, lips, eyes . Particles of [redacted] dirt noted on window sills. ( we have radiant heat) No wildfire smoke in area. [redacted] [redacted] | ||
| 2026-09-03 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Diarrhea / Nausea / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-02 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-02 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Smells different than usual, much stronger, much more like gasoline mixed with tires and a bunch of solvents that were burning / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation / Second day in a row where the smell is nearly unbearable and causes pretty immediate dizziness when driving or in the area. This is a public safety and health hazard. | |
| 2026-09-02 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Porta-Potty in 100 degree heat! Rotten eggs / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | rotten eggs / [redacted] / It's horrible and keeps getting worse | |
| 2026-09-01 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Toxic stench sulfur / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Other / Had to close windows and turn on air filter | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Smells different than usual, much stronger, much more like gasoline mixed with tires and a bunch of solvents that were burning / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area, Vomiting / the smell and the effects are hurting my health | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Very chemical, caustinc / Eye or throat irritation / [redacted] Sent from my iPad | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Chemical solvent. Acrid. Stinging. / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Odor detected while driving from about QFC to home in Cape George Colony. Odor peaked at site noted above but was present throughout. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Headache Odor severity (rank 1 to 5): Distressing (3) | ||
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Odor severity (rank 1 to 5): Unbearable (5) / Strong enough to make me and my wife uncomfortable, could smell it inside the house. | ||
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Toxic smell with aulfur poop mixed in / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area, And close windows and turn on air filter. Awful / Please hold PTPC accountable. This is having a significant effect on our physical and mental health Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | chemical smell / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing. I had to close all the windows of the house / I'm sick of the toxic smell! I have developed asthma since moving to Port Townsend. When I leave town, the asthma subsides. PLEASE do something! I know there are cleaning filters PTPC could use and I know that they won't because of the costs. Another example of corporate profit over public safety.. The jobs that are generated for local folk do not warrant weakening the rest of the populations health and welfare. | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | bad enough to wake me up and make me close all windows -- the air is for all to breathe freely not for a few rich people to pollute / Had to go indoors or leave the area / -- [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation / PTPC odor woke me up it was so awful. | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | PTPC smell woke me at about 3:30 in the morning and continued to be a problem until at least 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. The smell was gagging, rotten, and acid. / Eye or throat irritation / The smell woke me up at least three times in the night. [redacted] [redacted] We are not here to heal Mother Earth… We are here to heal our relationship with Mother Earth. [redacted] | |
| 2026-09-01 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Like a childs diaper pale, burnt rubber, feces / Eye or throat irritation / Feels like it flared lung irritation, lots of mucus today. | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Eye or throat irritation, It woke me up at 2:30am | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Toxic fumes and poop / [redacted] to close windows / Awful. Makes us think of selling. So wrong. Please hold PTPC accountable Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Chemical, rotten odor / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / It woke me up and made it difficult to sleep. I am 80 and have a lung disease. This has never happened here before as severely as this summer. | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Rotten eggs, sulfuric / [redacted] / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation, [redacted] / Toxic Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | I literally thought I had a leak in my sewer system. The smell was so strong. This happens on a regular basis where I cannot have my windows open at all and I’ve had to purchase multiple air filters for my house. This should not be permitted. Whatever is coming out of that mill is toxic, smelling, and gives me headaches and causes me to not be able to go outside. / Had to go indoors or leave the area / The mail needs to come up with some better solutions to clean whatever odor is coming out of the stacks. It’s unbearable on many days of the month. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Difficulty breathing, Eye or throat irritation / Woke up from intense smell Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-09-01 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Fecal, putrid, sour, strong / The smell has now woken me up at 2:30am since I have my bedroom window open. This isn’t ok. / [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-31 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Decaying eggs / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, It woke me up in the middle of the night! My windows were open and I awoke thinking something is seriously wrong .. I went upstairs to make sure my children were still breathing. Even with the windows closed I had trouble falling back asleep for hours— and this was my first day of the new school year teaching 1st graders. / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-31 | cswapt.com | Severity 3/5 | Strong egg / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Woke up to horrible smell and had to close the windows | |
| 2026-08-31 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | The smell was so strong and acrid that it woke me up and I couldn't get away from it because my whole house and the air outside was thick with it. I am not sensitive to smells, this was truly overwhelming and the worst I have ever smelled from PTPC. | |
| 2026-08-31 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | So strong that it woke my kids up in the middle of the night because their window was cracked open for air. My daughter was crying and hated it and said I made the house smell bad to wake her up. It’s almost every night and in the morning. It’s been bad enough to cause me a headache I believe. / [redacted] kids wake up. They make gaging sounds. I get head ahcsa / Why is it so much stronger this week? It smells like actual tires are on fire mixed with the worse case of BrusselFart u ever smelled Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-31 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Had to close windows, turn on all house fans / Not acceptable to have burning eyes and throat , and unable to keep windows open for ventilation | |
| 2026-08-31 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Smells like burning tires / Eye or throat irritation | |
| 2026-08-31 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Headache / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-30 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | When driving by the Mill Road, crossing it, as well as within a mile radius of it, sulfur smell, or like a bowel movement emission of gas. Smell in my bedroom in the midldle of the night, smells more chemically toxic, noxious smell that effects my breathing, throat, dry cough and headache, need to close the window and put on air filter to be able to sleep and drink lots of water to flush out what I have inhaled into my body through my nose and mouth. / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Other / When I drive down Discovery Way and go through the roundabout, usually around the Boy Scout camp area to the left, near proximity to the wood mill, the odor will seep into my car. Usually it has been the smell of sulfur or human farts. However, this past spring and summertime, I am awakened in the night with the odor if I have my window open. Sometimes wake with a dry cough and then can smell a noxious toxic odor as I go to close my bedroom window. I can recall a handful of times over the last six months. I live in area in PT considered Uptown, near Blaine and Walker Streets, near the YMCA Pool and Police Department. | |
| 2026-08-30 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Nausea / Grandson said it made him nauseous. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-30 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Eye or throat irritation / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-30 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Horrible. Rotten. Acrid. / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-30 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Toxic sulfur poop / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Please hold them accountable to existing laws Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Strong sulfur stench / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / [redacted] | [redacted] | |
| 2026-08-28 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Headache / The smell was INSIDE the hospital! Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-27 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Solventy / plastic-ey / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Other / It made me feel panicky. Like I had to escape. Quite alarming because it filled my whole house. Very different from the sulfur-ey smell that PTPC typically emits. | |
| 2026-08-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sulfur smell from paper mill / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Strong, rotten, sulfurous / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / The smell came rushing in the back door which I closed but now the stench is trapped in my house. [redacted] | [redacted] | |
| 2026-08-27 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Sewage/rotten food / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / Woke me up, forced me to close windows | |
| 2026-08-26 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Strong mill smell periodically all morning. The property is in the tall forest- 3 miles from PTPC. Thanks for your help! Sent from my iPad | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Strong, lasted approximately till 4 am on Aug 26,2026. / Eye or throat irritation, [redacted], Had to close up windows, noted increased metallic odor, mixed sulfur. | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | For days now...burning plastic, solvent, chemicals, suffer, exhaust / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / I can handle PTPC when it smells bad now and then, but this has been a constant, all day, all night stench with different smells on a rotating basis for at least a week now. Im seriously thinking I need to leave town for my health's sake. [redacted] [redacted] | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Nausea / Yahoo Mail: [redacted], Conquer | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Rotten meat/ permanent wave solution for hair/ ammonia/ rotten eggs / Nausea / I have lived in this area since early 1980’s. This is the absolute worst. It has not been this severe and vile in all the years I’ve lived here. It is intolerable. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Nausea / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Strong smell of rotten broccoli / Sent with Love ♥️✨ | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Strong smell of rotten egg and sulphur / Sent with Love ♥️✨ | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Not sulphur…intense and acrid / Nausea / This woke me from a deep sleep…inside our house…no windows were open. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | sulfur-ish / [redacted], Had to close windows and turn on air filter / It's hot in our house but the odor was so bad we could not tolerate the windows open. Thus, we were overheated and had a hard time sleeping, impacting performance at work, etc | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Burning sensation in the back of my nose / This is happening regularly and is getting unhealthy in the long term and unacceptable Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Seemingly everyday the odor is out of control. Fix this mess!!!! | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Sewage / Had to go indoors or leave the area / The smell permeated our house! Can’t open windows and doors for cooling and no AC! Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Propane and rotten eggs / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing / With the smoke as well the air is heavy and hard to breath Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Fairly strong like rotting vegetables / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Terrible. Hard to breathe. / Difficulty breathing / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Sulfur - rotten eggs / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Eye irritation when outside. When indoors, closed windows, and attempting to remove from interior of home w/fans | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Sewer, tar, rotten cabbage and [redacted] chemicals, causing Burning eyes and shortness of breath. / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Was sleeping peacefully but was awakened by smell which caused coughing and burning watery eyes then triggered asthma attack. / Whatever this odor is contains enough irritant to trigger breathing issues, coughing and burning watery eyes. I’ve gone from using inhaler maybe 1x every few months because of the odor, to using an inhaler 3 days in a row this week. | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | The smell was so bad that I thought my dog had pooped in my bedroom. / Nausea, I had to close all of my windows and turn the exhaust fans on. | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Sulfur, putrid / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Could not sleep it was so bad! | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | It's a strong acrid smell that burns / Eye or throat irritation / I can't sleep with windows open... | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Rancid / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Headache / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | It's like the usual mill smell only more dense. For the first time in 10 years I cancelled my walk due to the stench. / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Acrid, poisonous, worse than usual / Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Definitely worse lately, as if a process has changed or something is broken Get Outlook for Android | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Woke me up…had to close all windows / A good nights sleep in essential to overall health! If the odor is so strong it wakes us up, something needs to be done! Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Worse than low tide and dog breath / About once a week I wake up because the smell is so strong and alarming. I close the windows and crank up the air purifiers. / Bummed because I was hoping to clean out the garage and weed whack today. Maybe later :/ You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. - Eleanor Roosevelt | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | It’s disgusting and far more frequent than it’s ever been in the 8 years we’ve lived here Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Silver diapers / Headache / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Indescribable. / Difficulty breathing / I’m on oxygen and tried to minimize the odor by increasing the flow but this had no affect. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Thick chemical, sulfurous rot / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / The smell is seeping into my house, woke me up at 4 AM. Nowhere to go to get away from it. [redacted] | [redacted] | |
| 2026-08-25 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Strong, putrid, fecal, sulfur / Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Awoken by smell at 4:07 in my bedroom. Smell so strong I cannot get back to sleep. Took dog outside- smell outside even stronger [redacted] [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-24 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / This is unfair to us and wildlife. | |
| 2026-08-24 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Difficulty breathing | |
| 2026-08-24 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Gas leak / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-23 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Strong putrid sulfur poop smell / [redacted], Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / I cannot go outside right now due to stench. Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-23 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Gross mill stench. / Eye or throat irritation, [redacted] to close windows / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-23 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | rancid and unbearable / Nausea / im staying at a hotel with a small window open and its permeating the room. Sent from my Galaxy | |
| 2026-08-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Heavy sulfur stench / Woke me up it was so bad / Had to close all windows Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | The usual sulphuric smell / Had to go indoors or leave the area / Was trying to cool the house off after a hot day and instead had to close all windows due to the stench. -- [redacted] Illustrator & Naturalist [redacted] Instagram: [redacted] She/her | |
| 2026-08-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 3/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area, Eye or throat irritation / This is my third report this month: I want to say again that I have lived here for 18 years and have never experienced as much distressing mill odor as this year. 3-4 times a day, including middle of the night/early morning hours. Needing to close all the windows, not going outside until it passes. Something is different this year. I [redacted] this communication is useful…and that something can be done to look into what is going on. | |
| 2026-08-21 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Foul, rotting sulfur / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Putrid rotting sulfur smell dripping through my house. The windows have been closed and it’s still getting in. There’s no escape from it. [redacted] | [redacted] | |
| 2026-08-20 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Sulfur stench / Difficulty breathing, Do not want to take a breath because smells toxic air / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-20 | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | Had to go indoors or leave the area / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-18 | ptodor.org | Severity 5/5 | Thick heavy poop smell / [redacted], Eye or throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Had to go indoors or leave the area / Sent from my iPhone | |
| 2026-08-07 | ptodor.org | Very strong, metal, burnt wood / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area, Needed to keep windows closed. Eyes burning, thoat burning and irritation. Odor severity (rank 1 to 5): Horrible (4) Overall impact and additional comments: Consistent odor, strongest evening, night and early morning. Consistently persistent Aug 7-Aug 18 2026 | ||
| 2025-08-01 | cswapt.com | Severity 5/5 | Farts, cooked broccoli, rotten eggs / [redacted], Had to go indoors or leave the area | |
| 2024-09-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733734 | Date: 10 September 2024 Time: 10:30 p.m. Location: [redacted] [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 Odor description: sharp, pungent, foul (sewer) eye-watering, nausea-inducing Health impacts: nausea, waking from sleep (sleep inference,) inability to fall back asleep, having to shut entire house up. We are experiencing increasing amounts of odors this early fall so I am going to resume reporting. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-09-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733735 | Name: [redacted] Location: Port Hadlock (Ness’s Corner and Hunt Rd) Time of Complaint: Morning of September 10 Reporting that PTPC smell has been horrific. The past couple weeks the smell has been “sulfur-poop”. This morning the smell was like sewer soup. Had to shut all the windows and doors. Made the caller want to throw up. Headache. Reports bad asthma symptoms. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2024-09-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733725 | Date: 9/8/24 Time: 7:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The air smells terrible. I can’t be outdoors. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-09-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733726 | 9/8/24 8:44am Taking the car because air is so bad Level 10 [redacted]/H | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-09-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733727 | Caller: [redacted] (prefers no last name) Location: Corner of Cleveland and 55th [redacted] Townsend [redacted] 8: 2 AM – 10 AM. Very strong odor 2 AM – 10 AM. After that, odor subsided, but was still present for the rest of the day. Caller notes that it was the boat festival this weekend and felt that the odors were inconsiderate. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-09-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733724 | PT Paper Mill odor report: Date/ Time/Location/ Odor description/ health impacts 7 Sept 2024; 4pm; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; none 8 Sept 2024; 1:30pm; Mill Rd and Rt 19 corner/PT; sulfur; none 9 Sept 2024; 9am; [redacted]/PT;sulfur; none | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733315 | Rainier circle on discovery to Mill/SR 19 2:24pm 8/25/24 Level 10 | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733190 | Horrible sulfuric smell 11:15 pm August 19, 2024 at [redacted] Port Townsend. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733063 | [redacted] 6:45 AM – 8 AM 29th and Sheridan Experiencing an intense smell. Called described it as a “sewer smell”. Caller describes clogged eyes, a nub right arm, and dry mouth. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733064 | Greetings, I have lived in Port Townsend since 2011 and this is my first time complaining about PTPC odors. Unfortunately, the ongoing issue has been particularly noxious this summer. Usually the nauseating, sulphurous mill smell is worst at night and resolves by daytime but this morning at 8 am (and many mornings this week) it is still bad enough to give me a sore throat and leaves a lingering sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps this is due to the extensive loss of tree cover at Rainier Street in preparation for the new development there. Or something else? I live near Hastings and Cliff. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733069 | We wanted to report the following 2 odor events from Port Townsend Paper Mill. Sorry one was right before vacation, and the current event was the day after we returned. Date/ Time/Location/ Odor description/ health impacts 27July 2024; Noon; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; none 15 Aug 2024; 11:15am; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; none | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 733054 | 1:49 pm T 8/13/24 Mill/Discovery at Welcome sign Level 10 | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-08-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732997 | 8:54 a 8/12/24 Level 4 Irondale Beach County Park Cedar Root Summer camp, so a group of kids… Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732996 | I wish to make a report. On August 9 at approximately 9:45 pm, I became aware of a horrible stench. Because it had an acrid undertone, I knew it was the paper mill. There was very little wind, which usually helps keep PTPC smell away from my area of west Port Townsend. As the minutes went by, the smell became unbearable. My nose burned, and my throat burned. I felt nauseous. It’s really something no one can live with for any extended period. It’s not the smell, which is rank but I can deal with that, but the burning sensation in my throat scares me. Why in the name of heaven can’t modern methods be employed to allay this situation? This can’t be good for the environment, and it sure isn’t good for humans. I don’t want PTPC to fold, but I do want a humane place to live. [redacted] [redacted] of Port Townsend | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-08-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732885 | 8/8 8:50am Level 8 ?????? PT Foodbank/Blaine | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732869 | 8:24am 8/4/24 [redacted]/H level3 inside house where the fumes snuck in last night Eyes irritated Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-08-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732858 | 7/41/24 5:43pm Portage [redacted] Island 5 Nauseous | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732856 | Terrible mill smell this morning, 7/31/2024 at [redacted] Port Townsend | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732857 | 7/41/24 5:43pm Portage [redacted] Island 5 Nauseous | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732601 | Mill Smell in North Beach neighborhood of Port Townsend 54th Street July 28th, 2:45 AM July 29th, 3:00 AM July 29th, 12:00 PM (noon) | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732603 | Location: McCurdy Point Time: September 30, 2024 9:30 AM Caller states that the smell is SO BAD! Caller states it an assault on one’s entire being and feels like a violation, and feels impossible to be outside. Caller feels like they are being poisoned and it makes them gag and feel nauseous. Caller is preparing to show their house and the odors are making it difficult. Caller has lived in the area since the 2000s and states that the odor has been worse recently. States that smell is sour like normal, but has more of a sewage smell recently. Caller notes that the extreme odors cause an inflammatory response and have been affecting her cat’s asthma. Caller wonders how it affects the trees and the ecosystem. Caller states that these odors have psychological and physical impacts. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732551 | It’s 12:06 AM I’m at McPherson and Simms PTPC has been bad lately but tonight it’s hit a crescendo of acrid. My eyes are burning, I have a headache, I can’t open my windows but my house is already so filled with tonight’s mill smell that it barely matters. I appreciate PTPC for its work and the employees. Nobody should have to live or work in an avoidable stink. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732599 | I was awakened at 5:30 this morning with powerful smell like raw sewage. I live on Diamond Point. I have smelled it before but today, 7 / 29, it was worse than ever. I wondered if they were discharging a surplus of stink! | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732600 | Date: 07/29/2024 Time: 3:39 PM Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: mild mill odor when outside Any health impacts experienced: none today | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732602 | Can the paper mill do something about the stink? I live in the neighbor hood, going on 10 years ! This is the worst !! Every night lately ! | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732868 | Date: 07/29/2024 Time: ~8:30 AM Location: Salmon Club (downtown Port Townsend) Odor description: mild mill odor but only on the beach outside the Salmon Club, no smell when on sidewalk/downtown (probably marine layer effect) Any health impacts experienced: none Date: 07/30/2024 Time: 4:15 PM Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: mild mill odor outside Any health impacts experienced: none | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732550 | Date: 07/28/2024 Time: ~2:47–6:37?AM Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: started off smelling like farts or dog breath and then became stinkier, not the smelliest but very sulfuric when outside Any health impacts experienced: Impaired sleep and mild headache | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732547 | 7/27/24 Portage Beach on Indian Island Actually SR 19/106 6:11pm Level 5 Eyes burning | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732553 | [redacted] [redacted] Hunt Rd & Ness’ Corner Rd Time: July 26, 10:50 AM Sewage with an “acid flavor”. The winds have died down, increasing odors. Reporting nausea, headache, and exacerbated asthma and allergy symptoms. | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2024-07-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732483 | Dear Ms. Toffel, I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/25/24 Time: 7:40 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The air smells terrible. I can’t be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732484 | Once again, more strong mill smell at our residence, [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368, this morning at 7:30am, on 7/25/24. Stench of suflur with burnt smell mixed in. Happens more and more often, especially with a gentle breeze from the direction of PTPC. Since it's apparently getting worse I think something needs to be done to improve mitigation. Thank you, [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732520 | 7.25.2024 My neighbors and I are now referring to this as the "daily morning stench" because it occurs almost daily. Woke up to the familiar stink, eyes burning, lungs heavy when trying to breathe, coughing. This is a truly awful environment in which to live. I [redacted] something can and will be done to make the lives of hundreds of people living near PTPC more breathable. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732481 | [redacted] (prefers no last name) [redacted] Location: North Beach [redacted] Townsend [redacted] Time: [redacted] 24th at 4:30 AM | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732482 | [redacted] 24, [redacted], close to Sims Way Port Townsend, WA 98368 This is another report of noxious fumes from the Port Townsend paper mill. Woke up at 6:06 to a very, very strong stench, much stronger than most days. My eyes and throat are burning, and I can feel a "heaviness" in my lungs when I breathe, which is normally not an issue for me. I have to sleep with all the windows closed due to the strong smell during the Summer. I don't object to PTPC, but there must be ways of processing pulp that don't involve substances that cause their neighbors' eyes and throats to sting, that allow us to open our windows for fresh air in the mornings? Thank you, [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732478 | Clean Air act complaint. [redacted] 21 at 8 am it stinks like mill smell at my house at [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368. The smell is sulfur with a burnt plastic smell mixed in. Detracting from quality of life and health. Please mitigate this environmental impact asap [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732479 | I live in Port Townsend and the smell of PTPC has been horrible the past week. Today my kids and I can’t go outside it’s so overwhelming. We live in an area of Port Townsend that isn’t generally bad as far as mill smells go. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732465 | The past week in particular have had strong morning odors from the paper plant, but there has been a general uptick in the amount of odor. It used to be a few times a year, now it's at least once a week all year round, typically early morning to about noon. I live at the beginning of Old Fort Townsend Rd, which is historically just outside the stink zone, so my location is a sentinel one. 4am this morning (Jul 18, 2024) I woke from a sound sleep straight into vomiting. The air was slimy, is the only way I can describe it. I tried a face mask, it was useless. I had to grab my keys, drive away from the stink, and sleep in the car in a parking lot. I respect the history of the paper mill, but I don't respect some of the papers I read put out by various regulatory agencies. They don't acknowledge the human suffering caused by the nausea and vomiting the paper mill smell can induce. I advocate that previous authors employed by DoEc and related organizations be forced to live in the stink zone for a week. If the increase in smell is caused by tree felling, I strongly recommend a small intervention supporting the planting of barrier hedges and trees, and reducing permit grants for tree felling in the area. My f%cking g@d, it's debilitating and horrendous. | |
| 2024-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732466 | 6/18 – 10:15 A.M., 11:30 A.M. 6/29 – 8:00 A.M. 7/5 – 3:50 A.M. 7/6 – 2:00 A.M. (notes that this time was especially strong, with smell seeping into house with all windows closed) 7/15 – 3:00 A.M. 7/16 – 5:00 A.M. 7/17 – 3:00 A.M. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732467 | On and off all day and night on the above dates (except 7/18 PM). The stink just sits over the area for long periods of time and its been particularly stinky lately. It smells like overcooked brocolli and fart. It makes my throat sore and irritates my sinuses. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732468 | Mill smell again today. Now- Chimacum/egg and I Must be extra stinky w the heat or something cuz this is the most frequent it’s been in a while. Over 10miles away! [redacted] that they can negatively affect so many ppl in the name of profit. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732459 | July 17. 2024 1:30 AM [redacted] [redacted] Townsend Stinky mill fumes permeating clean air in my bedroom Stinky mill fumes replacing clean air in my lungs, stinging eyes, headache, sleeplessness (I have two air cleaners and bathroom fan running in effort to reduce fumes enough to fall asleep, but it's noisy). | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732463 | My wife and I live in Port Townsend and last week were overwhelmed with a very strong odor from the paper mill sometime after midnight, forcing us to close windows. My wife, who is otherwise quite healthy, was gagging from the stench. We have read your report and noted that it says only people with acute respiratory illness would be affected on occasion. Perhaps gagging isn't a health concern, but it certainly isn't pleasant. I also noted that no action was recommended other than continued or improved monitoring, none of which will prompt PTPC to do anything. I do have some respiratory issues, but they fall short of the "acute" level, but shouldn't there be an expectation that our air be breathable 100 percent of the time, short of natural disaster (wildfire)? | [redacted]: Complainant could not recall time this odor event occurred. See attached email. |
| 2024-07-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732480 | I’m so sorry I don’t know exactly what which night it was. I think Wednesday the 17th. But I woke up in the middle of the night, coughing with asthma because of the intense stench coming from the paper mill. I closed all the windows and put on three air filters. I have the susceptibility for asthma, but I rarely get it. This air was bad. I live on the San Juan Plateau near Blue Heron school, and don’t really remember it being this bad before. I’ve noticed there have been a number of mill stench events this summer. I don’t remember stench events happening as frequently as has been the case this summer. [redacted] | [redacted]: Complainant could not recall specific day they experienced odors. Not enough / information to follow up. |
| 2024-07-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732522 | Hi [redacted] [redacted] you had an uneventful work week. We wanted to report the following 5 odor events from Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date/ Time/Location/ Odor description/ health impacts 17July 2024; 10am; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; sore throat 20 July 2024; 9 pm; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; none 21 July 2024; 7am; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; sore lungs 23 July 2024; 9:45am; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; sore lungs 25 July 2024; 5:30pm; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; sore throat Thanks to you and your team for the work you perform to protect our community! Sincerely, | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732455 | Reports of recent mill emissions. I was reminded by attached article that I should be reporting, since you keep a database. Article from local news blog attached. I'm sure you are aware of the recent report and meeting with the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Please keep pressuring PTPC to upgrade their equipment and processes. Paper products can be produced with no emissions or noxious smells. There are many examples world-wide. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732457 | Caller: [redacted] Phone: [redacted] Location: Hunt Rd & Ness’ Corner Rd Time: 7/13-7/16 Description: Smells like acrid sewage, human waste, and a burning sulfur smell | [redacted]: This is a duplicate of ERTS 732458 // 732458 |
| 2024-07-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732458 | Caller: [redacted] Phone: [redacted] Location: Hunt Rd & Ness’ Corner Rd Time: 7/13-7/16 Description: Smells like acrid sewage, human waste, and a burning sulfur smell | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732332 | 10:[redacted] Rotary 7/14/24 Level 5 | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732333 | Date: 07/14/2024 Time: 7:45 AM–present Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: extremely concentrated, smell is still extremely strong and started last night at 11:30 PM (usually it 'burns off' in the morning but it's still very strong right now and it's almost 9AM) Any health impacts experienced: nausea, headache | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732334 | Date: 07/13/2024 Time: ~11:25 PM Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: started off smelling like a bad fart, then more sulfury / sewagey and got very concentrated very quickly, which is odd because we drove into town maybe 10 minutes before and smelled no odor whatsoever, where usually we'd at least smell it for ~60 seconds as we passed through "the band" (where we pass the lagoons, based on our looks at a map) Any health impacts experienced: None | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732334 | Date: 07/13/2024 Time: 5:36 AM Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: extremely pungent, starts off smelling like farts or dog breath and then becomes an unbearably heavy concentrated sewage odor that permeates the house and lingers for hours Any health impacts experienced: Impaired sleep and mild headache (pretty much same as yesterday, noticed mild odor outside around 5:30, then started smelling it much stronger in the house at 5:50) | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732335 | 7/13/24 6:00 AM [redacted] [redacted] Townsend Usual noxious fumes inside my living space. I have only reported incidents about indoor pollution. Atrial fibrliation, sleep depirvation. Second party has headaches, coughing, sinus pain. | |
| 2024-07-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732280 | Date: 07/12/2024 Time: ~5:30 AM Location: [redacted] Townsend Odor description: extremely pungent, starts off smelling like farts or dog breath and then becomes an unbearably heavy concentrated sewage odor that permeates the house and lingers for hours Any health impacts experienced: Impaired sleep and mild headache; nausea as a fun side effect from breathing in the stench | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732331 | Hi [redacted] and I enjoyed our conversation with you after the July 10th Port Townsend Paper Mill presentation. We are interested in being added to your Interested Parties List. In addition we wanted to report the following three odor events. Date/ Time/Location/ Odor description/ health impacts 12 July 2024; 9am; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; sore throat 13 July 2024; 8am; Intersection of Mill Rd and Rt 19, PT; sulfur 14 July 2024; 1pm; [redacted]/PT; sulfur; sore throat Thanks to you and your team for the work you perform to protect our community! | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732336 | Hello [redacted]…. Writing to report mill smell this eve in Chimacum, egg and I rd area… 8:20pm 7/12/24 | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732095 | The smell from PTPC in port townsend woke me up in the middle of the night. When are you going to do something about it? I’ve been waiting years to solve this issue. The biggest eyesore in p t or nose sore. Pa dose t have this nose sore problem why should we have this constant nag | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732096 | July 9, 2024 and almost every night for the past week 1:00 AM [redacted] [redacted] Townsend WA The usual foul mill stink seeping into my living space I had a heart attack June 29 and am experiencing effects of the toxic air even more than before. My chest doesn't feel good tonight, Atrial fibrillation is triggered (often lasting through following day.) Sleep deprivation intensifies afib, which in turn makes it harder to fall asleep. The fumes are slowing my recovery and increasing my heart failure concerns. Night after stinky night! Where is enforcement of The Clean Air Act? Why isn't the EPA doing its job? The situation is so blatantly obvious yet remains unaddressed. Thanks [redacted] | |
| 2024-07-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732096 | Complaint #443 July 9, 2024 Location: [redacted] St and 25 St Odor intensity 10 out of 10 Time: 2:05am Physical effect. Woke me up !!! Burning nasal passage, immediate headache, metallic taste and feeling nauseous. It's July, the days are hot therefore at night my windows are open for a cool breeze. But No, I can't open my windows because PTPC's toxic chemicals flood onto my property and into my open windows. Please confirm receipt of my complaint [redacted] | |
| 2024-07-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732094 | Strong, noxious, sulfur smell, very unpleasant. This is not the first time but it is particularly bad. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732094 | Strong noxious sulfur compounds blanketing the area. Health impacts include heat impacts due to inability to open windows on some of the hottest days on record. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-07-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732099 | [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] 7/8 – 1:25 AM – 2:00 AM 7/9 – 1:25 AM – 2:00 AM Has lived approximately 1 mine north of PTPC for eighteen years. The past two nights, the odors in the early mornings have been extremely bad. The smell is sulfurous, but more acrid and burning. The time period was short, only around 30 minutes. Caused irritated eyes, some difficulty breathing. Wondering if they are emitting large amounts of something at a certain time. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2024-07-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732093 | Strong, noxious, sulfur smell, very unpleasant. This is not the first time but it is particularly bad. | |
| 2024-07-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732093 | strong noxious sulfur compounds blanketing the area. Health impacts include heat impacts due to inability to open windows on some of the hottest days on record. | |
| 2024-07-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732088 | I'm reporting the following: July 6, 2024, 12:05 am Cleveland [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368, close to Sims Way I woke up coughing to strong sulfur smell, burning eyes, back of throat, and compressed feeling in my lungs, not able to breathe easily. This can't be good for human health. There must be ways for the company to make paper that don't compromise people's health and quality of life. This definitely isn't healthy. I'm so disappointed that we allow this. Thank you, | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731901 | 10:51am 6/30/24 Mill/Discovery at the Welcome to PT sign by Caswell [redacted] shelter housing 9/10 ???????? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731770 | Mill /Discovery at Welcome to PT sign near Caswell [redacted] housing Level 7 12:22pm 6/24/24 | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731772 | 12:10pm Discovery and Mill at the Welcome to PT sign Level 3 6/23/24 ?????????? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731772 | 4:28 6/23/24 Mill and Discovery by the welcome sign Level 8 ?????????? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731640 | Reporting mill smell in North Beach area of Port Townsend (54th & Cleveland) Smell experienced: 1. [redacted] 15 : 8:30 – 9:30 PM 2. [redacted] 17 : 3:00 AM 3. [redacted] 17, 10:37 AM | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731476 | Odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Corporation. | [redacted]: See attached facility respose |
| 2024-06-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731477 | Odor report for Port Townsend Paper Corporation, bad enough could not open any windows. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-06-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731380 | [redacted] (Prefers no last name) Reporting mill smell in North Beach Area of Port Townsend, near Cleveland and 55th St June 4, 2024, 9:50 A.M. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-06-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731378 | Hello! Long time no stank lol. Writing to inform of Mill smell in Chimacum, west egg and I area on Monday approx 5:30 | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-05-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731167 | Hello [redacted], I've had a couple more incidents since my last report but not in the middle of the night. 5/23/24 3:00 AM-- [redacted] Port Townsend sulphurous stink atrial fibrillation, insomnia (heartbeat becomes erratic shortly before I start to smell it). It must be common knowledge that this area is permeated by toxic fumes when the wind is from SE and the atmospheric pressure is high. Thanks [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-05-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731168 | May 22nd 6:00 - 8:50 AM Reporting Paper Mill Smell in North Beach Neighborhood of Port Townsend: Near 54th & Cleveland Street | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-05-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 731020 | Hello [redacted], I sent a similar report about the same time May 6. 5/21/24 2:30 AM -- [redacted] [redacted]Townsend WA rotten eggs Intense atrial fibrillation, insomnia [redacted], 78 year old with heart condition | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-05-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730936 | Date: 5/15/24 Time: 7:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The air smells terrible. I can’t be outdoors. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-05-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730721 | This morning at my house, 7:01 a.m. [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368, strong mill smell. Impacting an otherwise gorgeous morning. May 7, 2024. Strong smell of sulfur and a burnt smell. Formal clean air act complaint Thank you, | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-05-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730758 | Comments: Odor incident outside the normal realm of odor experienced in this area. A metallic chemical smell rather than the usual bacterial sort of smell. Burning lungs, nose, watering eyes, coughing. Lasted for several hours. This year has been especially bad. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-05-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730706 | May 6, 2024 2:00 AM - [redacted] Usual stink seeping into apartment for third night Atrial fibrillation, insomnia | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-05-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730712 | From around 11:00 am or even earlier and into the late evening. My son was out with his dog late last night and came in with with burning eyes. Please excuse any grammatical errors?? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-04-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730101 | [redacted]/H 7:52am 4/3/24 Level 10 Heading to Foodbank where we expect over 200 families | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-04-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 730102 | Hello, I would like to file a formal complaint about clean air act air quality violations of the Port Townsend Paper Mill. This morning all morning, and many other times recently it smells like paper mill stink at my residence, [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368, and at my work place, [redacted] Townsend, WA. It is a distinctive odor and unmistakable. Reduces my quality of life and that of my family. There was a period when it was less frequent. In the last year it is increasingly frequent. At least 3 times per week at my residence. If this is not the correct place to complain can you redirect me? Thank you! [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility reponse |
| 2024-03-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729682 | 3/21/24 8:07am inside house with filters on Level 10 [redacted]/H ???? | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2024-03-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729682 | Odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Corporation. From: [redacted] Time: 8:16 A.M. Location: Cherry ST & W St (Near Fort Warden Park) | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2024-03-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729638 | 12:43pm 3/20/[redacted] level 10 ??x250families | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2024-03-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729681 | Hello, I am writing about the odors most likely coming from the paper mill in Port Townsend. I live at [redacted] (Kala [redacted] Townend) and when the predominant airflow is coming from the NNW, skies overcast and and little or no wind, I smell what smells like cigarette smoke almost. After about being outside about 10 minutes and smelling this I become nauseous and get a headache and have to go inside. There is no one around me, behind me to the northwest of me who smokes cigarettes. I have been noticing this smell now for the past few years. I believe I complained about it once before, but I was negligent in reporting it again. I would like to continue to alert this agency about these odors as I am tired of feeling sick and having to go inside. Sometimes I wear a mask but this is not ideal. So for the official record, today, [redacted] 20,2024, from 3:30 - 4:30 pm, I was outside and experienced the odor and attendant nausea and headache. Skies are overcast, temperature around 51 degrees and winds WNW, no trees are moving so there is little wind. | [redacted]: See attached facility response and follow-up. |
| 2024-03-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729435 | These are the recent dates; 3/8/24 PM 3/9/24 AM and PM 3/10 AM and PM 3/12 AM [redacted] Port Townsend, WA Very strong sulphur mill odor outside and inside home. Caused coughing, sinus congestion and headache. Thank you, | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-03-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729385 | Here's another complaint on this stinky day. March 9, 2024 8:00 AM - ongoing [redacted] Strong paper mill odor indoors and outside Nasal congestion, coughing | [redacted]: See attached faciility response |
| 2024-03-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729308 | 3/7/24 8:46am [redacted]/H Level 7 ???? Thinking of my sister who just died of lung cancer ?? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-03-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729349 | March 7 - March 8 2024 11:00PM - 3:00AM [redacted] [redacted] Townsend WA Extremely strong mill stench permeated indoor air, unmitigated by air purifiers. Atrial fibrillation, nasal congestion, stinging eyes | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-03-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729306 | Hello! I must be proverbial calamine canary, as I am here to report light, but taste-able mill smell in chimacum @egg & I rd. As a for-profit company it seems that PTPC is maximizing profits by minimizing their efforts to reduce impact on greater community. Penny saved is penny earned… but at others expense… is there precedent for other pulp mills to be successfully mitigating odor, or is it just par for the course even in 2024? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-02-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729053 | Complaint #442 February 24, 2024 Location: Private Property at: [redacted] St and 25 St Odor intensity 10 out of 10 Physical effect. Burning nasal passage, immediate headache, feeling like I wanting to throw-up.? Because of the Port Townsend Paper Mill's chemical release onto my property I can not safely go outside, instead, I must close all windows and hide like a common criminal. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2024-02-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729051 | Quick message to report mill smell in chimacum most of today from about 10am-present. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-02-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 728671 | 2/7/24 8am Level 10 Blaine Foodbank working with many whose health is frail | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2024-01-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 728421 | [redacted] [redacted] Time of odor: 1/30/24, 7:30 A.M. Location of odor: Fir & S [redacted] Townsend Description: Smells like a pit toiler Smells deeply sulfurous Making the caller dizzy | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Dredging may have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2024-01-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 728419 | Again, the toxic and gross smell of the Port Townsend Mill permeates the town heading in and heading out. We were out by the Jefferson Recycling and the smell was very strong there also around 3:30 PM today. When will something be done ? What is Ecology’s purpose if they don’t do anything to protect the people and the environment? I seriously have a headache from PTPC. [redacted] [redacted] Please excuse any grammatical errors?? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. ASB dredging may have created more odors. |
| 2024-01-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 728073 | Hello, writing to report another mill smell “incident” on 1/11 approx 2:15 pm in Chimacum, off of Egg and I rd. I’m kind of surprised the smell can travel this far. I’m curious what info we have on exactly what “the smell” consists of? Known toxicities etc? Health effects/concerns? I find it hard to believe that they can’t do anything about the negative impact on surrounding communities. I wonder how much farther south the smell travels? PTPC smell radius seems to cover quite a bit of the Quimper Peninsula and beyond. Do these reports have any effect other than data collection? Perhaps amassing data to present for future remediation requests? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Dredging may have added to an increase in odors. |
| 2024-01-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727883 | [redacted] A bad, potent, sulfurous smell causing headache and dizziness. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Shutdown and startup may have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2024-01-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727883 | Absolutely disgusting smell all through town at 530pm Sunday January 7. It’s making me SICK!!! | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Shutdown and startup may have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2024-01-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727883 | 11:39am 1/7/24 Level 5 [redacted]/H Photo from Kearney by rehab near Foodbank. Blech ?? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Shutdown and startup may have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2024-01-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727777 | Foodbank/Blaine 8:50am 1/3/24 Level 10 350 families plus volunteers, some frail! Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Humidity and dredging activities may have led to increased odors. |
| 2024-01-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727880 | Level 10 Salish Elementary/Discovery 3:18pm [redacted] 3 2024 ?? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Odors may have been caused by dredging activity. |
| 2023-12-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727772 | Sims rotary at Habitat store SR 19 11:55am 12/30/23 10 inside car ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Dredging may have lead to increased odors. pH was also below 7.0 at the wastewater treatment system, which could have temporarily led to an increase in odors. |
| 2023-12-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727772 | 12/30/[redacted] rotary (Evans Vista) to Jacob Miller Level 5 10:35 ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Dredging may have lead to increased odors. pH was also below 7.0 at the wastewater treatment system, which could have temporarily led to an increase in odors. |
| 2023-12-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727521 | Reporting a “burnt, acrid, sulfur smell” States smell is pretty acrid and causing burning of the nostrils, and throat when breathing through the mouth. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-12-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727520 | Hello, this email is to notify of recent detection of Port Townsend “mill smell”. Likely the 4th or 5th time is as many months, with the most recent being yesterday around 2-4pm. We are at [redacted] 98325…. A good deal south of PTPC so seems to be affecting may ppl between. Smells strongly of sulphur/natural gas like odor and gives me a lovely headache and some nausea along with it. There has to be a way to get the odor under control. Is there a formal way of reporting this or am I doing it? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727428 | Today as I opened my door to go outside, I almost vomited to the NASTY FUMES in Port Townsend today, 12/8. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ABSURD! How can the Environmental Health Groups allow this to happen? It is an onslaught of terrible smell and taste in my mouth. DISGUSTING. I live at [redacted]. I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS. It's almost every day that I am sick from these smells. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727518 | Date: 12/7/23 Time: 4:45 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The air smells terrible. I can’t be outdoors. Date: 12/8/23 Time: 10:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The air smells terrible. I can’t be outdoors. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727519 | 9:45 High School Production and Foodbank Garden behind [redacted] Admin 12/8/23 Level 10 ?????? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-12-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727398 | 9:15 am 12/7/23 [redacted]/H Level 10 Unbreathable ???? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727423 | Reporting bad odor from the paper mill December 7th, all day (received at 8 PM Dec. 7th) Location: [redacted] [redacted] Townsend, 98368 Odor is deeply sulfurous, cause a headache Odor has actually been going on for about 7 days | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727352 | Noon Just Soup at St [redacted]’s (Taylor/Franklin) 12/5/23 Level 10?? And my husband doesn’t smell unless it’s REALLY bad! I’m the canary in the coal mine; they really make me sick. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727348 | 4:26pm 12/3/23 Level 10 [redacted]/H Short of breath; eyes irritated and puffy | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727348 | I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/3/23 Time: 4:25 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The air smells terrible. I can’t be outdoors. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-12-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 727347 | We are just driving into PT and before the first roundabout smell is overwhelming. It is following us as are passing the QFC. What is Ecology going to do with this health hazard? It’s worse than ever tonight. Thanks, | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726989 | Nasty ass smell from PTPC all over town today, Nov 29 at 8am, and is giving me a headache and nausea. Absolutely ridiculous that this is occurring and everyone puts up with it. I have lived in [redacted] and the smells are nothing compared to this horrendous atrocity of nastiness. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. ASB dredging may have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2023-11-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726985 | 3:12pm 11/28/23 Jefferson hospital Level 3 ??puffy eyes all day with shortness of breath | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726878 | Mill/Discovery 1:19pm 11/21/23 Level 3/10 in car with windows up and filter on. Stronger at Rainier Rotary: 6/10 | |
| 2023-11-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726738 | 9:34am 11/13/23 [redacted]/h Level 9/10 ???? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726738 | I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/13/23 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I had been planning to work outdoors, but the smell is too strong. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726738 | 11/13 at 9:15am Sheridan and 7th 6/10 stink Sulfur At urgent care for complications from a respiratory infection. Mill smell is saturating the building and aggravating my symptoms. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726736 | We are just leaving Port Townsend again, past the last roundabout heading out the smell I atrocious. This is awful! [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726736 | The smell is really strong 12:11 pm this Sunday morning. What is going to be done about this continuous unhealthy air? Thanks [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726736 | Evans Vista 1:38 pm 11/13/23 9/10 level with filters on and windows up???? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726734 | 11/9 2:07 pm Evans Vista 9/10 in car with windows up and filters on ???? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-11-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726481 | [redacted], November 1st, the entire town stank of the paper mill and it made me nauseous and dizzy. DISGUSTING. I don't know how this is allowed and people put up with it! | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-11-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726481 | San Juan and Disccovery 8/10 stink 10:15am Sulfur smell Respiratory Symptoms | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-10-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726459 | 19th and Landes 9/10 stink 8:15am Sulfur smell Caused immediate respiratory irritation and coughing fit | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-10-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 726103 | Today is a day I would like to enter into your records. It’s Saturday Oct 7. I wake up early for runs and I almost vomited due to the nasty smell this morning. Absolutely disgusting! How can people live around this crap? It’s been over two years and this is a nasty nasty issue that I’ve dealt with constantly being sick. It affects my chronic sinusitis and inflammatory issues. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Winds were not blowing towards this area at the time of the complaint. Low pH may have contributed to odors, in additional to low tide. |
| 2023-09-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725707 | Rainier Circle to Jacob Miller 1:49p 9/25/23 Level 9 ????inside car | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-09-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725709 | [redacted] September 25, 2023 Approx 10 PM No Location Given – “Passing through Port Townsend” to a concert [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-09-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725630 | Date: 9/22/23 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I’m keeping all windows closed, and the smell is seeping into the house a little. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Of note, there was regulated process gas venting. Federal rules allow of a certain amount of these gases to be vented on a 6-month period. Compliance will be determined at the end of the 6-month period (July-December 2023). |
| 2023-09-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725554 | Distinctive mill smell permeating our neighborhood and house inside and out. | [redacted]: See facility response. Elevated sulfidity percentage may have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2023-09-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725509 | “We are about 12 miles S of the mill, and it is vile. Super sulfury, burnt sulfur, sewage stench.” | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Lime Kiln TRS levels may have led to an increase in odors. No permit violations reported. |
| 2023-09-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725440 | Information: Date: 09-13-2023 Time: 5:30 AM to +/- 9:30 AM Location: Bishop Park [redacted] Townsend Odor description: -Sulphur smell and noxious fumes/ persistent over long period of time Any health impacts experienced: -Headache and breathing discomfort | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Unstable operations and Lime Kiln and Recovery Boiler may have led to an increase in emissions. No permit violations reported. |
| 2023-09-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725324 | This morning as of 7 am and continuing one, the odor is even stronger, pervasive and detectable indoors with the windows shut. We are experiencing eye irritation this morning, without any contributing sources here (no wood stove, no furnace going, and no other local processes taking place that we are aware of). Because this odor is the same as experienced closer to the Port Townsend Paper Company pulp mill in Port Townsend, we believe the source is the pulp mill. We have not experienced that smell from any other regular emission sources in our Olympic Peninsula. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-09-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725338 | September 8, 2023 5:30 AM - 8:45 AM North Beach Neighborhood Cleveland and 54th St | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Lime Kiln TRS was slightly elevated but below permitted limits. |
| 2023-09-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725339 | 11:00am September 8, 2023 Intersection of Highways 19 & [redacted] to Kai Tai lagoon 8/10 stink Nausea within minutes followed by headache | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Lime Kiln TRS was slightly elevated but below permitted limits. |
| 2023-09-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725288 | Hospital 8:58 am 9/7/23 5 level ???? | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-09-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725283 | 10:07 am Discovery at Rainier Circle 9/3/23 1 Level 10 inside car ?????? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-09-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725284 | Date: 09-03-2023 Time: 1:30 AM to at least 2:30 AM Location: Bishop Park [redacted] Townsend Odor description: Sulphur smell and excessive noise Any health impacts experienced: Excessive noise and overwhelming stenchI woke me up in the middle of the night. Headache and breathing problems. Strong enough emissions from mill to seep into house. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-08-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725100 | Date: 8/29/22 Time: 8:48 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I’m keeping all windows closed, and the smell is seeping into the house a little. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Low tide and weather may have contributed to odors experienced. |
| 2023-08-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725097 | 10:07am 8/27/23 Upper Sims Rotary Level 10 ???? To [redacted]/H level 2 | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Low tide may have contributed to odors experienced. |
| 2023-08-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725137 | I am reporting severe mill smell on [redacted] 27, 2023, from about 5:40AM, when I got up, through at least 7:40, when there was still some smell in the house. I opened the window for a moment when I got up and the smell was intense and acrid, much worse than I've smelled it here before. Similar to driving by PTPC. Since then, I have not smelled it here. Thank you for your attention. [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. See also response to 725097, which was around the same time frame. |
| 2023-08-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725099 | [redacted] 54th & [redacted] Townsend 10 AM [redacted] 25 | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-08-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724984 | [redacted] you please enter this odor complaint into ERTS for Port Townsend Paper Corporation? I received it by phone. From: [redacted] August 23rd 8:00 AM 54th& Cleveland | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-08-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724980 | Please provide the following information. Date: 08-2302023 Time: 6:00 AM to current time, 7:16 AM Location: Bishop Park [redacted] Townsend Odor description: Excessive sulphur stink Any health impacts experienced: Cannot walk or work outside. Overwhelming stench. Can't breathe air due to toxic chemical response in lungs. Particulate matter produces asthmatic reactions. | [redacted]: see attched facility response || [redacted]: See attached email 8/24/23. I responded to the email and said I was happy to answer general questions. I have not received a response from [redacted]. |
| 2023-08-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724981 | [redacted] (no last name preferred) August 22, 2023 4:30 AM – Present (7:45 AM) North Beach Area, 54th & Cleveland Smell is bad and all windows had to be shut. [redacted] | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-08-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724806 | Name: [redacted] Number: [redacted] Location: [redacted]., Port Townsend Report: Odors woke her up at: 03:00 A.M. – August 15, 2023 12:25 A.M. - August 16, 2023 Describes the smell as diesel or plastic burning. Originally, she thought something was burning in her house and tried to find it. She stated that she has been talking to her neighbors who have also noticed the smell and described it as gas or diesel. Neighbors have said it has caused their smoke alarms to go off. Could you please also refer the complaint to ORCAA? It’s possible it is the paper mill but the odor description is general enough that it could come from other sources nearby (that Ecology doesn’t regulate). | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-08-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724979 | Can you provide any info about this smell? Charts showing very high VOC levels. How much health damage are we suffering from this? Is it PTPC? Any likelihood we’ll be able to open our windows or go outside again any time soon? Would be nice in this heat. | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-08-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724803 | The last three nights 8/12, 13 and 14 there has been an awful smell like Brussel sprouts or cabbage mixed with wet cardboard, to the extreme. It's been warm and I've had to close my windows because it's nauseating and use a fan. I live at [redacted] Hill neighborhood. It's been starting in the evening around 8-8:30 pm and lasts until about 5 am. I am suspecting PTPC because I can't think what else it would be. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-08-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724633 | • Date: 8/5/23 • Time: approx 1408 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs • Any health impacts experienced: gagging and trouble breathing. Coughing. Had to abort outside activities. Can’t open house windows. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2023-08-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724633 | From: [redacted] (No last name preferred) Location: [redacted] Date/Time: August 5th, 10:20 A.M. You could combine with the other complaint for 8/5/23 if you’d like. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2023-07-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724459 | Hello, we are just heading into PT this morning of July 30, 2023, 10:30 am at first roundabout and small from paper mill is atrocious Please excuse any grammatical errors?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Low tide may have contributed to odors experienced. ASB inlet pH was low which may have affected odors. PTPC noted that aerators were disturbing sludge in the ASB. PTPC plans to dredge the sludge this summer. |
| 2023-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724458 | 7/29/23 Woke from sleep at 5am to a room full of stench Level 10 [redacted] ?????????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Elevated lime kiln sulfur emissions could have contributed to odors. The elevated emissions do not indicate a violation. ASB inlet pH was also low, which can lead to more emissions. PTPC also noted that aerators were disturbing sludge in the ASB. PTPC has plans to dredge the ASB this summer. |
| 2023-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724458 | 7/29/23, 9:00 A.M. 5400 block of Cleveland [redacted] Townsend From: [redacted] (no last name preferred) | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Elevated lime kiln sulfur emissions could have contributed to odors. The elevated emissions do not indicate a violation. ASB inlet pH was also low, which can lead to more emissions. PTPC also noted that aerators were disturbing sludge in the ASB. PTPC has plans to dredge the ASB this summer. |
| 2023-07-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 724085 | Complainant: [redacted] Time: 6 AM, 7 AM Location: N Beach Area near Corner of 55th & Cleveland [redacted] Townsend Comments: Odor is so bad that they can not go outside | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Winds were coming from the north and the source of the odors may not have been from PTPC. Foggy and humid conditions may have contributed to odors. |
| 2023-07-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723910 | BAd yesterday at PT Foodbank on Blaine 7/5/23 8am Level 8 And today Rainier and Upper Sims 7/6/23 11am Level 10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Hazy conditions, and a pulping startup/shutdown may have contributed to odors. |
| 2023-07-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723876 | Odor complaint- origin is Pt. Townsend Pulp Mill 6.6 miles away. The odor is very unpleasant and smells toxic. Impossible for our family to work outside on a beautiful sunny day. DO SOMETHING!!!! | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Low tide and a pulping startup/shutdown may have added to odors. |
| 2023-06-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723749 | I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/25/23 Time: 9:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. My spouse is wearing a mask as he works on outdoor projects. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-06-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723753 | Sunday the 25th 1 pm Odor making it difficult to breathe. At [redacted] Port Townsend | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Humid conditions could have led to an increase in odors. |
