Today there are very little native hardwoods left in either of these two counties. Another reason for concern, activists point out, is that the Norbord facility will use a formaldehyde and phenol resin to glue the wood chips together. At other such mills these substances have posed significant health hazards to workers. Although Norbord says it will contribute some 120 jobs to the residents of Laurens County, they never mention the health risks those workers will face. The mill poses other risks, as well, as it will also emit sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
Nitrogen oxide is the major component in the formation of low-level ozone, which is hazardous.
DHEC is accepting comments on the permit until Oct. 29, and on Oct. 22 will hold a public hearing in Clinton. Danna Smith is director of the Dogwood Alliance,a coalition of 30 citizens groups united to defend native ecosystems against industrial forestry.