Letter to the Editor

Issues of Air Quality: Letter sent to TN Director
Barry R. Stephens, Director
9th Floor, L & C Annex
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243-1531
(615) 532-0554
December 29, 2006

RE: Air Quality Cleveland Tennessee:

Dear Director Stephens:

In November of this year I contacted the US Department of E.V.P. to enter a formal complaint about Bowater Industry in the immediate vicinity of Cleveland, Tennessee.

My complaint centered on the fact that this corporation spreads a disgusting odor and haze in our environment, and it has serious health consequences for our community.

The Federal agency has received several complaints from local citizens and factual reports are on record.

I received a call from a Federal Government EPA representative who recommend I accept a call from Jeff Kent from the Tennessee agency and work with him to resolve the issue at the state level first. Jeff was to contact me, and never did.

I can appreciate the fact that Bowater provides jobs and taxes for the locals, however; my health is more important to me than the politics involved herein.

Several days a week the odors permeate the interior of our home, even with the doors and windows closed. It is that bad!

The smoke, stench, and mist covering our environs gives us a head ache, breathing problems, and makes our eyes burn.

I started to wheeze now, indicating that when the fumes are present my lungs become irritated and inflamed. This is not a healthy environment and it needs to be corrected immediately.

I have the support of Cleveland Citizens to fight this unhealthy state of affairs and I will be forced to incorporate the sponsors if your office fails to rectify this appalling unjustifiable assault on our community.

Support Documentation:

Citizens of Cleveland TN written testimonials may be obtained for your review should you care to obtain documentation and proof of Bowater infringement on our daily lives.

Photographs may be obtained to prove the billowing plumes of toxic smoke and smog commencing from the plants smoke stacks and rising for miles into the atmosphere. The wind carries the toxins and noxious odors to various communities depending on the airstreams direction.

Conclusion:

It is important for the well being of our citizens that your office investigates the Bowater Industry and insists that they renovate equipment that discharges the contamination in our environment.

I trust you and your associates will effectively attend to this matter promptly.

Sincerely,
Mr. Lauren Hemedinger, Cleveland.
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