| 2023-06-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723701 | Folks I’m still surprised how often this model example of air regulation at the Port Townsend Pulp Mill produces noxious odors. Every day (I may be over-stating, but more than 90% of the time) that I drive on Rte 20 to and from Port Townsend I can smell a fairly revolting odor. I’m amazed people living there or working at the plant can stand it. We recently moved to Nordland, and I was amazed to be able to detect the odor on Rte 116 in Port Haddock one fairly still day. My hypothesis is that methyl mercaptan is heavier than air and sinks down to the bay level and then just moves 5-10 miles south. Tonight, we can smell the plant in Nordland near the Mystery Bay state park—we’re about 3 miles away as the crow flies, but the route is fairly circuitous to get here from PTPC in today’s NW wind. I would [redacted] that you, as qualified and dedicated environmental scientists, would be able to figure out how to address this issue. Having spent 40 years as one, I’d be embarrassed if this was happening on my watch. As the Tacoma Aroma clean-up showed, the technology. Is available at a reasonable cost. It just requires regulatory leadership. Dr. [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-06-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723572 | • Date: 6/18/23 • Time: approx 1630 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs • Any health impacts experienced: gagging and trouble breathing. Had to abort outside activities. Can’t open house windows. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2023-06-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723225 | I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/2/22 Time: 7:35 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-06-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723224 | PTPC odors seem to have ramped up on this side of town far more than usual this time of year. The Memorial holiday weekend was significant - again a smell reminiscent of nail polish remover - very fumey. With the cloudy weather exacerbating it. You did forewarn of the startup process being "extra" and maybe that is what it was? The odor seems to be much more varied than the typical pungent timber broccoli. With my nasal passages burning and my eyes irritated and small headaches on and off. My physical symptoms seem to be increasing this year from more than my typical uncomfortableness and stress of breathing in stinky air over the past several years. Today on this clear day, the more typical cedar burning smell continues wafting in and out. So I thought I would officially report on it. Although I [redacted] you take into account my observations of the day after day of the past.week. I think there were 1 maybe 2 days that I have not dealt with it here. • Date 6/1/2023 • Time all day wafting in and out • Location Area of Clallam & Hudson Sts. • Odor Description: cedar type smell (not the pleasant kind!) • Any health impacts experienced: nasal burning, eye irritation, mild headache - running fans indoors to keep air moving and trying to disperse it - not working, still getting a pretty constant smell in my space. | [redacted]: See attached facility response inlet pH below 7.0 SU and maintenance curtain work may have contributed to odors. |
| 2023-05-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722979 | From: [redacted] (prefers no last name) Location: Cleveland & 54th [redacted] Townsend Time: May 22, 2023 4:20 A.M. Additional Information: Had to shut windows | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-05-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722980 | From: [redacted] (prefers no last name) Location: [redacted] Time: May 22, 2023 2:15 P.M. Additional Information: Had to shut windows | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2023-05-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722993 | It is very overcast in Port Townsend today and I am experiencing an odor I just cannot escape whether closing my windows or opening them. I only report odor when it seems noxious for hours at a time. And today it has been all day. I am always curious if it is just me! I would love to see an available visual chart of some sort, showing daily complaints that have been reported with descriptions. Just like an air quality or fire mapping you can get from IQAir but in reference to the Port Townsend odors, what they mean and symptoms to be aware of. I imagine that would be very telling for the public to make better decisions about their exposure risks. I know of so many people who live here with lung and migraine symptoms, yet they never even think about the possible connection to PTPC air pollution. I have been trying to pass the word that your agency is available to collect data and keep things safe and I am shocked at how few people know this, and/or understand the cause and effect of [redacted] air quality. Yet every [redacted] here is well aware about Port Townsend's "stinky" reputation. I suppose the issue is ignored because residents do not feel empowered to be able to do anything about it. More community outreach about this topic and your agencies reporting resources could help in gathering more real time data and stats. • Date 5/22/2023 • Time all day (8am - ...) • Location Area of Clallam & Hudson Sts. • Odor description: It is a sharp fumed odor today. Almost like when you stand near the docks and you get that strong tar smell coming off of the wood poles. • Any health impacts experienced: nausea, nasal burning, stress from not being able to escape it. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. startup/shutdown and associated process instability may have contributed to odors. |
| 2023-05-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722975 | the chemical smell is getting worse, it has never been this bad before | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Humidity, ASB inlet pH and maintenance may have contributed to an increase in odors. |
| 2023-05-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 723026 | Order is so bad we can’t even air out our house, I was born and raised in port Townsend and it has never been this bad. Chemical smell so bad it burns your eyes. Nothing is being done about it and it’s not right. I guess it’s getting close to filing a class action lawsuit against them the party that is monitoring them because it’s not being done period | [redacted]: This is a duplicate of ERTS 722975. Please see ERTS 722975. Complainant submitted complaint directly to Ecology and asked to be [redacted] under ERTS 722975. ERTS 722975 was received from an external agency and complainant did not request anonymity. |
| 2023-05-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722897 | Past several days there has been a very strong odor coming from Port Townsend Paper Mill. There is usually some odor, but it has been unusually strong the past few days. [redacted] if it is from a spill. Caller reported to Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, and they told her she must report it to us instead. Port Townsend Paper Mill address: [redacted] Townsend, WA | [redacted]: Maintenance work was occuring during the time period (dredging in ASB to accommodate curtain repairs), which may have contributed to odors. Various startups and shutdown occurred during this week which may have contributed to odors. A condensate overflow occurred but was corrected within 18 minutes. A compliance issue was identified during this time period (15% opacity exceedance at Package Boiler). Notice of Violation in progress. |
| 2023-05-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722924 | Past Week has been unbearable regarding smell from Port Townsend Paper Corporation. Nauseating and having to close windows and stay inside. | [redacted]: This is a duplicate of 722897. Please reference 722897. |
| 2023-05-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722974 | Hi [redacted], had to go to PT yesterday around 10:00 am, the 18th of May. As soon as we got into the first roundabout, my husband and I could both really smell the odor from PTPC. We left around 11:00 am on May 18th, the odor followed us leaving Jefferson hospital. All the way in Hwy 20 heading back to 101. It actually gave me a headache. It was one of the worst incidences of the odor we have experienced and there have been plenty. Makes one want to wear a safety respirator. Just keeping you informed. Thanks [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Low tide occurred at time of complaint in addition to humidity which may have contributed to odors. Maintenance work was going on at the ASB which may have contributed to odors. All other operations were normal. |
| 2023-05-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722901 | The bad odor from the Port Townsend Pulp Mill has been so bad today and this evening that it has penetrated the interior of our home, even with windows closed. The odor is sulphuric with overtones of paint-like fumes. It makes it extremely unpleasant to work or walk outdoors here. There is a high school nearby. We do not file a complaint every time this happens, and it seems to be happening with much more frequency these past two months. Please take action to control these obnoxious fumes. They are a public nuisance. Thank you. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Foggy and humid conditions may have contributed to odors. Maintenance curtain work was ongoing at the ASB which may have contributed to odors. A shutdown and startup occurred which may have contributed to odors. |
| 2023-05-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722658 | PTPC odor report This is a complaint Re Pt Townsend Paper Mill. We live at [redacted] Chimacum WA 98325. Odor noticed in afternoon about 2:00, but only because I opened the window, so could have been longer. We live approximately 6.6 miles away from PTPC and the odor is currently so strong I cannot be outside or open the doors or windows in my home. This impacts my lungs and my physical health, as I am not able to do outdoor activities or take care of my farm. PTPC is a nuisance and should be shut down. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: At the time of the complaint, ASB inlet was below 7.0 SU which may have increased odors. Recovery Furnace and Evaporators shutdown at 1:00 PM which may have caused an increase in odors. See attached facility response. |
| 2023-04-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722488 | Odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Corporation. Complainant: [redacted] (prefers to not provide last name) April 30, 11:40 AM North Beach & [redacted] Townsend | [redacted]: Complainant: [redacted] (prefers to not provide last name) April 30, 11:40 AM North Beach & [redacted] Townsend || [redacted]: See attached facility response. operations were normal at the time of the complaint. Weather patterns may have affected odors |
| 2023-04-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722489 | Odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Corporation. Complaint: [redacted] (Prefers not to provide last name) Time: April 29 4:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Cleveland and 54th [redacted] Townsend | [redacted]: Complaint: [redacted] (Prefers not to provide last name) Time: April 29 4:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Cleveland and 54th [redacted] Townsend || [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-04-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722455 | Re: Stink again 9:50 am 4/26/23 My apologies they were today the 27th. Thanks Please excuse any grammatical errors?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response. Wind was blowing from mill away from the complainant. Due to proximity, odors experienced may have still been from mill. PTPC was performing maintenance at their aerated stabilization basin. PTPC was performing minor dredging was occurring to repair a baffle curtain. This may have caused an increase in odors. |
| 2023-04-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722362 | Plant at 7:50 today 4/23 and yesterday Hi [redacted], we are heading out of PT on 20 heading South and the smell is awful. [redacted] 22, 2023, the smell was really strong on Hwy 101 and close to 20 heading toward Port Angeles at approx 3:30. They smell continued for several miles. | [redacted]: see facility response, attached. |
| 2023-04-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722292 | Please see attached emails for odor complaints about the Port Townsend Paper Mill | [redacted]: see attachment |
| 2023-04-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722183 | I'd like to report an environmental issue I am a Port Townsend [redacted] who became nauseous while walking on the Larry Scott Trail(in the Boat Haven area), closest to the Port Townsend Paper Mill. The noxious fumes coming from PTPC at approximately noon on Saturday, 4/15/23 were suffocatingly strong today. I began to feel nauseous after I had passed by PTPC, then while coming back towards my vehicle. I threw up twice when I returned home. The friend I was with also began complaining about feelings of nauseousness throughout our walk. Please contact me for further information at [redacted]. [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached for facility response. Facility noted they received results that indicated a previous stack test for particulate emissions from the Recovery Furnace Failed. I don't necessarily think this would increase odors, but I will note here that a Notice of Violation was issued for the particulate emissions limit exceedance on 5/15/23 (NOV 21722). |
| 2023-04-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722210 | Mill odor ?????? 1:14pm 4/14/23 Mill/Discovery Level 10 ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached for facility response. Facility noted they received results that indicated a previous stack test for particulate emissions from the Recovery Furnace Failed. I don't necessarily think this would increase odors, but I will note here that a Notice of Violation was issued for the particulate emissions limit exceedance on 5/15/23 (NOV 21722). Facility also noted 19 second of venting, but facility is allowed a certain percentage of vent time under the federal rules. |
| 2023-04-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722125 | Mill odor?????? 11am Mill/Discovery Level 10 inside car Thursday 4/13/23 Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached for facility response. Facility noted they received results that indicated a previous stack test for particulate emissions from the Recovery Furnace Failed. I don't necessarily think this would increase odors, but I will note here that a Notice of Violation was issued for the particulate emissions limit exceedance on 5/15/23 (NOV 21722). |
| 2023-04-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 722055 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 4/10/23 • Date: 4/10/23 • Time: approx 21:38 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs | [redacted]: See attached for facility response. Facility noted they received results that indicated a previous stack test for particulate emissions from the Recovery Furnace Failed. I don't necessarily think this would increase odors, but I will note here that a Notice of Violation was issued for the particulate emissions limit exceedance on 5/15/23 (NOV 21722). |
| 2023-04-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721849 | From [redacted] (Prefers not to provide last name) Day: April 1st Time: 7:30 PM Location: North Beach [redacted] Townsend | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721810 | Port Townsend Paper Corp Odor Complaint [redacted] you please enter this odor complaint for the attached voicemail into ERTS for Port Townsend Paper Corporation? From: [redacted] (prefers not to provide last name) Cleveland and 55th [redacted] Townsend [redacted] 31, 2023 5:30 AM Thank you, [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721835 | Paper mill Smell Hi , reporting stinky smell from Paper Mill on Hey 20 heading into PT by roundabout at Sims and Rainier. This seems to be the stinky spot. Thanks [redacted] [redacted] Please excuse any grammatical errors?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-03-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721694 | Time: March 25, 2:45 AM Location: Off of Cleveland Street in North Beach [redacted] Townsend Comments: Strong in the middle of the night, had to shut windows in home. | [redacted]: see facility response |
| 2023-03-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721687 | We just came to Port Townsend and at approx 2:08 at the roundabout of Sims Way and Rainier and the odor was strong from PTPC again. | [redacted]: see facility response |
| 2023-03-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721664 | Caller reported a mill odor detected at 54th St & Cleveland St. Time of occurrence is 08:45 on 03/24/2023. | [redacted]: see facility response |
| 2023-03-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721691 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 3/24/23 • Date: 3/24/23 • Time: approx 1514 • Location: County courthouse, Port Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-03-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721655 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 3/23/23 • Date: 3/23/23 • Time: approx 1541 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs | [redacted]: see attached facility response |
| 2023-03-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721528 | Port Townsend Mill odor Hi. Today from 11 AM - 12:30 I was outside at Caswell [redacted] on Mill Rd. PTPC plume sporadically wafted over us. By the time I left I was coughing which continued about 45 minutes. I used my rescue inhalers and eventually passed out from exhaustion from coughing for a couple of hours. Woke up and have been fine since. I have COPD. This is the first time I have personally experienced how dangerous these fumes are for me. It was awful. [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend, WA 98368 [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| 2023-03-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721529 | Date of Incident: March 17, 2023 at 3:00 AM Date of Report: March 17, 2023 at 9:55 AM Complainant: [redacted] Caller reports that beginning at 3 AM to the time of the phone call (9:55 AM) they experienced severe odors. Caller states that they can’t open their windows. They want their report officially logged. | [redacted]: see attached facility response. |
| 2023-03-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721422 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel, I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/15/22 Time: 8:28 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate, since there’s no way I would venture outdoors. The stench is overpowering. [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| 2023-03-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721409 | PTPC odor report Hello, we live across the bay from the Port Townsend Paper Mill and went into PT Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, the 11th and the 12th of March. The smell from the paper mill was more disgusting than usual and we all know how unhealthy it is. Please tell me what is being done by ecology about this. Thank you, [redacted] and [redacted] [redacted] Please excuse any grammatical errors?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See facility response. Low ASB inlet pH and low tide may have contributed to odors. |
| 2023-03-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 721255 | Mill Stench 7:58am Wednesday 3/8/23 [redacted]/H 9/10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See response from facility. No unusual operations noted. |
| 2023-02-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720959 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 2/17/23 I would like to report odor coming from the Port Townsend Paper Mill: • Date: 2/17/23 • Time: approx 1605 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs • Any health impacts experienced Thank you. Best regards, [redacted] | [redacted]: See response from mill. Air pollution control equipment was operating as required. Inlet to wastewater system pH was low, which may have contributed to odors, but does not constitute noncompliance. |
| 2023-02-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720809 | PTPC odor report Hello, I want to report the odor emanating from the paper mill today. It smells like cigarette smoke almost and like cigarette smoke, it made me feel nauseous. I know it isn’t cigarette smoke as I live on a cul-de-sac where lot sizes average .5 acres and no one near me is a smoker. Behind my lot are woods. I have been smelling this odor now for quite some time (years) when the conditions are right, like today. Today’s date is 2/11/23; time, 5:20pm; temp, 43; humidity, 88%; wind calm; mostly cloudy. Pressure 30.32 inHg and falling. Thank you for your time. [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend, 98368 [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: See response from facility. No unusual operations identified. Smell does not match typical pulp and paper profile. Also referred to local clean air agency. |
| 2023-02-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720705 | Port Townsend Mill Odor Odor report #437 against PTPC Date: 2-7-23 Intensity: 10 out of [redacted] Time: 12:15 pm Sulphuric chemical odor mixed with a sewage odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. Can not be outdoors as the odor is overwhelming and it makes me want to throw-up. The odor has also penetrated my home. It’s absolutely shameful that the DOE is unequivocally captured by the industries its supposed to protect me from. I have zero trust in the DOE. | [redacted]: Mill completed investigation. No unusual operating conditions. Low tide occurred at 11:29 which may have contributed to odors experienced. |
| 2023-02-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720566 | Port Townsend Paper Mill - noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel, I understand that you are the person who registers odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/2/22 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate, since there’s no way I would venture outdoors. The stench is overpowering. [redacted] | [redacted]: See response from facility in attachments. Evaporator condensate conductivity may have caused increased odors. No violations noted. |
| 2023-01-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720505 | From: [redacted] (otherwise wishes to be [redacted]) Received 1/30 8:35 AM Time Odors Experienced: 3 AM – 8:30 AM, 1/30/2023 Location: Cleveland [redacted] Beach [redacted] Townsend Smell is strong, can’t go outside or open windows. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the exception of inlet pH being below 7.0 standard units, which may have led to an increase in odors. Low tide may have increased the amount of odors the complainant experienced. The wind directions during this time were: 00:00 W, 05:09 SW, 05:39 W, 05:54 SW, 06:19 NW, 06:34 SW, 07:49 SE, 08:30 SE at 0-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 04:23 (6.7 ft). ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720504 | I'd like to report an environmental issue Hello, I'm a [redacted] of Port [redacted] and would like to report an issue related to air quality in Port Townsend (PT). Coming up the hill from downtown PT, the odor of The PT Paper Mill was extreme and started as we approached Sheridan Street and peaked at Mill Road. The smell was nauseating and what I would describe as a putrid sulfur odor. My concern is primarily for people who live and work in this area and their repeated exposure to this [redacted] air quality. I would appreciate your reply and any information you can provide. Thank you, [redacted], RN | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the except of inlet pH to the ASB being less than 7.0 standard units. This may have caused a temporary increase in odors. Inlet pH of the ASB being less than 7.0 standard units does not indicate non- compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 16:50 SE, 17:49 S, 18:14 SE, 18:44 S, 20:01 SW at 3-8 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720504 | Port Townsend Mill Odor report #436 against PTPC Date: 1-27-23 Intensity: 8 out of [redacted] Time: 7:50 pm Sulphuric chemical odor mixed with a sewage odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. Can not be outdoors as the odor is overwhelming and it makes me want to throw-up. The odor has also penetrated my home. It’s absolutely shameful that the DOE is unequivocally captured by the industries its supposed to protect me from. I have zero trust in the DOE. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the except of inlet pH to the ASB being less than 7.0 standard units. This may have caused a temporary increase in odors. Inlet pH of the ASB being less than 7.0 standard units does not indicate non- compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 16:50 SE, 17:49 S, 18:14 SE, 18:44 S, 20:01 SW at 3-8 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720440 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 1/26/23 I would like to report odor coming from the Port Townsend Paper Mill: • Date: 1/26/2023 • Time: approx 7.00 am • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs • Any health impacts experienced Thank you. Best regards, [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the exception of the inlet pH to the wastewater treatment plant being less than 7, which may have contributed to an increase in odors. Inlet pH being below 7 does not indicate non-compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 04:34 SW, 05:04 S, 05:19 W, 06:09 SW, 07:19 SW, 09:37 SW at 0-3 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720440 | Mill stench 9am Th [redacted] 26, 2023 [redacted]/H Level 8 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the exception of the inlet pH to the wastewater treatment plant being less than 7, which may have contributed to an increase in odors. Inlet pH being below 7 does not indicate non-compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 04:34 SW, 05:04 S, 05:19 W, 06:09 SW, 07:19 SW, 09:37 SW at 0-3 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720440 | Mill stench 9:37am Jefferson Hospital January 26, 2023 In parking lot about half an hour ago, and in Oncology Through filters and mask ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the exception of the inlet pH to the wastewater treatment plant being less than 7, which may have contributed to an increase in odors. Inlet pH being below 7 does not indicate non-compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 04:34 SW, 05:04 S, 05:19 W, 06:09 SW, 07:19 SW, 09:37 SW at 0-3 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720440 | Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor report #435 against PTPC Date: 1-26-23 Intensity: 8 out of [redacted] Time: 9:40am Sulphuric chemical odor mixed with a sewage odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. Can not be outdoors as the odor is overwhelming and it makes me want to throw-up. The odor has also penetrated my home. It’s absolutely shameful that the DOE is unequivocally captured by the industries its supposed to protect me from. I have zero trust in the DOE. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint, with the exception of the inlet pH to the wastewater treatment plant being less than 7, which may have contributed to an increase in odors. Inlet pH being below 7 does not indicate non-compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 04:34 SW, 05:04 S, 05:19 W, 06:09 SW, 07:19 SW, 09:37 SW at 0-3 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720363 | Port Townsend odor Odor report #434 against PTPC Date: 1-21-23 Intensity: 10 out of [redacted] Time: 9:45am Sulphuric chemical odor mixed with sewage odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. Can not be outside for any reason. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations / appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint. / / The wind directions during this time were: 06:45 SE, 08:20 SW, 09:17 S, 09:33 SE, / 09:45 SE at 4-17 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and / APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The / PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources / are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift / stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City / biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil / furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and / livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential / cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon / and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. / Follow-up owners / Status: Accepted / Organization: WA Ecology / First name: [redacted] / Last name: [redacted] / Is external?: N / Email: [redacted] / Phone number: [redacted] / Comments: |
| 2023-01-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720112 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor & NOISE Report 1/11/23 Dear [redacted] only was there terrible smell on Tuesday 1/10/23, but tonight there is incessant noise and people are saying it’s from PTPC. Where do I report this noise? See the FB Community Posts:mibextid=S66gvFmibextid=S66gvFmibextid=S66gvFmibextid=S66gvF • Date: 1/10/2023 • Time: approx 1900 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs • Any health impacts experienced • Date: 1/11/2023 • Time: approx midnight and still at 0153 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • NOISE that sounds like airplanes flying above • Any health impacts experienced: LOSS OF SLEEP and I’m not the only one, see the FB Posts Thank you so much. Best regards, [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 16:00 SW, 16:54 W, 17:44 SW, 18:04 W, 19:00 W at 0-3 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2023-01-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 720118 | PTPC odor report Hi [redacted] pulp mill has smelled rather heinous over the last four days(8-11th of January). It's also been making a jet engine or loud freeway noise since 11pm last night. We live at least 10 miles away and I can still hear it this morning. I know there's not much that can be done, but I thought it would help for your record keeping! All the best, [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Non-condensable gas venting occurred for a few minutes twice during the week of the complaint. The venting does not necessarily constitute a violation of their AOP (compliance is determined based on percent of venting time over a 6-month period). The wind directions as daily average was SSE or SE at 0-39 mph. There was LVHC NCG venting for 6.4 minutes on 1/8/23 and for 7.5 minutes on 1/9/23. There were overcast conditions most days. Low tides ranged -0.1 ft to -1.0 ft and occurred between 10:52 PM and 12:04 AM each day. Operations varied between millwide steam outage and normal. APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-12-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719623 | mIll odor 10:08am, 10:10am 12/18/22 Level 10 F/Cherry; [redacted]/H ?????????? | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 07:10 SW, 08:44 W, 09:39 SW, 09:54 SE, 10:10 SE at 0-8 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-12-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719439 | Re: Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 12/8/22 I would like to report odor coming from the Port Townsend Paper Mill: • Date: 12/8/2022 • Time: 16:32 • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs • Any health impacts experienced Thank you. Best regards, [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 13:32 NW, 15:09 S, 16:14 SW, 16:32 SW at 0- 6 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-12-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719334 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/4/22 Time: 3:55 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate, since there’s no way I would venture outdoors. The stench is overpowering. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 12:55 NE, 13:59 E, 14:14 NE, 14:39 S, 15:55 S at 0-5 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-11-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719279 | Port Townsend Paper Mill Odor Report 11/30/[redacted] to report? I would like to report odor coming from the Port Townsend Paper Mill: • Date: 11/30/2022 • Time: 17:17 but started about an hour ago • Location: [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368 • Odor description: rotten eggs & sewer • Any health impacts experienced Thank you. Best regards, [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted port townsend paper corporation regarding this incident. Their response is below. A shutdown that occurred at 5pm may have temporarily caused an increase in odors. All other operations appeared to be normal. The wind directions during this time were: 13:00 NW, 13:24 N, 13:34 E, 13:49 SE, 14:24 S, 15:34 SW, 16:14 S, 16:34 SW, 16:49 W, 17:34 S, 17:49 SW, 17:55 SW at 0-10 mph. Paper Machine #2 and B-side pulping came offline approximately 17:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-11-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719279 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/30/22 Time: 5:55 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate, since there’s no way I would venture outdoors. The stench is overpowering. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted port townsend paper corporation regarding this incident. Their response is below. A shutdown that occurred at 5pm may have temporarily caused an increase in odors. All other operations appeared to be normal. The wind directions during this time were: 13:00 NW, 13:24 N, 13:34 E, 13:49 SE, 14:24 S, 15:34 SW, 16:14 S, 16:34 SW, 16:49 W, 17:34 S, 17:49 SW, 17:55 SW at 0-10 mph. Paper Machine #2 and B-side pulping came offline approximately 17:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-11-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719176 | Mill stench Mill and Discovery 9;12am 11/23/22 8 in car with filters on ???? Sending thoughts and prayers... Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Below is their response. Condensate Conductivity was elevated which may have caused more odors. A portion of the pulping (odor-causing) process was offline. The wind directions during this time were: 06:12 SW, 06:29 S, 07:29 SE, 09:12 SE at 2- 11 mph. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. B side pulping and Paper Machine #2 were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-11-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 719074 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/17/22 Time: 6:35 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Fortunately I do not have any outdoor activities planned. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Operations appeared normal. Some of the pulping (odor-causing) equipment was offline. The wind directions during this time were: 15:35 SW, 15:49 W, 16:14 SW, 16:29 W, 18:35 W at 0-5 mph. B side pulping and Paper Machine #2 were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-11-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718733 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/1/22 Time: 7:40 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Elevated condensate conductivity occurred at the time of the event which may have caused an increase in odors. The wind directions during this time were: 04:40 W, 05:34 SW, 06:14 W, 06:39 SW, 07:40 SW at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 03:47 (-0.8 ft) and there were overcast, and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. C side pulping and Paper Machine #1 were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-10-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718459 | Caller reported odor at 9:15 AM, [redacted] in the North Beach area in Port Townsend. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. High humidity and low tide may have increased odors in the area. The wind directions during this time were: 06:15 SW, 06:24 W, 07:59 SW, 08:44 W, 09:15 W at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:03 (2.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-10-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718093 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/7/22 Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Canceled plans to work outdoors in garden. The odor is overpoweringly repulsive. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this complaint. Operations appears to be normal at the time of the complaint. Air quality and weather patterns may have increased odors. The wind directions during this time were: 05:30 N, 07:14 NW, 07:44 SW, 08:34 NE, 09:24 E, 11:59 SE, 12:44 NW, 12:59 W, 15:00 NW, 16:44 W, 17:30 W at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:30 (0.4 ft). There were foggy, humid and hazy conditions. Air quality for the area was rated as "moderate". Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-10-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718093 | Caller who wished to be identified as "[redacted]" reported that she experienced odors this morning at 9:25 AM near North Beach in Port Townsend. She believes the odors are from the Port Townsend Paper Mill. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this complaint. Operations appears to be normal at the time of the complaint. Air quality and weather patterns may have increased odors. The wind directions during this time were: 05:30 N, 07:14 NW, 07:44 SW, 08:34 NE, 09:24 E, 11:59 SE, 12:44 NW, 12:59 W, 15:00 NW, 16:44 W, 17:30 W at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:30 (0.4 ft). There were foggy, humid and hazy conditions. Air quality for the area was rated as "moderate". Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-10-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718093 | Re: Mill stench Good information. Thanks. 10/7 9am [redacted]/H 10 outside???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this complaint. Operations appears to be normal at the time of the complaint. Air quality and weather patterns may have increased odors. The wind directions during this time were: 05:30 N, 07:14 NW, 07:44 SW, 08:34 NE, 09:24 E, 11:59 SE, 12:44 NW, 12:59 W, 15:00 NW, 16:44 W, 17:30 W at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:30 (0.4 ft). There were foggy, humid and hazy conditions. Air quality for the area was rated as "moderate". Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-10-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718010 | Caller reported that she smelled a strong odor from the paper mill at 22:30 on 10/02/2022. The odor was strong enough to cause her to shut her windows. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the inspection. No violation was found or reported. The wind directions during this time were: 19:30 W, 21:39 SW, 22:04 W, 22:30 W at 0-1 mph. There were hazy conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 718094 | Mill stench I know it is too late but wanted to share this data. Last Tuesday, 9/27/22 At the Edmonds ferry 8:18am terminal (not 9:40 in Kingston) and again on the Hood Canal bridge about 7 mi away, so about 10am, the characteristic mill odor was clearly identifiable inside the car.?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: This complaint was submitted several days after the odors were experienced, which made it difficult to troubleshoot potential source of the odor. There were no instances of non-compliance found in the September monthly air monitoring report. PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717690 | PT Mill Odor Odor report #433 against PTPC Date: 9/16/22 Intensity: 10 out of [redacted] Time: 5:35am Sulphuric chemical odor mixed with sewage odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. Stop protecting PTPC and protect the communities health. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the complaint. No violation was reported or found. The wind directions during this time were: 02:35 W, 03:39 SW, 03:49 SE, 05:35 SE at 1- 11 mph. Low tide occurred at 02:45 (0.4 ft) and there were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717652 | Mill Smell In Hadlock [redacted], Sept 14th, at around 6:30pm, PTPC smell STRONGLY wafted into my business on Rhody Drive in Port Hadlock. At least 8 customers noticed and mentioned the smell and I felt nauseous for about 3 hours. I've lived in Port Hadlock for 3 years now and this is the worst smelling mill year I've experienced. My house, car and business smell like PTPC (poopy and rotten) almost every day and I often don't want to sit in my backyard because of the smell. Please implement newer and better technology at the Port Townsend Paper Mill so that Port Hadlock can be a sweet place to live! I want to stay and run my business here, but I also can't imagine smelling this smell for the rest of my life. -[redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the complaint. No violation was found or reported. The wind directions during this time were: 15:30 NW, 16:39 W, 17:34 NW, 18:14 W, 18:30 W at 1-11 mph. There were hazy and overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717654 | Complaint The Port Townsend pulp mill continues to generate an unhealthy level of air pollution at my home ten miles away to the south. The past 24 hours have been at an even higher level than what it usually does. Please file this as a formal complaint with the appropriate officials at Ecology. Please respond via email to let me know you received this. Please also provide me the email address of the Ecology official cataloguing complaints regarding this mill. Thank you for your assistance. [redacted] Sent from [redacted]'s iPhone | [redacted]: Additional information received from complainant 11:23 AM 9/14/22. Email with additional information uploaded to attachments. || [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this complaint. Their response is below. Generally wind would not have blown odors towards this location. Operations were normal. No violations were reported or discovered. The wind directions during this time were: 14:00 S, 15:09 NW, 16:24 W, 17:29 NW, 20:09 W, 21:24 SW, 21:44 W, 22:04 SW, 22:34 S, 00:00 SE, 01:59 S, 02:24 SW, 02:59 N, 03:24 SW, 03:44 W, 05:44 SW, 06:44 S, 06:59 SW, 07:34 S, 08:34 SE, 11:15 SE at 0 -11 mph. Low tide occurred at 01:12 (0.9 ft) and there were hazy, humid and overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717575 | Port Townsnd Paper Mill - noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 9/12/22 Time: 9:10 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too smelly to engage in outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the complaint. No violation was reported or discovered. The wind directions during this time were: 06:10 W, 06:34 SE, 09:20 SE at 0-3 mph. There were hazy and overcast conditions. C-side pulping was offline. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717575 | Mill stench 9/22/22 9:20am 10 level ?????? [redacted]/h Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the complaint. No violation was reported or discovered. The wind directions during this time were: 06:10 W, 06:34 SE, 09:20 SE at 0-3 mph. There were hazy and overcast conditions. C-side pulping was offline. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717576 | Unidentified caller reported a strong odor from Port Townsend Paper Corporation at 09:00 on 09/11/2022. She smelled the odor from the intersection of Jackman St and 53rd St. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the event. The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 NW, 06:34 W. 06:59 NE, 07:09 S, 07:19 NW, 07:54 NE, 08:39 N, 09:00 N at 0-3 mph. There were hazy conditions, and air quality was rated "unhealthy" from wildfire smoke. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-09-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717424 | Caller reported a strong pulp mill odor at approximately 02:00 on 09/04/2022. The odor caused her to shut all windows in her house. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Additional odors may have been generated due to higher pollution being sent to their WWTP as demonstrated by the low pH. No violation was found or reported. The wind directions during this time were: 23:00 W, 00:00 SE, 00:44 NE, 01:09 W, 01:24 NW, 02:00 SW at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-08-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717378 | FWD: (Investigations/Other - FY22-[redacted]-CV) Regional Tip and/or Complaint - Washington 09/01/2022 SUBJECT: FWD: (Investigations/Other - FY22-[redacted]-CV) Regional Tip and/or Complaint - Washington FROM: [redacted] TO: [redacted] CC: 9/1/2022 12:10 AM HQ LEAD NUMBER: FY22-[redacted]-CV SUBJECT: Regional Tip and/or Complaint - Washington FROM: [redacted] TO: Name: [redacted] Phone: [redacted] Alleged Violator's Name: Port Townsend Paper Corporation Alleged Violator's Address: [redacted] Alleged Violator's City: Chimacum Alleged Violator's State: Washington Alleged Violator's Zip: 98325 Tip or Complaint: At about 5 PM - 6:00 PM or later the smell in Chimacum from the Papermill was extremely bad and smelled like sewer. I used to live in Port Townsend and had to deal with the paper mill smell in my business and occasionally could not open my business because the smell was so extreme. I've moved away and have been staying for a few weeks at the Evergreen COHO park in Chimacum and have had several irritating experiences with the smell ... BUT TODAY WAS UNBEARABLE. I began to sense the smell between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and opened all my windows, turned on my fans and it just got worse. Finally I was experiencing a headache and nausea. I grabbed ny purse and ran out of the RV, jumped into my car and drove to the Carroll regional park. I called to Evergreen COHO park to complain. I ended up driving to Port Townsend North Beach and staying there for a couple of hours. By the time I came back the smell was gone. My HUGE concern is that there are elders that live in this park that can't leave during an extreme lease of smell, chemicals or whatever it is and they are vulnerable. Violation Still Occurring? No State DEP/DEQ/DEM Notified? No | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this complaint. Their response is below. Operations were normal at the time of the violation. No violation was reported or found. The wind directions during this time were: 14:00 SE, 15:00 S, 16:04 SE, 17:24 SW, 17:44 S, 18:00 SE at 0-5 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-08-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717280 | I received an Odor complaint this morning from “[redacted]”. She is experiencing odors from 8-8:40 AM, close to Jackman & 54th street in Port Townsend. She expects the smell is from the Port Townsend Paper Mill and described the odor as cabbage-like. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. There may have been a temporary increase in emissions due to equipment coming on and offline. High humidity may have increased perceived amount of odors. No violation was reported or discovered. The wind directions during this time were: 05:00 W, 08:09 SE, 08:40 SE at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. C side pulping came online and Paper Machine #1 went offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-08-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 717217 | Mill odor 3 in car Yesterday, 8/22/22 12:54pm At Welcome to Port Townsend sign, Mill/Discovery Level 10 ?????? | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. There may have been a temporary increase in emissions with B side pulping and PM No.2 shutdown. No violation was found or reported. The wind directions during this time were: 09:54 E, 12:14 SE, 12:34 E, 12:54 E at 1-6 mph. B side pulping and Paper Machine #2 offline at approximately 10:15. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716974 | Mill stink 11-11:15 am August 15 Water/Sims by Food CoOp 10 level in car ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response was below. Recovery TRS emissions likely created additional odors in the area. No violations with PTPC's air operating permit were found or reported. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 E, 10:04 NE, 10:19 SE, 10:44 E, 11:15 E at 0-9 mph. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Recovery TRS was elevated shortly after start up. Partial mill shutdown including B side pulping, and Paper Machine #2. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-08-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716812 | Time: 6 AM this morning, August 8th Location: 54th and Cleveland St Comments: Cooked cabbage type odor. Smell continuously getting worse. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Mill operations were normal or partially shutdown. Low tide may have contributed to odors in the area. PTPC's response is below. The wind directions during this time were: 03:00 NE, 05:23 W, 06:14 SW, 06:44 NW, 07:00 NW at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 07:20 (-1.7 ft). Partial mill shutdown including pulping, Paper Machine #2 and #10 Power Boiler. Online operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-08-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716806 | Mill stench There was recently a post on Nextdoor whether to close PTPC. It attracted predictable attention. I realized none of the folks I know with chemical sensitivity whom the fumes literally make sick have called for it to close. We appreciate what it has done well. Certainly it can fix the stench. We have had guests for the first time since COVID and I am constantly apologizing for the smell they wake up to. I haven’t posted all, because, well: guests. But last night was bad at [redacted]/H 8/7/22 6:30am ???????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response was below. Operations were normal at the time of the complaint. Low tide may have contributed to odors experienced in the area. The wind directions during this time were: 03:30 NW, 04:24 W, 04:54 NE, 05:19 S, 05:34 N, 06:14 NE, 06:30 W at 0-8 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:25 (-0.9 ft). ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716656 | I'd like to report an environmental issue with the Port Townsend paper mill Port Townsend Paper Mill. With the hot weather we have been trying to leave our windows open at night. The evening starts off ok but then the paper mill odor is so strong in the middle of the night that it wakes us up. We can't even air out the house to sleep. Please do something. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology asked the complainant to identify the last day they experienced odors and the specific time of day. No further information was received. |
| 2022-07-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716543 | PTPC odor report Hello [redacted], I am writing to report that the odor from th paper mill in Port Townsend was particularly bad early this morning. We live off of Snagstead Way close to Discovery Road. We were awakened at 4am this morning with the unmistakable odor of the paper mill. Do you know why it was emanating odor at such an early hour? It is sad that such a beautiful place has this bad odor. It can’t be healthy. Please let me know if you need any more information. Sincerely- [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal. The wind directions during this time were: 01:00 E, 05:09 SW, 06:14 NW, 07:00 N at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716543 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/27/22 Time: 7:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The windows were open to cool the house, and I had to race around to close them all. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal. The wind directions during this time were: 01:00 E, 05:09 SW, 06:14 NW, 07:00 N at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716543 | I received a phone call this morning from a caller who only wished to be identified as “[redacted]”. She said she experienced odors in the North Beach area this morning, July 27th at 7:00 AM. She suspected the odor was from Port Townsend Paper Corporation. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal. The wind directions during this time were: 01:00 E, 05:09 SW, 06:14 NW, 07:00 N at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716472 | 9:52 stinky mill 7/23/22 9:52 am Reported by my grandkids 8 and 5 Mill and Discovery by homeless shelter and Welcome to PT sign ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about the incident. Their response is below. High evaporator condensate conductivity may be indicative of more odors being generated. Foggy, overcast conditions may have trapped odors in the area. No non-compliance is indicated at the time of this event. The wind directions during this time were: 06:52 SW, 07:44 S, 07:59 SE, 09:52 SE at 1-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 07:31 (-0.1 ft) and there were foggy and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Many operations were offline. Online operations were normal and air pollution control equipment is within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716324 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/18/22 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contact PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Elevated condensate conductivity may be indicative of a higher level of odors. All other other operations were normal and no non-compliance is indicated. The wind directions during this time were: 04:30 SW, 04:49 W, 05:09 SW, 07:30 SW at 3 -8 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated as evaporators went offline. Recovery and C side pulping offline. Other operations normal and air pollution control equipment within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716323 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/17/22 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 W, 06:09 NW, 06:29 SW, 07:24 S, 08:50 S at 0-6 mph. Operations were normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716322 | Mill stench Smelling the Papermill again. Discovery/Mill at the Welcome to PT sign. 1:50pm 7/15/22 And [redacted], 5, says ‘it is stinky.’ Car windows closed 10/10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted the mil about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 10:50 SE, 11:30 NE, 13:19 E, 13:44 NE, 13:50 NE at 2-10 mph. Low tide occurred at 11:46 (-3.3 ft). Operations were normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716320 | Mill stench 7/14/22 7:19am [redacted]/H 5/10 level ?????????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared normal at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 04:19 S, 04:39 W, 05:09 SW, 05:49 W, 07:24 SW, 08:14 S, 08:49 SE, 09:29 E, 11:04 E at 0-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:58 (-3.7 ft) and there was high humidity. C side pulping was offline. Other operations normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716320 | Mill odor 7/14/22 Just wanna log that PTPC stinks(10/10 with car windows closed right now, (11:04am) and that was at the welcome to port Townsend sign (Mill/Discovery)and [redacted] (5) says it is PU. Thanks [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this incident. Their response is below. Operations appeared normal at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 04:19 S, 04:39 W, 05:09 SW, 05:49 W, 07:24 SW, 08:14 S, 08:49 SE, 09:29 E, 11:04 E at 0-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:58 (-3.7 ft) and there was high humidity. C side pulping was offline. Other operations normal and air pollution control equipment was within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716319 | PTPC odor report Hi/ we are getting the pulp mill smell over here in oak bay. [redacted]. It’s pretty strong and stinky. What is contained in the smell? Is it harmful to breathe? We are just a few houses down from Oak Bay Campgound. Thanks/ [redacted] July 11 4:23 pm. We Have been smelling the smell since we woke up this morning. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Operations / appeared normal at the time of the complaint. / / The wind directions during this time were: 07:00 NW, 09:39 E, 10:19 NW, 16:23 NW at 1 / -13 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:34 (-2.6 ft). Operations were normal and air pollution / control equipment within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system / ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor / sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment / lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City / biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil / furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and / livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential / cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon / and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716318 | Mill odor [redacted] (8) would like to log in the smelling of the ‘stinky Papermill’at the welcome to port Townsend sign at Mill and Discovery, 12:22 PM on [redacted] 10, 2022, and [redacted] (5) says that it is ‘so stinky’. Thanks Their Mom Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this incident. Their response is below. Elevated conductivity in wastewater (high levels of contaminants) could have been the cause of the odors, but this does not indicate non-compliance. The wind directions during this time were: 09:22 E, 09:39 NE, 09:59 E, 10:39 SE, 12:22 SE at 0-9 mph. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and air pollution control equipment is within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716021 | PT paper mill 7/5/22 Hi [redacted], I understand you are now back in the office. I have another incident of foul odor to report on my way to work this morning (0830). It was quite foggy this morning, contributing to the lingering effect of the odor that was nauseating. It made me gag and I'm otherwise in good health. Please let me know if I might need to report this elsewhere. Thanks for your help. [redacted] [redacted], RN | [redacted]: Ecology contacted the paper mill regarding this complaint. Their response is below. Operations were normal and the facility did not report any non-compliance. Sulfurous odors are an inherent part of the papermaking process due to sulfur-containing chemicals used in the papermaking process. The wind directions during this time were: 05:30 NE, 05:59 SE, 06:54 E, 08:30 E at 1-8 mph. There were foggy conditions. Operations were normal and air pollution control equipment within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON (used to control odors at WWTP). The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716003 | PT paper mill Hi [redacted] you are the contact for issues related to PT Paper Mill. The odor from PTPC early this afternoon was extremely offensive. Passing in my car at first roundabout in PT. High intensity sulfur odor is the best way I know to describe it. I am an RN here in PT and often hear it stated that this is "the smell of money". I consider this to be the smell of a public health concern. I did just begin work as an RN for Home Health (office is at first roundabout in PT) and noted last Tuesday for about an hour, an indescribable, but offensive odor from PTPC around 1030- 1130. I did experience a headache, I believe was directly related to the odor. My concern is that air quality standards are being met or exceeded and that the public's health is being protected. Any information you can offer would be appreciated. [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Ecology also e- mailed the complainant on 7/6/2022 as they requested additional information from Ecology. Low tide occurred near the time of both complaints, which may have contributed to odors experienced. It was also humid on July 4 at the time of the complaint, which may have also contributed to odors experienced. Operations at PTPC appeared to me normal at the time of the complaint. 6/28 Complaint The wind directions during this time were: 07:30 NE, 08:39 N, 09:19 NE, 10:24 SE, 10:34 SW, 10:49 SE, 11:30 SE. Low tide occurred at 10:18 (-1.7 ft). Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 7/4 Complaint The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 SE, 14:00 SE at 2-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:03 (-0.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-07-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 716020 | Port Townsend paper mill [redacted] a civil engineer who owns property in Port Townsend I am sometimes in the area. I notice when the wind is non existent, there are strong sulfur like odors all over the area. This makes me think PTPC is not cleaning their emissions before releasing them into the atmosphere. Has the EPA investigated this mill and their emissions? note this odor occurs almost daily based on reports I have heard, and my own observations -[redacted]~ | [redacted]: This was not a specific complaint about an incident but rather a general question about odors. Ecology responded to this email on July 5 and provided additional information to [redacted]. |
| 2022-06-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715879 | Mill stench Last 2 nights family woke with choking stench [redacted]/H Overnight 6/27 and 6/28 10 level [redacted] MD M, 8 W, 5 Us 75+ ?????????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Operations appeared to be normal during the time of the complaint. Humidity on 6/28 may have increased the perceived intensity of the odors. Response 6/27 complaint The wind directions during this time were: 03:00 W, 03:44 NW, 04:14 W, 04:39 NW, 05:29 NE, 06:00 NE at 0-3 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Response 6/28 complaint The wind directions during this time were: 03:00 NW, 05:04 SW, 05:09 E, 05:24 N, 05:54 W, 07:19 NE, 08:39 N, 09:19 NE, 10:00 NE at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. B side pulping and #2 Paper Machine were offline part of the period. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-06-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715762 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/23/22 Time: 7:05 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Their response is below. Low pH at the inlet to the ASB (aerated stabilization basin) may be indicative of increased odors. Startups and shutdowns at the facility may be indicative of increased odors. The wind directions during this time were: 04:05 W, 04:34 SW, 05:29 W, 06:09 SW, 06:34 W, 06:39 SW, 07:05 SW at 0-5 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. E Evaporators offline and B side pulp came online at 05:50. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-06-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715712 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/21/22 Time: 7:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this incident. Air pollution control equipment was operating within normal operating ranges. Fog may have increased the intensity of odors inherent with PTPC"s paper making process. Low tide also occurred roughly an hour before the complaint, which may have contributed to odors the person experience. The wind was calm and wind directions during this time were: 04:20 W, 06:09 E, 06:29 SE, 07:20 SE. Low tide occurred at 06:17 (3.4 ft) and there were foggy conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-06-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715618 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/16/22 Time: 8:10 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Air pollution control equipment was operating within normal ranges at the time of the event. Their full response is below. The wind directions during this time were: 05:10 W, 06:09 SW, 06:29 NW, 06:44 SE, 07:59 NE, 8:10 NE at 0-5 mph. C-side pulping offline at 07:50. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-06-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715438 | Mill odor Odor report #432 against PTPC Date: 6/9/3022 Intensity: 10 out of [redacted] x-apple-data-detectors://2 Time: 4:40am Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. PTPC's odor is also present throughout my home and woke me up. You need to do something about this. Stop protecting PTPC and protect the communities health! Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Low inlet pH to the wastewater treatment aeration stabilization basin may have cause increased odors at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 01:40 W, 01:54 SE, 04:14 N, 04:34 NE, 04:40 NE at 0-8 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-06-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715330 | Entering the perpetual stink zone By the homeless shelter and welcome to PT sign SR19/Mill 9:37am Sat 6/4/22 Level 10in car; filters on, windows closed ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Below is their response. High humidity may have been the cause of the odors. High inlet loading to the wastewater treatment plant may have been the cause of the odors (causing pH to be less than 7.0). The wind directions during this time were: 06:37 S, 09:37 S at 8-16 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-05-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 715228 | This is an odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Company. See attached. | [redacted]: Complaint 5/27 at 8:40 AM Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. High humidity in the area may have contributed to the increased odors. increased pollutant loading causing low pH at the WWTP inlet may have also been the cause of the increased odors. Below is PTPC's response The wind directions during this time were: 05:40 NW, 05:50 N, 06:19 NE, 06:39 NW, 07:09 SW, 07:24 S, 08:40 S at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Complaint 5/30 at 7:45 AM Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. High humidity in the area may have contributed to the increased odors. increased pollutant loading causing low pH at the WWTP inlet may have also been the cause of the increased odors. Below is PTPC's response The wind directions during this time were: 04:45 SE, 05:49 W, 06:04 SW, 06:54 E, 07:45 SE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714331 | Mill stench ???? And again when our son and grandson came in; same area; same conditions with windows up, level 4, at 4:40pm. And returning 3:52 Upper Sims Rotary to Rainier Rotary More of the same.?? 4/20/22 3:12 pm Rainier Circle to Mill/SR19 by Welcome to PT sign and homeless shelter 10/10 with windows up and filters on Blech Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this odor complaint. Their response is in the paragraph below. PTPC was in compliance with the air wand water permits at the tie of the complaint. Low pH to the aeration basin (ASB) could be indicative of pollutants which caused the smell. The wind directions during this time were: 12:12 SE, 12:44 S, 16:42 S at 10-18 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:19 (-1.9 ft) and there were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714277 | Please see attached email for odor complaint about Port Townsend Paper Company | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this odor complaint. Their response is in the paragraph below. PTPC was in compliance with the air wand water permits at the tie of the complaint. Operations were normal. Chemicals used in the paper making process may have caused the odors. The wind directions during this time were: 09:24 S, 12:24 S at 12 -19 mph. Low tide occurred at 11:53 (-1.3 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714184 | An odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Company. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. At the time of the complaints total reduced sulfur at the recovery furnace was elevated. This may have been the source of the smell. Low tide was also occurred the same morning. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 E, 10:29 SE, 11:09 S, 12:04 SW, 12:44 S, 13:24 SW, 14:54 S, 16:25 S at 2-16 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:16 (4.2 ft). Recovery TRS was elevated. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714186 | An odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Company | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. At the time of the complaints total reduced sulfur at the recovery furnace was elevated. This may have been the source of the smell. However, PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 12:30 SW, 12:44 S, 13:24 SW, 14:54 S, 15:30 S at 3-16 mph. Recovery TRS was elevated. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714217 | See attached email for odor complaint about Port Townsend Paper Company. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. At the time of the complaints total reduced sulfur at the recovery furnace was elevated. This may have been the source of the smell. Low tide was also occurred the same morning. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 E, 10:29 SE, 11:09 S, 12:04 SW, 12:44 S, 13:24 SW, 14:54 S, 16:25 S at 2-16 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:16 (4.2 ft). Recovery TRS was elevated. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714187 | An odor complaint for Port Townsend Paper Company. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Smells may have occurred to low tide and the start-up of certain pieces of equipment at PTPC. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the event. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 S, 10:34 SW, 10:54 S, 11:00 S at 1-17 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:06 (5.0 ft). B side pulping and Paper Machine #1 brought online at 09:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714114 | Port Townsend Mill Smell 4/10/22 7:30pm 19th and Landes 8/10 stink Causing headache Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is in the paragraph below. Low tide occurred just before the complaint. Mill operations were normal. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. Chemicals used in the papermaking process are inherently odorous and may have been the cause of the odor. The wind directions during this time were: 16:30 W, 18:19 NW, 18:34 SW, 19:24 S, 19:30 S at 1-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 18:08 (1.0 ft) and there were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714041 | Mill stench 4/6/22 8:10am [redacted]/H 8 level???? 3:12pm Mill/Discovery by homeless shelter and Welcome to PT 10 level in car with windows up and filters on. ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. evaporator condensate conductivity may have been the source of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. 8:10 AM complaint The wind directions during this time were: 05:10 SW, 05:54 W, 06:34 SW, 08:10 SW at 0 - 1 mph. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 3:12 PM complaint The wind directions during this time were: 12:12 E, 15:12 E at 0 - 10 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:15 (0.1 ft). Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713992 | Mill stench 8:56 Hospital ???? Worse since the water agreement was signed 4/5/22 8:52 [redacted]/H 10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and may have been the source of the odor. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 12:12 E, 15:12 E at 0 - 10 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:15 (0.1 ft). Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713960 | Mill stench Upper Simms rotary to Safeway to Coop Windows up; filters on Level 8/10 Monday 4/4 10:25 am ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response is below. Inlet pH to the ASB (aerated stabilization basin) was elevated during the time of the complaint which may indicate more odor-causing pollutants were in the wastewater treatment plant. However, PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 07:25 NW, 09:19 SW, 09:34 W, 09:59 SW, 10:25 SW at 4-19 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713937 | Mill stench A level [redacted]/ SR19 by Welcome to PT sign 4/2/22 11:09 am Windows closed; filters on ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. The response is below. Inlet pH to the aerated stabilization basin (ASB) may have been the cause of the odors. The low pH may be indicative of an elevated level of pollution going to the wastewater treatment plant. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permit at the time time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 08:09 SW, 08:49 S, 11:09 S at 3-12 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE (air pollution control equipment) within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-04-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 714160 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Ms. Toffel and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/2/22 Time: 8:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. The response is below. Inlet pH to the aerated stabilization basin (ASB) may have been the cause of the odors. The low pH may be indicative of an elevated level of pollution going to the wastewater treatment plant. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permit at the time time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 08:09 SW, 08:49 S, 11:09 S at 3-12 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE (air pollution control equipment) within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713895 | Mill stench Inside with air filters on and windows closed 3/31/22 8;23 am [redacted]/H 10???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response was below. Low pH at the wastewater treatment plant may be indicative of odor-causing pollution in the WWTP. However, PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permit at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 05:23 W, 07:54 SW, 08:23 SW at 0-5 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713895 | Port Townsend Mill smell 3/31/22 8/10 stink 19th and Landes 9:00am Sulfur Respiratory symptoms It looks like more is coming out of the stacks lately, maybe to catch up after the recent conveyor fire? Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. Their response was below. Low pH at the wastewater treatment plant may be indicative of odor-causing pollution in the WWTP. However, PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permit at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 05:23 W, 07:54 SW, 08:23 SW at 0-5 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713870 | Mill stench 8:11am Wednesday 3/30/22 Level 10 [redacted]/H ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Elevated conductivity and lo pH at the wastewater treatment plant may be indicative of elevated levels of pollution at the WWTP which may cause odors. However, PTPC was incompliance with their air and water permits at the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 05:11 SW, 05:29 W, 06:44 S, 07:49 W, 07:49 SW, 08:09 NW, 08:11 NW at 0-6 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was indicated to be elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713828 | Mill smell PTPC smell has been bad and frequent in the mornings lately. I’m reporting for today but there are many times I haven’t had the time to do so. 19th Landes 8:00am 8/10 Sulfur Respiratory symptoms | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Intermittent operations, increased loading to the WWTP may have been the cause of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their permits at the time of the event. The wind directions during this time were: 05:00 W, 07:04 SW, 08:00 S at 0-3 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was indicated to be elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. [redacted] pulping was up and down. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713837 | Mill stench 3/29/22 1:08 SR19/ Mill at Welcome to PT sign Level 10; windows closed; filters on ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. High conductivity in the wastewater and low pH may be indicative of increased levels of pollution to the WWTP which caused the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their air and water permit and the time of the complaint. The wind directions during this time were: 10:08 SE, 11:03 E, 13:08 E at 3-7 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was indicated to be elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. B side pulping offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713752 | PT Mill Hi [redacted], I understand you are the person to contact about odors from our Port Townsend Mill. Again today, the odor is strong as I drive into PT at 1120 am on 3.25.22 (1st roundabout into town). Many people have chemical sensitivities, have survived covid19 with continued respiratory symptoms, the elderly, and those with asthma are greatly effected by this odor and it's subsequent particulates. Than you for hearing my feedback. [redacted] [redacted], RN | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding this event. The source of the odors may have been increased loading to the WWTP. PTPC was in compliance with their air permit at the time of operations. The wind directions during this time were: 08:20 S, 11:20 S at 0-8 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713725 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/24/22 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the odor is offensively strong. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Increased loading to the WWTP may have been the cause of the odor. PTPC was in compliance with their permits at the time of the event. The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 W, 06:19 SW, 06:59 NW, 07:39 W, 08:54 NW, 10:50 NW at 0-11 mph. There were overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713727 | Re: Port Townsend Mill Complaint Thank you. Can I ask what the complaints do? There's no stopping it unless it shuts down, is that about right? Today it's Kala Point, 10:45, odor is pulp mill odor...sulfur smell. [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contact PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Increased WWTP loading may have been the cause of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with the permits at the time of this event. The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 W, 06:19 SW, 06:59 NW, 07:39 W, 08:54 NW, 10:50 NW at 0-11 mph. There were overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713721 | Mill Smell is Worse lately and intolerable [redacted] address is [redacted] Townsend. This is an official complaint that PTPC is causing high nuisance to neighbors near and far and you are also decreasing real estate values and preventing people from moving to the area. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Increased loading to the WWTP may have been the cause of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their permits during this event. The wind directions during this time were: 09:08 S, 11:14 NE, 12:08 E at 0-6 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713688 | Mill stench 3/22/22 2:36 Upper Sims/ Hancock 10 level Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC About this event. Their response is in the paragraph below. Low tide or increased loading to the WWTP may have been the source of thet odors. PTPC was in compliance with their permits at the time of the event. The wind directions during this time were: 11:36 S, 14:19 W, 14:36 W at 2-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 13:55 (-0.4 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713619 | Mill odor 2:45 pm Sunday 3/20 Mill/ Discovery by Welcome to PT and homeless shelter To second traffic circle on Upper Sims PT 10/10; windows up/ filters on ???? 11:24 am Sunday 3/20/22 Mill/Discovery (from Rainier traffic circle) to by the Welcome to PT sign near homeless shelter 8/10 inside car with windows closed and filters on ???? And Friday 3/18 Noon Garfield by Star of the Sea and PTHS workparty 5/10 ?????????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Their response is below. Low tide and increased loading to the WWTP may have been the source of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their permits at the time of the event. Sunday 3/20 11:45 am, 2:45 pm The wind directions during this time were: 08:24 S, 11:59 SE, 13:09 S, 14:29 SE, 14:45 SE at 7-15 mph. There was high humidity and low tide occurred at 12:25 (1.2 ft). ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide Friday 3/18 Noon The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 S, 11:19 SW, 11:54 W, 12:00 W at 2-10 mph. There were overcast conditions and low tide occurred at 11:09 (3.3 ft). Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713643 | PT Paper Mill Hi [redacted] extreme smell from Mill near Hilltop Tavern/First Roundabout in PT. Nauseating odor. Time 920 pm on Sat March 19th, 2022. [redacted] we can put "a lid" on this, so to speak for the health of our community and PTPC workers. [redacted] [redacted] Pt Hadlock, WA | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Increased loading to the WWTP may have been the source of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their permits at the time of the event. The wind directions during this time were: 18:20 NW, 18:44 SW, 21:20 SW at 3-19 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713627 | Port Townsend Paper Mill I am reporting a higher than usual stench coming from the Port Townsend Paper Mill the last few days. I first noticed it when I was driving into town on March 16th around noon. It made me nauseous and gave me a slight headache. About a 10 out of 10 on the strength scale. The next day I was driving on Jacob Miller and Hastings, and while more of and 8/10 in strength, the same nauseating smell. On the 18th, I could even detect it at my home ([redacted]) about 7 miles south of town. Maybe a 3/10, but still that same smell. This is a different, stronger smell than PTPC has had in the past. Please investigate. [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. PTPC's response is in the paragraph below. Low tide, wastewater conductivity, and intermittent operations could have been the source if the odors during these events. PTPC was in compliance with their permit at the time of these events. Complaint March 16th, Noon The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 SE, 10:24 S, 11:19 SE, 12:00 SE at 3- 12 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:13 (5.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. PM2 online 10:10, [redacted] pulping up and down. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Complaint March 17 The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 S, 06:24 SE, 06:54 S, 10:39 SW, 10:49 NW, 12:04 SW, 12:59 SE, 13:59 NW, 17:00 NW at 0-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:38 (4.3 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. C side pulping down and back up between 08:00 and 12:00, PM1 down at 15:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Complaint March 18th The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 NW, 07:24 N, 07:44 NE, 08:29 SW, 08:49 S, 11:19 SW, 11:54 W, 12:54 NW, 13:39 NE, 14:44 E, 15:04 S, 17:00 S at 0-17 mph. Low tide occurred at 11:09 (3.3 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713561 | Mill in PT WA I woke up yesterday like everyday and went out feed my horses at about 0730am on March 15th. There was a very awful smell in the air. It made me nauseous and gave me a headache. I have lived in P.T, since 1979. At my present location sense 1983. I do smell PTPC occasionally, but not like this. I can not tell you what it smelled like. I have nothing to compare it to. Very toxic smelling is all I can come up with. It went away by about 1000am. Just wanted to report it. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. High conductivity in the evaporator condensate could contribute to an increase in odor at PTPC. PTPC was operating within its permitted limits. Mill response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:30 W, 05:14 NW, 05:44 SW, 06:14 S, 06:49 SW, 06:59 W, 07:54 SE, 08:39 E, 09:59 S, 10:30 E at 0-8 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Recovery furnace maximum TRS was elevated for approximately two minutes at 04:21. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Paper Machine #2, B side pulping and #10 Power Boiler were in scheduled shutdowns. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713453 | PTPC Odor Report for March 12, 2022 Odor Report for Port Townsend Paper Corporation Date: March 12, 2022 Time: 7AM - 7:45AM still going on Location: [redacted] [redacted] Townsend, WA Intensity: 7, very acrid Effect: We had opened a window and had to close it. The smell was more acrid and irritating than it has been for a long time. [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this complaint. The complainant was located 1.9 miles NE when the odors were experienced. Mill response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 05:19 SW, 07:39 S, 07:45 S at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH < 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and Air Pollution Control Equipment within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON (meant to help with odors). The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713444 | Mill stench (and ash???) Today3/10/23 11:50am (and earlier about 9:30am) Mill and SR19 Level 10 inside with windows closed (both ways, going and returning) At the light on the return, ash was falling in the intersection. ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted Port Townsend Paper Mill about this incident. Below is their response. Operations appeared to be normal. The wind directions during this time were: 06:30 N, 07:04 NW, 07:49 S, 11:50 S at 0-11 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. The facility also reviewed operations that might have affected particulate matter and did not identify any increase in PM emissions at that time. |
