At the David W. Martin Law Group, our personal injury attorneys in York County are closely following the ongoing investigation into the New Indy Paper Mill parent companies, The Kraft Group and Schwarz Partners LP, and the updated production processes that were created in Catawba.
With the change in processing procedures came an investigation into how the company was disposing of byproducts. The initial report concluded the plant’s waste, which was once properly contained, is now being directed to outdoor receptacles that allow hydrogen sulfide to pollute the air.
The result is a putrid odor that is not only disturbing our residents’ quality of life in Rock Hill, Lancaster, Van Wyck, Fort Mill, and surrounding areas but is potentially leaving hazardous air quality behind that may cause serious health concerns for those affected by the hydrogen sulfide pollution.
Our South Carolina New Indy Air Pollution Claim attorneys are joining forces with our communities to hold the New Indy Paper Mill liable for the damages they have caused our residents through a class action lawsuit to help end these hazardous conditions in our communities.
How Can the New Indy Paper Mill Hydrogen Sulfide Pollution Hurt Me?
New Indy Air Pollution claims are currently pursuing the liable parties for the harm caused by hydrogen sulfide emissions that can lead to severe illnesses, injuries, and even death.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas emitted during certain manufacturing processes — including those at the Indy Container Board Mill plant — that produces a pungent rotten egg odor, even at low concentrations.
The gas itself is extremely flammable and highly toxic, and its presence can potentially make the air quality throughout nearby communities extremely dangerous.
The possible health effects — even at low concentrations — of hydrogen sulfide exposure can range from:
- Headaches
- Eyes, ears, and throat irritation
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor memory
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Trouble with balance
- Unconsciousness
- Death, especially in those with preexisting conditions
The federal government has also issued a warning to anyone who is exposed to hydrogen sulfide that over time the smell may become less or non-noticeable, which is simply a result of dulling senses. Unfortunately, this could mean the exposure continues, even when residents can no longer smell the odor, which could potentially lead to ongoing harm.
The potential for medical problems may also be coupled with monetary damages that result from decreasing property values of the land and homes in the area, as the consistent nuisance of the odor and hazardous health potential may become a deterrent for buyers.
What Are We Doing About the Indy Paper Mill Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions?
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Environmental Protection Agency has formally requested the New Indy Paper Mill conduct ongoing air monitoring tests in all affected South Carolina communities to help ensure the company is not placing profits over public safety.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our Indy Container Board Mill attorneys are partnering with class action claims attorneys to protect our residents from potentially harmful hydrogen sulfide emissions while pursuing the liable parties for our client’s full recovery.
If you or a loved one have suffered illness or injury from the New Indy Paper Mill air pollution, contact our local attorneys investigating hydrogen sulfide emissions in Rock Hill and Fort Mill today at the David W. Martin Law Group by calling (803) 548-2468 to join our class action lawsuit and hold the liable parties accountable for their negligence.
