In 2010, homeowners near Georgia Pacific’s Savannah River Mill Plant filed a lawsuit against the company claiming that hydrogen sulfide coming from the plant’s waste treatment section physically damaged their homes and decreased the property value.
Hydrogen Sulfide Damage
The plant’s waste disposal area sits on approximately 170 acres. Plaintiffs claim that sludge dumped into the disposal cells at the plant releases hydrogen sulfide, a foul smelling gas that is corrosive to metal.
Homeowners allege that the hydrogen sulfide has caused more than 30 air conditioners to fail. Some of the damaged air conditioning systems were less than two years old. Residents living near the mill have reported corrosion on various items including door knobs and plumbing. Some residents also claim that the plant’s fumes have caused physical ailments such as:
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulties
- Vomiting
- Temporary loss of smell
- Burning nasal passages
- Redness of the eyes
In July 2012, a judge granted class-action certification for the lawsuit against Georgia Pacific’s Savannah River Mill Plant. Residents who live in the geographic area near the plant may be eligible to join the lawsuit.