| 2022-03-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713332 | Mill odor Indian Island 2:21 Sunday 3/6/22 5/10 level Sad ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted Port Townsend Paper Mill regarding this complaint. Elevated conductivity from evaporator condensate may have contributed to increased odors. However, the facility was in compliance with their air and water permit at the time of the complaint. Below is PTPC's response. The wind directions during this time were: 11:21 NW, 11:44 N, 12:09 NW, 12:54 N, 13:24 NE, 14:09 N, 14:21 N at 1-10 mph. Low tide occurred at 12:41 (1.8 ft). Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH < 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-03-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 713218 | Mill stench 3/3/22 10;01am 8 level [redacted] and H PTPC pond not working? The air has been so libel and fresh lately. Back to closed windows and filters. Sad. ?????????????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. PTPC was operating within its permitted limits. The high evaporator condensate conductivity may had contributed to an increase in odors. Mill response: The wind directions during this time were: 07:01 W, 07:34 S, 08:19 W, 08:34 NW, 08:49 SW, 10:01 S at 0-8 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH < 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-01-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 712262 | Mill fumes So last Sunday was bad out at McPherson and 14th when we were working on pruning and Orchard it was bad during the week but I wasn’t close to my phone I think that was Wednesday morning at the food bank and today at the high school on Blaine in Port Townsend the fumes are about a level five so that’s 1037 and today 10:37 AM and today is the 22nd I believe Friday thank you for working on fixing this I [redacted] the documentation makes a difference Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 07:37 NW, 08:04 SW, 08:19 NW, 08:39 W, 09:34 SE, 09:44 NW, 09:49 SW, 10:19 SE, 10:37 SE at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB inlet pH < 7.0 standard units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-01-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 712147 | Caller (did not state her name) is reporting an odor from the paper mill (PTPC). Odor is described as "absolutely terrible." Reportedly, her eyes are watering and she can't go outside due to the odor. | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 SW, 07:59 S, 11:20 S at 0-5 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:50 (7.2 ft) and there were overcast, humid conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. B side pulping and Paper Machine #2 came down at 10:20. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-01-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711919 | Mill fumes Mill Rd/Discovery 1:02pm [redacted] 9, 2021 Level 5/10 ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 10:02 S, 10:39 SW, 11:19 S, 12:04 SE, 13:02 SE at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. Mill was mostly offline, #[redacted] Boiler and Paper Machine #2 were operational. APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2022-01-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711764 | Mill fumes Mill/Discovery 7:22pm 1/5/2022 5/10 level ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 16:22 S, 18:34 SE, 19:22 SE at 5-9 mph. There was high humidity. B-side pulping and Paper Machines were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711604 | Sump pump station, outlet pipe to pumps from station over water. 5 gallons of water mixed with fiber. Technician discovered leak at a flange over water. Spill is contained. | [redacted]: Ecology issued penalty to PTPC. NOP 20921. |
| 2021-12-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711588 | Date: 12/24/21 Time: 1:32 PM Name: [redacted] Location: [redacted] Townsend | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 10:31 S, 13:04 SW, 13:31 S at 9-17 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 pH units. PM1 was offline until noon. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711587 | Mill fumes or links unless you know the sender AND were expecting the attachment or the link [redacted]/H to Rainier circle Thurs 12/23 11:57am Level 7 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC about this event. Below is their response. Pollutant loading to the WWTP may have been the cause of the odors. PTPC was in compliance with their permit during event. The wind directions during this time were: 08:57 W, 10:57 SW, 11:19 S, 11:57 S at 4-9 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 pH units. C side pulping was offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711442 | You may already be aware of this research PT Paper Mill Thank you for your efforts to help us breath clean air. Today is a nasty, fumey day. Again, the Sheridan Ave. corridor which includes the hospital, Jefferson Healthcare and the Salish Coast elementary are frequently locations [as well as by the new homeless location off Mill by the Welcome to PT sign.] Our grandkids know to be sure Mom or Dad have the car air filters on when they get there. And our outlay for window replacement, air filters is in the range of $15,000 since I am chemically sensitive. I have lost days to volunteering in the Foodbank gardens and at the PT Foodbank. I would love to see a study of what other city residents have spent. [Yes, we did our research when we moved here, but were assured that our home on [redacted]/H was out of what the old-timers call the ’stink zone.’ PTPC has done many wonderful things for the community and there is funding for infrastructure which hopefully includes air quality, and this will be fixed.] [redacted] [redacted]. | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 S, 11:14 SW, 11:54 N, 12:19 NW, 12:49 W, 14:19 NW, 14:29 W, 14:40 NW, 16:34 W, 17:04 SW, 17:39 S, 19:44 SE, 20:00 SE at 1-25 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:44 (7.4 ft). There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711442 | Mill stench today At the Quimper Grange Foodbank [redacted]/Silver 10:45 am 12/18/21 8 out of 10. It ended a meeting quickly. ?? | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 S, 11:14 SW, 11:54 N, 12:19 NW, 12:49 W, 14:19 NW, 14:29 W, 14:40 NW, 16:34 W, 17:04 SW, 17:39 S, 19:44 SE, 20:00 SE at 1-25 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:44 (7.4 ft). There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711442 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/18/21 Time: 5:40 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. It’s too stinky to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 S, 11:14 SW, 11:54 N, 12:19 NW, 12:49 W, 14:19 NW, 14:29 W, 14:40 NW, 16:34 W, 17:04 SW, 17:39 S, 19:44 SE, 20:00 SE at 1-25 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:44 (7.4 ft). There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711408 | Date: 12/16/21 Name: [redacted] Time: 658PM Location: [redacted] Townsend | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 15:56 E, 16:04 SE, 16:44 SW, 17:14 NW, 17:29 SW, 18:56 SW at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711442 | Air quality To whom it may concern: At 8 pm, December 16th, the air in my neighborhood was THICK with mill odor. 26th and Discovery Rd. Port Townsend, WA 98368 The smell is heavy with sulphur? [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 S, 11:14 SW, 11:54 N, 12:19 NW, 12:49 W, 14:19 NW, 14:29 W, 14:40 NW, 16:34 W, 17:04 SW, 17:39 S, 19:44 SE, 20:00 SE at 1-25 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:44 (7.4 ft). There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-12-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711178 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/5/21 Time: 7:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate to severe. I walked out the door, took one breath, and walked back in. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 04:50 NW, 06:54 W, 07:50 W at 1-7 mph. There was high humidity. Paper Machine 2 and B-side pulping were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711023 | Mill stench By Welcome to PT sign and homeless encampment Discovery/Mill 1:47pm 11/29/21 Level 8 inside car with windows up and filters on ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 10:47 S, 12:14 SW, 12:34 S, 13:24 SE, 13:47 SE at 0-4 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. B-side pulping came online 11:10, C- side pulping was offline 12:15-12:30. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 711010 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/28/21 Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate to severe. I walked out the door, took one breath, and walked back it. It reeks. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 06:30 SW, 08:29 S, 09:30 S at 1-11 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710995 | Mill fumes 3p today 11/23/21 Water/[redacted] 10 level 4p 11/23/21 Food Coop 10 level 4:59 11/23/21 [redacted]/[redacted] 10 level Thanksgiving...please???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 12:00 NW, 15:24 SW, 16:19 W, 17:00 W at 3- 17 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710903 | Mill fumes Day: Sun. 11/21 and Mon 11/22 Time: yesterday all day and on a walk about 11pm and this morning at 7am Rating: bad; 10 Location; [redacted]/H, Chetzemoka Park, SR 19/Discovery by welcome to PT sign All 3 adults and 2 grandchildren noticed. My grand daughter asked me to be sure to report it for your records. | |
| 2021-11-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710902 | Mill fumes Day: Sun. 11/21 and Mon 11/22 Time: yesterday all day and on a walk about 11pm and this morning at 7am Rating: bad; 10 Location; [redacted]/H, Chetzemoka Park, SR 19/Discovery by welcome to PT sign All 3 adults and 2 grandchildren noticed. My grand daughter asked me to be sure to report it for your records. | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 S, 09:04 SW, 09:34 S, 13:34 SW, 14:29 SE, 15:49 W, 23:00 W at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity and low tide occurred at 22:59 (-1.2 ft). ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. C-side pulping came online around 12:30. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710880 | Mill odor During a farm tour at Sunfield School SR19/SR116, yesterday 11/19/21, 10:30-noon, with most of the young students in classes outdoors. Level 8 at least.?? FYI: ProPublica, the non-profit newsroom that does investigative journalism and has won multiple Pulitzers, is doing an investigation on toxic sites in the US. Actually, they mapped the EPA data of cancer causing industrial emissions to come up with the list that the PT mill is on. They said that the EPA allows polluters to turn neighborhoods into "sacrifice zones" where residents breathe carcinogens. They are investigating each of these industrial sites to determine whether or not they have a higher incidence of toxin related illnesses and are asking for feedback. They have a form to fill out. Below find a couple of links. I was in touch with one of the authors and she directed me to the form. Hopefully this will be looked into. | [redacted]: PTPC odor investigation results below: The wind directions during this time were: 07:30 NW, 08:30 N, 11:39 NE, 12:00 NE at 3- 13 mph. There were overcast conditions and low tide occurred at 09:47 (6.4 ft). Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710532 | Caller reported smelling an odor from the Port Townsend Paper Corporation at [redacted]. | [redacted]: Results of PTPC's odor investigation below: The wind directions during this time were: 16:00 SW, 16:20 S, 17:09 W, 17:49 SE, 18:44 NW, 19:00 SW at 0-15 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. In scheduled shutdown for Paper Machine #1. At 17:00 Paper Machine #2 came offline and B side pulping came offline shortly after. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710481 | Date: 11/7/21 Time: 6:54 PM Name: [redacted] Incident Location: [redacted], Port Townsend Additional information: Ecology received a voicemail regarding odors in Port Townsend, potentially from the Port Townsend Paper Corporation paper mill. | [redacted]: PTPC performed the following investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 15:55 SW, 16:59 S, 17:29 SW, 18:55 SW at 5- 15 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-11-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710354 | Mill stench Mill Rd by Welcome to PT sign and homeless encampment 3:01pm Tuesday 11/2/21 Level 10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed the following incident investigation: The wind directions during this time were: 12:01 SE, 15:01 SE at 7-17 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Primary Condenser pressure vent occurred for approximately 40 seconds. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Recovery furnace tripped offline at noon, and was brought back online. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-10-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710301 | FWD: (CAA - FY22-[redacted]-CV) Regional Tip and/or Complaint - Washington 10/29/2021 SUBJECT: FWD: (CAA - FY22-[redacted]-CV) Regional Tip and/or Complaint - Washington FROM: [redacted] TO: [redacted] CC: This appears to be a duplicate of the previous complaint but includes contact info for the submitter. 10/28/2021 8:03 PM HQ LEAD NUMBER: FY22-[redacted]-CV SUBJECT: Regional Tip and/or Complaint - Washington FROM: [redacted] TO: Name: [redacted] Alleged Violator's Name: Port Townsend Paper Company Alleged Violator's Address: PTPC in Port Townsend WA Alleged Violator's City: Port Townsend WA Alleged Violator's State: Washington Alleged Violator's Zip: 98368 Tip or Complaint: I often smell PTPC's odors, but this one is different--and I am only assuming it is PTPC. The odor has a penetrating quality that generates discomfort down into my lungs. I have sensitive smell, and this odor smells decidedly unhealthy to me, more subtle than smoke, for example, but far more penetrating. Violation Still Occurring? Yes State DEP/DEQ/DEM Notified? No | [redacted]: PTPC performed the following incident investigation: "The wind directions during this time were: 17:30 NW, 18:34 SW, 18:54 NW, 20:30 NW at 1-15 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Recovery furnace came online around 20:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide." |
| 2021-10-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710194 | Mill stench Bad today 10/26/21 4:43pm [redacted]/H 8/10 stench; could not continue working outside. ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed the following investigation regarding the reported odor incident. "The wind directions during this time were: 13:43 S, 14:59 SW, 15:54 NW, 16:14 S, 16:43 S at 0-28 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide." |
| 2021-10-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 710087 | Mill stench Look, I know I should be reporting all of these, but in general mornings have been stinky at [redacted]/H. It always smells bad by the welcome sign. And right now Friday 10/22/21 1:48 from San Juan/Tremont/[redacted] 10/10 ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 10:48 SW, 13:48 SW at 2-12 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-10-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 709812 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/2/21 Time: 9:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate to severe. Postponed outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 06:50 NW, 07:59 SW, 08:49 S, 09:50 S at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred 07:28 (0.6 ft) and there was high humidity. A brief Primary Condenser pressure vent occurred. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-10-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 709811 | Port Townsend mill Hi [redacted], I understand you are the person managing reports regarding the Port Townsend mill. Today, PTPC smell was mild -- a 2/10 -- yet, it still gave me a migraine and flared up my reactive airway disorder breathing issues. My husband and I moved to Port Townsend in May of 2020 and, since then, I have developed chronic reactive airway disorder, which requires daily steroid inhalers and a rescue inhaler to manage, as well as a severe increase in migraines. I have had migraines since my teens, but only 2-3 mild ones a month. Since moving to Port Townsend, during the fall/[redacted]/early spring "mill smell season," they are up to 25 days a month, about half of which leave me bedridden. I should [redacted] that I am 50, so I am of an age where these issues would have happened earlier, if they stemmed from another cause. We are in the process of finding a place to move, just because of PTPC. We had planned to buy a home and settle in Port Townsend, but, once we rented a place her and saw the impact of PTPC on our health, we decided not to stay. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 06:30 E, 07:44 NW, 07:59 S, 08:29 NW, 09:04 SE, 09:44 NW, 10:11 NW at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:32 (0.8 ft) and there were humid and foggy conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-10-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 709811 | Mill odor in port Townsend Dear Ms. [redacted], I would like to report the hideous stench from the Port Townsend Paper Mill that filled my home and was extremely strong continuing at least until 9:30 this morning, October 1st, 2021. I would rate the smell on a scale of 1-10 as an 8.5. It smelled of burning broccoli or cabbage and sewage like ( dirty diaper). I reside on Clay Street between Walker and Cass Sts. I have lived in this home since 1994. Even with 2 new expensive air filter devices running, it is now after 1 pm., and can still smell it in my home but barely. I can not detect the odor now outside. It is expensive to run these air cleaners and to open windows for ventilation while also paying to heat my home. The smell affects my ability to sleep and breathe normally when it wakes me in the night and I am reliant on a CPAP machine, which is double filtered as well. Wednesday. Sept 29,while at the hospital for testing, the entire building was filled with the same hideous stench like burned broccoli and was alarmingly strong in the building. Of course, it made me wonder about the hospital air quality as I was double masked. Please confirm receipt of this report and advise of any further reporting or agency need be contacted. Thank you, [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend, WA 98368 | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 06:30 E, 07:44 NW, 07:59 S, 08:29 NW, 09:04 SE, 09:44 NW, 10:11 NW at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:32 (0.8 ft) and there were humid and foggy conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-09-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 709614 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 9/25/21 Time: 8:35 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate to severe. Postponed outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:35 NW, 06:34 N, 08:19 SW, 08:35 SW at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-09-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 709283 | Mill odor The sun is just peeking out, but no sitting outside. 9/12/21 4:23pm [redacted]/H 10/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 13:23 N, 14:49 NW, 15:34 SW, 15:49 SE, 16:04 NE, 16:23 NE at 0 - 11 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:30 (5.1 ft) and there were overcast and humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-08-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 708434 | Mill stench 8:50am August 2, 2021 Harrison/Franklin 10/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 NW, 06:49 W, 07:59 SW, 08:24 S, 08:50 S at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:39 (0.8 ft) and there were humid, foggy and hazy conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Paper Machine #2 and B side pulping were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-07-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707930 | Mill stench 116 and crossroad to Indian Island 7:22pm 7/9/21 10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: SE The wind directions during this time were: 16:22 NW, 19:22 NW at 6-13 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-07-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707931 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/11/21 Time: 7:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Closed windows and turned on air purifier. Delayed outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 04:20 SW, 04:49 W, 05:49 SW, 07:20 SW at 0-2 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-07-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707893 | Mill stench And again 8:55 at Indian Island drop off. 8:38am Mill and Discovery by the Welcome to Port Townsend sign July 9,2021 10 ?????? Windows up; filters on Fun fact: we have spent about $13,000 over 7 years on mitigation at home because of days lost to work because of sensitivity to these fumes. It is in my medical records. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC investigation results:The wind directions during this time were: 05:38 W, 06:24 SW, 07:34 S, 08:19 E, 08:56 E at 0-6 mph. There were humid and foggy conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-07-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707803 | Mill stench 8:12am July 6 [redacted]/H 10 ???????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:12 W, 05:34 SW, 05:59 NW, 06:24 SW, 07:24 S, 07:49 SE, 08:12 SE at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:43 (-0.5ft) and there were humid and foggy conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-07-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707802 | Mill stench 4 including a 4 year old in car with windows up by Welcome to Port Townsend sign: Mill/Discovery July 2, 2021 3:14pm 8/10 ???????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 12:14 S, 12:39 SE, 12:59 NE, 13:09 S, 13:34 E, 13:54 SE, 14:14 S, 14:44 SE, 14:59 SW, 15:04 S, 15:14 S at 1-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB aeration remained sufficient when briefly operated with one blower and eight surface aerators. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707625 | Night time weekend mill emissions in Port Townsend We operate an Inn in Port Townsend. The pulp mill is a mile away and we occasionally get sulfur type odors that aren’t too bad. I’ve noticed that on weekend nights around 10 or 11 sometimes there will be a choking odor. Last night at around 11 pm I got a message from a renter that she could hardly breather the choking odor was so bad. Is PTPC allowed to vent off excess emissions weekend nights? I’ve noticed that it doesn’t last all night but is especially very strong all of a sudden. Thanks [redacted] Arcadia Inn [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 20:00 NW, 21:44 E, 21:59 S, 22:59 SW, 23:00 SW at 0-10 mph. There was high humidity and slight haze. Area was experiencing a heat wave, temperature was 67 -97 degrees Fahrenheit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707538 | Grandkids report odor Our 4 and 7 year old from before the Welcome sign to the First Sims rotary when the car filters kicked in. ?????? SR19 before Mill Rd/Discovery to Sims Rotary 10:15am 6/23/2021 8/10 level Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 07:54 N, 08:04 S, 08:24 NE, 09:34 SE at 0-5 mph. There were humid conditions. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707492 | Mill odor 6:20am Juneteenth [redacted]/H 6/10 Reported by 4 and 7 year old grandkids ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 03:20 SW, 05:04 W, 06:34 E, 06:20 E at 0-7 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Mill was coming up from power outage; pulping systems and paper machines were offline. APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707413 | Mill stench Egg and I Rd in Chimacum to Sims Rotary in PT 10:30 am June 17, 2021 8/10 level with 4and 7 year old grandkids and windows up.???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 07:30 S, 08:30 E, 09:39 SE, 10:30 SE at 1-5 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707244 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/10/21 Time: 7:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Stayed indoors to avoid breathing offensive stench. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 05:04 SW, 06:14 W, 06:44 S, 07:00 S, 07:29 W, 07:49 SW, 08:14 S, 08:49 E, 09:19 NE, 09:39 SE, 10:09 SE at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:43 (-1.6 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707244 | Mill stench Discovery/SR19 by Welcome sign and proposed homeless housing 10:09am 6/10/21 8/10 level in car with filters on ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 W, 05:04 SW, 06:14 W, 06:44 S, 07:00 S, 07:29 W, 07:49 SW, 08:14 S, 08:49 E, 09:19 NE, 09:39 SE, 10:09 SE at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:43 (-1.6 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707187 | Mill fumes THIS EMAIL ORIGINATED FROM OUTSIDE THE WASHINGTON STATE EMAIL SYSTEM - Take caution not to open attachments or links unless you know the sender AND were expecting the attachment or the link 8:51 am Sat June [redacted]/[redacted] 6/10 Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:51 SE, 06:14 E, 07:19 S, 07:24 SW, 08:09 W, 08:24 SW, 08:51 SW at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred 08:35 (1.5 ft) and there were overcast and humid conditions. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-06-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707095 | Mill stench 6/2/21 8:07am [redacted]/H 6/10?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:07 SE, 05:09 E, 05:34 SE, 06:09 NW, 06:24 N, 06:34 E, 06:54 S, 07:39 E, 08:07 E at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. #2 Paper Machine and pulping operations were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-05-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707039 | Mill stench This morning May 30, 8am Memorial Day weekend: remembering my uncle who was injured with mustard gas in WWI And thinking of proposed affordable housing in the ‘stink zone’, (a term I learned from old timers.) [redacted]/H [redacted]/[redacted] Water St at Point Hudson On an otherwise lovely morning. Level 6/10, not enough to force me immediately indoors but enough to feel the eye irritation. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:00 SW, 05:54 N, 07:44 E, 09:14 SE, 10:14 S, 10:34 NW, 11:29 NW at 0-13 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-05-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707039 | PTPC mill stench in Port Hadlock Every time the wind blows from the NW, it brings the stench from PTPC to Port Hadlock. It's so gross at Kingfisher Place today that we canceled our plans to work outside on our property. Why does PTPC continue it's toxic trespass? There are ways to contain the smell, so why isn't PTPC keeping the smell to itself? | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:00 SW, 05:54 N, 07:44 E, 09:14 SE, 10:14 S, 10:34 NW, 11:29 NW at 0-13 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-05-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 707124 | Mill stench ?? 9am 5/26/21 Wednesday 10/10 level at the Foodbank Blaine/Walker The stench persisted throughout the day and we could still smell it at Frederick and SR19 when we were heading to Hadlock for a delivery Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 SE, 07:04 S, 08:09 SE, 10:09 S, 10:54 SE, 12:39 S, 13:46 S at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred 10:28 (-2.9 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-05-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706896 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 5/21/21 Time: 7:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Stayed indoors to avoid breathing offensive stench. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 NW, 05:14 W, 07:00 W at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-05-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706763 | Mill Stench It seemed like a beautiful day for a walk...???? Indian Island SR 116 Indian Island County Park 6:07pm May 12, 2021 10/10 ?? | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. / / PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 15:07 NW, 18:07 / NW at 5-17 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other / operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection / system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- / mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater / treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee / roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential / heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, / farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and / residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and / beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706482 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/30/21 Time: 10:25 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 07:25 E, 07:49 S, 07:54 SW, 08:14 W, 08:34 NW, 09:44 SW, 10:09 SE, 10:25 SE at 0-11 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706478 | Mill fumes 3:44pm 4/29/[redacted] to Indian Island 5/10 Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 12:44 N, 14:06 NW, 14:24 W, 15:44 W at 3-13 mph. Low tide occurred at 12:21 (-2.5 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706439 | The pulp mill has been smelling worse and worse lately - in the last month it's gotten much more noticeable down here in Port Hadlock than last fall. Tonight the smell from PTPC was so bad it made me ill. How is this legal? The smell shows up frequently in the afternoon and hangs around for several hours. Lately it's bad enough that our family has to go inside. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 15:04 NW, 17:49 N, 18:04 NW, 19:28 NW at 1-13 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706439 | Date: 4/28/21 Time: 6:04 PM Name: [redacted] Location: Port Hadlock, WA Description: Strong mill odor reported. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 15:04 NW, 17:49 N, 18:04 NW, 19:28 NW at 1-13 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706443 | Date: 4/28/21 Time: 9:14 AM Name: [redacted] Location: Jacob Miller [redacted] Townsend, WA Description: Very unpleasant and strong odor from PTPC. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 06:14 S, 08:29 SE, 09:14 SE at 0-5 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706399 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious ofor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/27/21 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: Winds were calm in SE direction. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706398 | Mill stench Began at Salish Coast Elementary (Discovery/Sheridan) 10:45am April 25 Smoke added at Mill by the ‘welcome’ sign. Air quality [redacted] to Frederik/SR 19 In car; filters on; windows closed 8/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 SW, 08:24 S, 10:45 S at 1-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:33 (1.5 ft) and there were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706398 | Date: 4/25/21 Time: 10:08 AM Name: [redacted] Location: Jacob Miller [redacted] Townsend, WA Description: Mill odor; 8/10. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 07:45 SW, 08:24 S, 10:45 S at 1-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 09:33 (1.5 ft) and there were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-04-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 706208 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/18/21 Time: 6:35 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 03:35 SW, 04:09 W, 04:34 N, 06:35 N at 0-2 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Recovery TRS CEMS data is invalid, and indicating TRS under target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 705812 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/31/21 Time: 8:40 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:40 W, 08:09 NW, 08:29 SE, 09:08 SE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 705812 | Mill fumes 3/31/21 9:08 am [redacted]/H 8/10 level 6/10 PTFoodbank Walker/Blaine Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:40 W, 08:09 NW, 08:29 SE, 09:08 SE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 705783 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/29/21 Time: 7:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:50 NW, 06:39 SW, 07:04 W, 07:50 W at 0-14 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. There was HVLC NCG venting. Lime Kiln TRS CEMS data is invalid, and indicating TRS under target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704495 | Mill fumes?? Mar.14,2021 8:45 am PDT Mill/Discovery at Welcome sign 12/10 really stinky Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:45 S, 06:29 SE, 08:45 SE at 19-27 mph. There were overcast conditions. Paper Machine #1 offline as enter the Annual Maintenance Shutdown. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704443 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/12/21 Time: 6:35 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Remained indoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 03:35 W, 06:35 W at 0-2 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Lime Kiln TRS CEMS data is invalid, and indicating TRS under target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704404 | Mill Smell Hi, I would like to report a strong stench from PTPC the entire day of 3/4/[redacted] off of Jacob Miller. Upper respiratory effects and nausea. Thank you for logging this complaint. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 03:00 SE, 04:14 SW, 06:34 W, 07:39 SW, 08:04 S, 10:04 SE, 12:49 S, 18:00 S at 1-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:06 (0.4 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704327 | Mill fumes ?? Sat 3/6/21 9:41am [redacted]/H Beautiful morning except 8/10 level stench Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:41 S, 08:34 SW, 09:41 SW at 0-11 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704311 | Mill stench 3:53pm 4/5/21 8/10level Quimper Grange Goodbank Garden Silver/Corona?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 12:53 S, 15:44 SW, 15:53 SW at 12-27 mph. Low tide occurred at 15:06 (-0.1 ft) and there were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704326 | Name: [redacted] Location: [redacted] Townsend Incident Date: 3/5/21 Incident Time: 6:20 PM | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 15:14 S, 15:44 SW, 17:49 S, 18:14 S at 5-19 mph. Low tide occurred at 15:06 (-0.1 ft) and there were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704249 | Mill stench ?? 2:37pm 3/3/21 Old Alcohol Plant Hadlock Bay Rd/SR116 8/10 level Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 11:37 E, 14:09 NW, 15:27 NW at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 13:11 (1.1 ft). ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. LVHC NCG venting occurred intermittently 12:28 - 12:48. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-03-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704249 | Incident Date: 3/3/21 Incident Time: 327 PM Caller name: [redacted] Location: [redacted] Townsend Additional info: Caller left a voicemail regarding odors in their neighborhood. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 11:37 E, 14:09 NW, 15:27 NW at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 13:11 (1.1 ft). ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. LVHC NCG venting occurred intermittently 12:28 - 12:48. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704213 | Mill Stench 8:47am 2/28/21 Mill and SR19 by Welcome sign 10/10 level to welcome grandkids 7 and 4 and son. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:47 S, 06:44 SE, 07:04 S, 08:47 S at 4-11 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. HVLC NCG venting occurred. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704212 | Mill stench 2/27/21 10:54am Mill/Discovery 5/10 inside car with mask and filters on 2/27/21 8:34 am Acrid stench 10/10 [redacted]/H Woke with puffy eyes/headache Otherwise a beautiful sunny morning after a windy night. It night be good to include that as one of the smells in the program running over several weeks as full disclosure. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:12 NW, 05:24 W, 05:39 NW, 06:39 SW, 06:54 NW, 07:59 SW, 08:29 W, 08:49 S, 10:34 SE, 10:54 SE at 0-6 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704212 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/27/21 Time: 8:12 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Cancelled outdoor plans. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:12 NW, 05:24 W, 05:39 NW, 06:39 SW, 06:54 NW, 07:59 SW, 08:29 W, 08:49 S, 10:34 SE, 10:54 SE at 0-6 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704130 | Mill fumes 3:20pm 2/25/21 Upper Sims/QFC Plaza 10/10 sharp acrid??with 2 masks on Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 12:20 SE, 13:24 SW, 14:24 S, 14:34 W, 14:59 SW, 15:19 S, 15:54 W, 16:50 SW at 0-10 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704018 | Date: 2/20/21 Time: AM Location: 3 miles north of mill Name: [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:15 SE, 06:04 W, 06:09 SE, 06:54 E, 07:39 S, 09:34 SW, 10:18 SW at 0-4 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704018 | Re: Mill stench Inside the car double masked Quimper Grange Foodbank Garden: Silver/Corona No volunteering today! 2/20/21 10:18am 10/10stench Noted the plume was grey, not white. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:15 SE, 06:04 W, 06:09 SE, 06:54 E, 07:39 S, 09:34 SW, 10:18 SW at 0-4 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 704020 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/19/21 Time: 6:58 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 15:58 SW, 16:09 S, 16:29 SW, 17:19 SE, 17:44 SW, 18:04 W, 18:29 S, 18:58 S at 0-5 mph. Low tide occurred at 16:00 (1.6 ft). ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 703847 | Complainant Name: [redacted] Location: 3 miles north of mill Date: 2/10/21 Time: 9 AM Medium: Odor PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 S, 09:00 S at 0-9 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-02-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 703799 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/7/21 Time: 8:45 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Postponed outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:45 SW, 06:59 W, 07:44 SW, 07:54 W, 08:44 S, 08:45 S at 0-8 mph. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-01-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 703572 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/29/21 Time: 7:55 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Cancelled outdoor plans. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 04:55 SE, 07:14 S, 07:24 SE, 07:49 S, 07:55 S at 0-2 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-01-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 703475 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/23/21 Time: 9:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Cancelled outdoor plans. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:20 W, 06:54 SW, 06:59 W, 07:54 NW, 09:20 NW at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-01-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 703342 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/15/21 Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Cancelled outdoor plans. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 SW, 08:54 W, 09:59 S, 10:04 SW, 11:00 SW at 0-8 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-01-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 703341 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/8/21 Time: 10:05 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. Delaying outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 07:05 SW, 08:39 NW, 09:34 S, 10:05 S at 2- 17 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2021-01-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702998 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/7/20 Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Delaying outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:30 SW, 06:34 S, 06:49 SE, 07:34 S, 07:44 W, 07:54 NW, 08:19 S, 08:30 S at 0-7 mph. There were overcast, humid and foggy conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702713 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/23/20 Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate-Severe. Canceled outdoor plans. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 SE, 08:24 SW, 08:49 S, 09:04 SW, 09:39 W, 10:09 NW, 11:19 N, 11:30 N at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system was offline until it was repaired at 10:30. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702713 | Mill fumes 11:28am Dec 23 3/10 [redacted]/H Still recovering from yesterday; not well enough to volunteer at the Foodbank. Really, your monitoring air quality rather than our providing years of anecdotal reports would indicate good [redacted] and a way forward. PTPC has done many good things in the community but the fumes have impacts, denied, ignored, but there. Hoping replacing the windows works for us, but it is not an option for most. We cannot ignore or wish this away. You are the only ones who can fix it. And in 6 years, I have yet to get a response. Sad. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 SE, 08:24 SW, 08:49 S, 09:04 SW, 09:39 W, 10:09 NW, 11:19 N, 11:30 N at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system was offline until it was repaired at 10:30. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702665 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/22/20 Time: 9:45 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate-Severe. It is truly foul outdoors. The smell is starting to creep into my closed-up house. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:29 NW, 07:09 W, 08:19 SW, 08:34 W, 08:59 SW, 09:14 NW, 09:45 S at 0-5 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. O2 injection system was offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702665 | Merry Solstice Mill Stench Dec 22 9:29am [redacted]/H 10 Lightheaded; eyes puffy and???? Failure to try to fix this kind of thing is why more regulation and enforcement is needed. This holds hostage every citizen and worker in every business in the area and has been reported from Discovery Bay to the Kingston Edmonds ferry. It is not right. You have been proactive in other areas. Fix this. It is a beautiful, sunny day. After days of rain it would be lovely to go outside, especially after months of COVID sequestration. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:29 NW, 07:09 W, 08:19 SW, 08:34 W, 08:59 SW, 09:14 NW, 09:45 S at 0-5 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. O2 injection system was offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702692 | Port Townsend Papermill Stench • Date December 22, 2020 • Time 7:45 p.m. • Location [redacted] • Odor description Smokey burnt smell with a hint of garlic and sulfur • Any health impacts experienced I feel nauseated and my head hurts. Also this morning around 10:00 a.m. A pungent sulfur smell, strong, caused me to cough. I felt like I was being poisoned. Same location and throughout Uptown. I did not smell it on Water Street or at Port Hudson. Lasted for around 2 hours. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 16:45 NW, 18:39 W, 18:59 NW, 19:14 W, 19:34 NW, 19:45 NW at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 18:09 (3.4 feet) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system was offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702441 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/14/20 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. It was unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 W, 07:54 SW, 09:00 SW at 0-2 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702441 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 12/14/20 9:00am 19th and Landes 9/10 stink Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 W, 07:54 SW, 09:00 SW at 0-2 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702441 | Mill odor Dec 14,2020 9:58am [redacted]/H 8/10?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:50 W, 07:54 SW, 09:00 SW at 0-2 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702438 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor THIS EMAIL ORIGINATED FROM OUTSIDE THE WASHINGTON STATE EMAIL SYSTEM - Take caution not to open attachments or links unless you know the sender AND were expecting the attachment or the link Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/11/20 Time: 5:20 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. It was unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 14:20 SE, 14:49 S, 16:24 W, 16:38 NW, 18:30 NW at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702438 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 12/10/20 Sims and Sheridan 10/10 3:00 Made me nauseated within minutes, smells like dirty diaper (but much worse). Can’t believe this is legal. 12/11/20 19th and Landes 6/10 6:30PM We’ve been smelling it most mornings lately and some afternoons I haven’t tracked. It’s been bad. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 14:20 SE, 14:49 S, 16:24 W, 16:38 NW, 18:30 NW at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702437 | Mill odor Yesterday, 12/10/20 SR19/Mill Rd at the Welcome to Port Townsend sign 10/10 with car windows closed and filters on 11am?? | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 SE, 09:49 S, 10:14 SE, 11:14 S, 12:09 SE, 12:44 S, 13:13 SE, 14:14 SW, 14:44 W, 15:00 SW at 0-12 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702437 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 12/10/20 Sims and Sheridan 10/10 3:00 Made me nauseated within minutes, smells like dirty diaper (but much worse). Can’t believe this is legal. 12/11/20 19th and Landes 6/10 6:30PM We’ve been smelling it most mornings lately and some afternoons I haven’t tracked. It’s been bad. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 SE, 09:49 S, 10:14 SE, 11:14 S, 12:09 SE, 12:44 S, 13:13 SE, 14:14 SW, 14:44 W, 15:00 SW at 0-12 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702330 | Mill odor Dear Ms. [redacted], I’m standing in front of Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center at [redacted] and there is a noticeable mill stench, probably a 6/10. It smells of cabbage. Thank you, [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 S, 11:34 SE, 12:59 E, 13:09 SE, 13:39 S, 13:49 W, 14:04 NW, 15:44 N, 15:54 S, 16:00 S at 0-13 mph. There were overcast conditions. Primary Condenser pressure vent occurred for ~40 seconds at 12:12. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702330 | RE: continuous odor complaint Good morning, Unfortunately I did not take in the concern but I can share with you what I know…. It came in yesterday afternoon. Here is the concern: “Continuous bad smell in Rosecrans St neighborhood, off of Discovery Rd. Smell was so bad it made [redacted] vomit. [redacted] can't open windows because the smell is so bad outside. Concerned about health effects of breathing outside air.” The general location lists Rosecrans Street off of Discovery Road. Let me know if this helps. If you need any more information let me know, I can reach out to the person who took the concern. Thank you so much! [redacted] [redacted]| Public Experience Liaison | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 09:00 S, 11:34 SE, 12:59 E, 13:09 SE, 13:39 S, 13:49 W, 14:04 NW, 15:44 N, 15:54 S, 16:00 S at 0-13 mph. There were overcast conditions. Primary Condenser pressure vent occurred for ~40 seconds at 12:12. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702280 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/4/20 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I postponed my daily walk. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:20 W, 05:54 NW, 05:59 W, 07:14 NW, 07:34 SW, 07:49 W, 08:29 W, 08:54 S, 09:09 W, 09:29 SW, 09:44 S, 10:39 SE, 12:01 SE at 0-4 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702256 | Date of Incident: 12/3/20 Time of incident: 8:43 AM Date of Report: 12/3/20 Name: [redacted] Location: [redacted] PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:20 W, 05:54 NW, 05:59 W, 07:14 NW, 07:34 SW, 07:49 W, 08:29 W, 08:54 S, 09:09 W, 09:29 SW, 09:44 S, 10:39 SE, 12:01 SE at 0-4 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702256 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/3/20 Time: 8:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I postponed my daily walk. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:20 W, 05:54 NW, 05:59 W, 07:14 NW, 07:34 SW, 07:49 W, 08:29 W, 08:54 S, 09:09 W, 09:29 SW, 09:44 S, 10:39 SE, 12:01 SE at 0-4 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702258 | Mill fumes Inside house at [redacted]/H in PT with everything buttoned up and filters on Outside 12:01pm 5/10 level Our latest project to keep the fumes out is window replacement. My eyes are increasingly affected, and then there are the headaches. I am chemically sensitive. I know what PTPC gets right and appreciate that, but this is impacting many who have given up reporting because nothing happens. In my 7 years here (and we are no in what locals call ‘the stink zone’, I have never gotten a response from Community Relations. My concern is more the impact on the hospital and school on Sheridan. Other problems have been resolved. All I had in this is denial, if anything. ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:20 W, 05:54 NW, 05:59 W, 07:14 NW, 07:34 SW, 07:49 W, 08:29 W, 08:54 S, 09:09 W, 09:29 SW, 09:44 S, 10:39 SE, 12:01 SE at 0-4 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-12-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702211 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/1/20 Time: 9:25 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Negligible. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:25 W, 08:19 NW, 09:25 NW at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702184 | Name: [redacted] Incident Date: 11/30/20 Incident Time: 10:50 AM Reported Date: 11/30/20 Medium: Odor Location: [redacted] Townsend PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following results. The wind directions during this time were: 07:47 NW, 08:24 SW, 08:49 S, 09:09 SW, 10:09 NE, 10:14 E, 01:47 E at 0-14 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702171 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/29/20 Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I postponed an outdoor walk. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation. Results of the investigation are as follows. The wind directions during this time were: 06:30 NW, 06:44 SW, 06:54 S, 07:49 NW, 08:09 W, 08:43 S, 09:04 NW, 09:30 NW at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702196 | Name: [redacted] Incident Date: 11/27/20 Incident Time: 4:30 PM Reported Date: 11/27/20 Medium: Odor Location: [redacted] PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following results. The wind directions during this time were: 13:30 SE, 14:09 S, 14:34 SE, 15:04 S, 16:09 SE, 16:30 SE at 4-12 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702181 | Name: [redacted] Incident Date: 11/25/20 Incident Time: 2 AM Reported Date: 11/25/20 Medium: Odor Location: [redacted] Townsend PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation which yielded the following results. The wind directions during this time were: 23:00 S, 02:04 SW, 02:19 SE, 02:49 S, 04:04 W, 04:29 NE, 04:59 N, 05:09 SW, 05:59 NW, 06:09 W, 06:24 SW, 06:59 W, 07:34 SW, 07:49 W, 09:00 W at 0-13 mph. Low tide occurred 05:58 (3.7 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702157 | Date Received: 11/24/20 Date of Incident: 11/24/20 Time of incident: 1:35 PM Caller name: [redacted] Location of incident: [redacted] Townsend Medium: Odor PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 10:35 S, 13:14 SW, 13:35 W at 8-31 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702100 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 11/23 Blaine and VanBuren 6/10 stink 3:51pm Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 12:51 N, 13:09 NE, 13:19 NW, 14:34 W, 15:09 SW, 15:51 SW at 0-7 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702075 | Mill odor 9:53am 11/21/20 8/10 [redacted]/[redacted] at Community Center at Farmers Market Is this what we want for our other businesses and visitors? ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed and investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:53 NW, 07:24 W, 08:39 NW, 08:49 SW, 09:19 S, 09:39 NE, 09:53 E at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 702026 | Mill stench | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed and investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 11:54 S, 14:54 S at 9-23 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701877 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/13/20 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. Unpleasant to breathe outside. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 SE, 06:34 S, 07:24 SE, 07:59 S, 08:19 SW, 08:39 W, 09:00 W at 3-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 07:38 (3.5 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701838 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/11/20 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Canceled outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:00 NW, 05:59 W, 06:34 SW, 07:04 NW, 07:34 SW, 07:54 S, 08:14 SW, 08:45 NW at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 05:49 (1.8 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. HVLC NCG venting occurred when Lime Kiln tripped offline at 08:23, fire was re-established as soon as possible. Recovery furnace was brought offline around 06:45. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701838 | Mill fumes 8/45 Wednesday 11/11/20 10 [redacted]/H ?? Hoping it isn’t as bad at the Foodbank. Feeling especially for homeless vets on 11/11. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 05:00 NW, 05:59 W, 06:34 SW, 07:04 NW, 07:34 SW, 07:54 S, 08:14 SW, 08:45 NW at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 05:49 (1.8 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. HVLC NCG venting occurred when Lime Kiln tripped offline at 08:23, fire was re-established as soon as possible. Recovery furnace was brought offline around 06:45. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701779 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed and investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 04:25 SW, 04:44 W, 05:14 SW, 05:34 NW, 06:44 S, 06:54 W, 07:49 SW, 08:24 NW, 08:59 W, 09:25 W at 0-5 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Recovery furnace tripped offline around 08:00 and was back online around 09:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701779 | Mill stench Thanks for the blinding headache today and the 10+ Stench level. My morning was to start at 7:30 volunteering at the farmers market and at 9 volunteering at the Grange garden to help with putting up a 3rd hoop house to grow [redacted] veg for the Foodbank. I am beyond hurting and angry. PTPC cannot hold the city hostage because of its good efforts and the need for jobs with good wages and benefits. If I can smell this inside with windows shut and it is a walk of stench outside at [redacted] and H, how is it by the welcome sign? In the hospital? By Salish. At homes and other businesses? You promised to have this under control at public hearings last year. 7:25am Saturday November 7. ???????? And the worst part is other people will have to pull the extra weight. Farmers and others working outdoors. People in encampments. ?? 8:30 am no change in stench [redacted]/H 11/7 9:30am 11/7 [redacted]/H and [redacted]/Taylor (whermy husband gave my regrets as he dropped off coffee for the team) and Foodbank: Blaine/Walker where my husband dropped off potatoes from Birchyville Foodbank Garden. ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed and investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 04:25 SW, 04:44 W, 05:14 SW, 05:34 NW, 06:44 S, 06:54 W, 07:49 SW, 08:24 NW, 08:59 W, 09:25 W at 0-5 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Recovery furnace tripped offline around 08:00 and was back online around 09:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701779 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 11/7/20 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Canceled outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed and investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 04:25 SW, 04:44 W, 05:14 SW, 05:34 NW, 06:44 S, 06:54 W, 07:49 SW, 08:24 NW, 08:59 W, 09:25 W at 0-5 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Recovery furnace tripped offline around 08:00 and was back online around 09:00. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-11-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701706 | Mill odor | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC performed an investigation and provided the following response. The wind directions during this time were: 12:03 SW, 13:39 S, 15:03 S at 5-23 mph. There were overcast conditions. HVLC NCG venting occurred. ASB inlet loading (TSS & COD) was elevated and first run DO was below target. Lime Kiln and Recovery were in maintenance shutdowns. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701581 | Mill odor Again today by the Welcome to PT sign: Mill and Discovery 4:15pm October 28 10/10 level inside the car with filters on ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 11:50 S, 14:39 SE, 14:50 SE at 6-11 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701530 | Toxic fumes SR19 Rotary to [redacted] 11:48am Tuesday 10/27 10/10 inside car with windows closed and filters on I can’t depend on your word that you care about health. ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 08:48 SE, 11:48 SE at 5-9 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701467 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 10/23/2020 19th and Landes 9:00pm 10/10 stink Putrid, chemical, rotten, bitter, not as sulphuric as usual. Burned throat and chest. Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 SW, 07:39 S, 08:29 SE, 08:49 S, 09:00 S at 0-16 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701390 | Port Townsend Smell Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Hello! I saw that we are supposed to report the smell in Port Townsend. Submitted by: [redacted] [redacted] Date: 10/18/2020 Time: Roughly 12:15pm Location: Port Townsend Intensity (1-10): 8 Odor Description: Horrible sulfur/rotten egg smell [redacted], Other: None Effect: Very unpleasant smell in our car driving through the town, even with the windows up. We could even taste it. Thanks for your time!! Have a great week!! -[redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. |
| 2020-10-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701387 | Port Townsend Paper Mill;: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/17/20 Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Canceled outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:57 NW, 06:04 W, 07:34 SW, 09:50 SW at 1-7 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. HVLC NCG venting occurred. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701387 | Mill stench ?? 8:57am 10/17/20 10/10 in community center at Farmers Market working [redacted]/[redacted] ?? Added mill stench to Proposed Discovery Rd bike survey as a problem needing to be solved. 10/17/20 9:50am [redacted]/H 10/10 level | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:57 NW, 06:04 W, 07:34 SW, 09:50 SW at 1-7 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. HVLC NCG venting occurred. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701294 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/15/20 Time: 8:25 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. Canceled outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:25 N, 06:04 W, 06:54 NW, 07:14 W, 07:29 NW, 08:14 SW, 08:25 SW at 0-4 mph. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701271 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 10/14/20 6/10 stink 19th and Landes 10:30am Sulfur smell has a sour smell to it this time. Irritating to nasal. Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 06:04 E, 06:14 W, 06:34 SW, 06:59 S, 07:19 SE, 08:14 N, 08:24 SW, 08:44 S, 09:14 SW, 10:30 SW at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:22 (0.7 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701271 | Toxic stench Again [redacted]/H Level 10 9:04am 10/14/20 ?? Actually, it’s been pretty often but I’ve given up. PTPC does not honor its promises | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 06:04 E, 06:14 W, 06:34 SW, 06:59 S, 07:19 SE, 08:14 N, 08:24 SW, 08:44 S, 09:14 SW, 10:30 SW at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:22 (0.7 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701202 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/12/20 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I started to go for a walk and decided that the air was too foul to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 NW, 07:44 W, 08:24 SW, 09:00 SW at 3-14 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701200 | Caller reported an unpleasant odor on Mason Street in Port Townsend at 19:10 on 10/09/2020. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 16:00 S, 19:00 S at 3-19 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-10-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701057 | PT Mill smell Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by: [redacted] family Date: 10/4/20 Time: 11am Location: Cape George Rd/ Discovery Bay Intensity (1-10): 7 Odor Description: sulfur funk, mill smell, heavy Effect: Smell affected the enjoyment of property and/or affected health, safety or welfare. Effect to property and our business. Unable to open windows for fresh air. Unable to work outside due to fumes from Mill. Capt. [redacted] Peninsula Sportsman LLC Cabins at Treefrog [redacted] Townsend WA [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 08:00 SE, 08:29 S, 11:00 S at 0-3 mph. There were overcast, humid and foggy conditions. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 701012 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 9/30/20 Time: 7:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am cloistered indoors until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:00 NE, 05:24 S, 05:34 W, 06:19 N, 06:34 E, 07:00 E at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. There were hazy conditions from wildfires. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700760 | Mill stench 8:13am [redacted]/H September 21, 2020 10/10 inside ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:13 SW, 08:39 S, 08:59 SE, 09:19 SE at 0-2 mph. There were humid and foggy conditions. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700760 | Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation 9-21-20 | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:13 SW, 08:39 S, 08:59 SE, 09:19 SE at 0-2 mph. There were humid and foggy conditions. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700760 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:13 SW, 08:39 S, 08:59 SE, 09:19 SE at 0-2 mph. There were humid and foggy conditions. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700760 | port townsend mill we FINALLY get out of the smoke situation & can safely open our windows then what happens? the port townsend paper mill pumps out an ungodly aroma that we wake up to. awful right now. whatever you’re not changing, you’re choosing... | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 05:13 SW, 08:39 S, 08:59 SE, 09:19 SE at 0-2 mph. There were humid and foggy conditions. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700775 | PTPC mill air pollution complaint Dear Port Townsend Paper [redacted] yesterday night, September 20 shortly before midnight, I was returning from the drive-in and experienced bad air near PTPC. This time the general air quality was good but near Mill Road it grew worse, subjectively 5 out of 10 intensity. Negative health effects were brief. Yours truly, [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 21:00 W, 21:44 SW, 23:44 S, 00:00 S at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700738 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 9/18/20 5/10 stink 1:30pm 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 10:30 SW, 10:59 SE, 11:14 SW, 12:19 NE, 12:34 S, 12:54 SE, 13:04 S, 13:14 SW, 13:30 SW at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity and thick smoke from wildfires. Low tide occurred at 11:07 (0.5 ft). ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700722 | PT Paper Mill Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by: [redacted] [redacted] Date: 09-17-20 Time: throughout the entire day and now into the evening. It is 11:12pm Location: [redacted] Port Townsend, wa 98368 Intensity (1-10): 10 Odor Description: so intense even with all windows closed I am laying in bed trying to sleep with a mask with eucalyptus oil on it. This happens all the time. Probably 75% of the time. This is a huge problem and violation of our rights to clean air. [redacted], Other: x Effect: It affected my use and enjoyment of property and/or affected health, safety or welfare, and/or causes damage to property or business Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 06:00 NE, 07:29 NW, 08:39 SW, 08:49 SE, 09:39 NW, 18:04 S, 19:14 SW, 19:29 S, 20:49 SE, 21:44 E, 23:00 E at 0-15 mph. There were overcast conditions, high humidity and thick smoke from wildfires. Low tides occurred at 10:24 (-0.2 ft) and 22:54 (2.6 ft). Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700774 | PTPC mill air pollution complaint | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 21:00 SE, 21:14 NE, 22:34 N, 22:59 NW, 23:14 NE, 23:29 NW, 00:00 NW at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity, fog, and thick smoke from wildfires. Low tide occurred at 22:12 (3.7 ft). ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700631 | Caller reported a strong sulfuric odor coming from Port Townsend Paper Corporation. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 07:59 NE, 10:29 SE, 11:00 SE at 0-5 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:07 AM (-0.5 ft). There was high humidity and thick smoke from wildfires. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Ecology (SY) called back complainant. |
| 2020-09-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700648 | PTPC stinks!?? Bad enough to have the smoke but the air is unbreathable in the vicinity of PTPC. 3:26pm Mill/Discovery Sept. 14, 2020 10/10x 2 in the car | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 12:24 S, 12:29 SE, 13:14 S, 13:49 SE, 15:04 SW, 15:26 SW at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity and thick smoke from wildfires. ASB first run DO was below target and ASB inlet pH was under 7. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700490 | Stench 9-5-20 [redacted]/H Inside with windows closed and filters on: 10/10 stench 7:22am ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:22 NE, 06:14 E, 06:29 SE, 06:59 NE, 07:04 E, 07:09 SE at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-09-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700416 | Mill. Toxic stench. Again Wed 9/2/20 8:31am 8/10 [redacted]/H ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:31 SE, 06:39 S, 06:49 SE, 08:31 SE at 2-8 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700403 | Rainier Circle stench to SR19 to A1 | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 11:52 E, 13:19 SE, 14:00 E, 14:44 SE, 14:52 SE at 3-10 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700343 | Mill stench 7:59 am Friday Aug 28 [redacted]/H 10 level I am nauseous. You promised to fix this. Our grandkids 6 and 4 are visiting. Shame on you. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:59 N, 05:14 NW, 06:39 SW, 06:54 SE, 08:20 SE at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:58 (-0.7 ft) and there were humid, foggy conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 and ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700344 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 8/28/20 Time: 8:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:59 N, 05:14 NW, 06:39 SW, 06:54 SE, 08:20 SE at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:58 (-0.7 ft) and there were humid, foggy conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 and ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700215 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 8/21/20 8/10 stink 11:30am 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. |
