Polluting of the Altamaha

The mighty Altamaha River that runs undammed to the Atlantic Ocean provides the fresh water that our marshes need to survive.  The marshes, in turn, provide habitat for fish, shrimp and crabs, making them the nursery for a thriving seafood industry along the Georgia coast.

But now, new concerns are being raised about the discharge, or “effluent,” that pours into the river from the Rayonier paper products plant north of Jesup.

The plant discharges a large volume of foul-smelling, dark brown liquid into the river, causing extreme discoloration (pictured at right). The odor from the effluent makes boating and fishing miserable for miles below the plant and makes a large swath of the river inhospitable for residents, visitors and recreaters.


The Georgia Conservancy is concerned about this issue because:

• The consent order between Rayonier and the state Environmental Protection Division that specifies how and when the company will reduce the discoloration and odor of its effluent has been renegotiated three times in as many years.

• Rayonier claims that the color and odor of the plant’s discharge does not affect the water quality of the river. Local fishermen claim, however, that fish caught miles downriver from the plan have the same stench when they are caught and cut open.  The Conservancy remains unconvinced that Rayonier’s discharge does not significantly affect the health of the river.

Protecting the Altamaha River and improving the quality of life for communities along it is a priority for the Georgia Conservancy. We understand the economic importance of the Rayonier plant, but we believe that is it critical that Rayonier move more expeditiously and effectively to clean up the Altamaha. The people of Georgia deserve no less.

Photo: James Holland