Domtar Paper Company, LLC ("Domtar") has approved the installation of a state-of-the-art anaerobic digester treatment system at its Kingsport Packaging Mill.
This strategic investment will improve wastewater management while significantly reducing potential odors, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement.
“Receiving final approval from senior leadership is a major milestone for us and, more importantly, for our community,” said Troy Wilson, manager of the Kingsport Mill. “We are committed to being responsible corporate neighbors.”
The construction of the new wastewater treatment system is expected to begin later this year, pending the necessary permits. The project is partially funded by $60 million in tax-exempt municipal bonds secured from the state of Tennessee in December 2024, demonstrating strong governmental and financial support for Domtar’s sustainability initiatives.
“This new wastewater treatment system was a complex design effort that incorporates the best available technology for the mill’s wastewater characteristics and site layout,” said Steve Henry, Domtar’s president of paper and packaging. “We are confident this investment will provide long-term sustainability benefits for the mill, the community, and our customers by lowering our environmental footprint and enhancing our reputation in Kingsport.”
In July 2024, Domtar announced plans to implement a long-term odor mitigation strategy, accelerating the approval process to fast-track this crucial project. In the meantime, the mill has introduced short-term odor control measures, such as chemical oxidants for wastewater treatment, a mobile water clarifier, and dredging of the lagoon to remove settled solids.
The Kingsport Mill, which resumed operations in January 2023 after a major repurposing project, is a key player in the recycled containerboard market. It houses North America's second-largest recycled containerboard machine and is Tennessee's largest recycler of old corrugated containers. With an annual production capacity of approximately 600,000 tons of high-quality recycled linerboard and corrugated medium, the mill plays a vital role in sustainable packaging solutions. domtarpackagingkingsport.com