| 2020-08-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700114 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 8/16/20 5/10 stink 9:15am 19th and Landes | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 06:15 N, 07:49 E, 09:15 E at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity and low tide occurred at 08:38 (-0.1 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700116 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 8/16/20 4/10 stink 10:15pm 19th and Landes Respiratory irritation Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 07:15 NW, 08:14 E, 21:04 NE, 21:14 W, 22:59 SW, 23:39 S, 00:00 S at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 21:16 (6.5 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700116 | Mill stink in port Townsend is awful!! It is really hot outside but I have to close all my windows because PTPC stink is so bad tonight. What is going on? Aug. 16th. 11pm and on. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaints. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 07:15 NW, 08:14 E, 21:04 NE, 21:14 W, 22:59 SW, 23:39 S, 00:00 S at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 21:16 (6.5 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700115 | Fwd: Mill - terrible smell 9-28 Hello reporting again for the stench that spews from PTPC in Port Townsend. It smells terrible. Consequences: For the past two days temperatures have been 80 to 90 during the day. The neighborhoods near PTPC need to air their houses out in the evening and get cool air within their homes; however our windows are open right now, and our house smells like shit!! I think Port Townsend should get rid of PTPC. No one needs paper sacks. They could replace it with a clean air type business. Reporting for: Date: August 15, August 16 of 2020 Time 8:00 pm to 4 a.m. Location: 3rd St and [redacted] [redacted] Townsend, WA Rating at 8:00pm 10, at 4 a.m. 10. [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 17:00 NW, 22:09 N, 22:29 NE, 00:04 SW, 01:14 NW, 01:44 N, 02:14 NW, 02:54 N, 03:34 NE, 04:00 NE at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred at 20:36 (6.7 ft). ASB inlet pH < 7.0 pH units and ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700042 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell 19th and Landes 8:45am 7/10 stink 8/14/20 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 05:45 NW, 06:39 W, 08:09 S, 08:45 S at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity and low tide occurred at 07:07 (0.1 ft). Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-08-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 699999 | Port Townsend Paper Mill: noxious odor Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 8/13/20 Time: 7:40 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:40 NW, 05:39 W, 06:34 S, 06:59 SW, 07:34 S, 07:40 S at 3-8 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:18 (0.7 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-07-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 699517 | PTPC Odor & Fumes report for July 20-22, 2020 Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation (?) Submitted by: [redacted] Date: July 22, 2020 Time: 1:00 am (7/21) on Location: Kala Point Intensity (1-10): 7+ Odor Description: Sulphurous, acrid [redacted], Other: x Effect: We’re not sure it awakened us but once awake, caused worry as to possible health effects. The warm weather allowed us to have open windows for the first time in ages, so perhaps this is more common than we realize? (Heard fog horns this morning, maybe the moisture in the air aggravated the situation) Will likely not keep open windows if this is liable to happen again because it was quite unpleasant. Sent from Æphonia | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 22:00 NW, 22:19 NE, 01:00 NW at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 23:00 (6.7 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-07-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 699350 | Mill stench ?? Thursday July 9 Mill/Discovery 11:30am 3 and six year old grandkids and our son noticed it with windows closed and filters on.8/10 And Today 7/11/20 Between 6:45am and 8:15am Quimper Grange Foodbank Garden at Silver and Corona 10/10 (He can’t usually smell it unless it’s bad.) Please honor your word. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 03:45 SW, 03:54 NW, 05:23 W, 06:24 NE, 0815 NE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-07-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 699195 | Mill stench | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:30 SE, 04:59 SW, 05:34 S, 0730 S at 0-3 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet pH < 7.0 pH units and ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-06-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 698995 | Mill stench 7:43 am Beautiful sunny June 22 morning! Coffee in the porch? Not so much???? 8/10 stench level. Thank goodness we closed the windows!!! [redacted]/H street | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0443 SW, 0454 S, 0553 W, 0644 NE, 0719 E, 0743 E at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-05-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 698309 | Name of reporter: [redacted] Date of incident: 5/19/20 Time: 7:40 AM Location: Monroe and Root [redacted] Townsend WA Additional information: Odor intensity (5); Odor description (Sulfurous); Health impacts (Moderate. Unpleasant; I will delay my outdoor activities) PRP: Port Townsend Paper Corporation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 04:40 NW, 05:59 SW, 06:59 S, 07:40 S at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 and ASB first run DO was below target. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-05-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 698267 | Mill stench Mill/Discovery Windows up; With husband 10/10level 4:52pm 5/16/20 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1352 SE, 1652 SE at 6-15 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-05-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 698232 | I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 5/15/20 Time: 8:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. I can smell PTPC inside my house with the windows closed. I will not be going outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0520 W, 0654 S, 0820 S at 1 -6 mph. Low tide occurred at 07:45 (4.6 ft). ASB inlet pH was < 7.0 and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-05-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 698162 | I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 5/11/20 Time: 6:25 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. I closed the windows in the house and will delay going outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0325 NW, 0359 NE, 0609 NW, 0625 NW at 0 - 3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-05-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 698161 | May 9 [redacted]/H 7:34am ?? Woke with headache. How do I harvest for Foodbank if my vision is impaired? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0434 NW, 0544 SE, 0614 NE, 0729 E, 0734 E at 0 - 2 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-04-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697795 | Left a voicemail. Odor was bad this morning. Wanted his report added to the complaint list. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 SW, 0614 W, 0629 SW, 0744 S, 0754 SE, 0800 SE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-04-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697758 | Level 8 Grange Foodbank Garden Corona and silver 9:04 am 4/18 Level 10 [redacted]/H 8:57 Sat 4-18-29 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor reports. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0557 NW, 0754 W, 0809 SW, 0844 SE, 0904 SE at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-04-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697758 | Date: 4/18/20 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. The smell is so noxious that I am not venturing outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor reports. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0557 NW, 0754 W, 0809 SW, 0844 SE, 0904 SE at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-04-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697684 | Honestly, isn’t it enough to have all the COVID restrictions, but to not be able to go outside on the porch because PTPC stench is at 10, 2 miles away, is really awful. We are bringing back a soup program with curbside delivery and I was hoping to walk there. Not now. The masks we use don’t block this. Like Charlie [redacted] with Lucy and the football, I believed that the new processing would help. I hear nothing about the city using water as leverage, while prices are rising for irrigation for farmers. We have Foodbank gardens, with volunteers. How can we grow food? Please help. [redacted] 14. 8:39am [redacted]/H 10?? | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0539 NW, 0614 N, 0629 W, 0759 S, 0839 S at 0 - 5 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-04-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697511 | 3/2/20 [actual date 4/2/20] 8/10 8:50am 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0550 W, 0654 NW, 0719 SW, 0850 S at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 06:48 (6.7 ft), and there were overcast and humid conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697477 | 3/31/20 2:27pm 9/10 stench level Veggie garden at RoseH Damn | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1127 SE, 1329 S, 1409 SW, 1427 SW at 5-11 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697459 | Caller: [redacted] Phone: [redacted] Date: 3/28/20 8:04 AM Location: Port Townsend What happened: Mill smell is strong, wants it logged into the system. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0348 W, 0444 S, 0519 SE, 0604 E, 0634 S, 0806 S at 0 - 12 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697303 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/22/20 Time: 9:15 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC incident response: The wind directions during this time were: 0615 S, 0729 SW, 0849 S, 0904 SW, 0915 S at 0-8 mph. There were foggy, overcast and humid conditions. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697228 | Sneaky gas creeps on 3/18 @ 9 am. Hancock/Hastings 3/10 insidious reek | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0606 W, 0709 NW, 0759 W, 0854 E, 0916 E at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:03 (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697228 | 3/18/20 [redacted]/ H 5/10 heading to Foodbank to volunteer FIX. THIS. You Have SAID you would!!! Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 0606 W, 0709 NW, 0759 W, 0854 E, 0916 E at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:03 (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697039 | Odor report #465 against PTPC Date: 3/9/2020 Intensity: [redacted] Time: 10:00am Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & nauseous and soar throat. PTPC's odor is also present throughout my home. I've been experiencing a sore throat the last few days which is worrisome given the coronavirus. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0700 NW, 0919 SW, 0944 S, 1000 S at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697027 | Not sure if anyone cares anymore---terrible smell early tonight, barely cleared the smell from this morning all week house has stunk every morning will be the same tomorrow lived here for 35 years guess its time to move away from mill when I can't stand the smell in my house | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1544 W, 1734 SW, 1749 W, 1844 W at 0-10 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697038 | Odor report #464 against PTPC Date: 3/7/ 2020 Intensity: 8/[redacted] Time: 9:50am Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & nauseous PTPC's odor is also present throughout my home. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0650 W, 0714 NW, 0804 W, 0834 SW, 0934 W, 0944 SW, 0950 SW at 0-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 08:00 (6.2 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697005 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/6/20 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. The odor is detectable inside my closed house. It was also strong yesterday morning (3/5) at about the same hour. I’d rate it a 5. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0855 S, 1124 SE, 1155 SE at 0-6 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 697008 | Odor report #463 against PTPC Date: 3/6/2020 Intensity: 8/[redacted] Time: 8:45pm Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & nauseous PTPC's odor is also present throughout my home. Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1745 SW, 1924 W, 2045 W at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred at 19:30 (-0.9 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696978 | Thursday 3/5 9:54am Woke with congestion and headache. Walked outside to garden and got stenched.?? Level 5/10 [redacted]/H Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: 9:48 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0654 SW, 0909 W, 0949 S, 0954 E at 0-14 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 5:10 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0210 S, 0314 SE, 0414 S, 0510 S at 1-14 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 8:50 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0550 SW, 0850 SW at 5-16 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696978 | Odor report #462 against PTPC Date: 3/5/2020 Intensity: 10/[redacted] Time: 5:10 am woke me up Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache Can't go outside - nauseous PTPC's odor is also circulating throughout my home. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: 9:48 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0654 SW, 0909 W, 0949 S, 0954 E at 0-14 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 5:10 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0210 S, 0314 SE, 0414 S, 0510 S at 1-14 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 8:50 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0550 SW, 0850 SW at 5-16 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696978 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/6/20 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Severe. The odor is detectable inside my closed house. It was also strong yesterday morning (3/5) at about the same hour. I’d rate it a 5. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: 9:48 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0654 SW, 0909 W, 0949 S, 0954 E at 0-14 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 5:10 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0210 S, 0314 SE, 0414 S, 0510 S at 1-14 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. 8:50 AM - The wind directions during this time were: 0550 SW, 0850 SW at 5-16 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696915 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/4/20 Time: 8:25 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is strong enough to prevent me from being outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0525 SW, 0604 W, 0649 SW, 0709 W, 0754 SW, 0825 SW at 3-13 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696995 | Sunday Mar 2,3 3 yesterday, 11am today 7/10 in closed car ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0800 S, 1100 S at 5-10 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-03-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696875 | Sunday Mar 2,3 3 yesterday, 11am today 7/10 in closed car ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1200 SE, 1314 E, 1354 E, 1500 SE at 2-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 14:51 (1.5 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696719 | 1/24/20 7:45am 19th and Landes 4/10 stink Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0445 W, 0509 S, 0529 W, 0539 SW, 0704 S, 0714 SE, 0724 S, 0745 S at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. PTPC did not meet MACT I closed system requirements. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system OFF. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696718 | Caller: [redacted] Location: Mason St Date/time: 2/23/20 6:42 PM What happened: Mill smell is very bad tonight. Want it logged into the system. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1400 S, 1434 SE, 1529 E, 1649 S, 1754 SE, 1800 SE at 0-5 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. PTPC did not meet MACT I closed system requirements. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696972 | Odor report #461 against PTPC Date: 2/23/2020 Intensity: 6/[redacted] Time: 6:30am continuing all day Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. PTPC's odor is also present throughout my home. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Odor incident was documented in ERTS. No follow-up investigation was performed. |
| 2020-02-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696717 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/22/20 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is strong enough to prevent me from being outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0600 SE, 0759 S, 0834 SW, 0849 W, 0900 W at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696679 | 2/21/20 8/10 19th & Landes 8:13am Cough, sore throat & nose, headache. This is not okay. Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 NW, 0530 SW, 0630 NW, 0834 SE at 0- 1 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696663 | Second day my house stinks from PT Mill smell, my nose is running from the obnoxious odor. High school area where I live but smell is trapped in businesses throughout Port Townsend. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0455 W, 0514 NW, 0539 W, 0729 S, 0755 S at 0-1 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696654 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/19/20 Time: 7:55 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is extremely unpleasant. I cannot do outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0455 SW, 0509 NW, 0529 W, 0854 SE, 1001 SE at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696654 | 2/19/20 8/10 19th and Landes 8:25am Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0455 SW, 0509 NW, 0529 W, 0854 SE, 1001 SE at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696654 | I came out to the hospital today, for a chemo infusion. It was 7/10 sulphuric smell that came INTO the hospital and followed me to the third floor waiting room, where I currently sit. This is unacceptable. Thank you, [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0455 SW, 0509 NW, 0529 W, 0854 SE, 1001 SE at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696597 | Name: [redacted] (unintelligible last name) Phone number: [redacted] Date: 2/16/20 9:18AM Location: [redacted] Description: The air is particularly bad, making people feel sick. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0618 NW, 0639 W, 0654 SW, 0709 W, 0829 SW, 0909 S, 0918 S at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696595 | 2 reports 2/13 8:30pm 8/10 19th and Landes 2/14 9:30pm 8/10 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1830 W, 1939 SW, 2130 S at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-02-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696591 | 2 reports 2/13 8:30pm 8/10 19th and Landes 2/14 9:30pm 8/10 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1730 NW, 1744 SW, 1919 S, 2030 S at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696100 | Sims and Kearney 9/10 6:20pm 1/29/2020 Throat irritation | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1520 W, 1559 NW, 1629 NE, 1654 W, 1734 S, 1744 W, 1820 W at 0-6 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696060 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/28/20 Time: 9:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is extremely unpleasant. I cannot do outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0650 S, 0809 SW, 0839 W, 1013 W at 1-8 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696060 | 19th and Landes 9/10 10:15am 1/28/2020 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0650 S, 0809 SW, 0839 W, 1013 W at 1-8 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696058 | 19th and Landes 1/24/2020 9:00pm 9/10 stink Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. |
| 2020-01-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695703 | Caller: [redacted] Phone Number: [redacted] Date/Time of Incident: 1/14/2020, 4:00 PM Location: 4 Miles N of Mill Incident Description: Mill smell is pretty bad right now. Wants his report to go into our log. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1254 NW, 1319 S, 1324 SE, 1339 S, 1554 S at 1-16 mph. Low tide occurred at 13:05 (5.7 ft) and there were overcast conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695702 | Caller: [redacted] Phone Number: [redacted] Date/Time of Incident: 1/12/2020, morning Location: 4 miles N of mill Incident Description: Pretty bad smell from PTPC. Wants it to be recorded into our list. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0521 S, 0609 SE, 0634 S, 0654 SW, 0704 SE, 0719 S, 0821 S at 1-12 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB inlet DO and pH were below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695645 | 19th and Landes [redacted] 6/10 6:17pm 1/11/2020 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. |
| 2020-01-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695507 | 19th and Landes [redacted] 8/10 8:27pm 1/6/2020 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1727 NW, 1914 W, 1939 SW, 1954 SE, 2004 NW, 2027 NW at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred 19:13 (0.2 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target. Recovery Furnace exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695475 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/4/20 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is extremely unpleasant. I cannot do outdoor activities. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 NW, 0519 W, 0549 NW, 0604 SW, 0624 W, 0754 SW, 0800 SWS at 1-11 mph. ASB inlet DO was below target. Recovery Furnace exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2020-01-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695528 | Caller: [redacted] Phone number: [redacted] Reported date/time: 1/3/20, 11:26 AM Location: 4 miles N of mill Comments: Smell is quite bad and not acceptable. Want it entered into the system for that date. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0800 S at 11-23 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet DO was below target. Recovery Furnace exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-12-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695453 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-12-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695035 | 19th and Landes 4/10 12/17/19 12:21pm Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0921 S, 0939 SW, 1004 SE, 1014 SE, 1144 S, 1209 W, 1219 SW, 1221 SW at 2-12 mph. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-12-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695452 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-12-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695451 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-12-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 694970 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 12/15/2019 Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is extremely unpleasant. I cannot do outdoor activities. [redacted] It was also bad yesterday and I meant to report it, but got busy. I don’t remember the time, probably a 7 at mid-morning. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the report of odors. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0630 NW, 0644 SW, 0709 W, 0824 NW, 0859 W, 0909 NW, 0930 NW at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-12-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 694970 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the report of odors. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0630 NW, 0644 SW, 0709 W, 0824 NW, 0859 W, 0909 NW, 0930 NW at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-11-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 694424 | 11/15/19 19th and Landes 5/10 3:21pm Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1221 ENE, 1314 SSE, 1344 S, 1419 NNW, 1504 S 1519 SW at 0-8 mph. There were humid and overcast weather conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target, ASB inlet loading and evaporator condensate conductivity were elevated. Partial mill was operational and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-11-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 694352 | 11/12/19 Sims and Hanes [redacted] 4:10 8:16am Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0516 NW, 0704 W, 0744 SW, 0816 SW at 0-7 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Partial mill was operational and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-10-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693887 | 10/19/19 19th and Landes 6/10 1:20pm Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1020 SW, 1320 SW at 7-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-10-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693749 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/15/2019 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. The odor is extremely unpleasant. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0550 S, 0644 SW, 0654 NW, 0709 W, 0824 NW, 0850 NW at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-10-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693564 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/6/2019 Time: 8:45 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. The odor is unpleasant, but not enough to keep me indoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0545 E, 0624 SW, 0639 W, 0649 NW, 0714 W, 0729 NW, 0839 N at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity and foggy conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-10-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693562 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 10/3/2019 Time: 5:40 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 9 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Really foul odor. There’s no way I will venture outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1440 NW, 1509 W, 1654 NW, 1714 W, 1740 W at 0-4 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-10-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693473 | Especially obnoxious this morning. Sneezing and nose running,whole house stinks which means everywhere stinks today especially businesses. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0510 W, 0659 SE, 0846 SE at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-10-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693473 | Date: 10/1/2019 Time: Starting around 7 a.m., still continuing at 9 a.m. Location: 4 miles north of PTPC, in Port Townsend Odor description: Strong, noxious pulp mill odor from the PTPC paper mill | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0510 W, 0659 SE, 0846 SE at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693468 | Community Center Taylor/[redacted] 9:34 pm 9/30/10 Local 20/20 community action meeting Inside the building growing for the past half hour from 2 inside to 7/10 outside ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1834 NW, 2004 W, 2039 NW, 2217 NW at 0-5 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693468 | 10:17pm House invasion of stench. I am retreating to hermetically sealed room with air filters. 10/10 outside [redacted]/H 5/10 inside with windows closed Headache ?? Make that 12/10 stench level outside. Blech Community Center Taylor/[redacted] 9:34 pm 9/30/10 Local 20/20 community action meeting Inside the building growing for the past half hour from 2 inside to 7/10 outside ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1834 NW, 2004 W, 2039 NW, 2217 NW at 0-5 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693510 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 9/29/2019 Time: 8:40 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0540 W, 0559 SE, 0619 NW, 0639 S, 0654 SW, 0704 W, 0724 SW, 0754 NW, 0840 NW at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693406 | 9/27/19 19th and Landes 6/10 7:50am Sent from my phone Upgrade last report to 8/10 at 8:10 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0450 NW, 0519 SW, 0529 NW, 0534 W, 0704 SW, 0749 W, 0749 W, 0809 SW, 0819 W, 0839 S, 0903 S at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:15 AM (-0.3 ft) and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693406 | 9:03am 9/27 [redacted]/H 5/10 inside sealed house Woke with headache. Thank you GA?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0450 NW, 0519 SW, 0529 NW, 0534 W, 0704 SW, 0749 W, 0749 W, 0809 SW, 0819 W, 0839 S, 0903 S at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:15 AM (-0.3 ft) and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693406 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0450 NW, 0519 SW, 0529 NW, 0534 W, 0704 SW, 0749 W, 0749 W, 0809 SW, 0819 W, 0839 S, 0903 S at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:15 AM (-0.3 ft) and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693387 | Wed September 25 9:05am [redacted]/H 7/10 9:11am Foodbank Blaine/Walker 7/10 9:21am [redacted]/H 10/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology emailed PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0605 W, 0659 NW, 0714 N, 0749 SW, 0819 S, 0839 SE, 0921 SE at 0-3 ph. Low tide occurred at 7:30 AM (-0.5 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693387 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Ecology emailed PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0605 W, 0659 NW, 0714 N, 0749 SW, 0819 S, 0839 SE, 0921 SE at 0-3 ph. Low tide occurred at 7:30 AM (-0.5 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695448 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-09-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693739 | I live far from PTPC on Peary Ave but have been assulted by strong mill odors every morning around 6-7 a.m, lasting for more than an hour. What gives? This has occurred every day for the last week, whether the skies are cloudy or clear. On a scale of 1-10 it's a nauseating 10! [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC received the response more than 7 days after the event; the event was logged but no additional investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693739 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report. PTPC received the response more than 7 days after the event; the event was logged but no additional investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693236 | Date: 9/19/19 Time: 8:19 AM Name: [redacted] Location: 4 miles north of mill Description: Mill odor | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into to the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0508 SE, 0544 SW, 0559 W, 0619 SW, 0639 W, 0654 NW, 0739 E, 0808 E at 0-2 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. Lime kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693246 | OMG 8:52am 10/10 stench whomped as we headed to Dr appt [redacted]/h 10/19/10 ?????? Passed Salish Coast Elementary—stinky Still 4/[redacted] Grant/7th 8:59am Help! 9:56am Same date and location by hospital 7/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into to the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0552 W, 0619 SW, 0639 W, 0654 N, 0734 E, 0829 S, 0914 NE, 0939 E, 0956 E at 0-3 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was NCG venting (HVLC system) and Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693245 | I am walking [redacted] and the stench began midway between [redacted] and Garfield. 7/10 getting stronger toward F 8:54am M Sept 16 ?? Lightheaded but need to get home Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into to the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0554 SW, 0630 SE, 0715 S, 0745 SW, 0800 S, 0854 SW at 0-5 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693245 | 9/16/19 7/10 stink 19th and Landes 9:00am | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into to the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0554 SW, 0630 SE, 0715 S, 0745 SW, 0800 S, 0854 SW at 0-5 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693244 | 4/10 stink 8:00am 19th and Landes 9/14/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into to the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 SE, 0519 SW, 0604 SE, 0634 S, 0649 SE, 0800 SE at 0-4 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 693243 | Welcome to PT sign at Discovery and Mill to [redacted] along SR20. Level 6/10 inside car 3:26 pm Friday 9/13 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into to the odor report. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1226 SE, 1300 NE, 1326 NE at 0-3 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692986 | 3/10 7:45am 19th and Landes 9/10/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692904 | (3:34 AM) Woken up by intense mill odor at 3:27 a.m. (4:20 AM) 50 minutes later, persisting, can taste it, eyes stinging a bit. House has been closed up since first hit. Augh. (4:48 AM) Finally easing off. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were:0027 SE, 0034 NW, 0059 NE, 0209 E, 0819 E, 0904 E, 0928 E at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:29 AM (0.2 ft). There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692904 | Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by: [redacted] Date: 09/06/2019 Time: 5:30am Location: Hastings & Jacob Miler rd Intensity (1-10): 8 Odor Description: Like rotten cabbage and ammonia [redacted], Other: Very strong, concentrated odor. Stronger than usual. Effect: It actually woke me from my sleep at around 5:30am (possibly earlier). The fumes are so concentrated that I have a headache and feel that I’m about to vomit. My sinuses are irritated. This is absolutely unacceptable! I’ve lived here for nearly 2 years and it’s never been this bad. We’ve closed all our windows, but there’s no getting away from it. Please help make this beautiful town the healthy, liveable place it deserves to be. [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were:0027 SE, 0034 NW, 0059 NE, 0209 E, 0819 E, 0904 E, 0928 E at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:29 AM (0.2 ft). There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692904 | Voicemail. Caller reporting strong odor. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were:0027 SE, 0034 NW, 0059 NE, 0209 E, 0819 E, 0904 E, 0928 E at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:29 AM (0.2 ft). There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692904 | 6/10 stink 8:00am 19th and Landes 9/6/19 Headache within 5 minutes of stepping outside. Town covered in a visible haze. Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were:0027 SE, 0034 NW, 0059 NE, 0209 E, 0819 E, 0904 E, 0928 E at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:29 AM (0.2 ft). There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692904 | This is getting out of line. It has been stinking for days now. I went to bed last night with my house filled with mill odor stink and now this morning the stink is seeping in again. Wonder what it’s like for all the visitors to #PortTownsend at the #WoodenBoatFestival. Do you think they’re interested in #PortTownsendRealEstate this morning? | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were:0027 SE, 0034 NW, 0059 NE, 0209 E, 0819 E, 0904 E, 0928 E at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:29 AM (0.2 ft). There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692904 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - woke me up NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were:0027 SE, 0034 NW, 0059 NE, 0209 E, 0819 E, 0904 E, 0928 E at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:29 AM (0.2 ft). There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692964 | Mill odor strong right now, since about 8:00 a.m. Same location (below), Hastings x Howard on PT. Thank you, [redacted] Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 1, 2019, at 7:39 AM, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] wrote: > > Hello - > I will try to do this reporting as frequently as I can at the occurring time, as we have been experiencing frequent Mill odor again recently. Mostly in the hours between 0300-ish and 0600-ish. > > Today is Sunday 9/1/19, went outside at ~0730 (7:23 a.m.), had to go back inside immediately because of intensity of odor. > > Thank you. > [redacted] ([redacted]) [redacted] > > My address: [redacted] in Port Townsend, major cross-streets Hastings Rd and Howard St. Hamilton Heights neighborhood. > > Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692964 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692780 | 4/10 8:45am 19th and Landes 9/3/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0545 SE, 0600 NE, 0624 SW, 0659 NW, 0709 NE, 0729 E, 0845E at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity and fog. Operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692778 | 5/10 stink 8:00am 19th and Landes 9/2/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0515 S, 0524 NE, 0549 SW, 0609 SE, 0654 S, 0744 SE, 0814 E at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. There was a primary condenser pressure vent. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692778 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0515 S, 0524 NE, 0549 SW, 0609 SE, 0654 S, 0744 SE, 0814 E at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. There was a primary condenser pressure vent. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-09-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692774 | Hello - I will try to do this reporting as frequently as I can at the occurring time, as we have been experiencing frequent Mill odor again recently. Mostly in the hours between 0300-ish and 0600-ish. Today is Sunday 9/1/19, went outside at ~0730 (7:23 a.m.), had to go back inside immediately because of intensity of odor. Thank you. [redacted] ([redacted]) [redacted] My address: [redacted] in Port Townsend, major cross-streets Hastings Rd and Howard St. Hamilton Heights neighborhood. Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692774 | Date: 9-1-19 Time: 7:55am Location: [redacted]., Port Townsend, WA, 98368 Intensity (1-10): Not sure how to gauge, causing bad health effects: 7 Odor Description: Sulfurous, sour, rotten - Effect: as I've reported many times, and could have reported about a dozen more times in the last 2 months, we woke to foul air. Often it happens now in the middle of the night, as though PTPC is releasing additional pollution during those hours. My wife, who is extremely affected by this, is coughing. My throat is scratchy. We are inundated about 6 times per month now, but driving by the "Mill side" of town, out Highway 19,we smell it about 50% of the time – I pity the people who live out that way and deal with this constantly. I am past tired of this, and it is apparent that the DOE can, or won't, do nothing substantial. PTPC request to expand their operations would have been a great opportunity to require them to put $1M into reducing their dangerous pollutants, but nothing of the kind happened, and DOE caved to industry once again. As I said in the public hearing, the old, tired argument of "jobs vs environment" is a losing one that has brought us to a crisis world. We do not have to pay for jobs by poisoning ourselves and the earth. The PT Mill is a company, like any other, which now stands to makes millions more with this expansion - they should have been required to at least mitigate their pollution. Instead, any health costs of their pollution will be externalized, and they will profit while we gag. The DOE, as we discussed at the meeting, has no good or real world data to set accurate threshold levels for these pollutions. To tell us, as you did, that these thresholds were being established "scientifically" is to treat Instead, rational, educated adults as children. Too often, in case after case, the egregious health effects are discovered decades later, when it is too late for those affected. It falls to citizens like us to try to protect our health. In our case, we shall do so by leaving Port Townsend, but not before we participate in a local environmental group and do our best to bring more public pressure to bear on this stench producing for profit company that does not pay for its true costs. I find it shameful that this is allowed to continue. PT makes its living through tourism - far more money is made here from tourists than from PTPC, far more jobs are created by tourism and the boat industry. How many tourists wake to this stink and consider not coming here again? I wouldn't. Best regards, [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692774 | September 1, 2019 8:30 am I live in the North Beach area of Port Townsend on Hendricks St. PTPC odor is inside my home this morning and is a 7 out of 10 rating. We rarely get the plume in our part of town, so it must be horrible elsewhere. This is unacceptable. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-09-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692774 | 7/10 stink 10:12 19th and Landes 9/1/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-08-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692773 | 5/10 stink 8:11 19th and Landes 8/31/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-08-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692727 | Submitted by: [redacted] Date: 8.30.2019 Time: 04:00 Location: Rosecrans ct Intensity (1-10): 5 Odor Description: rotten egg and chemical [redacted], Other: odors Effect: It affected my use and enjoyment of property and/or affected health, safety or welfare. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0100 NE, 0139 SW, 0154 S, 0219 E, 0400 E at 0-4 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692725 | [redacted] 29, 2019, 9:09pm Barreling through our open windows once again. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1809 W, 1819 S, 1844 NE, 2009 SE, 2044 NE, 2059 SE, 2126 SE at 0-9 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692725 | Heading to a ‘safe’ room from a second night of mill fumes [redacted]/H 9:26pm Aug 29, 2019 Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1809 W, 1819 S, 1844 NE, 2009 SE, 2044 NE, 2059 SE, 2126 SE at 0-9 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-28 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692702 | [redacted] 28, 2019 - 11:30pm [redacted] Rating: 9/10 It's hot; we had windows open, fan on. Suddenly whole house reeks of rotten pea soup. Guess we won't be sleeping tonight. --[redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 2030 SW, 2049 W, 2104 NE, 2230 NE at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:20 AM (5.6 ft) and there were humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692598 | 5/10 stink 9:00am 19th and Landes 8/25/19 Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0458 W, 0659 S, 0804 SE, 0900 SE at 1-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:11 AM (0.1 ft). Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692598 | Even sleeping on north side, Headache again and stink this morning. 7:58am 8/25/19 [redacted]/H ?? | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0458 W, 0659 S, 0804 SE, 0900 SE at 1-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:11 AM (0.1 ft). Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692896 | 08/24/19 7:40PM LIGHT STINK | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-08-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692460 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 8/20/2019 Time: 7:15 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0415 SW, 0454 NE, 0509 SW, 0709 SE, 0804 NE, 1019 E, 1200 E at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692460 | 8:11am Tues Aug 20 [redacted]/H 7/10 inside house Hoping fumes don’t follow me to harvest! ?? Sent from my iPhone Yup—at the Quimper Grange Foodbank Garden 8:57am Tues 8/20 Silver/Corona 5/10 2nd day headache ?? Sent from my iPhone Discovery/Sr 20/Mill at Welcome to Port Townsend sign Tues Aug 20 9:45am 10/10 in car with AC and filters driving thru the cloud of stench ?? Sent from my iPhone Phew! Same day Same intersection Smoke not visible Still stinks 9/10 inside car You have our health in your hands. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0415 SW, 0454 NE, 0509 SW, 0709 SE, 0804 NE, 1019 E, 1200 E at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692460 | #PortTownsend It’s dubious as to whether my posts about protesters and cars on highway 20 getting sprayed by dangerous chemicals from [redacted] Resources belong on this page (PT Airwatchers), but reports of getting bombarded by the crappy stink and toxic chemicals from PTPC do. Last night and this morning stunk. We have all these representatives in city council and the county and DOE looking out for our welfare, right? Do you think we can count on them? Maybe they will do something about our water supply but they won’t about PTPC. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0415 SW, 0454 NE, 0509 SW, 0709 SE, 0804 NE, 1019 E, 1200 E at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692460 | 8/20 9/10 stink 19th and Landes 7:15am Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0415 SW, 0454 NE, 0509 SW, 0709 SE, 0804 NE, 1019 E, 1200 E at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692429 | [redacted] PTPC odor today is absolutely staggering. Woke up at about 6, opened the door and was just blown away. The dogs when outside, though not willingly and came back in the house just sneezing. Something is out there. Can you please call me back and let me know what’s going on? I haven’t smelled it this intensely in several months. It’s just mind blowing. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0300 W, 0414 S, 0459 SW, 0539 S, 0649 SW, 0714 S, 0744 SW, 0819 SW at 0-9 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692455 | 4:30am 6am [redacted]/h 7/10 Aug 17 ?? | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0130 NW, 0244 SW, 0324 S, 0344N, 0359 E, 0449 NE, 0509 E, 0609 SE, 0634 E, 0909 NE, 0949 E, 1154 NE, 1214 E, 1230 E at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 11:50 AM (0.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692895 | 08/16/19 3:05 AM STINK WAKES US UP SHUT WINDOW; 9:15 AM LIGHT STINK AT COUPEVILLE | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692310 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 8/15/2019 Time: 8:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0520 W, 0614 S, 0654 N, 0719 SE, 0734 S, 0754 SE, 0824 E, 0856 NE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692310 | Welcome to Port Townsend! Lovely visit with kids and 2 preschool grands—except for waking to persistent Mill stench... [redacted]/H 8/15/19 8:35am 6/10 Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0520 W, 0614 S, 0654 N, 0719 SE, 0734 S, 0754 SE, 0824 E, 0856 NE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692310 | Dirty diaper smell 8/10, at the corner of Madison and Clay streets. Started at around 8:00 a.m. and increased. Worse at 8:30 a.m. I have a borrowed air filter running. Without it I would be vomiting and experiencing a migraine. I don't know how this business is allowed to get away with polluting the air. [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0520 W, 0614 S, 0654 N, 0719 SE, 0734 S, 0754 SE, 0824 E, 0856 NE at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692893 | 08/15/19 7:10 STINKS | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-08-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692892 | 08/14/19 5PM-9 PM HEAVY STINK, FROM 9-10:30PM LIGHT STINK AND WENT TO BED | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-08-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692298 | 8/13 8/10 stink 7:27am 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0427 N, 0459 S, 0539 NE, 0727 NE at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692237 | 2:58pm 8/11/[redacted] [redacted] and SR19 7/10 with filters in car Our grand daughter noticed it first. There are 5 in the car including 2 preschoolers. ?????? It was nice to get the wrapping paper at the fair yesterday, but clean air means a lot more... Only you can help. We have been writing these reports for years. Sad. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1158 SE, 1329 E, 1339 SE, 1458 SE at 3-12 mph. There were overcast conditions. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692254 | [redacted] to F to San Juan Aug 11 10:10pm 10/10 ?? headache! Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1910 NW, 2039 SW, 2109 S, 2139 E, 2154 S, 2210 S at 2-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:50 PM (6.3 ft) and there were overcast conditions. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692156 | And again 8:36am 7:17am Aug 6 7/10 stench inside [redacted]/H Why?????????? The president appoints men who don’t seem to care and gut air rules. Who profits? Not us! Not our grandkids! ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0300 NE, 0414 S, 0519 SW, 0639 SE, 0819 S, 0859 SE, 0919 S, 0944 E, 1200 SE at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 3:10 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid and foggy conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. B side pulping, #2 Paper Machine and E Evaporator were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692156 | 7/6 8:30am 19th and Landes 6/10 Congestion and headache Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0300 NE, 0414 S, 0519 SW, 0639 SE, 0819 S, 0859 SE, 0919 S, 0944 E, 1200 SE at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 3:10 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid and foggy conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. B side pulping, #2 Paper Machine and E Evaporator were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692156 | Hi [redacted], I [redacted] you are you still taking Port Townsend Paper Mill noxious odors reports. For several nights the stench from the Port Townsend Paper Mill was so bad that it woke me between 12:00 am and 2:00 am. My eyes burn and my throat is sore. Monday night I did not smell the output from PTPC, but in the morning our house was again filled with the odor. This morning the smell was in the house when I arose, about 6:00 am and now, past noon, I can still smell the odor. I [redacted] that something will be done very soon to eliminate the noxious output from PTPC. Thank you, [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend, WA 98368 [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0300 NE, 0414 S, 0519 SW, 0639 SE, 0819 S, 0859 SE, 0919 S, 0944 E, 1200 SE at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred at 3:10 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid and foggy conditions. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. B side pulping, #2 Paper Machine and E Evaporator were offline. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692087 | 8/5/2019, 8:00 a.m. to current time, PTPC is putting out a stench 10/10. I'm at Madison and Clay streets in Uptown. The stench is of rotten cabbage/burnt garlic, smoky. I am getting a migraine and having slight trouble breathing. I feel like I might vomit and I suspect sulfur dioxide in the air. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0539 NW, 0659 SE, 0744 E, 0819 S, 0830 S at 0-10 mph. There was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. E Evaporators offline, and other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Ecology has issued enforcement action for the SDT exceedance. |
| 2019-08-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692087 | Aug 5 8:32 am 8/10 stench [redacted]/H ?????? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0539 NW, 0659 SE, 0744 E, 0819 S, 0830 S at 0-10 mph. There was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. E Evaporators offline, and other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Ecology has issued enforcement action for the SDT exceedance. |
| 2019-08-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692087 | This is to report the pulp mill odor: 8 AM August 5,2019 [redacted]. Townsend 98368 Strong odor with windows open in house Eyes burn | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0539 NW, 0659 SE, 0744 E, 0819 S, 0830 S at 0-10 mph. There was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. E Evaporators offline, and other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Ecology has issued enforcement action for the SDT exceedance. |
| 2019-08-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692087 | Hi [redacted] you still taking Port Townsend Paper Mill smell reports? We haven't had much of a problem for quite awhile, but yesterday, Aug. 5, from about 6-7AM and today, Aug. 6, from about 6:30 to 8AM we had moderate mill smell in the house with our windows open. Thank you. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0539 NW, 0659 SE, 0744 E, 0819 S, 0830 S at 0-10 mph. There was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. E Evaporators offline, and other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Ecology has issued enforcement action for the SDT exceedance. |
| 2019-08-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692153 | Last night the hottest night of the year. Here comes the poison in the air we breath from the toxic Port Townsend Mill. It was 9:30 pm. We are located at 4th and Arden in Port Hadlock Toxic stench and headaches, burning eyes 7- 10. All windows in our house were open as the temperature was in the mid 70’s indoors. The whole house was permeated. My wife and I instantly got headaches and congested. This permeated our house till early am about 2-30 or later. We both woke up heavily packed sinus. Exhausted and very frustrated as no one does a thing and PTPC keeps polluting the air we are breathing. The laws would rather let people pollute for profit over the poisoning and suffering of the people who have the right to not be affected from toxic pollution and clean air This really sucks. So a little fine and no change. The owners in Georgia are heavy a great time for all the waste at our expense and suffering. I often wonder why I even bother to report this. I have lived here almost thirty years. When we built we were very aware of PTPC and there never was any odor hear until George Bush put the Clean air act in to effect. Deregulated and closed down the EPA and PTPC became self regulating. This new administration could care less about air pollution, global warming or anything as we went back 100 years in everything our Country has done. As I am writing this the stench from PTPC is coming in waves again into our house. It is 5:50 Om and are scrambling to close windows. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] Sent from my iPad | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. PTPC had an ongoing smelt dissolver tank exceedance which may have contributed to odors. |
| 2019-08-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692137 | Good morning. I have lived at the address listed below for three years and while the odor problem has been present the entire time, I have noticed that in the last year the odor has been less noticeable. That said, last Saturday evening and last night, the oder was the worst we have experienced. The stench (calling it an odor is trivializing the problem) was strong (sickening) within our residence. Hopefully, this is not the beginning of a problem resulting from the significant production increase at the plant. Your thoughts would be appreciated. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] MEDIA SERVICES Apple Certified [redacted] Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) California Notary [redacted] Townsend, WA 98368-[redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. PTPC did have an ongoing smelt dissolver stack exceedance during this time which possibly contributed to odors in the community. |
| 2019-08-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692013 | [redacted] 3:15 am on 8/1, at Hastings/Hancock, I was awoken to the insidious 2/10 sulphuric odor. It WOKE me up, because I had the audacity to sleep with my sliding glass bedroom door open, since it was such a nice night. A little tmi, but it relates: I’m super sick, and have a surgical biopsy, today. I have SUPER rare autoimmune diseases, that cause inflammation of my arteries and tiny vessels. It has been hypothesized that living in my pristine wilderness is so toxic, that it’s killing me. I can’t move. I can’t travel to the best doctors for my illness. I don’t trust PTPC and it’s multinational corporation agendas. I don’t trust any supposed upgrade. We need to detoxify this process. Imagine the plant life and organic gardens. This can be different and better. I [redacted] I’m wrong about the upgrade, but it is the water issue that they are using to rope people into going along with what is all about their bottom line and the economy of the wealthy. The saddest part is, there are innovations that are being used in other countries. If implemented now, we could be an example for the post pollution era that must begin. This long note, with apologies, comes because I’m up too early for my surgery. I can’t even have a sip of water, so, here we are. I appreciate your taking the time to read. [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0015 S, 0104 SE, 0124 NW, 0139 N, 0229 S, 0249 NE, 0315 NE at 0-6 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-08-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692065 | [redacted] the Milodorous FB page is no longer active, there is no where to express my outrage as to last night’s emissions from PTPC. I called PTPC both last night and this morning to file a complaint and was told there is no longer a Complaint Line. They referred me to their online site. Consequently I have decided to share it with you. At 10:51 PM last night I thought my dog had taken a dump next to me. The smell was so intense and so nauseating it really caught me by surprise. Of course it wasn’t her as she is housebroken and was sleeping. Within minutes my eyes begin to burn and my breathing became difficult. It was so thick that there was no air to be found in between the toxic stench and my nose. If one was to rate this on a scale of 1 to 10 I would not hesitate to give it a 50. It completely permeated the walls of my home instantly. A few weeks ago when I was gifted some money from a friend who passed away, I chose to invest in a top-of-the-line air purifier called a Molekule. It uses UV to purify the air rather than a Hepa filter. It completely changes the air in a 600 square-foot space in one hour on the highest setting. My tiny home is about 1/3 that size. It cost $828 and I am making monthly payments for a year. Living on disability makes this difficult to say the least. I am a stroke survivor. I set it on high and in about 15 minutes my breathing became a bit easier. I moved it closer to my bed as I was ready to sleep around midnight. To confirm that the fumes outside had dissipated I cracked open my door for a second and was met with a very acrid familiar smell clarifying that my home was still surrounded by these emissions hanging around me. Not to sound dramatic, but to convey the depth of my anxiety I cried myself to sleep feeling helpless and at the mercy of this mindless Corporation. I live on property located on Discovery Road near Mill Road. This is the first time in a year that the fumes were so disabling that I wished I lived somewhere else. I do not have the resources to relocate. My daughter and grandchildren are coming to visit in two weeks and I cannot have them stay on this property because I will not risk their exposure and discomfort from these horrific emissions. I am well aware that I am not alone in experiencing this as you must know from the many emails that came during the life of the FB page Milodorous. It is an awful feeling of hopelessness that accompanies this invasion of my breathing space. Why is this legal? Can’t anything done? ~ an outraged senior citizen who has resided here for most of 23 years | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1951 NE, 2029 SE, 2044 SW, 2119 SE, 2219 N, 2244 NW, 2251 NW at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Evaporator Condensate Conductivity was elevated. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692891 | 07/31/19 12:30AM STINK STARTS STRONG BY 1AM AND CLOSE WINDOWS, BUT HOUSE IS PERMEATED WITH SMELL, GIVES ME A HEADACHE AND KEEPS ME UP. 3:30AM SMELLS CLEAR AND REOPEN WINDOWS. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692889 | 07/30/19 5 PM-9:30PM STINKS. LIGHT STINK RETURNS 2AM. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 691906 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/29/2019 Time: 7:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 S, 0434 SW, 0454 NW, 0519 SW, 0544 NE, 0629 S, 0749 E, 0845 SE at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:28 AM (-1.5 ft) and there was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 691906 | 7/29 8:45am 6/10 19th and Landes | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 S, 0434 SW, 0454 NW, 0519 SW, 0544 NE, 0629 S, 0749 E, 0845 SE at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:28 AM (-1.5 ft) and there was high humidity. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-27 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692888 | 07/27/19 4:51 AM LIGHT STINK COMING THROUGH WINDOW WAKES ME UP, 6AM CLEAR, 8:35 PM STINKS, 10:30PM STINKS AND WENT TO BED | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692878 | 07/26/19 7:30-8:30 AM LIGHT STINK AT MUTINY BAY BEACH, SHORE MEADOW ENTRANCE, 7PM SMELL STINK AS SOON AS I TURNED OFF OF HWY [redacted]. STRONG AT HOUSE, WALK TO SHORE MEADOW RD. FROM 7:15-8:[redacted], GOT HEADACHE . RETURN TO HOUSE, STINK CONTINUES | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 691888 | Dear [redacted] the past three mornings, I have woken up to a faint possibly 5/10 odor from the PT Paper Mill. Today, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. or around that time smelling the odor from PTPC around 8/10 in the house at Clay and Madison. I woke up with a migraine, nausea and tightness in my lungs, congested sinuses. PTPC lies on its website when it says it is committed to the health of the environment. It certainly does not care about human health. [redacted] [redacted] PS I filed a complaint against PTPC with the Attorney General. I thought I would at least try. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0200 NE, 0219 SE, 0249 W, 0354 NE, 0500 NE at 0-2 mph. There was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units. Smelt Dissolver Tank exceeded HAPs limit. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. Ecology is issuing and NOV and NOP for the smelt dissolver tank exceedance. The smelt dissolver tank was still in compliance with the particulate matter limit. |
| 2019-07-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690779 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/22/2019 Time: 6:45 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I closed all the windows in the house, and am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 N, 0449 W, 0539 SE, 0619 E, 0728 E at 0-3 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690779 | 7:28am 7/22/19 [redacted]/H 8/10 Please, please stay in your own house, ok? You should not be an uninvited guest in ours! That’s plain rude! You make us sick.?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 N, 0449 W, 0539 SE, 0619 E, 0728 E at 0-3 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690779 | Hastings/Hancock 7/22 @ 7am Sulphur 5/10 Unable to have windows open or go outside. Of note, I have nervous system and autoimmune diseases. Many of the community do. It would be nice if we would take that into account, when assessing how damaging these vapors and effluents are for the community, as a whole, putting a greater burden on an already underfunded healthcare system, not to [redacted] to people with ms, neuropathy, Parkinson’s, Lupus, etc.. [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 N, 0449 W, 0539 SE, 0619 E, 0728 E at 0-3 mph. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692877 | 07/22/2019 7PM CLEAR COUPEVILLE, 7:20 STINK STARTS ON HWY 525 JUST SOUTH OF PACIFIC DOGWOOD, BUT CLEAR ON MUTINY BAY RD. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident therefore no internal investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692870 | 07/20/19 STINK STARTS AROUND 1:30AM CLOSE WINDOWS. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690757 | It stinks in Port Townsend this morning. At least on O St it does. Went out out to my garden and gagged. July 19, a 5/[redacted]. at 7:30 am. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0452 NW, 0534 W, 0614 SW, 0634 S, 0659 E, 0719 NW, 0734 E, 0800 SE at 0-5 mph. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690757 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/19/2019 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am delaying outdoor activities until the smell dissipates. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0452 NW, 0534 W, 0614 SW, 0634 S, 0659 E, 0719 NW, 0734 E, 0800 SE at 0-5 mph. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690757 | [redacted]/H 7:56am July 19 Level 8/10 Woke with puffy eyes. Stench has moved on ,but now have headache. Rats. There goes the day. ?? Sent from my iPad | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0452 NW, 0534 W, 0614 SW, 0634 S, 0659 E, 0719 NW, 0734 E, 0800 SE at 0-5 mph. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690717 | [redacted]/Sims Wow! Our air filter and cabin filter are filthy! ??not just the oil change! 2:48pm 7/10 level 7/18/19 Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1148 E, 1339 S, 1414 NE, 1429 NW, 1448 NW at 0-12 mph. Low tide occurred 11:35 AM (-1.4 ft). Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-18 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692869 | 07/18/19 9:30 PM STINK STARTS | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-17 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692860 | 07/17/19 7:30 CLEAR IN COUPEVILLE, 8PM STINKS HWY [redacted]., BUT CLEAR ON MUTINY BAY RD. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690800 | 7/16/19 11:49 Sims Rotary at Rainier 8/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0300 NE, 0344 S, 0354 SW, 0414 W, 0429 NW, 0440 SW, 0514 S, 0534 SW, 0549 E, 0634 E, 0854 S, 0904 E, 1200 S at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred 10:21 AM (-1.7 ft) and there were foggy, overcast, humid conditions. O2 injection system was OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690800 | 7/16/19 6am [redacted]/H 3/10 level woke me up 7/16/10 9:14am [redacted]/Fillmore 5/10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint(s). PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0300 NE, 0344 S, 0354 SW, 0414 W, 0429 NW, 0440 SW, 0514 S, 0534 SW, 0549 E, 0634 E, 0854 S, 0904 E, 1200 S at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred 10:21 AM (-1.7 ft) and there were foggy, overcast, humid conditions. O2 injection system was OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690716 | Hastings/Hancock Both on 7/15 and 7/17 Around 11 am, each day. Usual stink 6/10 I have preexisting conditions that were adverse affected. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690754 | On O st. in Port Townsend on a beautiful summer day--well it was--and it's about a 5/10. Can't work in the garden with this stink. Too late to close the windows. I want to go somewhere to escape this but I don't know where. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690798 | 7/15 8:50am 4/10 Water and Monroe Throat irritation after 20 seconds outside Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690798 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692858 | 07/13/19 7:[redacted]. 8PM TURN ONTO MUTINY BAY RD. STINKS, SOMEWHAT HEAVY, DID 30 MIN. WALK TO SHORE MEADOW DRIVE HEADACHE. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692857 | 07/12/19 10PM STINKS, CLEARED 11:30 | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690582 | Hello [redacted], I noticed that Milloderous Group on Facebook has been archived so I'm sending this report to you. Rainier and Park Ave S (near Goodwill Industries) July 11, 2019 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. around a 7/10 (I had to put a mask on because I gagged from the odor) The smell also seeped into the storage facility where I have my unit. [redacted] [redacted] PS This is disturbing to me because I'm moving to PT in a week. And I read on Facebook that PTPC is considering increasing productivity. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident date, therefore no internal investigation was performed. The odor complaint was logged. |
| 2019-07-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690543 | 7/10/19 1:45pm 5/10 stink 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation of the odor complaint. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1045 SE, 1124 S, 1244 NW, 1345 NW at 3-19 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet loading (TSS & COD) was elevated. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695440 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-07-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690476 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 7/6/2019 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I postponed my morning walk and working outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint. PTPC investigation result: The wind directions during this time were: 0600 SW, 0824 SE, 0839 E, 0900 E at 1-7 mph. There were overcast conditions. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692854 | 07/06/19 8:45PM STINKS CLOSE WINDOWS | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690487 | Caller left voicemail. See attached. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0854 E, 0914 NE, 1054 E, 1154 S at 0-6 mph. There were foggy, overcast and humid conditions. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-07-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692853 | 07/05/19 9:40 LIGHT STINK STARTS | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692849 | 07/04/19 7:30AM STINKS TRILLIUM FOREST | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692834 | 07/03/19 7:30 -9AM STINKS ON MUTINY BAY AND AT BEACH ENTRANCE SHORE MEADOW DR. FREELAND. 5PM STINKS AT MUTINY BAY ALSO AT LANGLEY RD. LANGLEY | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-07-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690423 | [redacted] 7/2 7:00am AND 10:00pm [redacted] 3/10 19th and Landes Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor report more than 7 days after the incident and therefore logged the complaint but did not perform an internal investigation. |
| 2019-06-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690337 | [redacted] and [redacted] evening 7:30 Pm [redacted] Port Hadlock Irondale. Very warm day . Windows are now open and this putrid acid burning stench from the toxic mill is permeating our house. 7-10 burning eyes, instant headaches for my wife and I and now running for my inhaler. This is so horrible and nothing changes. No one cares. Self regulation does not work. Your department does nothing. We have lived here almost 30 years. Conditions did not exist in our area and never smelled the stench from PTPC at our home until PTPC became self regulating after George Bush induced the Clean Air [redacted] EPA lost its clout. What is going on? Are you going to anything? Same old blah blah and PTPC expands, pollutes poisons the Air we breathe and now will boost its carbon footprint when we have climate change. How very screwed up situation this is. Now they want to expand production. Insanity. Toxic unacceptable. | [redacted]: Ecology submitted the odor complaint to PTPC. The odor complaint was received more than 7 days after the incident and therefore PTPC logged the complaint but did not perform an odor investigation. |
| 2019-06-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690408 | Date: 6-25-19 Time: 7:00am Location: [redacted]., Port Townsend, WA, 98368 Intensity (1-10): 6 Odor Description: Sulfurous, sour It is beginning to clear now with slight breeze. My wife has been coughing most of the morning, house smells sour. Best regards, [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 N, 0414 W, 0609 SE, 0704 E, 0730 E at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:26 AM (3.6 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690408 | [redacted] 6/25 7:05am [redacted] 8/10 19th and Landes Just awful. Can’t go outside or I will definitely feel sick. Sent from my phone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 N, 0414 W, 0609 SE, 0704 E, 0730 E at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:26 AM (3.6 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690408 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 6/25/2019 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. Too unpleasant to be outdoors. [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 N, 0414 W, 0609 SE, 0704 E, 0730 E at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:26 AM (3.6 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690408 | Hello [redacted] and [redacted] is my latest report. - [redacted] Stink report Re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by [redacted] Date: 2019-06-25 Time: 4:54am Location: Washington x [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 6/10 Odor Description: Sour smell and acid feel that made my teeth hurt. It was heavy enough that it was strongest at ground level, noticeably less so on a second story or a hill such as on Washington Street by the Post Office, although still objectionably present. [redacted], Other: Effect on use and enjoyment of property and/or health, safety or welfare: Really unsavory to go through. It makes me concerned about effects of periodic exposures over long term effects and the fact that it makes my teeth hurt causes me to reflect on the car wash that PTPC put on site to keep the fumes from peeling paint off of workers' cars. | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 N, 0414 W, 0609 SE, 0704 E, 0730 E at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:26 AM (3.6 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was below 7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690340 | June 24 9:44am Mill/Discovery to Old Fort Townsend Rd 5/10 In car; windows closed; record and AC on ???? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0644 SW, 0704 W, 0804 SE, 0944 SE at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692833 | 06/23/19 6PM clear in Coupeville, 6:[redacted] AND HOME, 6:45 PM STINKS TRILLIUM, 8PM CLEAR | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-06-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690129 | 6/21/19 7:25 am 3/10 stink 19th and Landes Sent from my phone [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complains. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0425 SW, 0459 W, 0519 SW, 0554 SE, 0815 SE at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690129 | [redacted]: I wasn’t here for 10 days and now I’m home... | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complains. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0425 SW, 0459 W, 0519 SW, 0554 SE, 0815 SE at 0-7 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692828 | 06/21/19 STINK IN MORNING TILL ABOUT 8AM. 7PM STINK STARTS AND COMES AND GOES. 10:30 PM VERY STRONG CLOSED ALL WINDOWS, BY 1AM THE SMELL PERMEATED THE HOUSE EVEN WITH EVERYTHING BEING SHUT, BOTH OF US ENDED UP WITH HEADACHES FROM THE SMELL | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-06-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692827 | 06/20/19 STINK STARTS AROUND 7:30 STILL STINKS BY 1OPM KEEP WINDOWS SHUT ALL NIGHT | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-06-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690070 | [redacted] or whom it may concern – I am writing to complain about PTPC smell this morning at 8:00 am at our house. See address below. Smells kind of rotten egg metallic. We live a few miles north of PTPC, so the wind must have shifted from the south. [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend, WA 98368 [redacted] [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaint. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 SW, 0529 S, 0614 SW, 0659 S, 0800 S at 3-9 mph. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 690521 | D: 6.19.2019 R: 2/10 A: Sims & Haines T: 6:10pm | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 1510 NW, 1810 NW at 8/18 mph. There were overcast conditions. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 692825 | 06/19/19 10:20 PM DRIVING SOUTH ON HWY 525 FROM COUPEVILLE (CLEAR IN COUPEVILLE) A LITTLE AFTER RESORT ROAD BUT BEFORE CLASSIC RD. SMELL PERMEATED CAR IT WAS SO STRONG EVEN WITH WINDOWS UP AND NO AC OR VENT ON. SMELL LESSENED WHEN I REACHED MUTINY BAY RD., AND WAS RELATIVELY CLEAR AT HOUSE WHEN I ARRIVED. | [redacted]: PTPC received the odor complaint more than 7 days after the incident, therefore the odor complaint was logged but no investigation was performed. |
