Biomass plant could soon be at former International Paper mill site

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Nearly 5 months after operations shut down at Georgetown’s former International Paper Mill, we now know what could soon be coming to the site. One state lawmaker told Nexstar’s News 13 it could be a Biomass plant, which has some residents concerned. 

The International Paper Mill was built in 1936, and for nearly a century, it pumped out heavy smoke and a strong odor that lingered in the community. 

On Friday, SC Senator Stephen Goldfinch said that a biomass plant is slated to be the site’s next primary occupant, prompting additional concerns from residents.  Biomass is organic matter that can be used as a source of energy or other materials. Still, there’s little detail about what exactly the material produced at the potential plant would be used for.

“I first thought it was a bio plant. Do you know what that means? You know, so in other words, I was skeptical because people say things just so we, the residents, can say yes,” said Brenda Dozier, a resident in Georgetown. 

“International paper has a lot of forestry, and biomass is built around forestry. Take it there, take it out where we are not being impacted,” said Lafaye Moultrie, a resident in Georgetown.

News 2 spoke with Representative Lee Hewitt, who told us he was unaware of any agreement with the International Paper Mill and buyers. News 2 also reached out to Senator Stephen Goldfinch for more information. We’re still waiting to hear back.