| 2019-06-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689973 | 6/15 19th and Landes 5/10 stink 10:00am Sent from my phone [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0700 NW, 0834 S, 0859 SE, 0929 E, 1115 E at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:26 AM (-1.4 ft), and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689973 | 6/15 Hancock/Hastings 10:00 5/10 stink Emailed | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0700 NW, 0834 S, 0859 SE, 0929 E, 1115 E at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:26 AM (-1.4 ft), and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689931 | 6/14 19th and Landes 4/10 stink 9:44am Sent from my phone [redacted] | [redacted]: PTPC performed a internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0644 NW, 0729 W, 0754 N, 0824 E, 0944 E at 1-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:50 AM (-0.6 ft) and there were overcast conditions. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| 2019-06-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689900 | Re: Port Townsend mill smell Date was wrong on that last one. Should be 6/13. Sent from my phone On Jun 13, 2019, at 8:58 AM, [redacted] <[redacted]> wrote: 6/12/19 3/10 stink 19th and Landes 8:45am Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0545 W, 0609 NW, 0709 SE, 0759 NE, 0845 NE at 0-5 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:13 AM (0.4 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. Other operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689899 | 6/12/19 8/10 stink 19th and Landes 1:05am Woke me up out of sound sleep. It’s the warmest night yet this summer. Thought we could sleep with the windows cracked open. I was wrong. Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 2205 NW, 2214 SW, 2239 S, 2254 E, 2304 NE, 2344 SW, 0034 N, 0105 N at 0-3 mph. ASB first run DO was below target. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689793 | 6/8 at 8 am Hastings/Hancock 4/10 rotten egg smell I don’t get to listen to the birds, this morning. ?? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0420 S, 0514 SW, 0534 S, 0644 NW, 0704 E, 0744 SE, 0820 SE at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689793 | Rotten egg/sulphur smell. 7:20 am, June 8, 2019 [redacted] 6/10 7th at discovery Had to close the door quickly to avoid it coming in the house. [redacted] [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0420 S, 0514 SW, 0534 S, 0644 NW, 0704 E, 0744 SE, 0820 SE at 0-5 mph. There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689760 | 6/6/19 2/10 stink 19th and Landes 1:05pm Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1005 SE, 1034 E, 1109 SE, 1154 SW, 1224 S, 1254 SE, 1305 SE at 0-9 mph. Low tide occurred at 12:48 PM (-2.6 ft). Sludge was being diverted from the Primary Clarifier to the ASB due to high load on rake, no ASB outfall exceedences occurred as a result. Mill operations were curtailed and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689695 | Woke with a horrible, unnatural headache. Realized that I'd been breathing in mill pollution since ~3am through my open windows, but was so tired from the Growler noise keeping me awake the past two nights that the putrid smell just wafted its way into my dreams. Wednesday, 6/5/19 6 out of 10 outdoors, but stronger inside the house [redacted] off Hastings (2 miles north of PTPC) 6:30am (smell began several hours earlier) | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689695 | 6/5/19 3/10 stink 19th and Landes 7:45am No walking my daughter to school today. Had to drive to avoid symptoms. Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689668 | 8:57am June 3 Woke with foggy head and headache. Lingering fumes of 4/10. Maybe NOT such a good morning to mow or walk. Looking pretty shaggy outside. [redacted]/H ?? Sent from my iPhone | Historic Investigator [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-06-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689641 | First email sent at 6:49am: 6;45am [redacted]/H 5/10 level Inside houseJune 1,2019 Congested Eyes puffy Headache Damn My husband was warm around midnight and cracked the window.?? Sent from my iPhone Second email sent at 8:42am: Sims/[redacted] at Metro Bagel With plume ruining someone else’s day June 1, Saturday 8:41am otherwise cloudless [redacted] Third email sent at 8:46am: Metro Bagel at [redacted]/Sims 8:44am June 1 Plume headed away. Head clearing; eyes still puffy from overnight Sent from my iPhone [redacted] Fourth email sent at 9:01am: 5/10 level inside car with air on record with AC 8:59am Mill Rd June 1 ?????? Sent from my iPhone [Included 6 photos] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 W, 0424 SW, 0544 W, 0614 NW, 0639 W, 0724 SE, 0900 SE at 1-11 mph. There was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689664 | I woke with a bad headache. Opened the door to find the blanket of stench Friday May 30 8:45am [redacted] and H [redacted] 8/10 Dropped my husband at the Haines Park and Ride to work with the Land Trust Landes 7:56am Stench 10/10 Returned home [redacted]/H Stench 10/10 Headache coughing ???? I am harvesting at the Grange Foodbank Garden at 10am, headache or no. Expecting the hedge fund that owns PTPC and plans to expand operation is unaware. Or just doesn’t care. Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0435 NW, 0524 W, 0609 SW, 0639 W, 0659 SW, 0714 SE, 0949 E, 1000 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:04 AM (0.6 ft) and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated for part of the investigation period. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689664 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 5/31/2019 Time: 7:35 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Negligible. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0435 NW, 0524 W, 0609 SW, 0639 W, 0659 SW, 0714 SE, 0949 E, 1000 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:04 AM (0.6 ft) and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated for part of the investigation period. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689664 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0435 NW, 0524 W, 0609 SW, 0639 W, 0659 SW, 0714 SE, 0949 E, 1000 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:04 AM (0.6 ft) and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated for part of the investigation period. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689661 | 5/30/19 6/10 stink 19th and Landes 7:45am No walking my daughter to school today. Had to drive to avoid symptoms. Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0445 S, 0639 SE, 0745 SE at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:41 AM (1.5 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689661 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0445 S, 0639 SE, 0745 SE at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:41 AM (1.5 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689582 | 5/29/19 3/10 19th and Landes 7:45am Diaper/sulfur smell After walking my daughter to school in this, I had some throat irritation and sneezing. Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 W, 0424 SW, 0434 S, 0529 SE, 0734 NE, 0909 SE, 1044 E, 1500 E at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:21 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689582 | D: May 29, 2019 R: 4/10 A: Corner of F and Willow T: 7:30 I drove to Boat Haven to work on my boat and it was a 7/10. Felt throat irritation and left. No boat work until mill toxic stench is gone. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 W, 0424 SW, 0434 S, 0529 SE, 0734 NE, 0909 SE, 1044 E, 1500 E at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:21 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689582 | 5/29/19 4/10 sulfur/diaper smell Quincy & Root 7 am Sincerely yours, [redacted] Port Townsend, WA | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 W, 0424 SW, 0434 S, 0529 SE, 0734 NE, 0909 SE, 1044 E, 1500 E at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:21 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689582 | I always look here before I open my windows/ door in the morning to see where you are smelling the funk. So today I expected it get here. About an hour or so ago I started to feel queasy and knew it was that time. Air filter cranked up, doors and windows closed on this glorious sunny day. It is more subtle a smell, like rotting food, strong garlic, acrid and nose irritating. Breathing more shallow for a while. 5/29 4/10 Discovery and Mill 3PM | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0400 W, 0424 SW, 0434 S, 0529 SE, 0734 NE, 0909 SE, 1044 E, 1500 E at 0-11 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:21 AM (2.5 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. ASB inlet pH was <7.0 pH units and first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689473 | I wake up. Did the dog fart? Is my composting toilet fan broken? WTF? And then I remember. 5/23 5/10 inside with air filter and rising 8:50am Discovery and Mill And they want to increase production? ???? All you need is love; love is all there is. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689336 | Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by: [redacted] Date: 05-19-2019 Time: 2:00 A.M. Location: The Swan Hotel <[redacted] Port Townsend, WA> Intensity (1-10): 8 Odor Description: Rotten eggs [redacted], Other: Haze Effect: It affected my use and enjoyment of property and/or Affected health, safety or welfare, or causes damage to property or business. This smell woke me out of my sleep. My partner and I are on vacation at the far end of the Marina in the Swan Hotel. I first thought perhaps it was low tide or (not trying to be funny) that my partner had just passed a massive fart. However, the smell lasted far longer and stayed very much at intensity for the past 30 minutes. I was unaware when I booked my time here that this is a regularly watched issue in the community and it will effect my decision to return based on health concerns. Thank you for your time! | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 2332 W, 2349 NW, 0104 NE, 0129 SW, 0209 NW, 0232 NW at 0-6 mph. There were overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689262 | 5/13/19 8/10 stink Silver/Corona 1:45 At the Grange Foodbank garden Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1045 S, 1329 SE, 1345 SE at 1-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689169 | Thankfully, I was heading out the door for a few days to see my grandkids when the toxic stench pushed me along more quickly?? 5/12 5/10 and rising as I left Discovery and Mill 8:45am View from the ferry line- it’s blowing straight over my home?? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689189 | My long spell of clean fresh air has ended this morning as an acrid odor is creating nausea and dismay in my body and soul?? [redacted] 5/10 [redacted] 3/10 Discovery and Mill 9:30am ?? All you need is love; love is all there is. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0630 E, 0904 SE, 0930 SE at 0-4 mph. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. ASB first run DO was below target. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689023 | D: 5/3/19 R: from 3/10 to 6/10 A: corner of F and Willow, then throughout parts of town as I walked. T: from 7:30 to 8:40 am On a training walk of about 4 miles through town, the air was fetid until I reached Point Hudson, where I emerged from the flowing [redacted] of stink into a patch of fresh air where I could finally smell the low-tide seaweed I was stepping on. Back along Water Street the diaper smell got stronger, but dissipated a bit in uptown. The sense of smell was probably the very first sense to evolve in living creatures. It warns us of unsafe food, or fire, or other dangers, it is also the sense most closely associated with memory, and it is highly emotive, which explains people’s worry, anger and distress at being forced to breathe this toxic stink. Far too often our air is not safe to breathe. Air pollution is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s biggest killers. This paper mill produces nasty chemicals we cannot avoid breathing. Massive scientific evidence points to direct health impacts. I normally don’t end a brisk walk with a cough and runny nose, but today I did, thinking, how is it that their profits are more important than the entire community’s respiratory health? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0405 W, 0604 SW, 0614 W, 0639 S, 0724 SW, 0739S, 0814 SE, 0840 SE at 0-9 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689023 | I planned to attend the Global Earth Repair Conference today 5/3/19 at Fort Worden, but woke coughing and with splitting headache and opened door to a 10/10 stench at [redacted] and H that likely blanked the house as we were sleeping. Filters off as heat was off. Drove my husband to Haines Park and Ride on Sims/Landes to work with Land Trust. He opened the door to a 9/10. Came back to [redacted] and H to 8/10, but the day is lost for me. I doubt the hedge fund that owns PTPC cares, or they would deal with it. With the unraveling of the EPA and regulation, all the action oriented and positive conferences in the world can’t save us. And I try! On a personal and community level! Really despondent today.?? Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0405 W, 0604 SW, 0614 W, 0639 S, 0724 SW, 0739S, 0814 SE, 0840 SE at 0-9 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689023 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 5/3/2019 Time: 7:05 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am postponing my outdoor morning activities. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0405 W, 0604 SW, 0614 W, 0639 S, 0724 SW, 0739S, 0814 SE, 0840 SE at 0-9 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-05-02 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695439 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-05-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695438 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-04-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689021 | 10:41am [redacted] 3/10 but definitely mill Indian Island Portage Beach Apr29, 2019 ?? Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0741 NW, 1041 NW at 1-15 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:47 AM (4.2 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689018 | Portage Beach/Oyster Shell Beach across from the Naval Magazine on Marrowstone 11:17am Th 4/25 [redacted] 5/10 stench I caught a cold from my grandson and was hoping the clean salty air would help. Not today. ???? Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0817 W, 1117 W at 8-17 mph. There were overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-23 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689017 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/23/2019 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I am postponing my outdoor morning activities. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 W, 0519 W, 0604 NE, 0634 NW, 0644 W, 0709 NW, 0730 NW at 0-10 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689008 | 4/22/19 5/10 smell rating 7th at Discovery in PT 9 PM The smell rolled in and there will be no sleeping with open windows tonight. [redacted] [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1800 SE, 1909 S, 2019 SW, 2054 W, 2100 W at 0-20 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689007 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/21/2019 Time: 7:10 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 6 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I canceled my morning walk. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0410 NW, 0539 S, 0619 SW, 0654 S, 0710 E at 0-8 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689007 | D: 4/23/19 R: 10/10 A: 19th and Landes T: 7:50 am This one gave me residual stomach upset | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0410 NW, 0539 S, 0619 SW, 0654 S, 0710 E at 0-8 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688997 | D: 4/16/2019 R: 8/10 A: 19th and Sheridan T: 7:50 am D: 4/16/2019 R: 4/10 A: 19th and Landes T: 8:10 am Sent from my phone > On Apr 14, 2019, at 1:51 PM, [redacted] <[redacted]> wrote: > > D: 4/14/19 > R: 8/10 > A: 19th & Landes > T: 1:45pm > > | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 NW, 0404 W, 0420 NW, 0454 W, 0529 NW, 0644 SW, 0659 SE, 0810 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688997 | D: 4/16/2019 R: 8/10 to 10/10 A: corner of F and Willow T: 7:25 am This morning’s stench has a sharpness to it. This is due to its intensity, an almost syrupy feel as you breathe it in. Canceled my morning walk as it’s too dangerous to breathe in chemicals at this level. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 NW, 0404 W, 0420 NW, 0454 W, 0529 NW, 0644 SW, 0659 SE, 0810 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688997 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/16/2019 Time: 7:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate to severe. I had been planning on doing some exterior painting. The air is so pungent that I cannot be outdoors without breathing difficulty. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 NW, 0404 W, 0420 NW, 0454 W, 0529 NW, 0644 SW, 0659 SE, 0810 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688997 | 4/16/19 [redacted] 6/10, Quincy & Root, 6:45 am. [redacted] [redacted] Port Townsend, WA | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0345 NW, 0404 W, 0420 NW, 0454 W, 0529 NW, 0644 SW, 0659 SE, 0810 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Evaporator Condensate conductivity was elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688996 | D: 4/14 R: 8/10 A: corner of F and Willow T: 1:55 pm Walked outside into a wall of full-strength mill stench, strong enough to burn the eyes and make breathing difficult. It wasn’t there a few minutes ago. Went back inside. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688996 | D: 4/14/19 R: 8/10 A: 19th & Landes T: 1:45pm | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688992 | I believe that when you don't think you are breathing in noxious odors from PTPC, you actually are because you have gotten used to it. Sure when it gets to be a 4/10 and up you will still smell it. Nothing makes this clearer then when you go out of town and notice how incredibly fresh the air seems to be. When I poked my head out this morning to check temperature the air was slightly putrid. But instead of it being maybe a 3/10, perhaps it was really 6/10 because I am getting used to it!!?? On O st on March 8th 9 am | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0528 NW, 0614 SW, 0739 S, 0750 SE, 0828 SE at 0-3 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688992 | Apr8 8:28 Stench. Whomp. As soon as I opened the door. [redacted]/H 9/10 level?? And our 5 and 2year old grandkids are coming today ?? Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0528 NW, 0614 SW, 0739 S, 0750 SE, 0828 SE at 0-3 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688988 | [redacted] for tracking these. Here’s my report from this morning. 4/7, 7:30 am, it wasn’t bad at my house so I went for a walk, but at the corner of Cass and Franklin near the courthouse I walked into a 9/10 mill fart that lasted for >2 blocks and was almost as bad as being at the intersection of rt. [redacted]. It activated my sinuses and lungs, and when I got home I can still smell it in my hair and on my clothes. I’m healthy and don’t normally have any issues with my lungs, but they feel pretty ragged right now. Update, 2:00 pm: I can still smell PTPC on my clothes. Faint, but noticeable. Lungs are better but not back to normal. I’ve stayed inside all day. [redacted] | Ecolgy contacted PTPC regardin the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0440 SW, 0519 NW, 0544 W, 0609 SW, 0814 W, 0819 NW, 0904 S, 1009 E, 1214 SE, 1249 S, 1400 S at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred 12:14 PM (0.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688988 | I have a cold, gifted to me by my grandkids last weekend... But I smell it and it may be stronger than I can tell... Making me feel queasy... [redacted] 4/7 [redacted] 4/10 Disco and Mill Noon | Ecolgy contacted PTPC regardin the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0440 SW, 0519 NW, 0544 W, 0609 SW, 0814 W, 0819 NW, 0904 S, 1009 E, 1214 SE, 1249 S, 1400 S at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred 12:14 PM (0.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688988 | Wonderful cleansing rain yesterday and what it looks like a beautiful morning as I look outside . Good day for a walk at the fort but is it cold outside? I open my front door to see, only to be slammed with mill odor! F***!! This is what it is like to live in #PortTownsend. It's only good some of the time. And you never know when that will be. D March 7th R 5/[redacted] T 8:45 am emailed | Ecolgy contacted PTPC regardin the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0440 SW, 0519 NW, 0544 W, 0609 SW, 0814 W, 0819 NW, 0904 S, 1009 E, 1214 SE, 1249 S, 1400 S at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred 12:14 PM (0.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688988 | 4/7/19, 5/10, Quincy & Root, 8 a.m. Mill stink making it unpleasant to take dog for walk outside. Not a nice start to what should otherwise be a beautiful spring morning. Sincerely yours, [redacted] Port Townsend, WA | Ecolgy contacted PTPC regardin the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0440 SW, 0519 NW, 0544 W, 0609 SW, 0814 W, 0819 NW, 0904 S, 1009 E, 1214 SE, 1249 S, 1400 S at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred 12:14 PM (0.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688988 | First email sent on 4/7/19 at 8:23am Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by: [redacted] Date: 4-7-19 Time: 8:00am Location: [redacted]., Port Townsend, WA, 98368 Intensity (1-10): Not sure how to gauge, causing bad health effects: 8 Odor Description: Sulfurous, sour Effect: My wife is already afraid from the last time this happened (reported 3-30) and we will need to leave town on a very busy day. Last time she had trouble breathing and bought an emergency inhaler. I would like to hear back from someone on this. PTPC is not an institution; it is a business, like any other. Why should it be allowed to infect an entire region? I have looked up maps for the PT mill smell and it extends widely. Thank you for looking into this. I would like a response. Best regards, [redacted] [redacted] Second email sent on 5/3/19 at 7:32am Date: 4-7-19 Time: 8:00am Location: [redacted]., Port Townsend, WA, 98368 Intensity (1-10): Not sure how to gauge, causing bad health effects: 8 Odor Description: Sulfurous, sour Effect: My wife, who is extremely affected by this, is coughing. Bit of irony, today marks the first day of the international Global Earth Repair Conference, which will have 100s of people from around the country and world attending at Fort Worden with an opening ceremony possibly smelling of SO2 and H2S if the breeze doesn't pick up. We have already determined, unfortunately, that we will not be moving to Port Townsend solely due to PTPC, but have a 6 month lease that we keeps us here for the time being. This is the 5th instance of waking to a smell since January - 2 times I did not report because it was not as strong and dissipated with a breeze early on. The old, unfortunate argument of `jobs against environment` can no longer hold. We cannot afford mills that belch up a potential 100 tons of pollutants or more per year. There must be better processes, and I will look into this. PTPC is a business, period. It is not an institution of some greater good. Yes, it provides jobs, but that does not give it a `right` to hold a region hostage to its stench and hazardous wastes. Best regards, [redacted] [redacted] | Ecolgy contacted PTPC regardin the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0440 SW, 0519 NW, 0544 W, 0609 SW, 0814 W, 0819 NW, 0904 S, 1009 E, 1214 SE, 1249 S, 1400 S at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred 12:14 PM (0.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688988 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 4/7/2019 Time: 7:40 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. [redacted] | Ecolgy contacted PTPC regardin the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0440 SW, 0519 NW, 0544 W, 0609 SW, 0814 W, 0819 NW, 0904 S, 1009 E, 1214 SE, 1249 S, 1400 S at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred 12:14 PM (0.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688984 | 9:51am April 5 Mill and Discovery [redacted] Inside car with filters 6/10 ???? Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0651 S, 0754 SE, 0904 S, 0951 S at 6-17 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688984 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0651 S, 0754 SE, 0904 S, 0951 S at 6-17 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-04 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695437 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-04-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688983 | There will be no working outside this morning - the air is toxic and burns my throat when I talk and nose when I breathe. Acrid, chemical, smell hot like something is burning, but not really a smoky smell - caustic is the best word I can come up with to describe. Wednesday, 4/3/19 10 out of 10 - the smell is not that strong, more like a 6 or 7 but it feels very, very caustic when breathed in [redacted] off Hastings (2 miles north of PTPC) 11am - mill smell has been present intermittendly for the past few hours but this is worse | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0800 S, 1100 S at 7-19 mph. Low tide occurred 10:18 AM (3.5 ft). Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-03 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688983 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0800 S, 1100 S at 7-19 mph. Low tide occurred 10:18 AM (3.5 ft). Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-04-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688982 | 4/1/19 [redacted] 7/10 smell 19th & Landes 10:00pm Strong sulfur smell | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1900 W, 1909 NW, 2004 SW, 2109 NW, 2149 W, 2000 W at 0-6 mph. Low tide occurred 8:49 PM (1.5 ft). Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688980 | 'Caller reported a strong mill odor (9 out of 10). Also indicated that the odor caused a migraine. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0530 NW, 0609 W, 0644 NW, 0719 SW, 0744 SE, 0830 SE at 0-4 mph. There were foggy and humid conditions. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688955 | Odor/Fume report re Port Townsend Paper Corporation Submitted by: [redacted] Date: 3-30-19 Time: 10:00am Location: [redacted]., Port Townsend, WA, 98368 Intensity (1-10): Not sure how to gauge, causing bad health effects: 8 Odor Description: Sulfurous, sour Effect: My wife woke with burning throat, is coughing, having some trouble breathing from time to time. I have a headache, though not certain I can attribute to smell. We are going to leave town for the day if this doesn't clear up soon. And it certainly affects our choice of whether to stay in PT or not. Why should a business be allowed to have this affect on an entire region? I have looked up maps for the PT mill smell and it extends widely. Thank you for looking into this. If possible, I would like a response. Best regards, [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0445 NW, 0744 N, 0759 NE, 1000 NE at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:42 AM (5.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688955 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/30/2019 Time: 7:45 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The odor is too unpleasant to spend time outdoors. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0445 NW, 0744 N, 0759 NE, 1000 NE at 0-3 mph. Low tide occurred at 8:42 AM (5.7 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688954 | Working in the garden yesterday (March 29th) and the air was anything but fresh. It was about a 3/10 and as always it ticked me off that I had to breathe this shit. I do NOT recommend anyone with a young family moving here as you will be subjecting your kids to having to breathe in these toxins throughout their formative years. O Street. Time? Most of the day. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0537 W, 0625 N, 0645 NW, 0700 SW, 0720 NW, 0735 S, 0835 SE, 0905 E, 0937 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 7:40 AM (6.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688954 | 3/29/2019 6/10 Landes & 19th 8:45am Strong sulfur smell. Upset stomach. Won’t go outside. Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0537 W, 0625 N, 0645 NW, 0700 SW, 0720 NW, 0735 S, 0835 SE, 0905 E, 0937 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 7:40 AM (6.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688954 | First message sent at 8:43am: 8:37am on Fri 3/29/19 Whomp Mill stench on [redacted]/H. No wonder I woke with puffy eyes!! 9/10 ?? Sent from my iPhone Second message sent at 9:44am: 9:30am on 3/29 Light headed at SimsWater/Kearney at Food Coop Level 7/10 Held breath going from and to car ?? Third message sent at 10:56am: 10:53 Stench inside car with windows up 5/10 Mill to [redacted] on SR 20 | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0537 W, 0625 N, 0645 NW, 0700 SW, 0720 NW, 0735 S, 0835 SE, 0905 E, 0937 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 7:40 AM (6.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688954 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0537 W, 0625 N, 0645 NW, 0700 SW, 0720 NW, 0735 S, 0835 SE, 0905 E, 0937 E at 0-7 mph. Low tide occurred at 7:40 AM (6.1 ft) and there was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695431 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - woke me up NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-03-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688950 | OMG. I am so nauseous. My eyes are burning. My throat is closing. It's been increasing in toxicity since this morning. For the past 3 nights I thought I was experiencing acid reflux, but have now confirmed that even lower amounts of whatever the fuck is being emitted into the plume are making me ill. Smells kind of like burned plastic or acetone. 3/25 7/10 and rising all day Mill and Dicsovery 11 am until now 3 PM and continuing THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. ???????? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0450 S, 0504 NW, 0558 N, 0616 NW, 0710 W, 0730 W at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688950 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/25/2019 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I feel like a prisoner inside my house. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 NW, 0450 S, 0504 NW, 0558 N, 0616 NW, 0710 W, 0730 W at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688953 | Experienced extreme mill odor basically all day today, March 25, 2019. Scale of 8/10 this morning at 9:30 and only slightly lessening til now at 5 PM with 6/10. Location: 7th and discovery rd. PT. Sour sulphur smell burning throat and sinuses. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695430 | sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-03-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688945 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/21/2019 Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I had been planning to work in the garden, but put it off until later in the day. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: he wind directions during this time were: 0100 NW, 0135 W, 0240 N, 0335 W, 0405 SW, 0435 NW, 0600 W, 0620 NW, 0655 W, 0720 S, 0930 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688945 | Woke with headache. Unsurprisingly, stench as I opened the door to take my husband to doctor, was At 10/10 level Thurs Mar. 21,2019 [redacted]/H Will hold breath to car. Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: he wind directions during this time were: 0100 NW, 0135 W, 0240 N, 0335 W, 0405 SW, 0435 NW, 0600 W, 0620 NW, 0655 W, 0720 S, 0930 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688945 | Mar 21, 5/10, Quincy & Root, 4 am. Mill stink coming though open window and awakened me from sound sleep. Still stinks at 6:30 am on what would otherwise be a beautiful spring morning but sullied by rotten mill smell. Sincerely yours, [redacted] Port Townsend, WA | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: he wind directions during this time were: 0100 NW, 0135 W, 0240 N, 0335 W, 0405 SW, 0435 NW, 0600 W, 0620 NW, 0655 W, 0720 S, 0930 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688945 | 'sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - woke me up NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: he wind directions during this time were: 0100 NW, 0135 W, 0240 N, 0335 W, 0405 SW, 0435 NW, 0600 W, 0620 NW, 0655 W, 0720 S, 0930 SE at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688941 | It’s seeping in my windows. Dirty diaper pail. Gross. [redacted] 3/19 [redacted] 5/10 Disco and Mill 9am | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0600 W, 0650 NW, 0730 SW, 0810 SE, 1005 E, 1120 SE, 1225 NE, 1300 SW, 1315 E, 1454 E at 0-16 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:35 AM (4.6 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688941 | First Message sent at 9:07am: Same nastiness today: 3/19/19 ?? 9/15/19 9:54am [redacted]/H Level 9/10?? Sent from my iPhone Second Message sent at 9:14am: And again 9:12 am [redacted] and Jefferson [redacted] 6/10 Mar21 The peroxide does not seem to be working ???? Third Message sent at 11:36am: And again: 11:31 SR19 from Sims Rotary to [redacted] 3 in closed car 6/10 level Still Mar 19, 2019 And a colleague mentioned the stench this morning at Rosewood between San Juan and Cherry near Fort Worden Fourth Message sent at 2:45pm: And again: 2:42pm mar 19th Jacob Miller to Sims rotary [redacted] 6/10 x 3 in the sealed car Headache ?? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0600 W, 0650 NW, 0730 SW, 0810 SE, 1005 E, 1120 SE, 1225 NE, 1300 SW, 1315 E, 1454 E at 0-16 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:35 AM (4.6 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688941 | 'sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0600 W, 0650 NW, 0730 SW, 0810 SE, 1005 E, 1120 SE, 1225 NE, 1300 SW, 1315 E, 1454 E at 0-16 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:35 AM (4.6 ft) and there was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688939 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/15/2019 Time: 8:50 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I plan to research respirators so I can work outdoors in my garden. Do you happen to know what respirators are effective? Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0550 N, 0555 SW, 0605 NW, 0730 SW, 0755 S, 0820 SE, 1005 E, 1054 E at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. There was a HVLC NCG vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688939 | Re: Port townsend mill stink Yikes. So sorry. Yes this odor report is for March 15. Thank you. [redacted] [redacted] On [redacted] 15, 2019, 10:03 AM [redacted] <[redacted]> wrote: [redacted] this odor report for [redacted] 15th? Port townsend mill stink March 14 8/10 31st and Sheridan 9:15 a.m. Stench, once again, forcing us to abandon our morning walk. ?? [redacted] [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0550 N, 0555 SW, 0605 NW, 0730 SW, 0755 S, 0820 SE, 1005 E, 1054 E at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. There was a HVLC NCG vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688939 | First Message sent at 10:00 AM: 9/15/19 9:54am [redacted]/H [redacted] Level 9/10?? Sent from my iPhone Second Message sent at 10:08 AM: 10:06am 3/15/19 Rotary at Sims and [redacted] where stench is generally bad but mercifully, not today. Third Message sent at 10:49 AM: Inside bus SR20 from Mill to [redacted] [redacted]6/10 On 3/15/19 10:47 See previous post from Sims of plume blowing SW ?? Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0550 N, 0555 SW, 0605 NW, 0730 SW, 0755 S, 0820 SE, 1005 E, 1054 E at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. There was a HVLC NCG vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688939 | 'sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - woke me up NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0550 N, 0555 SW, 0605 NW, 0730 SW, 0755 S, 0820 SE, 1005 E, 1054 E at 0-3 mph. There was high humidity. There was a HVLC NCG vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688938 | Here come da stink! Like clockwork lately. Rolls in around this time at 10:[redacted] on March 14th and it’s about a 3/10 NOW but will most likely increase in strength over the next few hours. Emailing | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688933 | While outside working on my clogged drain this morning I ???? in my mouth. Disgusting toxic stench?? [redacted] 3/13 [redacted] 5/10 Disco and Mill 10am All you need is love; love is all there is. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0550 SW, 0605 N, 0625 SW, 0720 W, 0735 SW, 0840 S, 1000 SE at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was a Primary Condenser pressure vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688933 | Port Townsend Paper Mill Smell March 13 [redacted] 9/10 Sims and Sheridan 9:45 a.m. Sulphuric. Nostrils burning. Nauseating Thanks! Sent from my phone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0550 SW, 0605 N, 0625 SW, 0720 W, 0735 SW, 0840 S, 1000 SE at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was a Primary Condenser pressure vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688933 | March 13 9/10 31st and Sheridan 9:50 a.m. Really bad, acrid stench. Can't go outside for the morning dog walk. Can't breathe in this stench. [redacted] [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0550 SW, 0605 N, 0625 SW, 0720 W, 0735 SW, 0840 S, 1000 SE at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was a Primary Condenser pressure vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688933 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/13/2019 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0550 SW, 0605 N, 0625 SW, 0720 W, 0735 SW, 0840 S, 1000 SE at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was a Primary Condenser pressure vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688933 | First Message sent at 9:02am: Inside the house with filters on Mar 13, 8:15am, [redacted]/H [redacted] 3/10 Woke with Headache Stuffy nose [redacted] In the car 6/10 [redacted] Outside 10/10 Please use the peroxide! Fill the retention ponds! Fix this! Sent from my iPhone Second Message sent at 9:07am: | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0550 SW, 0605 N, 0625 SW, 0720 W, 0735 SW, 0840 S, 1000 SE at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was a Primary Condenser pressure vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688933 | 'sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 S, 0550 SW, 0605 N, 0625 SW, 0720 W, 0735 SW, 0840 S, 1000 SE at 0-7 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. There was a Primary Condenser pressure vent. Process sewer conductivities were elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-13 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688937 | March 13th on O St. at 11:45 at night. The [redacted] 5/10 stink is starting to creep into my house. I really dread spring time in port townsend. That’s an awful thing to say, isn’t it? Open our windows? To what? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 2045 W, 2145 S, 2210 NW, 2250 SW, 2345 SW at 0-2 mph. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688865 | Our family loves everything about Port Townsend, EXCEPT the oppressive paper and pulp mill smell. We just secured a rental and at first only experienced a sour smell on the south edge of town, but after signing our lease yesterday were overcome by tremendous sulfurous stench, and with further reading I became concerned about what this may mean for our long term enjoyment of the community, our health, and water & air quality. How can an industry be allowed to have such a profound negative impact on an entire population, especially in an area that also relies on tourism? Something HAS to change here. Every precaution available should be in place to both monitor the pollution and control it. - [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC respsone: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695427 | 'sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous - can't go outside NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-03-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 695425 | 'sneezing, headache, light headed & nauseous NOTE: This was reported as part of an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet can be found in the Industrial Section Resource Mailbox > Port Townsend Paper > AIR 0000922 > AIR COMPLAINTS. | [redacted]: Odor complaint received and logged. No additional investigation performed for historical odor complaints. |
| 2019-03-09 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688863 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/9/2019 Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0530 SW, 0600 W, 0650 NW, 0800 W, 0820 NW, 0830 NW at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688861 | Date: 3/8/2019 Intensity: 3/[redacted] Time: 8:10am Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, sneezing & headache. PTPC's odor is also present throughout my home. Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 SW, 0630 W, 0645 NW, 0755 SW, 0805 SW, 0810 W at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688861 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 3/8/2019 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 5 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. Too unpleasant for me to go for a morning walk. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 SW, 0630 W, 0645 NW, 0755 SW, 0805 SW, 0810 W at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-08 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688861 | The stink is creeping into my house on O St on Mar 8th at 11:30 am It’s about 4/10. I so look forward to those lovely spring mornings and evenings when we can open our windows and really let it in. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0430 SW, 0630 W, 0645 NW, 0755 SW, 0805 SW, 0810 W at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-03-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688860 | Date: 3/7/2019 Intensity: 6/[redacted] 9:10am all day Sulphuric chemical odor Burning nasal passage, headache and nauseous. PTPC's odor is present throughout my home. Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0610S, 0635 SW, 0710 S, 0845 SW, 0900 S, 0925 SW, 0955 SE, 1045 S, 1405 SE, 1425 S, 1700 SE, 1710 SE at 0-15 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:45 AM (4.0 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. Evaporator condensate conductivity was elevated. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-26 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688859 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/26/2019 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Negligible. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1600 NW, 1625 N, 1650 NW, 1810 SW, 1820 NW, 1830 SW, 1900 SW at 0-15 mph. Low tide occurred at 4:01 PM (0.9 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688857 | Received at 10:57am: Walking thru rain and snow atop hill above Fort Worden With 2 and 5 year old grandchildren (2 adults) and WHAM! The toxic stench. Kids response: ‘yuck!’ Feb 22, 2019 10:54 am [redacted] 5/10 Our MD son commented that He smelled it between [redacted] and F 10:30 pm 10/10 Wed Feb 21 Sent from my iPhone Update Received at 11:26am: And still at [redacted] and H 11:26 am | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0754 S, 1020 SW, 1126 SW at 8-25 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688857 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/22/2019 Time: 11:20 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 8 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. The smell is too overpowering to be outdoors. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0754 S, 1020 SW, 1126 SW at 8-25 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 688858 | Between the traffic circles on Sims and Discovery See the plume Still stinking ?? Feb 22 4:52pm 9/10 Light headache after earlier exposure, eyes puffy and irritated Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1352 S, 1515 SW, 1615 S, 1630 SW, 1640 S, 1652 S at 4-16 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-19 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687453 | Wow! Stench from the Elementary School to inside Jefferson Healthcare! 8:06 am Feb 19 Discovery and SR20 To inside building Sheridan/10th 10/10 [redacted] Sent from my iPhone Update received 1130 Still strong at 9:15am | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0506 W, 0610 SW, 0625 W, 0635 S, 0645 W, 0710 S, 0750 SW, 0910 S, 0915 SW at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687441 | 8:02 am 2/16/19 10/10 [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]/H Planning to head out to the Grange Food Bank Garden, but not with what hit me as I opened the door! Sent from my iPhone Update received 0913 9:12 still just as bad and I can smell it inside as well, in spite of the filters. Update received 0944 9:43 same; trapped. Update received 1033 10:32 same foul stench. Update received 1048 10:44am:sane, so I held my breath, hurried to the car and put the filters on. Whew - it wasn’t at the library! Whew - air ok at [redacted]’s Pharmacy on Water St. Photo of mill’s stack plumes attached to the message. Updated image of mill’s stack plumes received 1055 Update received 1111 11:07 at Safeway on Sims for gas. Stinky!!! Eyes puffy. Nauseous. Can’t hold my breath THAT long! Breathing as little as possible into scarf. Crowded here so lots are sharing the experience! Sadly!!! Update received 1308 So, the air at Indian Island was clear and we got a [redacted] to walk. Back at [redacted]/H, not so much. 1:07pm and the stench is at about 7/10. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0502 W, 0555 NW, 0645 S, 0655 SW, 0720 NW, 0810 S, 0825 W, 0900 NW, 0910 S, 0940 NW, 0950 S, 1035 SE, 1110 SW, 1130 S, 1135 SW, 1308 SW at 0-8 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:56 AM (7.0 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687441 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/16/2019 Time: 8:10 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to work outdoors, but the smell is too intense. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0502 W, 0555 NW, 0645 S, 0655 SW, 0720 NW, 0810 S, 0825 W, 0900 NW, 0910 S, 0940 NW, 0950 S, 1035 SE, 1110 SW, 1130 S, 1135 SW, 1308 SW at 0-8 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:56 AM (7.0 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-16 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687441 | 2/16/19, 7/10 [redacted], Quincy & Root, 9 am. Rotten egg smell. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0502 W, 0555 NW, 0645 S, 0655 SW, 0720 NW, 0810 S, 0825 W, 0900 NW, 0910 S, 0940 NW, 0950 S, 1035 SE, 1110 SW, 1130 S, 1135 SW, 1308 SW at 0-8 mph. Low tide occurred at 6:56 AM (7.0 ft) and there were humid, overcast conditions. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. Process sewer conductivities were elevated and ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687442 | Valentines Day 10:27am 8/10 smell [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]/H Headache /eye pressure Sent from my iPhone Update received 1125 and again at 1134 Hospital Jeff Co 11:23am Valentine’s Day 8/10 [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0727 W, 0825 NW, 0840 W, 0850 NW, 0920 W, 0955 SW, 1020 S, 1045 W, 1115 NE, 1131 NE at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. The wind directions during this time were: 1250 N, 1440 NW, 1500 SW, 1550 SW at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Pulping condensates were not being collected in a closed system (MACT event). Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-14 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687442 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 2/14/2019 Time: 3:50 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. It was far too unpleasant to be outdoors. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0727 W, 0825 NW, 0840 W, 0850 NW, 0920 W, 0955 SW, 1020 S, 1045 W, 1115 NE, 1131 NE at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. The wind directions during this time were: 1250 N, 1440 NW, 1500 SW, 1550 SW at 0-9 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Pulping condensates were not being collected in a closed system (MACT event). Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non- mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687445 | Sheridan and Sims 2/12/19 2:36 pm 8/10 stench [redacted] Unfortunately, I left my air filtered car to go into the bank. Wham. Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1136 SW, 1215 S, 1340 SW, 1436 SW at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. Operations were normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687450 | Date: 2019-02-11 Time: 8am Location: 29th x [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 7 Odor Description: Diaper smell, plus fumes. Stomach turning stench. [redacted], Other: x Effect: It ruined an otherwise beautiful crisp morning to come out of my house and be slammed with mill stench. I got out of there as fast as I could. Affected use and enjoyment of property. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 NW, 0540 N, 0550 NE, 0615 SE, 0650 SW, 0800 SW at 0-11 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-11 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687451 | Date: 2019-02-11 Time: 10:30 - 11:30pm Location: route through Port Townsend: along Washington Street from Harrison to Walker, along Walker to Blaine, along Blaine/19th to [redacted] to 22nd, 22nd to Sheridan 29th x [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 9 Odor Description: Sour smell that put a metallic taste in my mouth [redacted], Other: x Effect: Made me fearful for my immediate and longterm health, affected my ability to walk home. My intended peaceful, healthful walk home on a snowy night, which I had done a few times over the past several days, became the opposite. A sour, slightly metallic mill stench was noticeable along Washington Street starting at Harrison. It got worse the farther I went, so I turned to try to find a route that would minimize my exposure. By 19th Street at Hill, it was completely unbearable and I was having trouble breathing so I turned again to try to avoid it. I soon was dizzy and stumbling, had to stop several times to regain my bearings, and felt that I might have to stop before I reached my destination. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 1930 S, 2130 SW, 2155 W, 2205 SW, 2300 W, 2330 W at 0-14 mph. There were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687452 | [redacted] at [redacted]. I’m calling to report a smelly Sunday morning from PTPC. We’re 4 miles north of PTPC. It seems like on Sundays, they are more likely to be smelly than other days, and today is Sunday the 10th of February. It’s quite evident they have not done much to reduce the odor. If you could add this to the reports. Thank you very much. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-06 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687447 | Date: 2019-02-06 Time: 8:00 - 9:30pm Location: Taylor x Washington [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 6 Odor Description: Nauseating rotting smell, plus fumes. [redacted], Other: x Effect: Mill stench coming in through windows of building, nauseating, irritating to nose and sinuses, makes it hard to concentrate (or breathe for that matter). | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 NW, 0515 W, 0555 NW, 0705 N, 0725 NW, 0830 W, 0900 SW, 0925 W, 0930 W at 0-4 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-05 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687173 | Beautiful day for a walk for two of us and a guest from RI, at Fort Townsend off SR 19 - Except for PTPC fumes. Tues 2/5 12:33pm 4/10 She will likely take PT off her list of places to retire to. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0933 N, 0945 NW, 1015 N, 1030 NW, 1100 N, 1115 NW, 1130 N, 1155 NW, 1333 NW at 2-14 mph. Low tide occurred at 10:49 AM (6.0 ft). ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-02-01 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687446 | Date: 2019-02-01 Time: 7:40pm - 8:15pm Location: Cotton Building, [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 7 Odor Description: Moderate typical diaper smell & fumes. Main effect was painful cramping of muscles. [redacted], Other: x Effect: Muscle cramps in my feet that went away when I was able to get out of PTPC emissions area While attending a lecture in downtown Port Townsend, suddenly the muscles in my feet began curling painfully inside my shoes, so I had to divert my attention to forcing my feet to uncurl, while not distracting others, and hopefully without having to miss the rest of the lecture. I experience such muscle cramps with some of PTPC's emissions. I barely got through without falling down in pain, and sure enough, upon exiting the Cotton Building, there was PTPC smell, with odor about level 4, but effect about level 7. The muscle cramps resolved after I left the area and found fresh air. It seriously reduced my ability to use and enjoy that part of our town, and concerns me regarding short and longterm health effects. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687043 | Date: [redacted] 30 Rating: 8/10 [redacted] Address: Q Street Time: 10 AM | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Several odor reports were received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0804 NW, 0845 NW at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:33 AM (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687177 | Date: 2019-01-31 Time: 8am Location: Jefferson General Hospital, 10th x Sheridan, lower floor, Port Townsend Intensity (1-10): 5 Odor Description: Typical mill smell. [redacted], Other: Effect: Mill stink going into hospital, not only unpleasant but makes me concerned for compromised health of those in the hospital. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report:: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 NW, 0515 S, 0609 SW, 0615 W, 0800 W W at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred at 7:02 AM (6.9 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-31 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687177 | Date: 1/31/2019 Time: 8:15 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 3 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Negligible. Thank you. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report:: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0500 NW, 0515 S, 0609 SW, 0615 W, 0800 W W at 0-4 mph. Low tide occurred at 7:02 AM (6.9 ft) and there were humid and overcast conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687043 | 1/31/19 9:01am 10/10 [redacted] [redacted]/H Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Several odor reports were received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0804 NW, 0845 NW at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:33 AM (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687043 | Date: January 30, 2018 Rating: 8/10 [redacted] Address: near F and Willow Time: 8:45 am Pretty disgusting rotten egg odor today. I’ve learned that Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and collects in low-lying places. That’s probably why some of us with, for example, wood- fenced-in yards that face toward PTPC, get levels that are very likely much higher than what’s measured in areas where the gas keeps flowing through. Sometimes my back yard smells like I’m practically standing in the plume, but if I walk out to the street it’s less stinky. And speaking of semantics, maybe we should stop calling it `just an odor` and call it what it really is - a noxious gas that’s a threat to both short-term and long-term public health. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Several odor reports were received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0804 NW, 0845 NW at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:33 AM (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687043 | 1/30/19, 4/10 [redacted], Quincy & Root, 7:30 am. First time I've smelled PTPC in awhile. I was hoping it had improved some process to mitigate the odor, but guess not. Thank you. [redacted] Port Townsend WA | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Several odor reports were received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0804 NW, 0845 NW at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:33 AM (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-30 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687043 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/30/2019 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. Thank you. [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Several odor reports were received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. The wind directions during this time were: 0500 W, 0804 NW, 0845 NW at 0-2 mph. Low tide occurred at 5:33 AM (6.4 ft) and there was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686992 | A beautiful day shadowed by the smell of dirty diapers 1/29/19 4/10 [redacted] [redacted] | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0800 NW, 0900 W, 0909 NW, 0949 SE, 1100 SE at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-29 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687185 | Date: 2019-01-29 Time: 5:30pm Location: [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 5 Odor Description: Nauseating diaper smell, plus fumes. Stomach turning stench. [redacted], Other: Effect: Diaper smell came both indoors through closed windows and was outdoors at least from Washington Street x Taylor to the Post Office at Washington x Harrison Street | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686939 | Date: 1/25/2019 Time: 7:52 a.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 7 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Moderate. I was planning to go for a walk, but decided to stay indoors. Thank you. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor reports.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0452 NW, 0539 SW, 0554 W, 0624 NW, 0634 SW, 0704 W, 0714 S, 0734 W, 0822 W at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686939 | Time: 8:22 Date: 1/25/19 Intensity level: 3/10 Location: [redacted]/H (Originally came in as Rise/H) | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor reports.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0452 NW, 0539 SW, 0554 W, 0624 NW, 0634 SW, 0704 W, 0714 S, 0734 W, 0822 W at 0-6 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-25 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687184 | Date: 2019-01-25 Time: 1:15pm Location: 29th x [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 7 Odor Description: Typical mill smell, plus fumes. [redacted], Other: Effect: Affected use and enjoyment of property and/or health, safety or welfare. I left my own property sooner than I had planned in order to be out of the stink | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-24 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687183 | Date: 2019-01-24 Time: 8:30am Location: Jefferson General Hospital, 10th x Sheridan, lower floor, Port Townsend Intensity (1-10): 7 Odor Description: Sulfuric smell. [redacted], Other: Effect: Sulfuric smell came into the lower floor of the hospital, making it unpleasant at the least. It can't possibly be healthy for people whose health is already compromised. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report.: PTPC resposne: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-22 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687182 | Date: 2019-01-22 Time: 12:01am to 2am Location: [redacted] Townsend, indoors and outdoors Intensity (1-10): 8 Odor Description: Nasty sulfuric rotting smell plus fumes that came into building through closed windows. Makes it unpleasant and distracted from ability to work downtown. [redacted], Other: Effect: Affected use and enjoyment of property and/or health, safety or welfare, and to business: Makes it unpleasant to do work downtown, stench came in waves and was bad enough that I felt nauseous and it caused pain in my lower abdomen. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident:: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-21 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687181 | Date: 2019-01-21 Time: 10:30pm for at least three hours Location: [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 8 Odor Description: Nasty sulfuric rotting smell plus fumes that came into the building through closed windows. [redacted], Other: Effect: Affected use and enjoyment of property and/or health, safety or welfare, and to business: Sulfuric stench came in waves and was bad enough that I felt nauseous and it caused pain in my lower abdomen. Makes it unpleasant and distracted from ability to do work downtown. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor report.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-20 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 687179 | Date: 2019-01-20 Time: 11:30pm Location: [redacted] Townsend Intensity (1-10): 8 Odor Description: Nasty sulfuric rotting smell plus fumes that came into the building through closed windows. [redacted], Other: Effect: Affected use and enjoyment of property and/or health, safety or welfare, and to business: Made it unpleasant to do work downtown, stench was bad enough that I felt nauseous and it caused pain in my lower abdomen. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-15 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686735 | Odor report received at 11:49 a.m. 11:[redacted] rotary on SR19 To Jacob Miller 10/10 [redacted] with 2 in car and windows up. Headache. Nausea Tuesday 1/15/19 Update received 3 p.m. 2:57 pm [redacted] 15, 2019 Jacob Miller/SR19 to Sims traffic circle 10/10?? [redacted] Sent from my iPhone | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident:: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0847 S, 0919 SE, 1054 S, 1259 SE, 1314 E, 1349 NE, 1404 E, 1424 SE, 1457 SE W at 0-9 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide.c [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-12 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686652 | Dear Mr. [redacted] and/or Ms. [redacted], I understand that you are the persons who register odor complaints for the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Date: 1/12/2019 Time: 9:25 p.m. Location: Intersection of Monroe & Root [redacted] Townsend Odor intensity: 4 Odor description: Sulfurous Any health impacts experienced: Mild. The air had the distinctive mill odor, but I was only outdoors for a few minutes. Thank you. [redacted] | |
| 2019-01-10 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686621 | For the past 2 hours I have refused to acknowledge the `presence` has returned to my home. It was at the head of the `driveway` but had not reached this end of the property on which I live, yet. But I am quite nauseated at this point and can no longer deny what is known. I have turned up my air filter and I lit some sage. 1/10/19 3/10 [redacted] Discovery and Mill rd 8:30 PM My first post of the new year. Oh goodie. | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: Received more than 7 days after event; logged but not investigated. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2019-01-07 | Ecology PRR | ERTS 686466 | Reported 9:02 a.m. 8:58am Discovery/Sheridan—Grant St School And Jeffco Hospital 10/10 [redacted] Eyes watery; headache ?? Sent from my iPhone Reported 9:47 a.m. 9/47am Monday 1/7/19 INSIDE THE HOSPITAL! ?? 5/10 [redacted] Not the first time!!! Mentioned to staff who agreed. Hmmm—how many staff and patients are impacted??? | Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident.: PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0558 SW, 0644 S, 0714 W, 0749 SW, 0809 W, 0819 SW, 0849 W, 0909 SW, 0924 W, 0934 SW, 0944 W, 0958 W at 0-8 mph. There was high humidity. ASB first run DO was below target. Part of PTPC was shutdown, other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. [redacted] :46:48 AM Created By: [redacted] |
| 2006-10-14 | cswapt.com | Severity 4/5 | some kind of chemical / [redacted] / I smell it regularly at that intersection when I am driving and I have to cover my nose and mouth but the headache and nausea are instant. | |
| 8/20 - 8/21 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Typical paper plant odor but very strong and lasted most of the day / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / The odor has been relentless for 10 days now. We can smell it even with the windows closed. Please let me know when we can expect to get some relief. [redacted] Principal [redacted] | |
| 8/22 - 8/25 | ptodor.org | Severity 4/5 | Very strong acrid burnt smell / Eye or throat irritation, Had to go indoors or leave the area / The odor persists every day this month. Today’s is particularly bad - a burnt smell that is causing coughing and eye irritation. [redacted] Principal [redacted] | |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 689973 | Sat June 15 11:14am Mill Rd/SR20 to [redacted] [redacted] 7/10 Windows shut 2 In car AC and filters on ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: PTPC performed an internal investigation into the odor complaints. PTPC investigation results: The wind directions during this time were: 0700 NW, 0834 S, 0859 SE, 0929 E, 1115 E at 0-10 mph. Low tide occurred at 9:26 AM (-1.4 ft), and there was high humidity. Lime Kiln TRS was elevated. ASB first run DO was below target. There was an ongoing wastewater spill to soil. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 696060 | Tuesday January 28, 2020 [redacted]/H 10:13am Woke with headache/puffy eyes and opened front door to the worst stench in months:10/10 At the public hearing, the new process of as supposed to eliminate this. ?? Sent from my iPhone | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor incident. PTPC response: The wind directions during this time were: 0650 S, 0809 SW, 0839 W, 1013 W at 1-8 mph. There were overcast and humid conditions. ASB inlet DO was below target. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. Mill response: O2 injection system ON. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700011 | Toxic mill stench | [redacted]: Ecology contacted PTPC regarding the odor complaint. PTPC investigation response: The wind directions during this time were: 04:30 W, 04:59 SW, 05:19 NW, 05:34 W, 05:59 SW, 06:39 W, 07:09 S, 07:30 S at 0-5 mph. Low tide occurred at 04:39 (2.0 ft) and there were foggy conditions. ASB first run DO was below target. O2 injection system OFF. Other operations normal and APCE within normal operating ranges. The PTPC facility is located in a rural, coastal community where many non-mill odor sources are present. These offsite odor sources include the City Wastewater treatment lift stations and line vents, marine industrial activities, crematory, coffee roasters, City biosolids land application facility, residential wood smoke, residential heating oil furnaces, failed or aging septic systems, landfill and sanitation facilities, farming and livestock activities, private and commercial composting, business and residential cooking odors, residential outdoor burn piles, campground fire pits, and beaches, lagoon and estuary sediments exposed during low tide. |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 700563 | I'd like to report an environmental issue | [redacted]: Odor incident was reported to PTPC more than 7 days after the event, therefore PTPC did not perform an additional investigation. Odor complaint documented and recorded. |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 725629 | I know you’ll do nothing about this but I want to complain about the toxic fumes PTPC lets off. You may say it’s acceptable levels (even though dec 2022, PTPC was fined for going over limits) and I got seriously sick when living near PTPC from Aug 2021-[redacted] 2023. Every time I smell that horrorendous smell, I get sick with nausea and sometimes head pains. I am highly sensitive and know my limits to toxic things or places but I lived there and know for a fact it affected me adversely. PTPC is causing air pollution. | [redacted]: This appears to be a general complaint and not a complaint about a specific time. I sent [redacted] some general information and invited her to submit future, specific complaints in the future if they would like. |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 729975 | Hi, I wanted to report that the Port Townsend Paper Corporation dumps so much smoke into the Olympic Peninsula that on some days you cannot see the mountains! On calmer days, PTPC's smoke drifts from Port Townsend all the way to Olympia. Millions of people have their views impaired, not to [redacted] the awful air quality for those living on the peninsula. Is there a plan to shut down this plant, or at least require them to implement some kind of smoke abatement? Thank you, [redacted] | [redacted]: See attached correspondence with complainant. |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732350 | Around 7 am this morning a rancid odor of what smells like ammonia began to filter around our property. We live on Middlepoint Rd in the county. The last two mornings, the oder has been awful! Obviously the wind has shifted from westerly. Absolutely disgusting smell. Thank you in advance for your attention to my email. I know there is nothing we can do other than report the smell. | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732549 | Sunday 7/28 8:19am [redacted]/H Level 3 now Headache, eyes puffy Filter on; must have come in through the chimney like [redacted] smoke????? | [redacted]: See attached facility response |
| Undated | Ecology PRR | ERTS 732598 | We could see the smoke spewing and smell PTPC all the way across the water to Diamond Point. Last night from about midnight until the wee hours of the morning. We had to turn on our air filters and shut our windows. Why can’t they update their systems and filter the waste? Smell from Mill just now at roundabout of [redacted] and Sims, 3:25 pm. Mill smell following us down 20 toward highway 101, 3:30 pm. | [redacted]: See attached facility response. |
| Undated | ptodor.org | Severity 2/5 | rotten eggs / Had to go indoors or leave the area, Difficulty breathing / Super annoying how inconsistent it's been, I've been opening and closing windows all day trying to air it out and it keep coming back! -- [redacted] Illustrator & Naturalist [redacted] Instagram: [redacted] She/her |
All entries in this record are drawn from the following sources.
Research library · V_1.2
The Regulatory Mechanism Behind ORCAA's Lack of Authority
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This document identifies the specific legal mechanism that removes Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)'s air emissions from local and regional regulatory oversight, confirmed directly against primary regulatory sources.
Washington State law removes three specific industries from the jurisdiction of local and regional clean air agencies statewide, reserving direct regulatory authority exclusively to the Washington State Department of Ecology. Those three industries are listed below.
PTPC is a kraft pulping mill and falls under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-405. This is the specific legal basis for Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA)'s own written statement that it “has no regulatory authority over PTPC's facility.”
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-405-012, the statement of purpose for the Kraft Pulping Mills chapter, reads in relevant part: “Assume state jurisdiction over emissions from kraft pulping mills to provide for the systematic control of air pollution in this industry and for the proper development of the state's natural resources.” The Primary Aluminum Plants chapter, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-415-010, uses nearly identical language: “Assume state jurisdiction over emissions from primary aluminum reduction plants to provide for the systematic control of air pollution in this industry and for the proper development of the state's natural resources.”
The near-identical wording across both rules indicates a single, deliberate regulatory template applied to each of the three carved-out industries, rather than three separate, unrelated decisions. In both cases, the rule's own stated purpose names industrial development alongside pollution control as an explicit justification for centralizing authority away from local agencies.
The underlying statutory authority for all three rules is Chapter 70.94 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), the Washington Clean Air Act, specifically Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.94.331 and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.94.395. The earliest confirmed filing dates for the current rule chapters are listed below.
The Primary Aluminum Plants rule's own citation history notes it was “Formerly Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 18-52-010” (quoted exactly as cited in the rule's own history), indicating a version of this exemption existed under a different rule numbering system before the 1980 filing. This is consistent with an origin in the 1970s, when Washington's Clean Air Act framework was first established following the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970, with the 1980 filings representing a renumbering and formalization of already-existing state jurisdiction rather than its creation.
This document was not able to independently confirm the exact original enactment date of the underlying policy prior to 1980. Both rules were adopted and later amended under the same statutory authority (RCW 70.94.331 and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.94.395), with a later amendment recorded February 19, 1991 (WSR 91-05-064, Order 90-06) for both chapters.
The state carve-out is also embedded directly in federal enforcement delegation. A September 19, 2001 Federal Register filing (Volume 66, Number 182, pages 48211 to 48219, FR Doc. 01-23311), “Final Approval of the Clean Air Act, Section 112(l), Delegation of Authority to Washington Department of Ecology and Four Local Air Agencies in Washington,” documents the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegating enforcement of federal National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to the Washington State Department of Ecology and several local agencies.
Within that delegation, Subpart S, the federal Pulp and Paper National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), the actual federal hazardous air pollutant standard for this industry, was delegated to local agencies for pulp and paper facilities generally, with one explicit exception, stated in the filing's own footnote: “Subpart S of this Part is delegated to the Washington Department of Ecology and these local agencies... except kraft and sulfite pulping mills. The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) retains the authority to regulate kraft and sulfite pulping mills in the State of Washington, pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-405-012 and 173-410-012.”
The same filing shows the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) correcting an error in its own proposed rule regarding primary aluminum plants.
An earlier draft had incorrectly listed two local agencies as holding delegated authority; the final rule explicitly corrects this: “United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is not delegating subpart LL to any local agencies because no local agency in Washington can receive such delegation.” The filing further states that Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.94.395 “provides Ecology with authority to exclusively regulate a particular class of air contaminant sources on a state-wide basis,” making this a matter of statutory impossibility for any local agency, not a matter of agency choice or historical practice.
The 2001 federal filing names the relevant local agency for Jefferson County as the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority (OAPCA). This is confirmed to be the same organization now known as Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA). According to Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA)'s own published history, the agency was formally launched March 24, 1968, as the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority, serving Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties, the same six counties Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) serves today, and was renamed the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency in 2003.
This confirms that the federal delegation record naming the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority (OAPCA)'s lack of authority over kraft and sulfite pulping mills applies directly, under a former name, to the same agency that stated in a July 20, 2026 written response to a community records request that it “has no regulatory authority over PTPC's facility.”
This carve-out is not unique to Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA). A federal register filing concerning the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) confirms the identical exclusion: “Under the applicability provisions of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-405-012, 173-410-012, and 173-415-012, Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) also does not have jurisdiction for kraft pulp mills, sulfite pulping mills, and primary aluminum plants. For these sources, Ecology retains statewide, direct jurisdiction.” A separate federal filing from 2001 states this authority “cannot be delegated to any local agencies in Washington,” confirming this is a permanent structural feature of how the state has organized air quality authority, not a temporary or agency-specific gap that could be closed through delegation.
A community source (Port Townsend Air Watchers) describes this carve-out as covering “kraft pulp mills, aluminum smelters and concrete plants.” This document was able to confirm three industries, kraft pulping mills, sulfite pulping mills, and primary aluminum plants, through direct review of the relevant Washington Administrative Code (WAC) chapters and federal filings. No equivalent state-jurisdiction carve-out for concrete or cement plants was located. This detail should be treated as unconfirmed unless independently verified.
Because PTPC is a kraft pulping mill, Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) has no legal authority to permit, inspect, or enforce air quality requirements against it, regardless of funding or staffing levels. This authority rests exclusively with the Washington State Department of Ecology's Industrial Section.
This explains, with a specific legal citation, several things already documented elsewhere in this campaign's research: why Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA)'s July 20, 2026 written response to a community records request repeatedly redirected air quality questions to Ecology; why the single air monitor in Port Townsend (at Blue Heron Middle School) was never configured to track the sulfur compounds specific to kraft mill emissions, since that was never within the operating agency's jurisdiction to design; and why a 2012 Port Townsend City Council resolution requesting a second, facility-specific monitor was directed at an agency that lacks the underlying legal authority to act on kraft mill emissions regardless of funding.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.1
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-435-040
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
The following is the full text of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-435-040, Source Emission Reduction Plans, reproduced here as part of Citizens for Safe Water and Air - Port Townsend's ongoing research into the regulatory framework that governs major air pollution sources such as Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
(1) Any person responsible for the operation of a major source, when requested in writing by the director, shall prepare, in consultation with the department, a Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP). This Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP) shall be consistent with good industrial practice and safe operating procedures for reducing the emissions of air contaminants into the ambient air during periods of air pollution alert, warning, and emergency.
(2) Source Emission Reduction Plans (SERPs) shall be in writing and shall show the source of air contamination, describe the manner in which the reduction of air contaminant emissions will be achieved during periods of air pollution alert, warning, and emergency, and give the amount of reduction for each stage.
(3) During periods of air pollution alert, warning, or emergency, Source Emission Reduction Plans (SERPs) shall be made available, on the premises of sources required under this section to have them, to any person authorized to enforce the provisions of this episode avoidance plan.
(4) Source Emission Reduction Plans (SERPs) shall be submitted to the director within 30 days after receipt of a request thereof.
(5) Source Emission Reduction Plans (SERPs) shall be reviewed and approved by the director. If, in the opinion of the director, a Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP) does not, in whole or in part, provide for satisfactory emission reduction during an episode, the director may disapprove such Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP), give the reason for disapproval, and require the resubmittal of same within a specified time period. If within the time period specified, the person responsible fails to submit a Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP) satisfactory to the director, the director may revise the Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP) to cause it to meet episode avoidance objectives.
This revised plan will then be the Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP) for the source to which it applies.
(6) Source Emission Reduction Plans (SERPs) may be amended after submission to the director of a revised Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP). This revised Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP) will be processed in the same manner as the originally submitted Source Emission Reduction Plan (SERP).
(7) An emission reduction plan for the purpose of reducing motor vehicle emissions during episode stages will be developed or approved by the department. These plans may include actions to be taken by other governmental units, citizens, and businesses.
Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.94 and 43.21A Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Washington State Register (WSR) 89-02-055 (Order 88-39), Section 173-435-040, filed 1/3/89; Order DE 77-21, Section 173-435-040, filed 10/31/77. Certified on 2/20/2023.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.8
Environmental, Safety, and Fire Violations, 1991 to 2026
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This facility profile draws on two primary regulatory databases: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system, which provides 5-year and 3-year compliance summaries, and the Washington State Department of Ecology's Permit and Reporting Information System (PARIS), which provides all-time counts for the facility's wastewater discharge permit. As of July 2, 2026, Ecology's Permit and Reporting Information System (PARIS) database recorded 164 violations, 80 inspections, and 62 enforcement actions for Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)'s wastewater permit.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) shows 4 inspections on record for PTPC, 3 of which resulted in cited violations. In total, these inspections produced 5 citations, comprising 1 repeat violation and 4 serious violations, with total penalties of $29,400.
The following chronological record compiles environmental and workplace safety enforcement actions against PTPC drawn from Washington State Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Washington State Department of Labor and Industries records, together with contemporaneous odor complaint and incident documentation.
Notice of Violation Docket 24681 was issued by James DeMay, Industrial Section Manager, to Bert Brown, Mill Manager, under the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit WA0000922 Special Permit Condition S1.A, citing authority under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 90.48.120(1). The notice documents six treated wastewater effluent limit exceedances during April 2026:
The notice cites an additional violation for failure to follow the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan, Special Permit Condition S10, following the black liquor spill events of April 7 and April 10, 2026. PTPC is required to file a full compliance report within 30 days. Status: OPEN.
PTPC has required East Jefferson Fire Rescue response for eight fires in nine years, an average of one every 13 months, including three fires in calendar year 2022 alone.
The maximum daily fine the Washington State Department of Ecology can impose on PTPC has not risen since 1987, 38 years without adjustment, even as inflation has tripled.
As of this record, 4,902 days, approximately 13.4 years, have passed since the last formal Clean Air Act evaluation of PTPC, with the last evaluation occurring around 2012 to 2013. The July 2022 recovery furnace exceedance was detected only through PTPC's own periodic stack testing, not a regulatory inspection. Zero formal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste inspections have been conducted at this facility despite violation quarters appearing in the Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) record.
Ecology has clarified that its standard inspection cadence for this facility is a yearly air quality compliance inspection, to determine compliance with the Air Operating Permit and the Clean Air Act, and a hazardous waste inspection every three years, to determine compliance with state and federal rules, per Mady Lyon, Washington State Department of Ecology, August 31, 2026. The 4,902-day figure above is specific to the last formal evaluation recorded in the EPA's ECHO database; it may not capture the full extent of Ecology's own routine inspection activity at the facility, which is tracked separately from ECHO.
University of Washington associate professor of occupational health Marissa Baker stated in June 2026: 'The federal or state agencies would not have kind of purview on inspecting, maintaining the tank. Is it structurally sound? Is it being cleaned as it should? That's going to really fall on the employer. Department of Labor and Industries would not be inspecting a tank like that in a routine inspection.'
A 2014 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife crab and prawn tissue study in Marine Area 7 found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination statistically comparable to levels found near Seattle and Tacoma. A human health risk assessment based on this finding was never completed.
PTPC passed its second-quarter 2026 acute Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) tests, using water flea and fathead minnow species, conducted by Spheros Environmental. This testing was ordered by the Washington State Department of Ecology outside the facility's normal permit timeline. No statistically significant difference was detected between the laboratory control and the acute critical effluent concentration of 2.2 percent effluent for either test species. Samples were collected May 6, 7, 13, and 20, 2026, and results were submitted to Ecology on June 12, 2026.
The total confirmed penalty amount across all programs is $545,650, comprised of a prior confirmed total of $516,250 in environmental penalties plus $29,400 in Washington State Department of Labor and Industries penalties. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) 5-year total is $105,750, covering Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-tracked programs only; Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) penalties and pre-2021 penalties are tracked separately. The 1993 Bunker C spill penalty amount is unknown, and pre-1994 enforcement history is not recoverable from the sources reviewed for this record. Entries marked TBD do not yet have confirmed penalty amounts.
Version 5 of the permit, the active version, was issued May 19, 2025, effective June 1, 2025, and expires May 31, 2030. The previous permit, Version 4, expired October 1, 2018, after an administrative extension issued April 6, 2018; PTPC operated under that administrative extension for nearly seven years.
Version 5 adds new requirements: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) monitoring, aerator reinstallation, cooling water intake structure certification, whole effluent toxicity limits, and stormwater pollution prevention plan updates. The permit's receiving water is Port Townsend Bay, Glen Cove area, at Outfalls 001 and 005. There are no enforceable final limits on benzo(a)anthracene, a probable carcinogen, chlordane, a probable carcinogen, or pentachlorophenol, a confirmed human carcinogen, in treated wastewater discharge until 2029 at the earliest. PTPC is authorized to discharge approximately 7 percent more effluent than under the prior permit.
This permit was issued in August 2022 and expires in August 2027. The recovery furnace federal standard is 0.044 grains per dry standard cubic foot at 8 percent oxygen under 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 63.862(a)(1)(i)(A). The Air Operating Permit also contains a separate, permit-level condition of 0.08 grains per dry standard cubic foot.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This is a condensed briefing prepared for this meeting specifically. It draws on a longer research document available in full on request. Every item below traces to a named source.
This is confirmed, not alleged. Washington's boiler and pressure vessel program excludes atmospheric tanks by definition and separately names black liquor recovery boilers as excluded[4]. The Washington State Department of Ecology's tank authority covers only underground tanks[6]. Washington already has a full working model for exactly this kind of inspection, used for oil tanks, but its authority is legally limited to oil and cannot reach white liquor[5].
Not PTPC's closure, and not blame directed at county staff, who have answered every direct question asked of them so far. We are asking that the roughly 150 questions already submitted in writing receive an actual response, and that this committee use its position as the one body with PTPC sitting at the table to ask the questions above directly, on the record, at this meeting.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.1
Jobs and Economic Transition: A Source Under Review
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
Title: “A Just Transition for the Port Townsend Paper Mill.” Author: John Talberth. Published: December 4, 2025. Source: Center for Sustainable Economy. URL: sustainable-economy.org/a-just-transition-for-the-port-townsend-paper-mill. Date accessed: July 22, 2026.
There comes a time in the life of an aging industrial facility where deliberate planning for its closure, cleanup, and replacement must begin. For the Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) mill, that time is now. Take your pick, the problems are proliferating: foul odors, marine organisms smothered by debris or suffocating from nutrient pollution, foam and algal blooms along the shore, occupational health and safety violations, water and air quality violations, and climate pollution and toxins that will be around for a very long time.
You can drill down on any one of these and see how bad the news gets. Take chronic violations of PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. As noted by Scott Doggett in his November 19 opinion piece, “Mill keeps the public in the dark about spill,” many of the pollutants PTPC discharges in its wastewater are neurotoxins and carcinogens, and several are among the most toxic substances on Earth. He notes that there have been 23 permit violations in the past seven years. These join 148 permit violations or triggers and 51 enforcement actions since 1990.
As Doggett notes in a follow up piece in the Port Townsend Leader on November 26, the paltry fines the Washington State Department of Ecology assesses for these violations have not been raised since the late 1980s and are having little or no effect on incentivizing better behavior.
Or take air quality. Residents are all familiar with the odors caused by emissions from the settling pond, leaky pipes, and the stack. Measured contaminants include reduced sulfur compounds, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and aldehydes. The sulfur compounds are what causes the smell. According to the Environmental Integrity Project, PTPC has been in violation of the Clean Air Act for 11 of the last 12 quarters. In 2024, the United States Department of Health and Human Services warned that breathing a cocktail of sulfur compounds in air near PTPC can cause acute respiratory distress.
PTPC is by far the largest source of climate pollution in Jefferson County. The 2023 facility inventory from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put PTPC's carbon dioxide emissions from burning wood chips and using fossil fuels at 554,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. That is over two and a half times the emissions from the rest of Jefferson County's economy, 207,582 metric tons.
Given all this, a clean replacement facility that keeps all jobs intact and is financially attractive to investors is sorely needed. Otherwise, the argument goes, Port Townsend ends up like Port Angeles, with 200 sudden layoffs and a decades-long toxic cleanup legacy. One option to consider: a state-of-the-art pulp and paper facility located away from the shore that consumes far less water, energy, and chemicals and has a much lower carbon footprint because it uses wheat straw, hemp, kenaf, bamboo, or agricultural wastes from Washington farmers as feedstock rather than wood, virgin or recycled.
It would also generate far less odor since non-kraft pulping processes can be used with these feedstocks. The resource efficiency gains, meaning less environmental impact per ton of product, stem from lower levels of lignin, which makes these feedstocks easier to process. Well-paying union jobs would be involved with dismantling the existing mill and building and operating the new one.
While most non-wood pulp and paper facilities are in China and India, the United States is beginning to catch up as the demand for clean and green products soars. Companies like Genera, based in Tennessee, and Cotrell Paper, based in Massachusetts, are using wheat straw and hemp as feedstock and are using far less water, energy, and chemicals than their wood-based competitors. Here in Washington, Columbia Pulp was the first large scale experiment, one that was designed to use wheat straw feedstock from eastern Washington farmers, but it opened its plant just as COVID hit and had to shut down operations in 2019.
The Tennessee company Genera makes pulp, paper, and packaging from grasses. The article lists the following sustainability benefits:
There are several things public officials can do to accelerate a just transition, according to the article. The legislature can undo decades of preferential treatment for wood products and give non-wood alternatives a level playing field. A bill passed by the legislature in 2020 says that clearcutting and industrial wood products are climate solutions, a claim the article says was long ago debunked, but what if non-wood alternatives received this same designation and were rewarded with the same portfolio of tax breaks, subsidies, and public investments now going to the timber industry?
Also, the Washington State Department of Ecology should notify the current owner, Atlas Holdings, LLC, that the current water and air quality permits are the last ones, the article argues. These permits are not worth the paper they are written on if violations and enforcement actions are chronic and doing nothing to protect or improve the air residents breathe or the waters used for fishing, boating, and swimming.
At the City level, the article argues, councilors should impose a bonding requirement that will ensure Atlas bears full financial responsibility for cleaning up the site once it is closed. With $18 billion in annual revenues, the article states, Atlas can afford this. The Center for Sustainable Economy worked with King County to get a similar risk bonding ordinance in place for fossil fuel facilities that the article says can easily be replicated in Port Townsend.
City councilors and county commissioners could also play a major role by working with state economic development officials and the union to begin the process of recruiting new capital, if Atlas takes a pass, with some public support since the transition serves a public purpose, the article argues. Similar facilities have been jumpstarted by solid waste bonds, new markets tax credits, and section 45X of the Inflation Reduction Act for advanced manufacturing. The market outlook for non-wood facilities is promising: according to Global Growth Insights, cited in the article, the compound annual growth rate for non-wood pulp is forecast to be 6.4 percent through 2034, compared to only 0.81 percent for wood pulp.
So far, elected officials have been silent, the article states. Neither the City nor the County commented on reissuance of the latest National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Nor was PTPC even mentioned in the 14 candidate statements published in the Port Townsend Leader on October 15. There is a long way to go, the article concludes, but it is time to start.
The 23, 148, and 51 violation figures (permit violations in the past seven years; permit violations or triggers since 1990; and enforcement actions since 1990, respectively) are secondhand, citing Port Townsend Leader opinion writer Scott Doggett, not a primary regulatory source. A prior log entry from June 28, 2026 cited this same source with different numbers, 149 and 54 instead of 148 and 51, not yet reconciled. Do not treat either version as confirmed until checked against Doggett's original reporting or a primary Washington State Department of Ecology or United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) source. Update, August 27, 2026: Doggett's original November 19, 2025 column and its November 26, 2025 follow-up (both in his Wild Neighbors column) were located and are now linked as sources 2 and 3, confirming the correct titles, author, column, and publication dates. Both remain paywalled beyond their opening paragraphs, however, so the specific 23/148/51 figures still could not be directly checked against the original text.
The 554,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year figure, drawn from the 2023 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) facility inventory, and the 207,582 metric ton comparison for the rest of Jefferson County's economy, are also not yet independently verified against a primary United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) source.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
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A Grassroots Partnership to Interpret Local Air Quality Data
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
A community-led project seeking to better understand sulfur emissions from Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is recruiting volunteer atmospheric scientists and air quality experts to support a 12 to 15 month assessment[1]. The project is being developed in partnership with the American Geophysical Union's Thriving Earth Exchange (TEE) and aims to help the community interpret existing federal air quality data and evaluate whether additional sulfur monitoring is warranted[1].
Derek Firenze, a Port Townsend resident and one of two community leads on the project, came across the Thriving Earth Exchange (TEE) while writing about paper mill emission findings for a local newspaper last year[1]. After making public comments at Port Townsend City Council and Climate Action Committee (CAC) meetings, Firenze teamed up with Jaime Duyck, a Port Townsend resident and Climate Action Committee (CAC) member[1]. The Thriving Earth Exchange (TEE) requires at least two community leads before it becomes involved, Firenze said[1].
Thriving Earth Exchange (TEE) Community Science Fellow Aara'L Yarber is serving as the project manager[1]. Firenze said Yarber is handling scientist outreach, coordination, and vetting, helping to formalize and legitimize what began as a grassroots effort[1]. "She is actually doing the majority of the legwork at this point," Firenze said. "Having the Thriving Earth Exchange and having Aara'L as our project manager is really building the legitimacy of this issue."[1]
The group is seeking one or two scientists with experience in atmospheric science, sulfur emissions, industrial air pollution, plume modeling, air quality regulation, or community monitoring[1]. Those interested can find an application link and a project timeline at tinyurl.com/4v4sts7j[1]. "Experience communicating technical information to non-technical audiences and interest in community-engaged or environmental justice-oriented work are strongly valued," the project's news release states[1].
Firenze said the project has two main goals: advising on possible sulfur monitoring expansion and interpreting existing federal data to inform policy recommendations[1]. One potential role would involve advising on community-based air monitoring, including wintertime sampling and plume tracking[1]. A second goal would focus on analyzing existing data and helping craft a proposal to the state for possible changes to monitoring practices[1]. Firenze acknowledged the likelihood that those two skill sets may not be found in a single volunteer. "If we can find somebody for both, one person who could do all of that, that would be amazing," Firenze said. "Our assumption is we're not going to find that unicorn."[1]
Firenze said the volunteer's primary task would be helping residents understand and apply findings from a 2018 air study conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)[1]. The role may or may not involve new air monitoring, depending on what the selected scientist recommends. "It really depends on what the science expert thinks," Firenze said[1].
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) study, released in 2024 based on 2018 sampling, detected 14 sulfur compounds in the local airshed[1]. Only four are regulated by the state Department of Ecology[1]. The report's primary health finding was that, while individual sulfur compounds were generally measured at levels unlikely to cause harm, simultaneous spikes in multiple sulfur compounds could create occasional acute respiratory effects[1].
The study did not find evidence of chronic respiratory harm at the population level, and asthma hospitalization rates in Port Townsend were not statistically higher than Jefferson County or state averages[1]. The report characterized those acute exposures as infrequent during the sampling period, but Firenze said the frequency question remains a point of community concern[1].
Last summer, authors of the study presented their findings during two public meetings at Port Townsend's Pope Marine Building[1]. Representatives from PTPC also attended and answered questions from residents[1]. Firenze said winter monitoring was specifically discussed during those presentations. "They admitted that everyone seems to say that it's worse in the winter," Firenze said[1]. About 2,463 residents lived within 1 mile of PTPC as of 2020, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) report[1].
The project comes as the city advances the Evans Vista workforce housing development and as Olympic Community Action Programs operates the Caswell Brown emergency shelter nearby, both of which increase residential density in proximity to PTPC[1]. "Low-income folks who would be living at Caswell Brown, who would be living at Evans Vista, have higher rates of asthma, heart disease and other health risks," Firenze said[1].
Firenze referenced Washington's Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, which directs state agencies to consider cumulative environmental health disparities in decision-making[1]. The law acknowledges that low-income communities face disproportionate environmental health burdens[1].
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) report advised that individuals sensitive to environmental odors reduce exposure during strong odor events by limiting outdoor activity or temporarily leaving the area[1]. It also recommended continued odor complaint monitoring and additional efforts to reduce emissions[1].
Community members may report odors to the state Department of Ecology's environmental engineer, Mady Lyon[1]. Reports should include the date, time, location, odor description, and any health impacts experienced[1].
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.28
PTPC Compliance Record, Health Impacts, and Wastewater Discharge
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
On May 26, 2026, eleven workers died at the Nippon Dynawave kraft paper mill in Longview, Washington, when a 900,000-gallon white liquor tank imploded. It is the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates the identical kraft pulping process using the same chemical, white liquor, a caustic solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, with 300 employees and a daily output that exceeds Nippon Dynawave's. This report documents PTPC's official compliance record, health impacts on the surrounding community, wastewater discharge practices, and critical unanswered questions about industrial safety.
All data is drawn from official government sources: the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) enforcement database, Washington State Department of Ecology penalty records, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), and the 2024 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Health Consultation on PTPC. Nothing in this document is speculative.
The following statements reflect what many Port Townsend residents, including this report's author, believed before the Longview disaster prompted closer examination of publicly available records: "I always thought I was smelling rotten pulp, not toxic chemicals."
The rotten egg and cabbage odors reported by thousands of Port Townsend residents are not the smell of rotten pulp. They are hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds produced directly by the kraft pulping process that uses white liquor as its primary cooking chemical. A 2024 federal investigation by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed that these compounds were being measured near PTPC at concentrations above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s chronic health reference levels during mill operations.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) study detected fourteen distinct sulfur compounds near PTPC (Health Consultation 334-170, June 2024); the Washington State Department of Ecology currently regulates only four of them, leaving ten compounds with no enforceable regulatory limit at PTPC. Nearly 2,000 odor complaints were formally filed between 2016 and 2021 alone. These were not complaints of people being overly sensitive; they were documented exposures to toxic compounds at harmful concentrations.
"I assumed they complied with government regulations." PTPC has been in High Priority Violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for 11 of the last 12 quarters, a sustained noncompliance period tracked in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) database. PTPC has had 13 or more documented industrial spills into Port Townsend Bay since 2013, with Clean Water Act (CWA) violations recorded in every quarter for three years running. A June 2025 hazardous waste inspection found 9 separate violations, including specific failures in preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedures. Two new formal administrative orders for Clean Water Act (CWA) violations were issued in April and May 2026.
Total penalties across all environmental statutes over five years: over $103,250, approximately $20,000 or more per year for a facility generating an estimated $66.3 million in annual revenue, derived from PTPC's reported $319 million in direct expenditures and industry revenue-to-expenditure ratios; no public revenue figure is available from PTPC.
"I knew the mill was old, but I assumed essential safety was being addressed." White liquor storage tanks are not covered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Risk Management Program (RMP). Unlike facilities handling ammonia or chlorine, kraft mills are not required to file public worst-case release scenario plans or disclose their chemical storage tank sizes. There is no publicly available record of PTPC's white liquor tank sizes, ages, last inspection dates, or secondary containment capacity. PTPC's daily production output of 950 to 1,000 tons exceeds Nippon Dynawave's approximately 770 tons, suggesting comparable or greater volumes of white liquor in use and storage.
The Nippon Dynawave mill had a similar pattern of citations and unresolved enforcement actions before 11 people died on May 26, 2026.
On June 1, 2026, PTPC issued a public statement in response to the Longview disaster. The company stated that it had met with industry experts to discuss possible failure modes, verified that tank vents are open and overflow lines are not submerged to prevent vacuum-related issues, and is scheduling further non-destructive testing to reassess tank conditions in 2026. The company also stated it is "unaware of the root cause of the tank failure" at Nippon Dynawave. PTPC also stated: "As a long-standing member of the Port Townsend community, we remain dedicated to protecting our employees, our neighbors, and the environment."
PTPC's June 1 statement represents a welcome initial response. However, self-conducted verification and internally scheduled testing are not a substitute for the independent inspection with publicly disclosed results that this community is requesting. Key questions remain unanswered: What are the sizes, ages, and documented inspection histories of PTPC's white liquor storage tanks? When will non-destructive testing be completed and results made public? What is the emergency response plan for a white liquor release into Port Townsend Bay? The community welcomes PTPC's engagement and looks forward to full transparency.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a 900,000-gallon tank of white liquor imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. mill in Longview, Washington. Approximately 600,000 gallons of white liquor rushed through work areas including employee break rooms. Environmental aftermath: 2,226 dead fish were recovered from drainage ditches near the facility by June 1, 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology. As of May 30, 2026, all eleven missing or killed workers have been confirmed dead, making this the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history. Governor Bob Ferguson called it "the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington State history."
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) interviewed seven chemical safety experts and former federal investigators about what officials would look for to determine how the rupture happened. Tank implosions are far rarer than explosions; expert Stan Kmiotek, with 40 years of process safety experience, said he could "count on one hand" the number of tank implosions he had seen in his entire career. Unlike explosions, implosions happen without warning. The leading expert theory is that a blockage prevented air from backfilling the tank as white liquor was being pumped out, creating catastrophic negative pressure. "If I had to guess, there was some blockage," Kmiotek said, noting that a half-dozen colleagues reached the same conclusion.
Investigators from the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) arrived on site May 27 and will examine tank construction for cracks, corrosion, and venting problems, as well as combing through maintenance records for potential equipment errors. Former federal chemical investigator Johnnie Banks said: "Sometimes we might find things that have been overlooked. It's usually not one thing overlooked, but multiple things happening in concert on a given day and a given time when things go bad."
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)'s reporting, based on interviews with seven chemical safety experts and former investigators, specifically noted that "the implosion happened at about 7:15 a.m., during a shift change that brought more workers on site and around a break room that was located next to the massive tank of deadly chemicals." This is not inference; it is expert-sourced reporting from Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)'s investigation (May 30, 2026). Workers were in the break room adjacent to the failed tank because of the shift change. PTPC runs an identical 12-hour rotating shift structure. The question of PTPC's emergency procedures for periods of high worker concentration near chemical storage areas has not been publicly answered.
Brian Wood, Nippon Dynawave's director of support services and lead spokesperson at press conferences defending the company's safety record, is simultaneously an elected city councilor in nearby Kelso, Washington, a direct conflict of interest between his corporate and civic roles. Josh Estes, head of the local Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) union, said: "We are going to fight to get those answers." The union is actively calling for accountability. At least one victim's family has retained an attorney, and litigation is expected.
United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) Chairperson Steve Owens personally announced the investigation, stating: "The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is opening an investigation into this tragic incident to determine how it happened and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again." The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), the national paper industry trade group, issued a statement supporting a root cause investigation.
In August 2025, a two-alarm fire destroyed a warehouse and locomotive repair shop on Nippon Dynawave property, just months before the implosion; the building was a total loss. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) had two open inspections involving Nippon Dynawave at the time of the disaster; officials stated neither was related to the tank rupture. Nippon Dynawave Packaging is a United States subsidiary of Nippon Paper, a Japanese company that acquired the Longview site from Weyerhaeuser in 2016 for $285 million.
During cleanup operations, residents reported sulfur and rotten-egg odors from hydrogen sulfide released as white liquor was diluted during drainage flushing, confirming that even diluted white liquor releases the same Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds that PTPC emits from its operations daily. Yellow smoke was photographed rising from the Nippon Dynawave facility immediately after the implosion, visual confirmation of hydrogen sulfide and Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) chemical off-gassing.
White liquor is a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium sulfide (Na2S) used in the kraft pulping process to dissolve lignin from wood chips, releasing cellulose fibers for paper production. It also contains sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and other accumulated compounds. Contact with white liquor causes immediate second- and third-degree chemical burns, and its vapors are toxic to eyes, lungs, and throat. It is so caustic that it damaged firefighter protective gear at the Longview site.
PTPC and the Nippon Dynawave facility in Longview share the identical underlying chemistry and process. A side-by-side comparison:
The following data is drawn directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database, facility ID 110000490326. All findings are documented, government-verified violations, not allegations.
PTPC's current Clean Air Act (CAA) compliance status is High Priority Violation (HPV), the most serious noncompliance designation. This status has been maintained for all 11 of the last 12 quarters tracked, representing continuous, unresolved noncompliance across multiple violation categories.
PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit has been in violation for all 11 of the last 12 quarters. The single-event violation table in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database records the following documented industrial spills into Port Townsend Bay, all classified as effluent violations: October 23, 2013; October 26, 2018; November 2, 2018; November 15, 2021; December 31, 2021; January 2, 2022; January 17, 2022; June 5, 2022; December 31, 2022; October 14, 2024; January 4, 2025; April 28, 2025, involving 114,000 gallons untreated, with a $20,000 fine; August 13, 2025; and April and May 2026, when 2 new formal administrative orders were issued.
A June 9, 2025 compliance evaluation inspection of PTPC's hazardous waste program, conducted under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), found 9 separate violations. The most significant, in the context of the Longview disaster, is a violation under section 262.M covering preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedures, which is directly relevant to a white liquor tank failure. Additional violations included two separate violations under section 279.C for used oil generators, two violations under section 273.B for universal waste small quantity handlers, a violation under section 270.F for permit special forms, a violation under section 262.A for general generator recordkeeping, and violations classified as XXS, state statute or regulation violations.
A written informal enforcement notice was issued October 8, 2025.
Under the federal Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program, PTPC reported releasing 377,546 pounds of toxic chemicals in 2024, the most recent reporting year available. Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports cover the prior calendar year, so this figure reflects 2023 calendar-year activity as reported in 2024. The reported chemicals, by weight and documented health effect, were:
In 2024, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a health consultation and exposure investigation specifically for PTPC. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide were all measured near PTPC at concentrations above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s chronic health reference concentrations during mill operations, meaning long-term exposure poses a documented health risk. Established health effects at these exposure levels include eye irritation, throat and respiratory inflammation, fatigue, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Populations most at risk include people with pre-existing heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and lower-income residents, who may have less ability to relocate.
PTPC is the single largest source of climate pollution in Jefferson County, emitting approximately 554,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) for 2023. Nearly 2,000 odor complaints were filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology and PTPC between 2016 and 2021 alone.
In July 2024, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) published a generic community guidance document, document 334-553, titled "Does Your Community Have a Paper Mill?" The document states: "Most environmental odors, such as those caused by a paper mill, are rarely at levels that can harm your health." It lists symptoms as temporary and recommends closing windows and wearing masks, framing the odors as a quality-of-life issue.
In the same year, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the very agency the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) document refers readers to for further information, conducted a Port Townsend-specific exposure investigation and found the opposite: hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide were measured near PTPC above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s chronic health reference concentrations. This means long-term exposure poses a documented health risk, not merely an inconvenience.
Critically, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) study detected fourteen distinct sulfur compounds near PTPC; the Washington State Department of Ecology currently regulates only four of them, leaving ten compounds with no regulatory limit at PTPC. Same year, same community, opposite conclusions. This contradiction demands explanation.
Three possible interpretations warrant direct inquiry to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH): first, that the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)'s July 2024 guidance was written as a generic statewide document without knowledge of or reference to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)'s Port Townsend-specific 2024 findings, representing a failure of inter-agency communication on a public health matter; second, that state health officials are aware of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Port Townsend findings but have not updated their community guidance or taken any public health action in response, representing a failure of regulatory follow-through; and third, that the state is deliberately downplaying documented federal health data to avoid confrontation with a major industrial employer in an economically dependent community, representing a more serious failure of public health integrity.
All three explanations are newsworthy. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Port Townsend City Council should formally ask the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to reconcile its July 2024 generic guidance with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)'s 2024 Port Townsend-specific findings, and to issue updated community health guidance that accurately reflects the federal scientific conclusion.
PTPC operates a large industrial wastewater treatment plant and a small sanitary wastewater treatment plant. Both discharge treated effluent, liquid waste discharged into the environment, directly into Port Townsend Bay. Wastewater discharges from PTPC have been ongoing for more than 100 years.
PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the legal document governing what PTPC can discharge into the bay, expired on October 1, 2018 and remained on administrative extension for over six years. In its written responses to public comments, the Washington State Department of Ecology attributed the six-year gap to "largely competing priorities and staff turnover." A new permit was finally issued in May 2025, expiring in May 2030. The six-plus-year gap without a valid permit is documented in United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) records.
Between April 2018 and March 2023, PTPC discharged an average of 9.6 million gallons of treated wastewater per day into Port Townsend Bay; the highest recorded single day in that period reached 14.4 million gallons. The discharge pipe extends 1,200 feet offshore and releases through 29 separate openings at a depth of 45 feet.
The draft permit renewal now under review proposes new water-quality-based limits for three carcinogens not previously regulated at this facility despite more than a century of continuous discharge: benzo(a)anthracene and chlordane, both classified as probably causing cancer in humans, and pentachlorophenol, known to cause cancer in humans, the same classification given to tobacco smoke and asbestos, and also a banned pesticide. The 2025 permit also requires PTPC to study whether it is discharging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the body or environment, commonly called "forever chemicals," into its treated wastewater.
That study has not yet been conducted; if these chemicals are found, further regulatory action would be considered in a future permit cycle, not the current one.
The primary white liquor chemicals are all testable using established, mature technology. Sodium hydroxide can be measured precisely via acid-base-carbonate (ABC) titration or real-time online analyzers. Sodium sulfide is measurable via near-infrared spectrophotometry and titration methods. Sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, and sodium thiosulfate are all measurable using standard water chemistry tests. However, standard National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit monitoring only requires testing for specifically named compounds. Kraft pulping generates an estimated 300 to 400 organic chemical byproducts; anything not listed in the permit goes untested and undetected.
The identification of entirely new toxic compounds of concern in the draft permit renewal, after more than 100 years of discharge, is evidence of this ongoing gap.
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing is the gold standard for assessing the real-world impact of industrial discharge on aquatic ecosystems. Rather than testing for individual named compounds, Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing exposes live aquatic organisms directly to the discharge water and measures biological harm, regardless of which specific compound causes it. Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing methodology is established under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations, 40 CFR Part 136. Test organisms include fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), Daphnia magna water fleas, mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia), and rainbow trout for marine and estuarine environments like Port Townsend Bay.
Both acute (24 to 96 hour lethal) and chronic (7-day survival, growth, reproduction) tests are available.
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing is performed by United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- and state-certified independent laboratories, including Pace Analytical, Aquatic Laboratories (certified by The National Environmental Laboratories Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Institute), EA Engineering, and ClearWater Lab. Results are legally defensible for regulatory compliance purposes. For a facility with $66.3 million in annual revenue and $319 million in direct expenditures, quarterly Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing at $12,000 to $24,000 per year represents less than 0.04 percent of annual expenditures, a trivial cost relative to the environmental stakes.
Yes. The technology to test PTPC's wastewater far more comprehensively than is currently required exists, is mature, is affordable, and is routinely used at industrial facilities worldwide. The gap is entirely regulatory, not technological.
Tier 1, compound-specific chemical analysis: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can identify and quantify hundreds of individual organic compounds simultaneously at detection thresholds of parts per billion or lower, the same forensic-grade methods used in criminal investigations and pharmaceutical quality control. A comprehensive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) panel would detect essentially any organic compound present in PTPC's discharge, including the 300 to 400 byproducts of kraft pulping that the current narrow permit list misses entirely. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) simultaneously detects and quantifies dozens of metals and inorganic compounds, including lead, mercury, manganese, zinc, arsenic, and chromium, at parts-per-trillion concentrations. This is routine laboratory technology, not experimental.
Tier 2, real-time continuous monitoring at the outfall: online inline sensors can monitor PTPC's discharge continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for key parameters including pH, a critical indicator of alkalinity and white liquor chemistry, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and total organic carbon. These sensors are installed at industrial facilities worldwide and can transmit data in real time to regulatory agencies and the public. A continuous monitoring requirement with a public data feed could be written into PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal or the 2026 water agreement as a standard condition.
Tier 3, bioaccumulation testing, is the most important missing piece. Even if discharge water tests within limits at the outfall pipe, toxic compounds accumulate in sediment and living organisms over time, often at concentrations far exceeding what water column testing shows.
After more than 100 years of continuous PTPC discharge into Port Townsend Bay, a comprehensive bioaccumulation assessment should include sediment core sampling near the discharge outfall to assess what has accumulated in bay sediment over decades; shellfish tissue testing, since mussels, oysters, and clams are biological accumulators that concentrate toxins from the water and reveal chronic long-term exposure that water sampling misses; fish tissue testing, particularly of bottomfish and species harvested for human consumption in the bay; and benthic invertebrate community surveys, since the organisms living in bay sediment are the most sensitive biological indicators of chronic water quality degradation.
The testing gap is entirely regulatory, not technological. The technology to comprehensively test PTPC's wastewater exists today and is affordable, but PTPC's permit requires only a narrow list of named compounds at intervals that routinely miss spill events. A modernized National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit could require continuous 24/7 online monitoring with public data feeds, quarterly comprehensive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) panels covering all kraft pulping byproducts, quarterly Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing using independent United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified laboratories, annual shellfish and sediment bioaccumulation surveys, and a real-time public dashboard showing discharge data.
The 2026 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal and the 2026 water agreement are both opportunities to require this level of testing as a condition of continued operation. The question of why comprehensive testing has not been required after more than 100 years of discharge into a working marine bay should be put directly to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The following cost figures are order-of-magnitude estimates derived from publicly available regulatory fee schedules, published laboratory pricing, and industry market data. They have not been verified through direct quotes from certified environmental testing laboratories or field sampling contractors, and actual costs will vary based on sample volume, matrix complexity, turnaround time, regulatory requirements, and the specific laboratories and contractors engaged. These figures should be treated as a starting framework for budget planning only; confirmed quotes should be obtained from accredited environmental labs before any regulatory or contractual commitments are made.
Cost summary: ongoing annual testing across Tiers 1 through 3 is estimated at approximately $23,000 to $48,000 per year. First-year cost including the one-time bay survey across all four tiers is estimated at approximately $73,000 to $198,000. By comparison, PTPC's self-reported annual direct expenditures for 2024 were $319,000,000; comprehensive testing represents less than 0.06 percent of annual expenditures and less than 0.30 percent of PTPC's estimated $66.3 million in annual revenue. These figures make clear that cost is not a legitimate barrier to comprehensive independent testing of PTPC's discharge into Port Townsend Bay.
A program covering all four tiers, chemical analysis, real-time monitoring, biological toxicity testing, and a one-time bay assessment, would cost less than a rounding error in PTPC's annual operating budget. The absence of such testing is a regulatory failure, not an economic impossibility.
Recommended next steps to obtain confirmed costs include contacting accredited environmental laboratories such as Pace Analytical, Eurofins Environment Testing, Aquatic Laboratories, and TestAmerica (now part of Eurofins) for wastewater testing quotes; contacting field sampling contractors such as Great Lakes Environmental Center, Aqua Survey Inc., and local marine environmental consulting firms for a sediment and bioaccumulation survey request for quote; contacting Xylem Inc. or Thermo Fisher Scientific for continuous monitoring system quotes specific to an industrial outfall application; and requesting the Washington State Department of Ecology's own cost estimates for comprehensive National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance monitoring, since the permit renewal is already pending.
The following questions are based on publicly available data and represent information that Jefferson County residents have a legal right to obtain. Each question identifies a specific regulatory gap or missing public record.
Under the current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, PTPC is required to conduct its own Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and submit them to the Washington State Department of Ecology. This is industry self-monitoring. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) records show multiple instances of late or missing Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) submissions. The community should ask: is any independent third-party testing of PTPC's discharge being conducted, and if so, by whom, with what methodology, and are results publicly accessible in real time?
The draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal identified benzo(a)anthracene, chlordane, and pentachlorophenol as newly regulated compounds of concern, suggesting these have been present in bay discharges without prior regulation. What do current tests show for these compounds? Are trends tracked over time? Are shellfish and fish in Port Townsend Bay being tested for bioaccumulation? If so, who is conducting those tests and where are the results published?
The frequency of testing determines what can be detected. Monthly discharge monitoring cannot detect a spill that occurs mid-month, as the 13 documented spills since 2013 demonstrate. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) record includes violations for "invalid or unrepresentative samples" and missing Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) reports, raising questions about the reliability of existing monitoring data. Is the current testing frequency adequate to protect Port Townsend Bay and the communities that depend on it?
The primary white liquor chemicals are precisely testable using the acid-base-carbonate (ABC) titration method and online real-time analyzers, mature, established technology. The problem is not detectability but scope: kraft pulping generates 300 to 400 organic byproducts, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits only mandate testing for listed compounds. The discovery of new toxic compounds in the draft permit renewal after more than 100 years of discharge is proof that the testing framework has been systematically incomplete.
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing is the only methodology that captures the combined biological impact of all discharge compounds on living aquatic organisms. It is required in many industrial National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and has been implemented in state programs since the 1990s. At $12,000 to $24,000 per year for quarterly compliance testing, the cost is trivial relative to PTPC's revenue. If Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing is not currently required by PTPC's permit, why not, and will the renewed permit include it as a condition?
After more than 100 years of continuous industrial discharge, 13 documented spills, and having operated under an expired permit for six-plus years before renewal in May 2025, what is the current chemical and biological condition of Port Townsend Bay near PTPC's discharge outfall? Has a comprehensive independent sediment and water quality survey been conducted recently? Who commissioned and paid for it? Who reviewed the methodology and results?
Sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide are acutely toxic to aquatic life at concentrations far lower than the volumes involved in a Longview-scale event. A release of 500,000 or more gallons into Port Townsend Bay, rather than onto an enclosed industrial site, would represent an environmental catastrophe affecting fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and the human communities that depend on the bay economically and culturally. Is there a specific, exercised emergency response protocol for this scenario?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) report identifies six Tribal nations within proximity of PTPC, including the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (5 miles) and the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe (19 miles), both of which hold treaty fishing rights in these waters. Have Tribal governments been fully informed of PTPC's violation record, the expired permit status, the Longview disaster implications, and the questions raised in this document? Do they have access to all wastewater testing results in a timely manner?
PTPC's own job postings, confirmed across Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter, establish the following shift structure for production workers: a 4-day rotation on an 8-day tour, with 2 day shifts (5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and 2 night shifts (5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.), followed by 4 days off. Shift changes occur at exactly 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., twice every day PTPC operates. Overtime is described by employees as mandatory and frequent: "It is normal to work more than 50 to 60 hours a week." Employee reviews describe 16-hour days as standard during scheduled shutdowns, and multiple reviews state workers are "doing jobs that used to take 6 people minimum with 3," describing understaffing.
PTPC's 12-hour rotating shift schedule combined with mandatory overtime of 50 to 60-plus hours per week creates documented worker fatigue risk. Worker fatigue is a well-established contributor to industrial accidents, particularly in chemical-intensive environments requiring sustained attention. The question of whether PTPC monitors worker fatigue as a safety variable, and whether understaffing has been formally reported to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), has not been publicly answered.
A common misconception is that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs workplace safety in Washington State. It does not. Washington is a federally approved "state plan state," meaning it operates its own equivalent program under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). This means PTPC's worker safety inspection history, citations, and penalties are held in the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)'s database, not the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) database; a search of osha.gov will not return PTPC's full worker safety record.
The specific Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) inspection and citation records for PTPC have not been obtained for this report. A formal public records request is required and recommended: send a public records request requesting all Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) inspection reports, citations, penalty records, and injury and illness reports for PTPC for the period 2015 to present. This information is a matter of public record and should be made publicly available once obtained.
The following legal actions have been identified through public records and court databases:
A highly relevant legal precedent exists from a nearly identical situation at another kraft pulp mill. In Old Town, Maine, neighbors of the ND Paper LLC mill, which produces the same hydrogen sulfide rotten-egg odor as PTPC, filed a class action lawsuit in United States District Court in Bangor. Plaintiffs Walter Demmons and Kirk Ramsay, joined by 120 or more additional neighbors, brought claims of nuisance, trespass, and negligence based on chronic exposure to noxious odors, seeking an injunction to stop emissions plus unspecified damages of at least $5 million. The complaint stated the odors prevented opening windows, going for walks, and having guests in homes.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had received 70 or more odor complaints related to the same facility since 2020.
Port Townsend residents have filed nearly 2,000 odor complaints between 2016 and 2021, a far larger documented complaint base than the Maine case. The legal pathway established in Maine is directly applicable: chronic exposure to toxic sulfur compounds above United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health reference levels, documented by federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) scientists, constitutes a potentially viable nuisance and negligence claim. Port Townsend residents should consult with an environmental attorney about the viability of a similar action.
Port Townsend's situation is not an isolated local problem. It is part of a documented national pattern of kraft mill environmental violations with inadequate regulatory enforcement across the entire industry.
In May 2025, the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) published a comprehensive study of 185 large United States paper mills, titled "A Paper Trail of Pollution." PTPC was specifically named.
The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) found that United States paper mill climate emissions are actually about 3.5 times what is officially reported, due to federal loopholes allowing mills to exclude "biogenic" fuel emissions; that about half of the 185 large mills studied burned black liquor, the same recovery process used at PTPC, releasing large amounts of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide; and that PTPC was specifically called out for being in Clean Air Act (CAA) violation for 11 of 12 quarters, receiving 23 violation notices and only $63,750 in penalties over five years, and for the 2024 federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) finding that sulfur compounds near PTPC could contribute to lung disease.
PTPC is not just a local compliance problem; it has been identified nationally as an example of the enforcement gap between violations and consequences.
The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) study included a dedicated case study on Port Townsend (pages 35 to 37 of the report), based on the same enforcement and discharge facts already documented in this paper, and added two named, on-record local voices. Don Ehnebuske, a resident who has lived in Port Townsend for nearly a decade and has a view of PTPC from his house, attended the public meeting where Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) environmental health scientist Aaron Young presented the 2024 sulfur compound findings.
Young told the meeting: "by measuring the range of sulfur compounds, we have evidence that, yes, multiple of these contaminants can occur at a high level together, and together they can have acute health effects."
Ehnebuske left the meeting outraged at what he considered weak recommendations, telling the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP): "The report was a disappointment in how limp it was. They recommended things like closing your windows when the odor gets bad. I know the mill has no financial incentive to do anything about the odor as long as it's meeting requirements." In the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)'s official press release announcing the study, Ehnebuske is quoted further: "Local communities are subjected to noxious combinations of airborne chemicals from paper mills while there are proven strategies to dramatically reduce these odors.
The lack of adequate regulation protects profits for these mills while putting the expense to health and quality of life onto the backs of local people." The report states that after the 2024 federal health study was issued, Ehnebuske organized a group of residents interested in working with PTPC cooperatively to address the pollution issues, and that mill management completely rejected them, a named, on-record account of a direct rejection of community cooperation following a federal health finding.
Separately, Alea Waters, a resident of the area for two decades who has advocated for stronger air pollution standards at PTPC, attended the December 4, 2024 public hearing on PTPC's draft wastewater discharge permit. She left the hearing unpersuaded that it addressed her concerns, noting the draft permit increases certain discharge limits, including for suspended solids, because PTPC has increased production from 480 to 720 oven-dried tons of pulp per day since its last permit was approved over a decade earlier. She told the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP): "Nobody really knows what's coming out of the pipes from the mill and what effect the effluent is having on the bay.
We love the orcas that are going extinct due to several prime factors, one of which is water pollution. We love the octopuses, the star fish, the crabs, and the salmon which are in the same situation."
The legal framework for holding kraft mills accountable for Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) chemical emissions has been established in multiple federal cases. These are the most directly relevant.
Case 1, Demmons v. ND Paper LLC, Maine (2022): filed October 7, 2022 in United States District Court, District of Maine, Docket 1:22-cv-00305-NT. Plaintiffs Walter Demmons and Kirk Ramsay brought the suit on behalf of approximately 5,900 households within 2.5 miles, alleging nuisance, trespass, and negligence from chronic Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) rotten-egg emissions of hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, identical to PTPC's, and seeking an injunction to stop emissions plus at least $5 million in damages. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had received 70 complaints since 2020, and 120-plus neighbors reported impacts.
On September 12, 2023, the court denied the motion to dismiss on nuisance and negligence grounds, finding the claims legally viable. The ND Paper mill closed in April 2023, making the injunction moot; the case likely settled confidentially. By comparison, Port Townsend has documented nearly 2,000 complaints versus 70 in Maine, plus Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmation, and PTPC is still operating.
Case 2, In Re New-Indy Emissions Litigation, South Carolina (2021-2024), is the governing national precedent. A kraft containerboard mill in Catawba, York County, South Carolina, near Rock Hill and Charlotte, approximately 220 miles north of Savannah, released the identical Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) chemicals as PTPC from its wastewater treatment lagoons, resulting in the largest kraft mill chemical emissions settlement in United States history. The New-Indy mill released hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, identical to PTPC. More than 30,000 complaints were filed with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), more than any prior kraft mill case.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order in May 2021 under Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 303, citing imminent and substantial endangerment; a consent decree followed in December 2021 with a $1.1 million civil penalty. Four separate legal actions were filed, three federal lawsuits plus the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement action, resulting in a $103 million total settlement approved by a federal judge in June 2024: $18 million went directly to approximately 6,000 households, about $3,000 per household, and $85 million was allocated for remediation, including steam stripper installation, lagoon covers, and environmental repair.
The legal basis included nuisance, negligence, the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), with settlement classes divided into 5 tiers based on distance from the New-Indy mill and health effects experienced.
What the New-Indy settlement means for Port Townsend: Port Townsend residents are experiencing the identical chemistry, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, documented by federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) scientists at levels above United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The New-Indy precedent establishes that these claims survive dismissal motions, that juries and courts take Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) chemical exposure seriously, and that remediation at the source, not just financial compensation, is an available remedy. At approximately 2,000 documented odor complaints versus 30,000 in South Carolina, Port Townsend's case is proportionally strong.
Case 3, Surfrider Foundation v. California Kraft Mills (historic): in an earlier landmark case, the Surfrider Foundation and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached one of the largest Clean Water Act (CWA) penalties in the western United States against Pacific Coast kraft pulp mills. Surfers reported skin rashes and nausea from discharge near coastal mills. The settlement required construction of wastewater treatment facilities, elimination of toxic discharges to ocean waters, and evaluation of chlorine-free pulping processes, establishing the precedent for bay and ocean discharge remediation, directly applicable to Port Townsend Bay.
A legitimate question raised by the Longview disaster is whether kraft pulping, and its dependence on white liquor, is necessary, or whether safer alternatives exist. The answer is nuanced: alternatives exist, but each involves trade-offs in product strength, cost, or commercial viability at scale.
Kraft pulping produces the strongest paper fibers from the widest range of wood species and is the only process capable of producing the high-strength containerboard and linerboard that PTPC sells. The kraft chemical recovery cycle is also highly efficient: 95 to 98 percent of cooking chemicals are recaptured and reused, making it economically attractive despite its environmental and safety profile.
PTPC already operates a hybrid model, blending virgin kraft pulp with recycled old corrugated cardboard (OCC) fiber. Increasing the old corrugated cardboard (OCC) ratio reduces the volume of white liquor required and proportionally reduces the amount of white liquor in storage. This is the most immediately actionable path to reducing catastrophic chemical release risk at PTPC without changing the fundamental product line.
Organosolv pulping uses organic solvents rather than white liquor to dissolve lignin. It was invented in 1968 specifically as an environmentally benign alternative to kraft pulping, produces no Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) sulfur compounds, generates no rotten-egg odor, and creates no large caustic liquid storage tanks. It also produces high-quality lignin as a valuable byproduct. However, no large-scale United States commercial kraft mills have converted to organosolv as of 2026; it remains a technology at pilot and demonstration scale. The Longview disaster should accelerate regulatory and industry interest in organosolv and other alternatives.
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigation's findings will be an important bellwether for whether white liquor's regulatory status changes nationally.
In May 2025, the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) published "A Paper Trail of Pollution," a national study of 185 pulp and paper mills that included a physical visit to PTPC, one of only three mills visited nationwide. The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) documented Clean Air Act (CAA) High Priority Violation (HPV) status for 11 of the last 12 quarters, 5 enforcement actions and 23 violation notices over 5 years, and only $63,750 in Clean Air Act (CAA) penalties; and, separately, 6 enforcement actions for Clean Water Act (CWA) water pollution violations with only $44,000 in fines. Source: Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), "A Paper Trail of Pollution," May 2025, environmentalintegrity.org, Executive Director Jen Duggan.
PTPC is a member of the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA), a 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 1956 and headquartered in Olympia, Washington. The Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA) represents 10 member companies and 13 mills in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Executive Director Chris McCabe has led the organization since 2011 and serves as its registered lobbyist in Olympia. The Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA) describes its mission as representing members on "legislative and regulatory issues with special emphasis on environmental and energy policy." Its documented public record shows a consistent pattern of opposing stricter environmental regulations.
The Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA) commissioned a report titled "Increasing the Fish Consumption Rate: Report of Fiscal Impact to Select Northwest Pulp and Paper Mills," examining the financial impact on mills if Washington State raised the assumed fish consumption rate used to set National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit limits. Higher fish consumption rates mean stricter discharge limits, and the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA) fought to keep them low.
This is directly relevant to PTPC: if Washington State applied a realistic fish consumption rate for Port Townsend Bay, particularly given Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam treaty fishing rights, PTPC's discharge limits would be far stricter than they currently are. The Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA) will be the industry's public voice defending PTPC as regulatory pressure increases; its playbook is consistent: argue standards are unattainable, cite economic harm to rural communities, commission friendly economic reports, and litigate when lobbying fails.
The fish consumption rate fight and the 2023 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) lawsuit reveal that the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (NWPPA) will actively contest regulatory standards that its members find economically inconvenient, even when those standards are designed to protect tribal treaty rights and public health.
No, but they require enormous volumes of freshwater. Kraft pulping uses an average of 54 cubic meters of water per metric ton of pulp produced, making the paper industry one of the largest industrial water users in the United States. Almost all phases of manufacturing require water, including wood chip cooking, pulp washing, steam generation, equipment cooling, and wastewater treatment. Most United States kraft mills are located on rivers, such as the Columbia River (Longview, Wallula), the Catawba River (New-Indy, South Carolina), and the Savannah River (International Paper), not on marine bays.
PTPC is unusual and more environmentally sensitive: it discharges treated wastewater directly into Port Townsend Bay, a semi-enclosed marine body with limited tidal flushing capacity. A Longview-scale white liquor release at PTPC would disperse far more slowly than a comparable river discharge and would immediately threaten the marine ecosystem, shellfish beds, fish habitat, and the bay-dependent economy. Critically, PTPC does not use bay water; PTPC draws freshwater from the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers via the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS), a nearly 30-mile gravity pipeline built in 1927 and 1928. The bay is the discharge destination, not the water source.
The City of Port Townsend, not PTPC, owns the water rights to both the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers and the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) infrastructure. PTPC has never owned these rights; it has operated under a series of lease and use agreements since 1928. As one Port Townsend resident stated during 2021 negotiations: "The mill does not own our water and by no stretch of the legal imagination does it have any right to it."
Stated plainly: a single private industrial facility, owned by a Connecticut private equity firm, uses more fresh water every day than every resident, every business, and every farm in all of Jefferson County combined, approximately 12 to 13 times more than the City of Port Townsend, approximately 3 to 5 times more than all of Jefferson County, and 20 to 26 times more than the Jefferson Public Utility District (PUD)'s Sparling well, the county's largest water source. Both the city and PTPC pay the same rate per gallon, $1.20 per thousand gallons.
Jefferson County residents, businesses, and farms, whose combined water use is dwarfed by this single facility, have no direct contractual relationship with PTPC's water use whatsoever; only the City of Port Townsend does. This asymmetry is the foundation of the city's authority as the water rights owner.
From 1956 until the 2021 agreement, PTPC consumed 10 to 13 million gallons of water daily and paid nothing per gallon, only pipeline maintenance costs. The 2021 agreement was the first time in PTPC's history that volumetric water payments were required. For context, residents have paid per-gallon rates for their much smaller share of the same water for decades. The historic subsidy ended in April 2022.
The mandated rate model update is due by the end of 2026. This is the single most powerful near-term opportunity for Port Townsend to demand concrete safety and environmental conditions in exchange for continued water access at favorable rates. Conditions the city should attach to any rate renewal include:
The City of Port Townsend owns the water rights and has authority as an elected government that must not be squandered in the name of maintaining a comfortable relationship.
The City of Port Townsend occupies a unique position: it owns the water rights that make PTPC's operations possible, yet for most of PTPC's history this relationship has been exercised minimally.
Jefferson County's relationship with PTPC is dominated by economic dependency that creates structural pressure to accommodate rather than challenge PTPC's environmental and safety record. PTPC provides 40 percent of all manufacturing jobs in Jefferson County, with 300-plus direct employees earning an average salary of $92,600, significantly above Jefferson County's median household income of $64,800. PTPC contributes nearly $4 million in annual local and state taxes and reported $319 million in direct expenditures in 2024. PTPC's economic impact study, released in June 2025, was timed to influence the upcoming water rate negotiations.
PTPC's chief executive officer stated: "The mill is not only the economic engine of Port Townsend and Jefferson County, but its success and longevity is absolutely vital to our region." This framing, mill as indispensable, is the same framing used by industrial facilities nationally before disasters. The Nippon Dynawave mill in Longview was also a major regional employer with similar economic significance before 11 workers died.
The pattern of economic dependency creating regulatory forbearance is well documented nationally. PTPC's penalty record, over $103,250 in confirmed penalties across all environmental statutes over five years, is consistent with regulators who are reluctant to impose penalties that might threaten mill operations. The same pattern existed at Nippon Dynawave before the Longview disaster.
Demanding a white liquor tank inspection is not threatening PTPC's existence. It is protecting the 300 workers inside it, the community around it, and the bay beneath it. The Longview workers did not die because someone demanded a safety inspection; they died because no one did. Jefferson County Commissioners have the authority, the standing, and, after Longview, the moral obligation to demand answers. The economic argument for PTPC's importance is exactly why its safety must be verified: a Longview-scale disaster at PTPC would end 300 jobs, devastate the bay economy, and destroy the community relationship with PTPC permanently.
For context on the national stakes: the entire United States forest products industry accounts for approximately 4.7 percent of United States manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP), roughly $435 billion annually. Of the paper and pulp segment within that figure, kraft pulping represents approximately 70 to 75 percent of all United States chemical pulping by volume. Estimated kraft mill revenue nationally is approximately $60 to $70 billion annually, roughly 1.5 to 2 percent of United States manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP). This is a substantial industrial sector that has historically operated with minimal chemical storage risk management requirements relative to the hazards involved.
PTPC's website (ptpc.com, last modified July 2023) describes the company as follows: "PTPC produces sustainable Kraft pulp, Kraft Paper, containerboard, and specialty products by blending virgin and recycled fibers at our mill in Port Townsend, Washington... while being a responsible neighbor and preserving the environment." PTPC states its founding date as 1928. Its sustainability page claims: "Port Townsend Paper has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% through using renewable carbon-neutral biomass and implementing efficiency improvements," and: "At PTPC we recycle the equivalent of one-third of Washington's recycled cardboard collected each year."
The same company that calls itself a "responsible neighbor preserving the environment" has 13 or more documented industrial spills into Port Townsend Bay since 2013; 11 of 12 quarters in Clean Air Act (CAA) High Priority Violation; a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water discharge permit that expired in 2018 and was not renewed until May 2025; federal scientists confirming toxic compounds above health reference levels near the facility; and two new formal enforcement orders issued this month, April and May 2026.
On April 23, 2025, PTPC announced: "We have officially reached the highest number of consecutive safe workdays in the past 25 years! It has been 156 days since the last recordable injury at PTPC!" The announcement attributes this to employee commitment and describes safety as "a culture we've built together." This press release was issued approximately one month before the April 2025 discharge of 114,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Port Townsend Bay, PTPC's largest documented spill.
This achievement is genuine and deserves acknowledgment; reducing acute traumatic injuries is a meaningful goal. However, recordable injury metrics measure cuts, falls, burns, and acute traumatic events.
They do not measure, and PTPC does not publicly report on, several critical safety dimensions: worker chronic exposure to hydrogen sulfide and other Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds inside the facility, where concentrations far exceed those measured outside the fence; occupational illness rates, since respiratory disease, neurological damage, and peripheral neuropathy from chronic hydrogen sulfide exposure develop over years and are almost never attributed to workplace exposure on the day they are diagnosed; hydrogen sulfide exposure monitoring data, since Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1020 requires employers to maintain worker exposure records and workers have a legal right to request them, but the community does not; and whether PTPC is monitoring worker hydrogen sulfide levels at the frequency and locations required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) near digesters, recovery boilers, and evaporators, the highest-exposure areas.
Hydrogen sulfide is the leading cause of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the United States, causing 46 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). At low concentrations it causes headaches, eye irritation, and fatigue; at moderate concentrations, respiratory damage and loss of consciousness; at high concentrations, death. Critically, hydrogen sulfide quickly desensitizes the nose, so workers lose the ability to smell it, creating a false sense of safety.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s permissible exposure limit is 20 parts per million over 8 hours; the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends no more than 1 part per million as a time-weighted average, 20 times stricter than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s permissible exposure limit. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found community members outside the fence already above chronic health reference levels; workers inside the facility, near the digesters and recovery boilers, face concentrations that are almost certainly higher. A 156-day injury-free record and adequate toxic exposure protection are two entirely different measures of safety.
The following records exist internally at PTPC but are not publicly available. Each represents a specific gap between what the community has a right to know and what is currently disclosed.
Why these records are not public: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, 29 CFR 1910.119, requires all of the above documentation internally but has no external public reporting requirements whatsoever. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Risk Management Program (RMP) would require public disclosure of worst-case scenarios and five-year accident histories, but white liquor, sodium hydroxide plus sodium sulfide, is exempt from the Risk Management Program (RMP). The combination of the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard's internal-only requirements and the Risk Management Program (RMP)'s exemption for white liquor creates a complete information blackout for the community.
Several existing legal tools give Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, and Washington State immediate authority to act, with no new legislation required.
After the 1999 Chevron Richmond refinery fire, and strengthened after the 2012 Chevron fire that sent 5,700 people to the hospital, Contra Costa County, California enacted what has been called "the strongest local ordinance in the nation to regulate safety at refineries and chemical plants." In September 2024, the Board of Supervisors expanded it to cover any facility storing at least 10,000 pounds of hazardous flammable liquids in tanks of 50,000 gallons or more capacity.
The ordinance requires independent third-party safety audits every three years with results publicly disclosed; allows the county Hazardous Materials Program to conduct regular safety inspections and levy fines; requires root cause analysis reports after any Major Chemical Accident or Release causing $500,000 or more in damage; requires facilities to correct identified deficiencies on a defined schedule; and requires community notification for any significant release.
The Contra Costa Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) was enacted after a disaster killed and injured people. Jefferson County does not have to wait for a disaster at PTPC; the Longview implosion provides direct justification for a proactive Jefferson County Industrial Safety Ordinance covering PTPC. Supervisor John Gioia of Contra Costa said it best after the Chevron fire: "We want to make sure that companies operating in our communities are accountable to the people who live here."
California implemented a Refinery Real Time Community and Fenceline Monitoring program that allows residents across the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California to see in real time what specific pollutants are in the air they breathe near major industrial facilities. Louisiana recently rejected a similar bill that would have required oil refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities to install fence-line monitors, make hourly pollution data publicly available, and send real-time alerts when pollutant levels exceeded safe thresholds.
Washington State should enact the California model. PTPC would qualify immediately under the existing 2024 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) finding that Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds near PTPC exceed United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. Fence-line monitoring would give Port Townsend residents, and PTPC workers, real-time visibility into what they are breathing. The technology is mature, affordable, and already in use at refineries nationally.
Several categories of new state legislation are needed, each justified directly by the Longview disaster:
The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) published a comprehensive study in May 2025 examining all 185 largest United States pulp and paper mills. PTPC was named specifically. The report found that PTPC had been in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for 11 of the last 12 quarters, had accumulated 5 enforcement actions and 23 violations, and had received only $44,000 in total water pollution fines over five years. One finding is particularly striking in the context of the Longview disaster: the oldest industrial boiler examined across all 185 mills was installed in 1928, at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview, Washington.
The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) report was published eight months before that same facility killed 11 workers. Aging infrastructure is not a Longview-specific problem; it is an industry-wide condition that regulators have systematically failed to address.
Additional national findings from the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP): 73 percent of the 185 large United States pulp and paper mills, 135 facilities, have outdated boilers older than 15 years, with an average age dating to Ronald Reagan's first term. True greenhouse gas emissions from United States paper mills are 3.5 times higher than officially reported, because the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows mills to exclude "biogenic" fuel emissions. The 185 mills collectively released more than 46,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2020, and many United States kraft mills lack basic scrubbers for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide.
Smurfit WestRock's mill in Covington, Virginia, operating a World War II-era boiler installed in 1940, was named the number one climate polluter among all United States paper mills in 2023, with true emissions of approximately 2.5 million metric tons versus the 970,000 tons officially reported. A resident near the Covington mill told the Virginia Mercury: "The odor gets so bad sometimes, you'll throw up if you come outside. I'll tell you this: It will kill us all someday."
New-Indy Containerboard in Catawba, South Carolina is the closest national parallel to Port Townsend: same kraft chemistry, same hydrogen sulfide emissions, and the same community pattern of thousands of complaints, years of regulatory inaction, then escalating enforcement and litigation. The New-Indy mill is owned by an investment group led by Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, and Schwarz Partners, who acquired it for approximately $300 million in 2018.
Nearly 50,000 odor complaints have been filed by area residents since 2018, the same rotten-egg hydrogen sulfide smell that Port Townsend residents have reported for decades. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order on May 13, 2021, declaring an "imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment" from hydrogen sulfide emissions. Peak particle pollution reached nearly 300 pounds per hour, up to 50 times higher than comparable United States paper mills. Community health impacts documented in court filings included nausea, headaches, migraines, eye and throat irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, asthma flare-ups, and dizziness.
Plaintiffs stated: "We basically cannot enjoy our life" and "We are prisoners in our own smelly home"; dogs grew sick and children were kept indoors, with persistent headaches for years. New-Indy created an entire website tab devoted to "misconceptions and misinformation" and blamed the hydrogen sulfide emissions on the plant's previous owners. A federal consent decree imposed a $1.1 million penalty plus required operational controls in November 2022, and a class action settlement paid $18 million to approximately 6,000 affected households in 2024.
International Paper's Bogalusa, Louisiana kraft mill illustrates the multi-decade cycle of violation, enforcement, and continued community impact that defines the national pattern.
A federal class action filed March 10, 2026, just weeks before the Longview disaster, against Domtar Paper Company's Kingsport, Tennessee mill describes conditions that Port Townsend residents will immediately recognize. The lawsuit covers an estimated 10,000 or more affected households within two miles of the Kingsport mill. Hydrogen sulfide is described as "unbelievably horrible," emanating from a 23-acre wastewater lagoon. Residents cannot garden, grill outdoors, use hot tubs, or let children play outside. One plaintiff stated: "Using our grill and having family BBQs or friends over is not possible because you can't even go outside.
Our children cannot jump on their trampoline or even enjoy bike rides around the neighborhood." Domtar's own safety documentation admits hydrogen sulfide is "easily detected as the smell of rotten eggs" and that levels at the Kingsport mill "can be unpleasant," language now used against the company in litigation. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued multiple regulatory violation notices for permit violations. Domtar filed its response on May 18, 2026, denying harmful odors, denying community damages, and arguing the claims are "too speculative" and that compliance with regulations bars liability.
Domtar's core legal defense is that compliance with regulations bars liability, the same defense PTPC would likely use if sued. The Kingsport case will establish whether regulatory compliance is sufficient when federal scientists have confirmed that emissions exceed United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations, exactly the situation in Port Townsend under the 2024 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) finding. If Domtar's "compliance bars liability" defense fails in Kingsport, PTPC faces significant legal exposure under the identical factual pattern.
Searches for documented white liquor tank incidents at United States mills other than Longview return almost nothing, not because such incidents have not occurred, but because white liquor is exempt from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Risk Management Program (RMP). This means facilities are not required to report worst-case scenarios, near-misses, minor releases, or tank conditions into any public database. The regulatory blackout is complete.
The Longview disaster was not an anomaly in a safe industry. It was the first major white liquor tank failure to occur in full public view, because every prior near-miss, release, and warning sign was hidden behind the Risk Management Program (RMP) exemption and the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard's zero-disclosure requirements. PTPC operates the identical chemistry, its tanks are the same age class, and its compliance record is worse than Nippon Dynawave's before the disaster. The community around Port Townsend Bay has been living the New-Indy, Bogalusa, and Kingsport story for decades. The window to act before it becomes the Longview story is open, but not indefinitely.
Three fires occurred at PTPC in less than 12 months, documented in East Jefferson Fire Rescue records and published news reporting.
Three fires in under 12 months, compromised sprinklers, all causes undetermined, and a firefighter hospitalized. Each incident required East Jefferson Fire Rescue response to a facility storing and processing highly flammable wood chips, caustic chemicals, and operating high-temperature recovery boilers.
In total, eight fires in nine years have required East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) response, an average of one every 13 months.
PTPC's own job postings confirm that production workers work 12-hour rotating shifts: two day shifts (5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and two night shifts (5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) on an 8-day rotation, with additional overtime described as available. Former employees on publicly available review platforms describe overtime as mandatory and routine.
These worker accounts are drawn from publicly available Indeed.com employee reviews of PTPC. PTPC's own job listings confirm the work environment "may include exposure to steam, dust, mists, noise, odors, and temperature extremes" and that "tasks may require working at heights, in confined spaces, and around sharp instruments or moving equipment."
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and peer-reviewed research confirm that 12-hour rotating shifts, particularly night shifts, significantly increase accident risk, impaired judgment, and reduced reaction time. Adding mandatory overtime extends workers to 14, 16, or more consecutive hours in environments with white liquor, recovery boilers, confined spaces, and elevated conveyor systems, all high-consequence areas where fatigue-induced inattention can be fatal. The Nippon Dynawave disaster on May 26, 2026 occurred at a shift change, and workers who had completed their shift were present near the implosion point. Fatigue and shift timing are part of the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigation.
The parallels to PTPC's documented shift structure and mandatory overtime culture are directly relevant to any safety assessment of the facility.
The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), a body required by federal law in every county in America, is supposed to be the community's first line of defense when a hazardous chemical facility operates in its midst. It is supposed to know what chemicals are stored at every major facility, maintain an emergency response plan for a catastrophic release, and ensure that elected officials, first responders, hospitals, and the public all have the information they need. Jefferson County has one.
Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Willie Bence has confirmed that the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meets quarterly, is open to the public, and that PTPC is an active participant. A Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting is scheduled for July 2026, at which the Longview disaster is expected to be addressed. Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), PTPC reports its chemical inventories annually to local fire departments, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) was established under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), passed by Congress in 1986 in direct response to the Bhopal chemical disaster in India that killed thousands of people living near an industrial facility. The law was explicit: communities living near hazardous chemical facilities have a right to know what is stored there and a right to a plan for what happens if something goes wrong. Every county in America was required to form a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Jefferson County established its framework around 1987.
The committee is required by law to include elected officials, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services (EMS), public health, hospitals, transportation, media, community groups, and, critically, the owners and operators of hazardous facilities themselves. PTPC has a required seat at that table.
The Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is described on the county's own website as being "in its formative stage." There is no public roster, no meeting minutes, and no active public presence. During those 35 years, PTPC has discharged effluent, liquid waste discharged into the environment, into Port Townsend Bay continuously. During those 35 years, hydrogen sulfide and other Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds were released into the air surrounding our community, compounds the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed in 2024 exceed United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations.
During those 35 years, white liquor, the same caustic chemical that imploded at Nippon Dynawave on May 26, 2026 and killed 11 workers, has been stored in tanks on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) that was supposed to know the size of those tanks, hold the emergency response plan for a white liquor release near the bay, and maintain a public file of PTPC's annual chemical inventory has existed on paper, and only on paper, for more than three decades.
This is not a criticism of any individual. It reflects a nationwide pattern of underfunded, understaffed, and ignored Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) that the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)'s architects could not have anticipated. In community after community across America, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) infrastructure exists in law and not in practice, until the day it is urgently needed.
We are asking the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to do what they were required to do 35 years ago: establish a functioning, staffed, and active Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and convene it immediately, specifically regarding PTPC's white liquor storage, its chemical inventory, and its emergency response plan for a catastrophic release near Port Townsend Bay.
PTPC reported $319 million in direct expenditures in 2024 and claims approximately $1.276 billion in indirect regional economic benefits using a standard 4x multiplier. PTPC provides 300 direct jobs and is a dominant economic presence in Jefferson County. This economic significance creates structural pressure on regulators to avoid enforcement actions that might threaten mill operations, a pattern documented nationally in industrial environmental compliance. The penalty record, over $103,250 in confirmed penalties over five years, is consistent with regulatory forbearance, not rigorous enforcement. According to Good Jobs First's Violation Tracker, companies currently owned by Atlas Holdings (since 2000) have accumulated $108,020,712 in penalties across 143 violation records nationally.
PTPC was founded in 1927 and has operated continuously since. Employee reviews on Indeed describe "many repairs needed to infrastructure and old equipment" and mandatory overtime of 50 to 60 hours per week. PTPC is owned by Atlas Holdings, a private equity firm. Private equity ownership has been associated nationally with deferred maintenance and capital investment reduction in industrial facilities. The question of who is ultimately responsible for capital investment in white liquor tank inspection, maintenance, and replacement is a direct governance and accountability question for regulators.
Atlas Holdings' corporate website (last modified April 25, 2023, six months after acquiring PTPC) states: "Our view on safety is clear; all Atlas operating companies must pursue and achieve world-class safety performance and are held accountable for reaching that goal." "We believe a healthy and safe work environment is a fundamental right of all employees." "We believe all accidents are preventable." "We believe companies achieve world-class safety performance through the engagement and empowerment of employees, which is also the pathway to achieving operational excellence." These are direct quotes from Atlas Holdings' own public corporate communications, representing explicit commitments that apply, by Atlas Holdings' own statement, to all operating companies, including PTPC.
Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro said at the time of the acquisition: "The city perspective is the water supply, which was built into our water contract that was approved last year" (Peninsula Daily News, October 14, 2022).
Since Atlas Holdings acquired PTPC in October 2022, the following has occurred at the facility Atlas Holdings claims meets "world-class safety performance" standards: 11 of 12 quarters in Clean Air Act (CAA) High Priority Violation, the most serious noncompliance status; a June 2025 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) inspection finding 9 violations, including emergency preparedness and prevention failures; two new formal Clean Water Act (CWA) enforcement orders issued in April and May 2026, this month; employee reviews describing mandatory overtime of 50 to 60-plus hours per week, understaffing, and deferred maintenance; and the 2024 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) finding of toxic compounds above health reference levels near the facility.
The question for the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, the Port Townsend City Council, and the Washington State Department of Ecology: who at Atlas Holdings is specifically 'held accountable' for this record, and what has that accountability looked like in practice?
Sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, the two primary white liquor components, are not listed as "extremely hazardous substances" under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Risk Management Program (RMP), despite being caustic enough to cause immediate chemical burns and kill 11 people in Longview. This exemption means PTPC has no obligation to file a public risk management plan, disclose tank sizes or quantities, conduct worst-case release scenario modeling, or coordinate with local emergency planning committees under Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements. The Longview disaster will likely force a reexamination of this classification at the federal level.
Jefferson County should not wait for that process; it can request this information from PTPC directly and make any disclosure a condition of ongoing community support.
The following requests are directed to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and, where applicable, the Port Townsend City Council. Each is grounded in existing regulatory authority and the documented public interest.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.0
Regulatory Floors, Leading Practices, and Open Questions for PTPC
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
Most of this campaign's research documents what has gone wrong at Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC): violations, spills, health risks, and regulatory gaps. This document takes the opposite approach. It surveys what the kraft pulp and recycled-fiber paper industry is legally required to do, what its most advanced facilities worldwide have voluntarily chosen to do beyond that legal floor, and what has been required of at least one comparable kraft mill by regulators as recently as 2026. It closes with specific, answerable questions for PTPC rather than a list of demands, since this campaign does not have site-specific engineering access to PTPC's own equipment and processes.
Every regulatory figure below traces to a named federal regulation or reference document. Every named-mill example traces to a company, industry, or government publication. Where a technology is promising but not yet commercially proven at scale, or where this research could not locate a rigorous benchmark, this document says so directly rather than presenting every option as equally available today.
PTPC operates two chemically distinct product lines at one site: an unbleached kraft pulping line and an old corrugated container (OCC) recycled-fiber line. Federal wastewater rules, set out in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Part 430, regulate them under separate subparts of the same regulation, but the numbers allow a direct comparison at the Best Practicable Control Technology level:
| Subcategory | Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), 5-day, 30-day avg (kg per metric ton) | Total Suspended Solids (TSS), 30-day avg (kg per metric ton) | pH range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbleached Kraft (Subpart C) | 2.8 | 6.0 | 6.0-9.0 |
| Secondary Fiber, corrugating medium furnish (Subpart J) | 2.8 | 4.6 | 6.0-9.0 |
| Secondary Fiber, noncorrugating medium furnish (Subpart J) | 1.5 | 2.5 | 6.0-9.0 |
Table 1. Wastewater discharge limits at the Best Practicable Control Technology level, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Part 430, Subparts C and J. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measures how much oxygen-depleting organic material the wastewater contains, shown here as a standard 5-day test result. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measures the undissolved solid material in the water. Both are reported as a 30-day rolling average, in kilograms of pollutant per metric ton of product made. The pH range is the allowable acidity or alkalinity of the discharge on the standard 0-to-14 scale, where 7 is neutral.
The most notable finding in this comparison: the 30-day average biochemical oxygen demand limit is numerically identical, 2.8 kilograms per metric ton of product, for unbleached kraft pulping and for corrugating-medium recycled processing, even though the two processes use entirely different chemistry. Federal regulators treat them as producing an equivalent regulated organic pollutant load per ton at the regulatory floor. This regulatory floor dates to 1998 for air (the Cluster Rules) and is older still for water (Part 430); meeting it is a legal minimum, not evidence of current best practice.
A conventional, non-optimized kraft mill in the United States uses roughly 17,000 gallons of water per ton of paper produced. The most water-efficient kraft mills use as little as 4,500 gallons per ton, a nearly fourfold difference using the same basic chemistry, achieved by routing the cleanest treated water to the most demanding uses and progressively lower-grade water to less demanding ones. Compania Manufacturera de Papeles y Cartones (CMPC) Guaiba, a kraft mill in Brazil, holds a documented water intensity record of 24.41 cubic meters per ton of pulp following a 2024 water-savings initiative.
For recycled old corrugated container processing, this research was not able to identify a comparably rigorous water-use benchmark; industry sources describe it as less water-intensive, which is a directionally sound expectation given the absence of a chemical cooking stage, but that specific claim remains unverified against a regulatory or peer-reviewed source.
The kraft process is built around a closed chemical recovery loop: spent cooking liquor (black liquor) is concentrated, burned in a recovery boiler, and the resulting smelt is causticized to regenerate fresh cooking liquor. Modernizing recovery boiler and causticizing equipment, rather than relying only on end-of-pipe treatment, is documented as one of the highest-leverage investments a kraft mill can make, since chemical losses that never enter the recovery cycle become both an economic cost and an environmental discharge at the same time.
Kraft pulping's characteristic odor comes from total reduced sulfur (TRS) compounds, byproducts of the same sulfur chemistry that makes the chemical recovery cycle work. Non-condensable gas (NCG) collection systems capture these compounds at their points of generation and route them to incineration, converting them into sulfur dioxide, a compound with a substantially higher human odor threshold.
Compania Manufacturera de Papeles y Cartones (CMPC) Guaiba has operated as a certified near-total odor-free mill since 2015 using a mill-wide Non-condensable gas (NCG) system marketed as ODOCON, capturing gases from more than 100 emission sources and routing them to six redundant incineration locations rather than the two typical of a standard mill design, specifically so a single equipment failure cannot cause an uncontrolled release.
New research conducted for this document confirms this is not a one-off custom system. Valmet, a major pulp and paper equipment supplier, documents over 40 years of experience and hundreds of Non-condensable gas (NCG) system deliveries worldwide, offered for both new mills and retrofits to existing facilities; a competing supplier, Andritz, offers an equivalent product line. Mill-wide Non-condensable gas (NCG) collection and incineration is, in other words, an established commercial product category with more than one vendor, not a speculative or unproven concept.
One distinction matters for accurate public communication: Non-condensable gas (NCG) incineration converts odorous reduced sulfur compounds into sulfur dioxide and other combustion byproducts. It does not eliminate the underlying sulfur mass; it changes its chemical form into one with a much higher odor threshold. Odor elimination and total pollutant load reduction are related but distinct engineering objectives.
Beyond conventional recovery boilers, black liquor gasification has been researched for decades as a way to convert spent cooking liquor into synthesis gas and value-added biochemicals rather than only burning it for steam, potentially improving both energy yield and chemical recovery efficiency. New research conducted for this document found that this technology, while technically demonstrated at pilot and demonstration scale, is not yet commercially proven at full scale.
Chemrec, the technology's leading developer, attempted a commercial-scale facility (the Domsjo Biofuel project) from 2009 to 2012 with substantial Swedish government grant funding, but the project stalled in 2012 when lenders would not provide the remaining debt financing due to concerns about an unstable regulatory framework; a related demonstration plant was mothballed in 2016 awaiting further funding that has not materialized. Chemrec today functions as an intellectual property licensor rather than an operator of any active commercial installation.
This is included here as an honest finding, not a demand: black liquor biorefining represents a genuinely promising direction for reducing fossil fuel dependence and creating additional value from mill byproducts, but this campaign is not aware of it operating commercially anywhere today, and it should not be presented as a readily available option for PTPC in the way non-condensable gas collection can be.
The treatment chain that enables advanced water recycling runs from primary physical treatment (removing solids) through secondary biological treatment (microorganisms consuming dissolved organic matter) to tertiary advanced treatment, ozone or other oxidation processes for compounds biology cannot break down, and membrane filtration such as nanofiltration or reverse osmosis to produce water clean enough to return to the production process. Membrane bioreactor systems, which combine biological treatment with membrane filtration in a single step, are documented in the peer-reviewed literature as applied specifically to pulp and paper mill wastewater for effluent reuse, an additional option beyond the ozone/nanofiltration combination already documented for kraft mills generally.
Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) Containerboard's Obbola and Munksund kraft mills in Sweden became the first kraft mills in the world to achieve fully fossil-free industrial operations, Munksund in 2015 and Obbola in 2022, by replacing oil-fired lime kilns with biofuel-fired kilns. Metsa Fibre's Kemi bioproduct mill in Finland started operation in September 2023 on zero fossil fuels and achieved energy self-sufficiency of 159 percent in its first year, exporting the surplus to the regional grid. Together these demonstrate that full fossil fuel displacement in kraft lime kiln and energy operations is commercially operating technology today, not a theoretical or pilot-scale concept, at multiple mills across two Scandinavian countries.
PTPC's most direct fiber alternative is already part of its own operations: its old corrugated container (OCC) recycled-fiber line, which is chemically unrelated to kraft pulping. Recycled fiber processing is mechanical and physical, repulping, screening, and cleaning, rather than chemical digestion; it produces no total reduced sulfur compounds since there is no cooking liquor, though cellulose fibers shorten and weaken with each recycling cycle, a genuine physical limit on how far recycled content can be pushed without blending in virgin fiber.
Beyond recycled fiber, new research conducted for this document examined non-wood plant fiber sources: agricultural residues (wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse), and dedicated fiber crops (miscanthus, bamboo, hemp, kenaf). A 2017 life-cycle and market review found that miscanthus, bamboo, and agricultural residues show the lowest environmental input requirements among the alternatives studied, with miscanthus alone potentially able to supply an estimated 65 million tons of fiber annually by 2040 at a low per-ton cost; agricultural residues carry a particular advantage in that their production impacts are already shared with their primary crop use.
Other options carry real trade-offs: hemp, for example, requires substantial nitrogen fertilizer input and shows higher greenhouse gas emissions from intensive farming than the low-input perennials do.
This research does not support an overstated claim in either direction. The same 2017 review states plainly: it is "not convinced that any alternative fiber type has a definitive environmental advantage over every type of wood fiber in general." No non-wood fiber source is a straightforward drop-in substitute for PTPC's existing kraft process chemistry or equipment, and switching a mill's furnish is a major engineering undertaking, not a simple purchasing decision. What this research does establish is that PTPC's own recycled-fiber line is the most directly relevant, already-operating alternative to evaluate, and that a broader non-wood fiber shift, while an active area of industry research, remains a longer-horizon question rather than a near-term ask.
The comparison above is about fiber type. A separate, sharper comparison is about the process itself: does a mill need to cook wood chips in white liquor and store that chemical on site at all? New research conducted for this document identified real, operating examples of paper mills that answer no, not as a hypothetical, but as a completed or in-progress business decision.
Pratt Industries operates multiple United States containerboard mills built from the ground up on 100 percent recovered fiber, with no kraft cooking process and no chemical recovery system, meaning no white liquor of any kind is produced, used, or stored on site. Its Valparaiso, Indiana mill, a 260 million dollar investment that started up in September 2015, converts approximately 3,000 tons of recovered paper a day into linerboard and corrugating medium at a rated capacity of 370,000 tons per year, using an OptiConcept M board machine supplied by Valmet, the same industrial vendor that sells non-condensable gas and odor-control equipment referenced elsewhere in this document.
Pratt built a second, comparable 100 percent recycled mill in Wapakoneta, Ohio. These are not retrofits or partial conversions: they are proof that a modern, large-scale containerboard mill can be designed and operated with the white-liquor tank category eliminated from the facility entirely, the same category of tank involved in the Longview disaster.
A second, more directly comparable example emerged in the course of this research: Finch Paper, an integrated kraft pulp and paper mill in Glens Falls, New York, announced in July 2026 that it is discontinuing on-site pulp production altogether, keeping only its paper-making operation and a smaller biomass co-generation unit for steam. Finch will instead purchase market pulp from outside suppliers, expected to be sourced largely from a sister facility, Millar Western, an Alberta, Canada pulp producer. Finch Paper is owned by Atlas Holdings, the same private equity firm that owns PTPC. This is not an outside competitor making this move.
It is PTPC's own corporate parent, at another integrated kraft mill in its own portfolio, choosing to end on-site chemical pulping and the liquor-handling infrastructure that comes with it, in favor of purchasing pulp instead. Atlas Holdings has not stated that PTPC is under similar consideration, and this document draws no conclusion about PTPC's own plans one way or the other. What this research establishes is narrower and factual: the parent company that owns PTPC has, this year, at a comparably sized mill it also owns, judged ending on-site kraft pulping to be a viable business decision.
Neither example is offered as a costless or simple substitution. Pratt's mills were purpose-built as recycled-fiber facilities from day one, not converted from an existing kraft line, and Finch's transition involves purchasing pulp rather than eliminating fiber processing altogether, plus open questions about job impacts on its own wood-yard and mill staff. Both examples do, however, directly answer the specific question this section was built to address: whether mills exist that have moved away from white-liquor kraft pulping, either from inception or through an active, current transition, rather than only through PTPC's own hybrid model of running a recycled line alongside, not instead of, its kraft line.
New research conducted for this document identified a directly comparable, current example. On July 30, 2026, the United States Department of Justice lodged a proposed consent decree against Domtar A.W., LLC, over its kraft paper and pulp mill in Ashdown, Arkansas, alleging violations of the same regulatory framework PTPC operates under: the New Source Performance Standards and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
The underlying violation was a failure to install adequate pollution controls on the Ashdown mill's brown stock washer, which separates black liquor from pulp fiber and can leak hydrogen sulfide without proper controls, along with 17 instances of missed required inspections and inadequate performance testing on two boilers.
The required remedy is specific and instructive: Domtar must install capping valves on the brown stock washer to prevent leaks, update its biological wastewater treatment system to capture hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds before they are emitted, and undergo third-party review and revision of its leak detection and repair plan. The company agreed to pay 1.5 million dollars in penalties (split between Arkansas and the federal government) and undertake approximately 2.6 million dollars in emission-reduction projects.
This is a live, 2026 example of a federal regulator identifying and requiring fixes to the same category of equipment and the same class of hazardous, odor-causing leak that this campaign has documented concerns about at PTPC, at a comparably sized kraft facility, under the same federal statute.
For balance, new research conducted for this document found that PTPC has undertaken at least one documented modernization project. According to a June 2019 supplier case study, PTPC began a phased digital-control upgrade in April 2018, installing an ABB System 800xA integrated control platform and OPT800 Cook/B advanced process control for its batch digesters. The stated purpose was production efficiency: better sequencing and scheduling of wood-chip cooking, described as reducing kappa variation and enabling steam leveling, which in turn reduces chemical and steam usage per ton produced.
This is a genuine efficiency and resource-use improvement, though it is a process-control upgrade rather than a dedicated emissions-control or odor-control investment of the kind described in the sections above; this campaign is not aware of any comparable public documentation of PTPC evaluating non-condensable gas collection, lime kiln fuel conversion, or brown-stock-washer leak controls specifically.
None of the examples in this document are presented as directly transferable to PTPC's specific engineering circumstances without site-specific evaluation. They are presented as documented evidence that the investments described are commercially operating technology at kraft and recycled-fiber mills elsewhere in the world today, a live 2026 example of what a federal regulator has required at a comparable mill, and an honest accounting of which next-generation technologies remain unproven at commercial scale. Several specific, answerable questions follow directly:
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_2.0
A Plain-Language Summary of One Technical Paper in Our Archive
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This is a plain-language summary. This campaign previously posted the full text of a copyrighted academic paper here; it has been replaced with this summary and a link to the publisher, both to respect the publisher's copyright and because the original paper is written for aerosol scientists rather than a general audience[1].
The paper is a technical study of air-monitoring equipment. Specifically, it compares four different physical designs of the instrument used to measure fine particle pollution known as PM2.5, meaning particles smaller than 2.5 microns, roughly 30 times thinner than a human hair. The researchers tested how accurately each design filters particles right at that 2.5-micron cutoff, both when the equipment is clean and after it has collected dust over weeks of outdoor use[1].
The paper does not mention Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC), paper mills, or any pulp and paper industry topic. It is purely about the engineering of the measuring instrument itself, not about any specific source of pollution.
The type of instrument this paper studies is the same general category of equipment used in ambient PM2.5 monitoring stations, including the Blue Heron Middle School station in Port Townsend that the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology operate. Instrument design affects measurement accuracy, so if this campaign ever needs to evaluate whether nearby PM2.5 readings are reliable, this paper is the technical background for that specific question.
To be direct about the limits of this connection: this paper does not, by itself, prove or suggest anything is wrong with the Blue Heron station's equipment or its data. It is background reading, filed here in case that question becomes relevant, not evidence that supports a specific claim about air quality in Port Townsend today.
The full paper is available directly from the publisher, Taylor and Francis, in Aerosol Science and Technology, volume 32, pages 338 to 358 (2000). It can be found by its digital object identifier, 10.1080/027868200303669, on the publisher's website.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.0
Atlas Holdings Portfolio Activity: The Finch Paper Precedent
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
The Finch Paper mill in Glens Falls, New York, a facility that has been buying pulp wood from the region's loggers since 1865, announced it will stop making its own pulp from local logs and will transition to buying pulp from suppliers outside the area[1]. Finch has been blending its own pulp with about 20 percent outside purchases; going forward, Finch is likely to source all of its pulp from Canada, or buy market pulp, eliminating the work associated with the 45 to 50 log trucks that arrived at the Finch Paper mill daily[1].
The company said halting pulp production would allow it to focus entirely on paper making and to expand its product offerings[1]. Last year, its parent company, the private equity firm Atlas Holdings, purchased and then took the parent company of Office Depot and Office Max private in a reported billion dollar deal[1]. Hourly employees working in the pulp mill and the associated wood yard, as well as other affected salaried staff, are being offered positions elsewhere in the company, according to Finch, though there is no guarantee about future layoffs[1].
Finch has long claimed a “feet-in-the-forest philosophy” and has required at least 90 percent of its fiber to come from Sustainable Forestry Initiative or Forest Stewardship Council certified sources[1]. Closing the log yard will dramatically affect local logging companies; the vast majority of Adirondack logging operations rely heavily on supplying pulp wood, lower grade wood tree tops, and smaller trees cleared during timber harvests, which makes it economically feasible for loggers to operate[1].
The parent company, Atlas Holdings, also owns Millar Western, an Alberta, Canada based pulp producer that makes the kind of pre-processed pulp sheets Finch said it would be buying in the future[1]. “When Finch transitions to purchased pulp, it will no longer be necessary for the company to purchase large quantities of logs from wood suppliers in the Northeast and New England,” the company said[1]. Finch said it will still purchase wood for use in its much smaller biomass co-generation facility, a process that converts bark, sawdust, and wood scraps into high-pressure steam used to dry paper during production[1].
Finch currently employs about 600 workers[1]. A company spokesperson told the Glens Falls Post Star that the transition will have “the beneficial effect of reducing odors associated with the Finch operation” in and around Glens Falls[1].
Finch Paper was founded in 1865 by Jeremiah Finch, Daniel Finch, and Samuel Pruyn as Finch, Pruyn and Company, a family owned sawmill, lumberyard, and black marble quarry[1]. Finch, Pruyn built a pulp mill in 1905 and transitioned to producing newsprint and wallpaper[1]. In 1965, Finch expanded and modernized, becoming a major producer of high quality, bright white fine papers for printing[1]. After 142 years of local family ownership, the company was acquired by Atlas Holdings and Blue Wolf Capital, who renamed it Finch Paper in 2007[1].
This record concerns a different Atlas Holdings owned facility, Finch Paper in Glens Falls, New York, not Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC), and a different set of circumstances involving regional pulpwood supply economics and the logging industry's reaction[1]. The relevant point for this campaign is narrow: a company spokesperson's own quoted acknowledgment that ending pulp production would have “the beneficial effect of reducing odors associated with the Finch operation”[1].
This corroborates, from within the same parent company's portfolio, that pulp production itself is understood internally as a significant odor source, consistent with this campaign's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) based framing of hydrogen sulfide and related compounds at PTPC[1].
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.0
A 2023 Independent Environmental Compliance Audit That Was Never Conducted
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
In early 2023, Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)'s own management requested an independent environmental compliance audit of the facility. A small group of independent, experienced wood products industry environmental audit professionals was prepared to conduct it. The day before the audit was scheduled to begin, the auditors were contacted by upper company management and told the audit was cancelled. It was never conducted[1].
This account comes from John Gross, one of the auditors who was prepared to take part. Gross confirmed the account in his own public social media post, and separately in direct communication with this campaign on July 21, 2026[1]. Document metadata on the original audit scope document he shared, PTP_Audit.docx, shows it was created January 19, 2023 and last modified the following day, January 20, 2023, consistent with his account that the cancellation came just weeks after the scope was finalized[2].
John Gross is a career environmental engineer and contractor. His background includes roles as a Senior Environmental Contractor at Weyerhaeuser for approximately 11 years, Senior Associate Engineer at Landau Associates, Environmental Executive at Jorgensen Forge, and Environmental Project Manager at the Port of Portland, with education at the University of Portland and Oregon State University. This campaign reached out to him in July 2026 after seeing his account of the cancelled audit in a public social media post[1].
Gross has no facility-specific PTPC records of his own; his account is a limited-access, firsthand source, not a verified internal company record. This document presents his account as exactly that, and does not claim independent confirmation from PTPC or from any regulator.
The scope document Gross shared, PTP_Audit.docx, describes two areas of planned review[2]:
Primary scope: oil and bulk chemical storage and handling, including tank inspection and integrity testing, compliance with Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC), Risk Management Program (RMP), and Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) requirements, containment basin management, and material transfer and satellite storage practices.
Secondary scope: a comparison of PTPC's then-current Air Operating Permit against the prior version, covering permit changes, the effectiveness of recordkeeping and monitoring, and source testing requirements.
Asked what the audit might have found, Gross wrote: "Would we have uncovered environmental issues? Who knows, but I suspect we could have helped mitigate some of the concerns now being expressed."[1]
This account does not establish why upper company management cancelled the audit, what internal reasoning was given to the auditors at the time, or whether any other compliance review took the cancelled audit's place. Those remain open questions.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.10
A Documentary Record of Ownership, Violations, and Regulatory History
This research has been compiled to the best of our ability from named public sources. If you believe any fact presented here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact safewaterandair@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and corrected.
This timeline compiles publicly documented history of the Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) mill at Glen Cove, from S'Klallam ancestral territory and the 1855 Treaty of Point No Point through the May 2026 white liquor tank implosion at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, Washington, and this campaign's resulting community mobilization. Entries are organized chronologically within six historical eras, followed by four reference sections summarizing the Olympic Gravity Water System, S'Klallam treaty rights, the white liquor tank regulatory gap, and the facility's fire record.
Each entry falls into one or more of the following categories, drawn from the original research record:
Corporate ownership changes and parent company history.
Facility expansions, shutdowns, and major operational changes.
Documented pollution events, spills, and discharge violations.
Fines, penalties, consent orders, and enforcement actions.
Fires at the facility and fire department response, 2017 to 2026.
Community and worker health findings and federal studies.
Worker safety, hazmat inspection findings, and tank risk.
Olympic Gravity Water System history, failures, and leverage.
Permits, renewals, expirations, and regulatory decisions.
Regulatory gaps and legal voids leaving communities unprotected.
S'Klallam treaty rights, ancestral territory, and bay discharge implications.
Community actions, advocacy groups, odor complaints, and petitions.
Investigative reporting and public disclosure milestones.
Economic impact, water rates, employment, and financial history.
Greenhouse gas emissions and climate context.
The Nippon Dynawave Longview disaster of May 26, 2026, and its aftermath.
S'Klallam people are dispossessed from qatay; Port Townsend is rescued from economic collapse; the water system and the paper facility are built together. Port Townsend Bay, known to the S'Klallam people as qatay, is the ancestral home of the S'Klallam (Klallam) Tribe. The S'Klallam winter in large communal cedar pole-and-plank homes along the shoreline, fishing and harvesting shellfish from the bay as a primary food source. The bay that PTPC will one day discharge into is the same bay the S'Klallam have depended on for generations.
Chief Chetzemoka, born at qatay around 1808, leads the S'Klallam community there.
The Treaty of Point No Point is signed. The S'Klallam, Chemakum, and Twana (Skokomish) cede more than 438,000 acres of ancestral territory to the United States government. Negotiations are conducted in Chinook Jargon, a trade pidgin of limited vocabulary, not in the tribes' own languages. In exchange, the tribes retain the right to take fish and shellfish at their usual and accustomed grounds and stations, which explicitly include Port Townsend Bay.
Chief Chetzemoka persuades other leaders to sign. Most S'Klallam refuse to relocate to the Skokomish Reservation. The Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Washington Territory orders the destruction of the S'Klallam settlement at qatay (Port Townsend) and the forced removal of S'Klallam and Chemakum people to the Skokomish Reservation. S'Klallam homes are burned by government officials. Beginning in 1871, city ordinances legally ban S'Klallam people from entering white settlements without a chaperone, and those who defy the ordinance face fines and incarceration. By 1872, the majority of those forcibly removed return to other S'Klallam settlements.
The S'Klallam retain their treaty rights to fish and harvest shellfish in Port Townsend Bay.
Non-Indian settlers arrive in Port Townsend beginning in 1851. The city becomes Puget Sound's customs port of entry. The railroad boom of 1889 to 1890 collapses when Union Pacific abandons its transcontinental link, triggering a 36-year economic depression. Population falls from over 7,000 to fewer than 2,000.
The Snow Creek water system begins operation, Port Townsend's first piped water supply. By the mid-1920s it is decaying and barely sufficient for the city's needs.
Zellerbach Corporation of San Francisco announces plans to build a kraft paper facility at Glen Cove, three miles south of downtown on Port Townsend Bay. The city competes aggressively against Aberdeen for the site, seeing it as the only path out of economic depression.
Construction begins simultaneously on the facility and the Big Quilcene Water Extension Project, a 29-mile pipeline from the Big Quilcene River. The city issues $600,000 in municipal bonds. Crown Zellerbach agrees to pay $200,000 in advance royalties and $10,000 per year to lease and operate the water system. Over 600 workers are hired. The Olympic Piledriving Company drives 6,000 piles into Glen Cove tide flats for the 850-foot main building.
Zellerbach merges with Crown Willamette Pulp and Paper, forming Crown Zellerbach Corporation, briefly the second-largest paper company in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission questions the merger in 1934 as a potential antitrust violation but takes no action.
The Crown Zellerbach kraft paper facility begins production. The first digester starts and the first paper machine goes online. Capacity is 200 tons of pulp per day, requiring 10 million gallons of water daily. Wastewater discharge into Port Townsend Bay, the S'Klallam treaty fishing and shellfish harvesting ground, begins on this date and continues for over 100 years.
The Big Quilcene timber crib diversion and 28.5 miles of 30-inch wood stave pipe are completed, replacing the failing Snow Creek system. The City of Port Townsend owns the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) facilities and water rights but leases operation and maintenance to the paper company from day one, an arrangement maintained through six ownership changes over nearly 100 years.
By 1929, the facility employs 275 workers with an annual payroll of $325,000. The Great Depression begins, but PTPC does not shut down at any point during 1929 to 1939, remaining the economic anchor of Port Townsend through the worst economic period in American history.
The facility expands through wartime, reaches peak employment, and confronts the first federal environmental laws.
The facility expands with a breakdown plant for a steady wood chip supply. Workforce grows to 375. By 1935 a bag factory is added; by the 1940s it becomes a multi-wall bag factory. By 1949, the facility employs 630 people with a $2,200,000 annual payroll.
PTPC wins the National Safety Council award for safety, in competition with 70 other pulp and paper operations nationwide, the high-water mark of its safety record.
By 1955, the facility employs 820 people with a $3,800,000 annual payroll.
The original 1928 wood stave pipeline is progressively replaced with welded steel pipe. The 2021 Water Supply Agreement identifies this pipeline as requiring a 125-year replacement schedule beginning approximately 2037, at an estimated cost of $161 million in 2021 dollars. Much of this steel pipe is now 50 to 70 years old and approaching or exceeding its design life.
The Little Quilcene River diversion dam is constructed, conveying water via a one-mile pipeline to the new Lords Lake Reservoir, adding 500 million gallons of raw water storage capacity.
The federal Clean Water Act is enacted, establishing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirement for industrial discharges into navigable waters. Discharges from PTPC into Port Townsend Bay, ongoing since 1928, 44 years, come under federal regulation for the first time.
The Boldt Decision (United States v. Washington) confirms that treaty tribes are entitled to 50 percent of the harvestable fish in their usual and accustomed fishing grounds. Port Townsend Bay is within the adjudicated usual and accustomed grounds of the Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes. PTPC's ongoing discharge into the bay directly affects a resource with federal treaty protection.
A company-wide labor union strike shuts down operations from August 1978 to April 1979. Approximately 100 jobs are permanently lost. The multi-wall bag plant never reopens.
Crown Zellerbach installs new furnaces, smokestacks, and improved wastewater treatment, the first major environmental infrastructure upgrade since the facility's founding in 1928, 52 years earlier.
Crown Zellerbach sells the Port Townsend facility to Haindl Papier GmbH of West Germany. The operation is renamed PTPC. Workforce at the time of sale is approximately 500 workers.
Four ownership changes occur in 30 years. Enforcement begins. The regulatory gap around white liquor tanks is never addressed.
PTPC's obligation to pay for municipal water supply ends, 57 years after the 1928 founding agreement. From 1985 onward, the facility draws from the Quilcene watershed effectively without charge to itself. This arrangement is not renegotiated until 2021, 36 additional years later.
Above-ground tanks holding white liquor at kraft paper facilities are not required to undergo inspection by any state or federal agency. Unlike underground storage tanks, which are inspected every three years by Ecology for groundwater risk, and oil and gas tanks, which are subject to mandatory state and federal inspections, above-ground kraft facility white liquor tanks fall into a legal void, with responsibility for inspection left entirely to the operator. This gap exists throughout this era and remains in place through the Longview disaster of 2026.
Congress enacts the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, requiring industrial facilities to disclose hazardous chemical inventories to Local Emergency Planning Committees and the public. PTPC begins filing annual Tier II chemical inventory reports, which are not proactively made public.
Tribes file suit under United States v. Washington to defend their shellfishing rights. Because the 1974 Boldt Decision applied only to finfish, tribal members harvesting shellfish in their usual and accustomed grounds, including Port Townsend Bay, have been subject to arrest and prosecution. The suit seeks to extend treaty protections to shellfish.
A major revision of the Clean Air Act (CAA) establishes National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants and New Source Performance Standards for kraft pulp facilities under 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 60 and 63.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement tracking via Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) begins formally in 1990. Over 1990 to 2025, the record accumulates 149 permit violations or triggers and 54 regulatory enforcement actions against PTPC, roughly one enforcement action every 8 months for 35 consecutive years.
Ecology fines PTPC $20,000 for a water quality violation, the largest fine issued to the facility until 2016, a gap of 25 years. Ecology later confirms no larger fines appear in their records for that period.
Bunker C fuel oil spills from a pipeline at the PTPC facility into Port Townsend Bay, discovered at 7:30 p.m. Pipeline capacity is reported at 2,000 gallons; the quantity actually spilled cannot be determined due to darkness. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Scientific Support Coordinator is contacted at 11:30 p.m. and requested to provide worst-case trajectory analysis, identification of resources at risk, and protection strategy recommendations before a United States Coast Guard (USCG) overflight at first light. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) District 13 coordinates the response.
Judge Edward Rafeedie rules in United States v. Washington that the Boldt Decision extends to shellfish as well as finfish, known as the Rafeedie Decision. All public and private tidelands within the tribes' usual and accustomed grounds are subject to tribal treaty harvest rights. Port Townsend Bay, receiving PTPC's daily discharge, is within those grounds. The permit record for PTPC acknowledges a shellfish harvesting closure in Port Townsend Bay. The Rafeedie Decision makes this closure a direct impairment of federally protected treaty rights.
The original 1928 timber crib diversion on the Little Quilcene River is replaced with a modern concrete diversion structure.
Haindl Paper GmbH sells the facility to Northwest Capital Appreciation Inc., a Seattle-based private equity firm, which recruits former Weyerhaeuser executive John Begley as president. The sale is credited with saving the operation from closure.
A digester at the facility operates in violation of Clean Air Act (CAA) rules for approximately 16 years before the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 discovers the violation, entirely missed by Ecology's routine inspections, a pointed confirmation that routine state oversight is inadequate.
Northwest Capital Appreciation purchases Crown Packaging Ltd. of British Columbia for $61.5 million, adding four box and packaging plants. Combined enterprise revenues exceed $200 million annually.
The Washington Department of Health receives 285 odor complaints recorded by PTPC between January 2004 and July 2007. The PT AirWatchers community advocacy group forms. The MillOdorous Facebook group forms.
PTPC declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The facility continues operating throughout.
PTPC emerges from Chapter 11 under Goldentree Asset Management of New York, a turnaround specialist with $22 billion in assets.
PTPC proposes a $55 million biomass cogeneration project. PT AirWatchers and regional environmental groups oppose it citing air quality concerns. The project is shelved when natural gas prices drop dramatically.
Ecology issues PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water discharge permit (No. WA0000922), set to expire October 1, 2018.
Documented industrial spills into Port Townsend Bay begin accumulating in the public record; by 2026, at least 13 separate discharge incidents are documented. Port Townsend Bay receives approximately 12 million gallons of the facility's treated wastewater daily, more than all other Jefferson County dischargers combined.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts a crab and prawn tissue study in Marine Area 7. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination is found to be statistically comparable to levels near Seattle and Tacoma. A human health risk assessment is never completed.
Lindsay Goldberg LLC of New York purchases the facility from Goldentree, forming Crown Paper Group, led by executives formerly at Smurfit-Stone Container and RockTenn.
Violations accumulate across air, water, and fire as community groups, journalists, and federal scientists build the public record.
Ecology tracks annual odor complaints: 340 in 2013, 567 in 2014, 445 in 2015, and 244 in 2016. Residents report rotten egg and pungent acid smells causing eye irritation, throat inflammation, headaches, and nausea. PT AirWatchers grows to 176 members; MillOdorous has 133 Facebook members.
Ecology inspectors observe an emissions release: corrosion created a 1-inch hole in an exhaust duct, allowing small-particle pollution to bypass PTPC's control systems. It is not fixed until scheduled maintenance the following month.
A second emissions release occurs: a damper in a main exhaust stack becomes stuck, allowing emissions to escape. It is found by routine testing and reported by PTPC staff.
Ecology fines PTPC $30,000 for the two 2016 emissions incidents, described at the time as the largest fine since 1991, a 25-year gap.
A United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 inspector discovers a Clean Air Act (CAA) violation involving a digester that had been in violation since at least 2001, 16 continuous years of noncompliance, entirely missed by Ecology's routine inspections.
Fire breaks out at the PTPC recovery room. PTPC calls 911 reporting a major fire, then describes it to the press as a minor fire. The company's own brigade extinguishes the fire before East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) arrives. Firefighters confirm the fire extended to the second floor and roof. Mutual aid responds from Naval Magazine Indian Island, Port Ludlow, and Discovery Bay. The cause is attributed to hot, dry weather.
There are no injuries.
Ecology fines PTPC $4,500 for exceeding the permitted carbon monoxide limit.
Notice of Construction Order 16293 is issued, governing PTPC's air emission sources and establishing emission limits for major combustion sources. PTPC begins a phased evolution upgrade of its distributed control system, the computerized system governing all facility operations, specifically designed to proceed in stages to avoid a weeks-long production shutdown. ABB migrates the existing Human Machine Interface to the ABB Ability System 800xA.
A State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist for PTPC is completed with seven mandatory questions left unanswered. It is accepted without resolution of the missing responses.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) deploys air monitors at eight fixed sites within three miles of PTPC for 10 weeks: six residential locations, one public school, and one business. Measured compounds include hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and aldehydes. Results are significantly higher during facility operations than during shutdown periods.
PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water discharge permit expires. Ecology places it on administrative extension. The facility continues discharging treated wastewater into Port Townsend Bay under an expired permit. This administrative extension runs for nearly seven years until a new permit is issued in May 2025.
A wood chip pile fire from spontaneous combustion burns 30 feet high by 100 feet across. PTPC fights it for hours before calling East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) at 5:30 p.m. Loaders scoop burning chips to open areas. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) remains on scene until nearly 9 p.m.
PTPC settles with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the 16-year Clean Air Act (CAA) violation. Payment of $342,000 is received June 5, 2019, under United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Docket CAA-10-2019-0071. In the same month, Ecology issues a Determination of Nonsignificance for the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist despite the seven unanswered mandatory questions; community advocates document this timing as critical.
Fire breaks out in the PTPC paper bale holding area, approximately one acre in size and about one-third full. Smoke is visible on the Port Townsend public webcam. There are no injuries and the cause is undetermined.
The Messing-Durkee digester, which cooked sawdust into kraft pulp fiber, is decommissioned as part of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act (CAA) settlement agreement. Simultaneously, PTPC completes an upgrade of its pulper, switching from a batch process to a continuous process. Old corrugated container recycled fiber processing capacity doubles from 400 tons to 800 tons per day. Maximum facility capacity increases from 480 to 720 oven-dried tons of pulp per day. Fresh water consumption is reduced by approximately 1 million gallons per day, and approximately 4 jobs are added.
General Manager Kevin Scott recounts: "When we told them of our plan, we said, 'How about we shut it down?' They were very agreeable."
Nearly 2,000 odor complaints are recorded by Ecology and PTPC between 2016 and 2021. Residents describe rotten egg and pungent acid odors causing eye irritation, throat inflammation, headaches, and impacted quality of life.
The City of Port Townsend and PTPC sign a new 20-year Water Supply Agreement, the first substantive change since 1956, a 65-year gap. Key terms: PTPC pays for water for the first time, approximately $4.7 million per year; usage is capped at 14 million gallons per day; the city may require shutdowns during drought with priority to human consumption; $161 million in infrastructure refurbishment is identified over 40 years; and the rate model is updated every five years, with the next update due at the end of 2026. Environmental advocates note the agreement sets the facility's existing 11 million gallons per day usage as the baseline without seeking conservation reductions.
PTPC spills approximately 800 gallons of untreated toxic wastewater into Port Townsend Bay and exceeds National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit discharge limits 14 times. PTPC attributes the violations to leaking pipes, equipment failures, and a severe winter freeze.
A new owner inherits a documented violation record. Fires multiply. Journalism exposes the enforcement gap.
The most serious fire in recent PTPC history occurs. A 200-yard wood chip conveyor belt spanning six floors is fully engulfed at 2:40 p.m., with black smoke visible from Port Townsend to Marrowstone Island. Arriving firefighters find the conveyor belt sprinkler system non-operational, with a part missing. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) Chief Bret Black states: "There's room for improvement." Damage totals $500,000. Mutual aid responds from Port Ludlow, Discovery Bay, Clallam County, and Kitsap County, with at least 30 personnel on scene. Production is crippled for three weeks.
The cause is undetermined, and the general manager declines to comment on the sprinkler failure.
A second fire occurs in 49 days, in the woodmill building's second-floor conveyor belt. The PTPC crew cannot reach it with hoses. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) finds active fire in sawdust, rubber belting, and grease from roller bearings, with spot fires running the full length of the belt. The cause is undetermined, attributed to a hot motor in the area. No substantive answers are given on lessons learned from two fires in seven weeks.
Ecology fines PTPC $27,000 for the November 2021 to March 2022 water quality violations: 800 gallons of untreated toxic wastewater into Port Townsend Bay plus 14 exceedances of permit limits.
Emissions from the recovery furnace exceed hazardous air pollutant limits required under the air quality permit. A clog in the emissions treatment system limits performance. It is discovered and corrected by PTPC the next day.
Ecology issues PTPC's Air Operating Permit, the master document governing all air pollution requirements at the facility, expiring August 2027. This is the first air operating permit renewal in years, governing emissions of hazardous air pollutants, sulfur compounds, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide from all combustion sources.
Atlas Holdings LLC, headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, completes acquisition of Crown Paper Group, including PTPC. Atlas Holdings has more than $16 billion in capital, per an Atlas Holdings press release dated May 5, 2025, and states on its website that all portfolio companies "must pursue and achieve world-class safety performance."
Ecology fines PTPC $56,250 for the July 6 recovery furnace exceedance, the largest single air quality fine in the facility's documented history. Ecology notes hazardous air pollutants particularly endanger children, adults over 65, and people with respiratory conditions.
Fire breaks out in a large concrete vault at the PTPC facility. One firefighter is hospitalized for exhaustion. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) Chief Black publicly states the department is spread too thin and lacks sufficient firefighters for a major industrial complex fire under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR)'s Community Risk Assessment formally designates the facility as a high-hazard district requiring additional minimum staffing.
Ecology issues two separate penalties to PTPC for water quality violations that occurred in 2022.
PTPC accumulates 11 of the last 12 quarters of Clean Air Act (CAA) High Priority Violation status, one of the longest periods tracked by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO). Over five years, 23 informal enforcement actions are taken with total Clean Air Act (CAA) penalties of $63,750, an average of less than $2,800 per action for a facility producing 1,000 tons of paper per day. Total penalties across all environmental statutes over five years reach $99,750.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) publishes Health Consultation 334-170, its findings from the 2018 air monitoring investigation. Federal scientists conclude sulfur compounds were measured near PTPC above United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations during facility operations. The Washington State Department of Health's existing guidance, stating paper facility odors are "rarely at levels that harm health," directly contradicts the federal finding for Port Townsend specifically. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) formally acknowledges a full community health study cannot be conducted due to missing data. The report is presented publicly at Port Townsend's Marine Pope Building on July 10, 2024.
A cracked coupling in the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline leaks more than half a million gallons per day. An estimated 40 million total gallons are lost before crews locate and repair the failure. The city issues a mandatory water conservation notice and draws down City Lake Reservoir.
Ecology releases the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal for public comment, six years after the prior permit's expiration. The draft contains new water-quality limits for three confirmed carcinogens, benzo(a)anthracene, chlordane, and pentachlorophenol, though final compliance is not required until 2029. PTPC seeks permission to discharge approximately 7 percent more effluent. A public hearing on December 4, 2024 at Fort Worden draws approximately 40 attendees.
Washington State Ecology issues two new formal administrative orders against PTPC for Clean Water Act violations.
Fire breaks out on the Number 2 Paper Machine at PTPC. Smoke vents from the roof on the northwest side of the main building, and flames run along the ceiling over the dryer sections. PTPC personnel begin containment before East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) arrives. There is no significant structural damage. The fire is under investigation by the Jefferson County Fire Marshal.
A pipe failure causes approximately 1,000 gallons of condensed water from the facility's steam system to spill into Port Townsend Bay. Separately, two Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline breaks occur within weeks: on January 22, a welded joint fails on a 24-inch pipe, and on February 6, a 6-inch crack opens at a girth weld on a 30-inch pipe near Andrews Creek, leaking over half a million gallons before shutdown. City Manager John Mauro declares a water emergency. Both the city and PTPC draw on City Lake Reservoir, and a mandatory water conservation notice is issued.
An electrical fire breaks out in the turbine room at PTPC. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) responds at approximately 2:15 p.m. on a Sunday. Dry chemical extinguishers are used until power is shut off, and the fire is finished with water. There are no injuries.
PTPC publicly announces on its own website: "PTPC Achieves New Safety Record, we have officially reached the highest number of consecutive safe workdays in the past 25 years. It has been 156 days since the last recordable injury at PTPC."
A pipe failure discharges approximately 114,630 gallons of untreated toxic wastewater directly into Port Townsend Bay. The source material describes the safety record announcement above as coming approximately one month before this discharge; both dates are reproduced here as documented, though the exact interval between the two events could not be independently confirmed in this rebuild. When asked what was in the discharge, whether it was toxic to marine life, and whether shellfish from Glen Cove were safe to eat, PTPC declines to answer. Community reporter Scott Doggett submits 11 specific questions to the company.
The company provides an evasive statement citing "testing conducted upon discovery suggests little to no environmental impact" without disclosing any data.
Ecology issues PTPC a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water discharge permit, ending nearly seven years of administrative extension since the previous permit expired in October 2018. The new permit expires May 2030. It contains new water-quality based limits for three confirmed carcinogens, benzo(a)anthracene, chlordane, and pentachlorophenol, but final compliance with those limits is not required until 2029. PTPC is authorized to discharge approximately 7 percent more effluent than under the prior permit.
PTPC publishes an economic impact study: $319 million in total economic output within Jefferson County, $452 million statewide, 300 or more county employees with an average salary of $92,600, significantly above the county's $64,800 median household income, and approximately 40 percent of all manufacturing jobs in the region. It is released as the 2026 water rate model update approaches. Separately, a hazardous waste inspection this month finds specific failures in preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedures at the facility, exactly the categories most relevant to a tank failure.
Ecology fines PTPC a total of $20,000 for the two 2025 spills, $10,000 per incident. For the 114,630-gallon April discharge of untreated toxic wastewater, this amounts to less than 9 cents per gallon. The fine schedule has not been updated since the late 1980s.
Port Townsend Leader columnist Scott Doggett publishes "Mill keeps the public in the dark about spill, and health risks," documenting PTPC's refusal to answer 11 questions about the April 2025 spill, naming the carcinogens and neurotoxins in the company's regular discharge (dioxin, arsenic, cadmium, total phenols, selenium, thallium), and cataloging 23 permit violations over seven years. A second column follows: "Has watchdog turned lapdog at Port Townsend Paper Mill?"
The Center for Sustainable Economy publishes "A Just Transition for the Port Townsend Paper Mill," calling for deliberate closure planning and replacement with a non-wood, non-kraft facility inland. The report documents 554,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, by far the largest greenhouse gas source in Jefferson County, more than 2.5 times the rest of the county's economy combined, and PTPC's exemption from Washington's Climate Commitment Act as an "emissions intensive and trade exposed" facility. It calls for Atlas Holdings to post a cleanup bond.
A catastrophic kraft facility failure reveals that white liquor tanks have never required inspection, transforming every question about PTPC's own white liquor tanks from hypothetical to urgent.
At approximately 7:15 a.m., a 900,000-gallon white liquor tank implodes at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, Washington. Eleven workers are killed and eight others are injured. The tank is approximately 60 percent full; 550,000 gallons of white liquor surge onto the facility floor, into drainage ditches, and into the Columbia River. 2,226 dead fish are later collected near the facility by Ecology, documented in drainage ditches by June 1, 2026. Governor Ferguson calls it "the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington State history." Total worker safety fines against Nippon Dynawave in the years before the disaster amount to $6,100.
Investigation immediately reveals a catastrophic regulatory gap: above-ground tanks holding white liquor at kraft facilities are not required to undergo inspection by any state or federal agency. UW Professor Marissa Baker, director of the University of Washington's Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety and a member of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals, states: "There's no one agency or regulatory body that would be responsible for inspecting any single above-ground tank. It is really left to the owner, the operator of the individual facility to ensure that they are doing all that." This gap applies equally to PTPC's white liquor storage tanks.
In the aftermath, crews flush drainage channels with clean water to dilute the caustic chemicals that reached the Columbia River, and water quality testing continues. State legislators across party lines express shock that no regulatory body has authority to inspect white liquor tanks.
The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announces a formal investigation, with federal investigators arriving that day. The Trump Administration has proposed to defund the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) for the second consecutive year; Congress allocated $14 million to continue operations. Findings will produce prevention recommendations applicable to all kraft facilities nationally, including PTPC.
David Ginsberg, a Port Townsend resident, sends a letter to the Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson County Commissioners, copied to the press. The letter draws the direct parallel to PTPC: the same process and same chemistry are used; PTPC's daily production volume exceeds Nippon Dynawave's; no public safety plan exists for white liquor; and PTPC's tank sizes, ages, and inspection dates are not publicly known. Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Willie Bence confirms on record that PTPC houses white liquor, calling it "a particularly nasty and caustic chemical."
PTPC issues its first public statement following Longview, with four key admissions: first, "We are unaware of the root cause of the tank failure or the technical details of the Nippon Dynawave facility"; second, "Since the incident in Longview, we have been conducting extra safety inspections and testing," confirming pre-Longview practices were insufficient; third, the company has "verified that tank vents are open and that overflow lines are not submerged"; and fourth, the company is "working on scheduling further non-destructive testing to reassess tank conditions in June 2026," meaning the additional testing had not yet been scheduled as of the press release date.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries issues an official statement, Press Release #26-07. Director Joel Sacks states: "In the coming months, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries will be conducting a detailed investigation seeking answers and accountability." The agency has officially opened its investigation using specialized inspectors who focus on high-hazard chemical industries. By law, investigations must be completed within 180 days, placing the deadline in approximately late November 2026. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' own statement confirms the legal standard that applies directly to PTPC: "Employers are required to assess the hazards on their work site, including those involving storage tanks and the handling of hazardous chemicals.
They must take effective steps to control those hazards."
David Ginsberg circulates the community petition "We Demand Safety, Transparency and Clean Water." Its demands include:
Independent white liquor tank inspection with full public disclosure.
Worker hydrogen sulfide exposure monitoring data.
Quarterly independent biological bay testing.
Public answers to the April 2025 spill questions.
Disclosure of the Process Hazard Analysis.
Comprehensive water quality testing, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
A full bay ecosystem assessment.
Worker health screenings.
Real-time fence-line air monitoring.
Soil contamination testing across all 450 acres.
A seismic vulnerability assessment of white liquor tanks for Cascadia Subduction Zone preparedness.
Letters are sent to 43 recipients, including:
The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The United States Coast Guard (USCG).
United States Senators Cantwell and Murray, and United States Representatives Gluesenkamp Perez and Randall.
Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Brown.
Washington State Ecology, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, the Washington State Department of Health, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and the Washington State Emergency Response Commission.
Jefferson County Emergency Management, the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, the Jefferson County Public Utility District, Jefferson County Public Health, and Jefferson Healthcare.
Four Jefferson County fire districts, the Port of Port Townsend, and Naval Magazine Indian Island.
The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe.
The Northwest Maritime Center and the Port Townsend Marine Trades Association.
The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), Northwest Environmental Advocates, the Olympic Environmental Council, the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, and the Washington Environmental Council.
PTPC Senior Vice President Brian Peterson, and Atlas Holdings principals Andrew Bursky and Tim Fazio.
Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette responds confirming the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) plans to address PTPC at its next meeting in mid-July 2026. Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator Brad Brooks is working with the company to schedule the session. The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) includes fire districts, law enforcement, Jefferson County Public Health, Ecology, Naval Magazine Indian Island, the Port of Port Townsend, and PTPC as a required participant under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
A Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting is scheduled. Community members plan to attend with a comprehensive enforcement and inspection demand package targeting Washington State Ecology, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, Jefferson County Emergency Management, Jefferson County Public Health, PTPC, and East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR).
The Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) is a 29-mile gravity-fed steel pipeline from the Big Quilcene and Little Quilcene Rivers in the Olympic Mountains. Average daily flow is 12 million gallons; maximum flow is 16 million gallons. PTPC uses approximately 10 to 11 million gallons per day; the city uses 1 to 2 million gallons.
The City of Port Townsend owns the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) facilities and water rights. PTPC does not own the water and has no independent right to it. The city has leased operation and maintenance to the paper company since 1928, through six different corporate owners, for nearly 100 years.
This is one of the oldest water systems in Washington State. The original 1928 wood stave pipe was replaced with welded steel between the 1950s and 1972. Much of this steel pipeline is now 50 to 70 years old and approaching or exceeding its design life. The 2021 agreement identifies $161 million in refurbishment needed over 40 years.
Three United States Forest Service special use permits authorize water diversion and the transmission pipeline on National Forest land. All three permits expire in 2029, the same year PTPC's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit begins requiring enforceable carcinogen limits. A new round of costly negotiations and studies will be required.
The December 30, 2021 Water Supply Agreement is the first substantive revision since 1956, a 65-year gap. PTPC pays for water for the first time, approximately $4.7 million per year at 2025 rates, and is capped at 14 million gallons per day. The city may require shutdowns during drought. The rate model is updated every five years, with the next update due at the end of 2026, coinciding with peak safety and environmental pressure.
The city owns the water rights, and PTPC cannot operate without them. The 2026 rate model update is a contractual leverage point. David Ginsberg's June 2026 petition explicitly calls on the City Council to attach mandatory safety conditions, independent tank inspection, biological bay testing, real-time discharge monitoring, and a white liquor emergency response plan to PTPC's water access during the 2026 renegotiation.
Three documented Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline failures occur in 2024 to 2025. In August 2024, a cracked coupling leaks approximately 40 million total gallons, prompting a mandatory conservation order. In January 2025, a welded joint fails on a 24-inch pipe. In February 2025, a 6-inch crack at a girth weld on a 30-inch pipe leaks over 500,000 gallons into Andrews Creek, triggering a formal water emergency declaration.
Port Townsend Bay, qatay, is the ancestral home of the S'Klallam people. The Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes hold treaty-protected rights to fish and harvest shellfish in Port Townsend Bay under the 1855 Treaty of Point No Point. These rights predate the paper facility by 73 years and have federal protection.
The Treaty of Point No Point reserves to the S'Klallam the right to take fish and shellfish at their usual and accustomed grounds and stations, which include Port Townsend Bay. The bay in which PTPC has discharged for over 100 years is a federally protected tribal harvest ground.
The Boldt Decision confirms that treaty tribes are entitled to 50 percent of the harvestable fish in their usual and accustomed grounds. Port Townsend Bay is within those grounds. PTPC's discharge and the documented shellfish closure in the permit record directly affect a resource with federal treaty protection.
The Rafeedie Decision extends the Boldt Decision to shellfish as well as finfish. All public and private tidelands within the tribes' usual and accustomed grounds are subject to treaty harvest rights. The shellfish harvesting closure in Port Townsend Bay, acknowledged in PTPC's own permit record, is a direct impairment of federally protected treaty rights.
The Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes are among the 43 recipients of David Ginsberg's June 2026 advocacy letters. PTPC's treated wastewater discharge, containing confirmed carcinogens with no enforceable final limits until 2029, continues to flow into a bay where treaty-protected shellfish harvesting rights exist. No tribal consultation record is documented in the public permit record.
Above-ground tanks holding white liquor at kraft paper facilities are not required to undergo regular inspection by any state or federal agency. This includes tanks holding hundreds of thousands of gallons of a caustic chemical mixture of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and sodium carbonate, capable of killing workers and contaminating waterways on a massive scale.
Underground storage tanks are inspected every three years by Ecology for groundwater risk. Oil and gas tanks are subject to mandatory state and federal inspections. Above-ground kraft facility white liquor tanks, holding comparable quantities of equally hazardous material, require no mandatory inspections by any agency.
UW Professor Marissa Baker, director of the University of Washington's Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety and a member of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals, states: "There's no one agency or regulatory body that would be responsible for inspecting any single above-ground tank. It is really left to the owner, the operator of the individual facility to ensure that they are doing all that and keeping those maintenance logs and doing those inspections."
No state or federal agency has ever been required to inspect PTPC's white liquor storage tanks. Tank sizes, ages, materials of construction, and most recent inspection dates are not publicly known. PTPC's June 1, 2026 press release confirms the company was only conducting "extra safety inspections" after Longview, and was still only "working on scheduling" non-destructive tank testing as of that date. The regulatory gap means no outside party can verify whether PTPC's self-assessment is accurate.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' own June 1, 2026 press release states: "Employers are required to assess the hazards on their work site, including those involving storage tanks and the handling of hazardous chemicals. They must take effective steps to control those hazards." This legal standard under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act applies to PTPC. The company's pattern of violations and its admission of conducting only post-Longview "extra safety inspections" raise direct questions about whether this obligation has been met.
Washington State Representative Joel McEntire, a Republican representing Longview, states: "Frankly, I find it hard to believe. You can hardly eat a box of raisins without 10 regulations letting you do so." Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez speaks out against the Trump Administration's proposal to defund the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) for the second consecutive year.
PTPC calls 911 reporting a major fire, then describes it to the press as a minor fire. The company's own brigade extinguishes the fire before East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) arrives. The fire is confirmed to have extended to the second floor and roof. Mutual aid responds from Naval Magazine Indian Island, Port Ludlow, and Discovery Bay. The cause is attributed to hot, dry weather. There are no injuries.
A wood chip pile fire from spontaneous combustion burns 30 feet high by 100 feet across. PTPC fights it for hours before calling East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR). Loaders relocate the burning chips. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) remains on scene until 8:59 p.m.
A fire burns approximately one acre of the paper bale holding area, about one-third full. Smoke is visible on the public webcam. There are no injuries and the cause is undetermined.
The most serious fire in recent history occurs. A 200-yard wood chip conveyor belt across six floors is fully engulfed, with black smoke visible to Marrowstone Island. The sprinkler system is non-operational, with a part missing. Damage totals $500,000. Mutual aid responds from four jurisdictions, with at least 30 personnel on scene. Production is crippled for three weeks.
The cause is undetermined. The sprinkler failure is acknowledged, but PTPC declines to comment on it.
This is the second fire in 49 days, on a second-floor conveyor belt. The PTPC crew is unable to reach it with hoses. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) finds sawdust, rubber belting, and grease on fire, with spot fires running the belt's full length. The cause is attributed to a hot motor in the area. No substantive answers are given on lessons learned.
One firefighter is hospitalized for exhaustion. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) Chief Black publicly states the department lacks sufficient firefighters for a major industrial complex fire under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR)'s Community Risk Assessment formally designates the PTPC facility as a high-hazard district requiring additional minimum staffing.
Smoke vents from the roof on the northwest side of the main building, and flames run along the ceiling over the dryer sections. PTPC personnel begin containment before East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) arrives. There is no significant structural damage. The fire is under investigation by the Jefferson County Fire Marshal.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) responds at 2:15 p.m. Dry chemical extinguishers are used until power is shut off, and the fire is finished with water. There are no injuries.
Eight fires occur in nine years requiring East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) response, one every 13 months on average, with three in calendar year 2022 alone. The January 2022 fire involved a non-operational sprinkler system with a part missing. East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR)'s own analysis formally identifies the PTPC facility as a high-hazard district requiring staffing increases it does not currently have. A white liquor tank failure would require an emergency response capacity far beyond anything any of these eight fires has demanded.
All factual claims in this document are drawn from the following sources, verified during research for this document.
Research library · V_1.0
Independent local reporting on PTPC, summarized here and linked to the original source
The summaries below are written by this campaign in our own words. They are not reproductions of the original articles. For the complete reporting, photos, and full quotes, please read each piece directly at The Jefferson County Beacon using the links provided.
In July and August 2026, The Jefferson County Beacon, a Jefferson County nonprofit newsroom, published a three-part investigative series examining how the Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is intertwined with the city's water system, its environmental and regulatory record, and its economic role in the county. All three pieces were reported and written by Scott France. We think this is some of the most thorough independent reporting on PTPC to date, and we encourage everyone to read it in full on the Beacon's site.
By Scott France, The Jefferson County Beacon, July 28, 2026
The first article looks at how dependent Port Townsend's drinking water system is on PTPC. The city's reservoirs began drawdown roughly three weeks early in the summer of 2026 amid the worst regional snowpack reading in the state, and Public Works Director Steve King called conditions "really, really not a good situation." Under the 2021 Water Supply Agreement, the City can require PTPC to curtail water use once reservoir levels hit certain triggers; something it has come close to doing in each of the last two summers. The article details the pipeline's age (some sections date to 1928 and 1946), a rising rate of pipeline breaks, a dam rated "Poor" by the state, and how heavily the pipeline's $161 million long-term maintenance fund depends on roughly $4.5 million a year in payments from PTPC. It also covers looming federal permit renewals the water system needs by the end of 2029, and open questions about what happens to the system's finances if PTPC's private-equity owner, Atlas Holdings, eventually sells or exits.
Read the full article at The Jefferson County Beacon →
By Scott France, The Jefferson County Beacon, August 4, 2026
The second article is the most detailed independent review of PTPC's compliance record published to date. It reports that the Environmental Integrity Project found PTPC in Clean Air Act violation for 11 of the last 12 quarters, placing it among the worst 3 percent of pulp and paper mills nationally for violations, while also recording more enforcement actions than any other U.S. pulp and paper mill over the same five-year period. It documents a May 2026 Notice of Violation over PTPC's wastewater treatment pond operating at what regulators called "critically reduced treatment capacity," details the substances found in PTPC's bay discharge (including two probable human carcinogens without enforceable numeric limits until 2029), and compares PTPC's aging, uninspected white liquor storage tanks to the tank that failed fatally at the Nippon Dynawave mill in Longview in May 2026. The article also covers a 2018 federal air-quality study that found formaldehyde levels near PTPC more than ten times higher than predicted, nearly 2,000 resident odor complaints over five years, and a volunteer community air-monitoring project now getting underway. It directly quotes Washington Department of Ecology regulator Mady Lyon's written response to David Ginsberg, and covers this campaign's petition and requests to PTPC and regulators.
Read the full article at The Jefferson County Beacon →
By Scott France, The Jefferson County Beacon, August 11, 2026
The third article examines PTPC's economic footprint and what a closure would mean for the city and county. It cross-checks PTPC's own commissioned economic study and public tax claims against figures from the Jefferson County Assessor, finding several inconsistencies, including that PTPC's actual county property tax payment is closer to $340,000 than the $400,000-$4 million figures cited in different company materials. It also covers PTPC's role in funding the water system, what would happen to water rates and the county's cardboard recycling stream if PTPC closed, the roughly $2-3 million cap on PTPC's contract termination liability against a $161 million capital obligation the city is planning around, and legacy environmental cleanup risk, including dioxins reportedly present in the marina and the decades-long, still-unfinished cleanup of the former Rayonier mill site in Port Angeles as a cautionary comparison.
Read the full article at The Jefferson County Beacon →
The summaries on this page are drawn from the following sources. Each summary is our own condensation and paraphrase; none of the original text is reproduced here.
Port Townsend Paper Company — Industrial Chemical Secondary Hazard in Cascadia Preparedness
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Regional Administrator
FEMA Region 10
fema.gov/region-10
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Industrial Chemical Secondary Hazard in Cascadia Preparedness — V_1.17
Dear Regional Administrator,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to FEMA Region 10 about an industrial chemical secondary hazard that I believe should be specifically incorporated into federal Cascadia Subduction Zone preparedness planning for Jefferson County, Washington.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
Jefferson County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) — the federally required body under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) that should hold the emergency response plan for a PTPC white liquor release — is described on the county’s own website as ‘in its formative stage.’ It has been Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Willie Bence has confirmed that the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meets quarterly, is open to the public, and that Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is an active participant. A Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting is scheduled for July 2026, at which the Longview disaster is expected to be addressed. Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), PTPC reports its chemical inventories annually to local fire departments, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the Washington State Department of Ecology.. In the event of a Cascadia earthquake that ruptures PTPC’s white liquor storage tanks and contaminates Port Townsend Bay, there is no pre-positioned federal or local response plan for this specific secondary hazard.
What I Am Requesting from FEMA Region 10:
Federal preparedness resources exist precisely for scenarios like this one — a county with an unactivated Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), a major industrial chemical facility, and a documented Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake hazard. We are asking FEMA Region 10 to direct those resources to Jefferson County before they are needed in an emergency.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Request for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Investigation — Occupational Health at Port Townsend Paper Company
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Director
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
cdc.gov/niosh
RE: Request for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Investigation — Occupational Health at Port Townsend Paper Company — V_1.17
Dear Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to request an occupational health investigation into PTPC — the only remaining active kraft mill in Washington State following the May 26, 2026 Longview disaster and the PCA Wallula shutdown.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
The 300 workers inside Port Townsend Paper Company are exposed daily to hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and other Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds at concentrations the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed in 2024 exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations in the surrounding community — outside the fence. Inside the fence, where workers spend 8–12 hour shifts, concentrations are higher. Hydrogen sulfide desensitizes the nose at harmful levels — workers cannot smell danger they cannot see.
PTPC releases 30,023 pounds of hydrogen sulfide, 193,797 pounds of methanol, 53,240 pounds of manganese compounds, and 4,209 pounds of lead compounds annually per US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data. Manganese causes manganism — a progressive neurological disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease — at sustained occupational exposure levels. Lead accumulates in the body and causes neurological damage. Hydrogen sulfide causes acute and chronic pulmonary and neurological effects. None of PTPC’s worker exposure monitoring data is publicly disclosed.
PTPC also has a documented fire history directly relevant to a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE). Three fires occurred at the facility in under 12 months in 2022: a six-story wood chip conveyor belt fully engulfed with a compromised sprinkler system (cause undetermined, $500,000 damage); a second fire two months later (cause undetermined); and a third in a confined space vault so hazardous firefighters could not safely enter (a firefighter was hospitalized for exhaustion). PTPC's own job postings confirm 12-hour rotating shifts with mandatory overtime. Former employees publicly describe: 'Safety came second to getting equipment back up and running.' National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research confirms 12-hour rotating shifts significantly increase accident risk — adding mandatory overtime to 14-16+ hours in confined spaces with caustic chemicals creates compounded fatigue risk. This work environment pattern warrants National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigation independent of the Longview disaster context.
What I Am Requesting from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):
The workers of Port Townsend Paper Company go to work every day in conditions that federal science has confirmed expose the surrounding community to toxic levels of sulfur compounds. The workers inside the fence deserve the same scientific scrutiny and the same protection.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor Storage — Admiralty Inlet Navigable Water Risk
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Commanding Officer
US Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound
VHF Channel 16
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor Storage — Admiralty Inlet Navigable Water Risk — V_1.17
Dear Commanding Officer,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to US Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound about a potential navigable water safety concern directly within your jurisdiction. PTPC operates a kraft paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, storing white liquor — a highly caustic mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide — in tanks of undisclosed size, age, and inspection status.
Port Townsend Bay discharges directly into Admiralty Inlet, a major navigable waterway under Coast Guard jurisdiction. Naval Magazine Indian Island sits directly across Admiralty Inlet from PTPC. On May 26, 2026, eleven workers died at the Nippon Dynawave kraft paper mill in Longview, Washington when a white liquor tank imploded. PTPC operates the identical process. A catastrophic white liquor release into Port Townsend Bay would contaminate Admiralty Inlet and potentially affect all vessel traffic transiting the area.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from residential neighborhoods in Jefferson County. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same chemistry that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is a matter of public record in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) specifically studied Port Townsend and found hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Washington State Department of Health guidance still tells residents these odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ The federal science says otherwise — for our specific community.
What I Am Asking Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound to Consider:
Port Townsend Bay and Admiralty Inlet are navigable waters of the United States. The Coast Guard’s jurisdiction over hazardous materials risks in those waters is clear. We are asking you to exercise that jurisdiction proactively — before a disaster requires a response.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Follow-Up to EIP’s May 2025 ‘A Paper Trail of Pollution’ Report
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Jen Duggan, Executive Director
Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)
environmentalintegrity.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Follow-Up to EIP’s May 2025 ‘A Paper Trail of Pollution’ Report — V_1.26
Dear Ms. Duggan,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) to make safety, health, the environment, transparency, and compliance their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to you because the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) has already done more documented research on Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) than any other organization outside of the regulatory agencies themselves. Your May 2025 report ‘A Paper Trail of Pollution’ — which included a physical visit to the PTPC mill, one of only three mills visited nationally — named PTPC specifically and documented:
These figures from your report are now part of our community’s public record. I cite them in every letter I send to regulatory agencies and elected officials. Your researchers physically walked the property and documented what the rest of the country wasn’t looking at.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. PTPC's public compliance record includes:
Since your report was published, the May 26, 2026 Nippon Dynawave disaster in Longview — eleven workers killed when a white liquor tank imploded — has dramatically changed the context. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates the identical kraft process. The sizes, ages, and inspection histories of PTPC’s white liquor storage tanks are not publicly disclosed. White liquor is exempt from the EPA Risk Management Program (RMP).
What I Am Asking:
I have compiled extensive documentation on PTPC’s compliance record, the ATSDR 2024 findings, the fire history, the shift and fatigue patterns, and the regulatory gaps. I would welcome the opportunity to share this research and coordinate with your team.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Kraft Mill Accountability and White Liquor Safety
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Nina Bell, Executive Director
Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA)
nwea.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Kraft Mill Accountability and White Liquor Safety — V_1.26
Dear Ms. Bell,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) to make safety, health, the environment, transparency, and compliance their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA) because your organization stopped a dioxin-emitting pulp mill on the Columbia River in 1990 and has spent decades using litigation, negotiation, and advocacy to enforce environmental laws in the Pacific Northwest. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is precisely the kind of facility your organization was built to address.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. PTPC's public compliance record includes:
Since the May 26, 2026 Nippon Dynawave disaster in Longview — eleven workers killed when a white liquor tank imploded in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history — the stakes have sharpened. PTPC operates the identical kraft process. White liquor is exempt from the EPA Risk Management Program (RMP) — there is no required public safety plan, no mandated worst-case release scenario, and no required disclosure of tank sizes or inspection history. Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA) has the legal expertise and the track record to challenge that exemption and to push for meaningful accountability.
What I Am Asking:
I have compiled extensive documentation on PTPC’s compliance record and regulatory gaps and would welcome the opportunity to share it with your team.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Request for Olympic Environmental Council (OEC) Support and Guidance
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Dr. Schanfald
Olympic Environmental Council (OEC)
Port Angeles, Washington
olympicenvironmentalcouncil.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Request for Olympic Environmental Council (OEC) Support and Guidance — V_1.26
Dear Dr. Schanfald,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) to make safety, health, the environment, transparency, and compliance their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to the Olympic Environmental Council (OEC) because your organization has done what I hope we can do for Port Townsend: hold a kraft pulp mill accountable. Your work forcing the cleanup of the Rayonier mill in Port Angeles — a kraft pulp mill that operated for decades and left a legacy of contamination — is the most directly relevant precedent for what our community is now facing with Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC).
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. PTPC's public compliance record includes:
The Olympic Environmental Council (OEC) has navigated exactly this kind of situation before. You know how to read permit records, how to engage Ecology, how to organize a community, and how to hold a company accountable over the long term.
What I Am Asking:
I would welcome a call at your earliest convenience. What you built at Rayonier is what Port Townsend needs now.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Bay Industrial Discharge — Port Townsend Paper Company
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Executive Director
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
puget-sound.org
RE: Port Townsend Bay Industrial Discharge — Port Townsend Paper Company — V_1.26
Dear Executive Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) to make safety, health, the environment, transparency, and compliance their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance because Port Townsend Bay drains directly into Admiralty Inlet and ultimately into Puget Sound — the body of water your organization was created to protect. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) discharges 12 million gallons of treated effluent into that bay every single day, making it the largest industrial discharger in Jefferson County.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. PTPC's public compliance record includes:
In April 2025, approximately 114,000 gallons of untreated industrial wastewater spilled directly into Port Townsend Bay near Glen Cove — a known recreational shellfish harvesting area. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) declined to answer any questions about what was in the discharge, whether it was toxic to marine life, or whether shellfish from the area were safe to eat. No independent shellfish tissue testing has been conducted near the PTPC outfall. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed in 2024 that toxic sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed EPA chronic health reference concentrations.
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) shows PTPC releases annually: 193,797 pounds of methanol, 53,240 pounds of manganese compounds, 30,023 pounds of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), 4,209 pounds of lead compounds, and 19,980 pounds of nitrates — all discharged into a bay that connects directly to Puget Sound.
What I Am Asking:
Port Townsend Bay is part of the Salish Sea. What enters it enters Puget Sound. I would welcome your assessment and your engagement.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Request for WEC Engagement on Kraft Mill Accountability
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Executive Director
Washington Environmental Council (WEC)
wecprotects.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Request for WEC Engagement on Kraft Mill Accountability — V_1.26
Dear Executive Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) to make safety, health, the environment, transparency, and compliance their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) because the legislative and regulatory gaps exposed by Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)’s compliance record — and by the May 26, 2026 Nippon Dynawave disaster in Longview — are precisely the kind of systemic issues Washington Environmental Council (WEC) exists to address at the state level.
Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. PTPC's public compliance record includes:
The Longview disaster killed eleven workers when a white liquor tank imploded. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates the identical process. White liquor is exempt from the EPA Risk Management Program (RMP). Washington State has no requirement for independent inspection or public disclosure of white liquor tank sizes, ages, or inspection histories at kraft mills. Washington State Department of Ecology’s fine levels for water quality violations have not been raised since the late 1980s — meaning a 114,000-gallon untreated wastewater spill into Port Townsend Bay in 2025 cost Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) less than 9 cents per gallon.
Legislative Actions Washington Environmental Council (WEC) Could Champion:
I have compiled extensive research documentation and would welcome the opportunity to brief Washington Environmental Council (WEC) staff or present to your board. The July 2026 Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting in Jefferson County — which will address the Longview disaster — is open to the public and may be a useful starting point.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Seismic Vulnerability of White Liquor Storage at Port Townsend Paper Company — Cascadia Subduction Zone Risk
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (Washington Department of Natural
Resources (DNR))
Washington Geological Survey Division
Commissioner of Public Lands
dnr.wa.gov
RE: Seismic Vulnerability of White Liquor Storage at Port Townsend Paper Company — Cascadia Subduction Zone Risk — V_1.17
Dear Commissioner and Geological Survey Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)) Geological Survey Division about a specific seismic vulnerability that I believe falls within your agency’s expertise and public safety mandate.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
Port Townsend Paper Company stores white liquor — a highly caustic mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide — in tanks of undisclosed size, age, and seismic design specification on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay. The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs approximately 60–80 miles off the coast of Washington State and is capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s own seismic scenario modeling documents the shaking intensity that Jefferson County would experience in a Cascadia event. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor storage tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and discharge caustic chemicals into Port Townsend Bay and Admiralty Inlet.
What I Am Requesting from the Washington Geological Survey:
The Cascadia Subduction Zone will rupture again. When it does, the industrial facilities along Washington’s waterways will be among the highest secondary hazard risks. PTPC’s white liquor tanks — whose age and seismic design we cannot confirm because they are not publicly disclosed — represent exactly that risk for Port Townsend Bay and Admiralty Inlet.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Bay — PTPC Discharge, Shellfish Safety, and Treaty Resources
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Kelly Susewind, Director
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
RE: Port Townsend Bay — PTPC Discharge, Shellfish Safety, and Treaty Resources — V_1.17
Dear Director Susewind,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to you as a Port Townsend resident about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)) direct stake in the operations of PTPC and the health of Port Townsend Bay. The bay supports commercial and recreational fishing, treaty-protected shellfish harvesting by the Jamestown S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes, and a marine ecosystem that has received 12 million gallons of industrial effluent (liquid waste or wastewater discharged into the environment) every day for more than 100 years.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from residential neighborhoods in Jefferson County. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same chemistry that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is a matter of public record in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) specifically studied Port Townsend and found hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Washington State Department of Health guidance still tells residents these odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ The federal science says otherwise — for our specific community.
In April 2025, PTPC discharged 114,630 gallons of untreated industrial wastewater directly into Port Townsend Bay near Glen Cove — a known Dungeness crab harvesting area. When asked whether it was safe to eat shellfish from Glen Cove, PTPC declined to answer. No independent shellfish tissue testing has been conducted near the PTPC discharge outfall. Glen Cove residents and recreational harvesters have received no guidance.
What I Am Requesting from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW):
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Industrial Chemical Hazard in Cascadia Subduction Zone Preparedness Planning
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Washington State Military Department
Emergency Management Division (EMD)
mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Industrial Chemical Hazard in Cascadia Subduction Zone Preparedness Planning — V_1.17
Dear Emergency Management Division Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to the Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) about an industrial chemical hazard that I believe should be incorporated into Washington’s statewide Cascadia Subduction Zone preparedness planning.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
Washington’s Cascadia Rising exercise series has modeled statewide response to a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. I am writing to ask whether those exercises and response plans specifically address the secondary hazard of industrial chemical releases from facilities like PTPC — where a Cascadia event could rupture white liquor tanks, contaminate Port Townsend Bay, close Admiralty Inlet to vessel traffic, and require mass decontamination capability that Jefferson County does not currently have confirmed.
The Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) — which under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is required to maintain a hazardous materials emergency response plan for Jefferson County — is described on the county’s own website as being ‘in its formative stage’ after 35 years. There is no functioning Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), no active emergency response plan, and no white liquor release scenario on file.
What I Am Requesting from Emergency Management Division (EMD):
A Cascadia earthquake that also triggers a white liquor release at PTPC would be a compounding disaster requiring capabilities Jefferson County has not confirmed it possesses. Emergency Management Division (EMD) has both the authority and the mission to close that gap before it becomes a catastrophe.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) — 40 Years in Formative Stage — Request for Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) Action
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)
Washington Military Department
mil.wa.gov/state-emergency-response-commission-serc
RE: Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) — 40 Years in Formative Stage — Request for Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) Action — V_1.17
Dear Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) Chair and Members,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to the Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) about a critical failure in Jefferson County’s emergency planning infrastructure that Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) has the authority and the obligation to address.
The Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) — required under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) since 1986 — is described on the Jefferson County website as currently being ‘in its formative stage.’ It has been Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Willie Bence has confirmed that the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meets quarterly, is open to the public, and that Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is an active participant. A Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting is scheduled for July 2026, at which the Longview disaster is expected to be addressed. Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), PTPC reports its chemical inventories annually to local fire departments, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the Washington State Department of Ecology.. There is no public roster, no meeting minutes, no active chair, and no public emergency response plan on file.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
Port Townsend Paper Company — which stores white liquor (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) in tanks of undisclosed size and age bordering Port Townsend Bay — has a required seat on the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The company files annual Tier II chemical inventory reports with Jefferson County Emergency Management under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Those reports are public records. No emergency response plan for a white liquor release near Port Townsend Bay has been developed or made public.
What I Am Requesting from Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC):
The Longview disaster on May 26, 2026 demonstrated exactly what an active, functioning Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) exists to prevent. Jefferson County has had 40 years to prepare for this scenario and has not done so. Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) has the authority to change that. We are asking you to use it.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Legislative Action Needed — White Liquor Regulatory Gap, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Reform, and Worker Safety
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Washington State Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee
Washington State House Environment & Energy Committee
Washington State Legislature
leg.wa.gov
RE: Legislative Action Needed — White Liquor Regulatory Gap, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Reform, and Worker Safety — V_1.17
Dear Committee Chairs and Members,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend, Washington resident writing to request that the Washington State Legislature take legislative action to close three regulatory gaps exposed by the May 26, 2026 Longview disaster — the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history — before those gaps produce a comparable disaster at PTPC, the only remaining active kraft mill in Washington State.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
Three Legislative Actions Needed:
1. Kraft Mill White Liquor Tank Safety Act
White liquor is exempt from the federal US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Management Program. This means there is no required public safety plan, no mandated worst- case release scenario, and no public disclosure of tank sizes or inspection history at any US kraft mill. Washington State can close this gap unilaterally by requiring: mandatory independent inspection of white liquor storage tanks at Washington kraft mills with public disclosure of results; mandatory development of public emergency response plans for white liquor releases; and registration of all white liquor storage tanks above threshold quantities with the Washington State Department of Ecology.
2. Fence-Line Air Monitoring Act
The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed in 2024 that toxic sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. Residents have no access to real-time air quality data from PTPC’s fence line. Washington State should require continuous real-time fence-line air monitoring at industrial facilities where Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has confirmed emissions above chronic health reference levels — with data publicly accessible online. California has implemented this model successfully.
3. Worker Safety Report Fast-Track Act
In Longview, workers reported a structural problem to the Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) two months before the May 26, 2026 disaster. No action was taken. Eleven people died. Washington State must require that any worker report of structural integrity concerns at hazardous chemical storage equipment trigger a mandatory state inspection within 30 days. No new agency authority is needed — only a mandatory response timeline. These three pieces of legislation would make Washington the national leader in kraft mill safety and worker protection. They would address gaps that exist in no other state’s law. They are directly responsive to the lessons of Longview. We urge you to introduce and advance them in the next legislative session.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Regulatory Inquiry — Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC), Port Townsend, Washington
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 7, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
David Ginsberg
Safe Waterways and Air | safewaterandair@gmail.com
June 7, 2026
Mady Lyon, Environmental Engineer
Washington State Department of Ecology
Re: Regulatory Inquiry — Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC), Port Townsend, Washington
Dear Ms. Lyon,
I am writing to you as a resident of Port Townsend, Washington. I have been studying the regulatory record of Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) since the Longview disaster of May 26, 2026, and I am reaching out in that spirit — as a neighbor seeking clarity, not as an adversary. I appreciate the work your agency does on behalf of Washington communities.
On May 26, 2026, eleven workers were killed at a kraft paper facility in Longview, Washington when a white liquor storage tank imploded. Washington State confirmed that no agency had independently inspected that tank. Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) operates the same type of equipment. I believe the community of Port Townsend deserves to know whether the gap that cost eleven lives in Longview exists here as well.
I am respectfully requesting your assistance with the following four questions:
1. Risk Management Plan status.
Is Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) registered under the federal Risk Management Plan program pursuant to Clean Air Act Section 112(r)? If it has been determined to fall below applicable thresholds, I would appreciate a copy of that determination.
2. Inspection records.
When was the most recent independent inspection of Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)'s white liquor tanks, pressure vessels, and chemical storage tanks conducted by a state or federal agency — as distinct from company self-reporting?
3. Post-Longview assessment.
Has the Washington State Department of Ecology taken any action to assess the structural integrity of white liquor tanks at Washington kraft paper facilities following the May 26, 2026 Longview disaster? If so, I would appreciate any documentation available to the public.
4. Outstanding compliance items.
Are there any currently open compliance matters between the Washington State Department of Ecology and Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) that the public record reflects?
I recognize these are specific questions and I am grateful for whatever you are able to share. I am copying the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee on this letter, as these questions bear directly on community emergency preparedness.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Safe Waterways and Air | safewaterandair@gmail.com
cc: United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10
cc: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Division of Occupational Safety and Health
cc: Brad Brooks, Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee
Port Townsend Paper Company — Bay Water Quality and Marine Resources
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee
c/o Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Bay Water Quality and Marine Resources — V_1.17
Dear Marine Resources Committee Chair and Members,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee because your committee’s mandate — protecting and restoring the marine resources of Jefferson County waters — is directly and continuously affected by Port Townsend Paper Company’s daily discharge into Port Townsend Bay.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
Port Townsend Bay is your jurisdiction. Port Townsend Paper Company is its largest industrial discharger. No independent shellfish tissue testing has been conducted near the PTPC outfall. No independent benthic assessment has evaluated the bay floor near the discharge point. No bioaccumulation study has measured how PTPC’s chemical releases move up the food chain from sediment to the shellfish and fish that Jefferson County residents harvest and eat.
What I Am Requesting:
Your committee has a unique and credible voice on the health of Jefferson County’s marine resources. We are asking you to use it on behalf of Port Townsend Bay.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) 2024 Port Townsend Findings — Request for County Public Health Response
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Jefferson County Public Health
Health Officer / Environmental Health Director
co.jefferson.wa.us/290/Public-Health
RE: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) 2024 Port Townsend Findings — Request for County Public Health Response — V_1.17
Dear Health Officer,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to Jefferson County Public Health about a documented public health concern that requires a formal county response. In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a health consultation specific to Port Townsend and found that hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide — Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) compounds associated with Port Townsend Paper Company’s kraft pulping operations — were measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations.
This is a federal finding about our specific community’s air quality. It directly contradicts the Washington State Department of Health’s general guidance (DOH 334-553) which tells residents paper mill odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ Jefferson County Public Health has both the authority and the responsibility to respond to this contradiction.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from residential neighborhoods in Jefferson County. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same chemistry that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is a matter of public record in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) specifically studied Port Townsend and found hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Washington State Department of Health guidance still tells residents these odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ The federal science says otherwise — for our specific community.
What I Am Requesting from Jefferson County Public Health:
Nearly 2,000 odor complaints were filed by Port Townsend residents between 2016 and 2021. These residents were not imagining their symptoms. Federal scientists have now confirmed what they were experiencing. Jefferson County Public Health should tell them so.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Water Supply Contingency and Bay Contamination Risk
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
General Manager / Board of Commissioners
Jefferson County Public Utility District #1
jeffpud.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Water Supply Contingency and Bay Contamination Risk — V_1.17
Dear General Manager and Commissioners,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) #1 because the Public Utility District (PUD) has a direct stake in the safety of Port Townsend Paper Company’s operations — both as an operator of water supply infrastructure that complements the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) and as a public utility whose service area surrounds Port Townsend Bay.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
The Jefferson County Public Utility District operates the Sparling well, providing approximately 500,000 gallons per day to supplement the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) pipeline. PTPC operates and maintains that pipeline — which carries the Public Utility District (PUD)’s water alongside PTPC’s own industrial supply. Any disruption to PTPC’s operations, or any emergency response requiring PTPC’s pipeline staff, could affect the Public Utility District (PUD)’s water supply reliability.
What I Am Requesting:
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — A Request for Your Voice on Bay Safety
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Executive Director
Northwest Maritime Center
nwmaritime.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — A Request for Your Voice on Bay Safety — V_1.17
Dear Executive Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to the Northwest Maritime Center because your institution — one of the most respected voices in the maritime community of the Pacific Northwest — has a direct stake in the health of Port Townsend Bay and in the safety of the industrial facility operating on its shores.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
The Northwest Maritime Center sits on Port Townsend Bay. Your programs, your students, your wooden boat festivals, and your community mission all depend on a healthy, accessible, and safe bay. Port Townsend Paper Company discharges 12 million gallons of treated effluent (liquid waste or wastewater discharged into the environment) into that bay every single day. In April 2025, 114,630 gallons of untreated industrial wastewater spilled directly into the bay. PTPC declined to answer whether it was safe to eat shellfish from Glen Cove.
What I Am Asking:
The Northwest Maritime Center is a trusted community institution. Your voice on the health of Port Townsend Bay carries weight that a community petition alone cannot match. I welcome the opportunity to share the full body of research I have compiled.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company — Bay Health and Marine Trades Economic Risk
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
President, Port Townsend Marine Trades Association (PTMTA)
ptmta.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company — Bay Health and Marine Trades Economic Risk — V_1.17
Dear President,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to the Port Townsend Marine Trades Association (PTMTA) because the livelihoods of every marine trades business in this community depend on a healthy Port Townsend Bay — and that bay receives 12 million gallons of industrial effluent (liquid waste or wastewater discharged into the environment) from Port Townsend Paper Company every single day.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
A catastrophic white liquor release into Port Townsend Bay would close the Boat Haven boatyard, shut down both marinas, contaminate the waters where your members haul, repair, and launch vessels, and potentially destroy the marine trades economy of Port Townsend for years. In the context of the Longview disaster — where a white liquor tank imploded and killed 11 workers one week ago — that risk is not hypothetical. It is documented chemistry operating five miles from your members’ businesses.
What I Am Asking PTMTA to Consider:
Your members are on that bay every day. They deserve to know what is in it.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness Request
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Chief, East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR)
ejfr.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness Request — V_1.17
Dear Fire Chief,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) with a request that I believe is directly relevant to your HAZMAT preparedness responsibilities. PTPC stores white liquor — a highly caustic mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide with a pH of approximately 13 — in tanks on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay.
On May 26, 2026, a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave kraft paper mill in Longview, Washington, killing eleven workers. The Longview disaster required approximately 40 firefighters and a regional hazmat team. Victims required specialized decontamination before hospital transport. Legacy Oregon Burn Center Medical Director Dr. Nik Eshraghi stated that white liquor causes ‘deep and devastating’ burns and that his team mobilized seven surgeons — it was the first time many of his providers had treated white liquor injuries.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from residential neighborhoods in Jefferson County. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same chemistry that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is a matter of public record in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) specifically studied Port Townsend and found hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Washington State Department of Health guidance still tells residents these odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ The federal science says otherwise — for our specific community.
What I Am Requesting from East Jefferson Fire Rescue:
East Jefferson Fire Rescue would be the primary first responder to a PTPC white liquor incident. Your preparedness for that scenario — and your formal request to PTPC for the information you need to prepare — is one of the most concrete safety actions available right now. I welcome the opportunity to share my full research documentation with you.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Fire Chief
Jefferson County Fire District #2 (Quilcene)
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness — V_1.17
Dear Fire Chief,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to Jefferson County Fire District #2 about HAZMAT preparedness related to PTPC. As a required member of the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), your district has both a right and a responsibility to participate in emergency response planning for PTPC’s white liquor storage.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
On May 26, 2026, the Longview disaster required approximately 40 firefighters and a regional hazmat team. Victims required specialized decontamination before hospital transport. White liquor has a pH of approximately 13 — contact causes immediate deep chemical burns. The same chemistry is stored at PTPC, five miles from Port Townsend.
What I Am Requesting:
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Fire Chief
Jefferson County Fire District #4 (Brinnon)
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness — V_1.17
Dear Fire Chief,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to Jefferson County Fire District #4 about HAZMAT preparedness related to PTPC. As a required member of the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), your district has both a right and a responsibility to participate in emergency response planning for PTPC’s white liquor storage.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
On May 26, 2026, the Longview disaster required approximately 40 firefighters and a regional hazmat team. White liquor has a pH of approximately 13 — contact causes immediate deep chemical burns requiring specialized decontamination. The same chemistry is stored at PTPC.
What I Am Requesting:
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Fire Chief
Jefferson County Fire District #5 (Discovery Bay)
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — HAZMAT Preparedness — V_1.17
Dear Fire Chief,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to Jefferson County Fire District #5 about HAZMAT preparedness related to PTPC. Your district is geographically among the closest emergency responders to PTPC’s 450-acre waterfront facility. As a required member of the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), your district has both a right and a responsibility to participate in emergency response planning for PTPC’s white liquor storage.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from Port Townsend’s residential neighborhoods. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same white liquor chemistry (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is public in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds near PTPC exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Pacific Northwest sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. A major seismic event could rupture PTPC’s white liquor tanks, overwhelm secondary containment, and send caustic chemicals directly into Port Townsend Bay.
On May 26, 2026, the Longview disaster required approximately 40 firefighters and a regional hazmat team. White liquor has a pH of approximately 13 — contact causes immediate deep chemical burns requiring specialized decontamination before hospital transport. The same chemistry is stored at PTPC, within your district’s response area.
What I Am Requesting:
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — Hospital Preparedness and Community Health
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Chief Executive Officer
Jefferson Healthcare
jeffersonhealthcare.org
RE: Port Townsend Paper Company White Liquor — Hospital Preparedness and Community Health — V_1.17
Dear Chief Executive Officer,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am a Port Townsend resident writing to Jefferson Healthcare about two interconnected concerns: hospital preparedness for a potential white liquor release at PTPC, and the documented community health impact of PTPC’s ongoing emissions.
On May 26, 2026, the Longview disaster demonstrated what a white liquor release requires of a hospital system. Legacy Oregon Burn Center Medical Director Dr. Nik Eshraghi reported that his team mobilized seven surgeons and that it was the first time many of his providers had treated white liquor injuries. He described the burns as ‘deep and devastating’ with recovery timelines of ‘weeks to months to a lifetime.’ Patients required specialized decontamination before hospital transport.
Jefferson Healthcare is the sole hospital serving Jefferson County. PTPC is five miles away. The closest major burn center is Legacy Emanuel in Portland — approximately four hours from Port Townsend. In a major white liquor release, Jefferson Healthcare would be the first point of medical contact.
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from residential neighborhoods in Jefferson County. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same chemistry that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is a matter of public record in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) specifically studied Port Townsend and found hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Washington State Department of Health guidance still tells residents these odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ The federal science says otherwise — for our specific community.
What I Am Requesting from Jefferson Healthcare:
Jefferson Healthcare exists to serve the health of this community. The health of this community is affected daily by PTPC’s emissions — confirmed by federal scientists — and could be catastrophically affected by a white liquor release. Your voice on both preparedness and community health accountability matters enormously.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Urgent Request — PTPC Tier II Records, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Activation, and White Liquor Emergency Response Planning
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 5, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
June 5, 2026
Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Coordinator / Emergency Management Director
Jefferson County Courthouse
RE: Urgent Request — PTPC Tier II Records, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Activation, and White Liquor Emergency Response Planning — V_1.17
Dear Emergency Management Director,
I write with a simple and direct request: we want Port Townsend Paper Company to make safety, health, and the environment their number one priority. Not their second priority. Not a consideration balanced against production schedules and profit margins. Number one.
I am writing to you about three urgent matters within your authority as Jefferson County Emergency Management Director and default chair of the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
PTPC operates a kraft pulp and paper mill on 450 acres bordering Port Townsend Bay, five miles from residential neighborhoods in Jefferson County. PTPC produces 950–1,000 tons per day using the kraft process — the same chemistry that killed 11 workers in Longview, Washington on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave mill in the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington State history.
PTPC’s documented compliance record is a matter of public record in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database (FRS ID: 110000490326):
In 2024, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) specifically studied Port Townsend and found hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide measured near PTPC above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic health reference concentrations. The Washington State Department of Health guidance still tells residents these odors are ‘rarely at levels that harm health.’ The federal science says otherwise — for our specific community.
Three Specific Requests:
1. PTPC Tier II Chemical Inventory Records
Port Townsend Paper Company is required under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to file annual Tier II chemical inventory reports with your office. These reports disclose all hazardous chemicals stored on site above threshold quantities — including sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, the components of white liquor. I formally request that these records be made publicly available, consistent with Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)’s 45-day public access requirement. The size and contents of PTPC’s white liquor tanks are not otherwise publicly disclosed.
2. Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Activation
The Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is described on the county’s own website as ‘in its formative stage.’ It has been Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Willie Bence has confirmed that the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meets quarterly, is open to the public, and that Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) is an active participant. A Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting is scheduled for July 2026, at which the Longview disaster is expected to be addressed. Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), PTPC reports its chemical inventories annually to local fire departments, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the Washington State Department of Ecology. — since Emergency Planning and Community Right- to-Know Act (EPCRA) was enacted in 1986. I am formally requesting that you bring this to the Board of Commissioners immediately for Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) member appointment and convening, with PTPC’s white liquor storage as the first agenda item.
3. White Liquor Bay Release Emergency Response Plan
The May 26, 2026 Longview disaster required 40 firefighters, a regional hazmat team, and specialized decontamination capability. A comparable event at PTPC would send white liquor into Port Townsend Bay. I formally request that you assess whether a white liquor bay release scenario is addressed in Jefferson County’s current emergency response plan, and if not, that you initiate development of one immediately.
You are the closest federal‐required emergency planning resource to this community and to PTPC. The information in PTPC’s Tier II reports is in your possession now. Please make it public.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
Requested Agenda Items and Record Submission for the July 8, 2026 LEPC Meeting
This letter is reproduced here exactly as sent on June 29, 2026 (mail), with no wording changed for this website — including its original formatting and any typographical or factual errors present in the letter as sent. The one explicit exception is David’s personal phone number, redacted per his standing instruction for this site (matching how every other letter in this set has had its phone number redacted). The signature block's street address has also been omitted to match this site's standard convention for the signature line used across every other letter in this archive. Name, email, and the full text of the letter are unchanged. The original signed PDF is available via the Download PDF button above. In this redesigned version of the site, other contact details in the letter are also left out, and the facility is called Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) wherever the letter used a shorter name for it. The PDF shows the letter exactly as sent.
Requested Agenda Items and Record Submission
July 8, 2026 Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
Submitted by David Ginsberg — June 29, 2026
Dear Mr. Brooks,
With the July 8th meeting now about a week away, my only request for the meeting itself is that this letter be distributed to the committee's members in advance and entered into the official record as a submitted document, so that it stands as part of the record.
I have organized this letter into lettered sections, with every individual question given its own number within each section, so that specific points can be referenced easily, for example as "Item D-3" or "Item L-9."
Section A: Foundational Documentation
I want to start by explaining where I am coming from. I do not have a background in how the Local Emergency Planning Committee has operated here, what has already been done, or how the committee is structured.
With that context, here are the specific items I would like the committee to consider, organized in two parts.
Part One: Olympic Gravity Water System
Section B: Water Pipeline Failure
This section concerns a failure of the Olympic Gravity Water System pipeline itself, as distinct from contamination of it. This affects not only Port Townsend and PTPC, but also Glen Cove and parts of unincorporated Jefferson County west of town.
Section C: Olympic Gravity Water System, Other Emergencies
Part Two: PTPC
Section D: Reference Point and Chemical Inventory
In researching this letter, I reviewed the Washington County, Maine Local Emergency Planning Committee's Hazardous Materials Plan, which includes a detailed annex for Woodland Pulp, a kraft pulp mill in Baileyville, Maine. That annex names specific roles and information that I have used to frame the following questions.
Section E: Fire
Section F: Explosion and Implosion
The May 26, 2026 disaster at Nippon Dynawave in Longview was not an explosion in the conventional sense; it was an implosion, caused by a blockage that prevented air from backfilling a white liquor tank as liquid was pumped out, creating catastrophic negative pressure.
Section G: Chemical Spill
Section H: Equipment Failure Not Resulting in Fire, Explosion, or Spill
Section I: Worker, Subcontractor, and Agency Access
Section J: Public Notification and Protective Action
Section K: PTPC's Own Role as a Committee Member
Section L: Seismic Event
Having asked about each of the scenarios above individually, fire, explosion or implosion, chemical spill, equipment failure, and water system emergencies, I want to close with the scenario that ties them together. PTPC sits at or very near the Southern Whidbey Island Fault, which the United States Geological Survey describes as capable of generating earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater.
As noted at the start of this letter, my only essential request is that this letter be distributed to the committee and entered into the official record.
Thank you for your time and your attention to this.
Respectfully,
David Ginsberg
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