Full Breakdown
New Indy Paper Mill Faces Fines for Environmental Violations
11/29/2025, 12:37:15 PM
Overview of Violations and Fines
The New Indy Catawba LLC paper mill in York County, South Carolina, has been fined $7,000 by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SC DES) for failing to comply with sulfur dioxide emission standards. This violation, which occurred in March 2024, was only penalized in October 2025. The mill has faced significant scrutiny over the years, accumulating over $1 million in fines since 2021 for various environmental infractions.
Details of the Recent Incident
The SC DES identified elevated sulfur dioxide levels during a pollution test conducted by New Indy. Although subsequent tests indicated compliance with air quality standards, the initial violation raised concerns about the mill's operational practices. Additionally, New Indy failed to document and submit required information regarding semiannual inspections of its equipment, which contributed to the fine. The company later reported that an operational issue led to the sulfur dioxide exceedance, which was rectified shortly thereafter.
Community Impact and Response
Residents near the New Indy mill have expressed ongoing concerns about odors and health issues linked to the facility's operations. Since New Indy acquired the mill, there have been nearly 50,000 odor complaints from local residents, prompting significant community unrest. Betty Rankin, a York County resident, criticized the $7,000 fine as insufficient for a large corporation, stating, “The only thing they understand is that bottom line and $7,000 is nothing to them.”
Official Statements and Company Actions
In response to the recent fine, New Indy stated that it has made operational improvements and that some odor complaints have diminished. The company emphasized that it does not have any outstanding environmental issues. SC DES officials echoed this sentiment, asserting that the health threat to the public was minimal and that the facility acted promptly to rectify the violation.
Laura Renwick, a spokeswoman for SC DES, noted, “The facility shut down the recovery furnace once it discovered the violation, and when the furnace was retested the next day, it was well below the limit.”
Background on New Indy
The New Indy mill, nearly 60 years old, has a history of environmental challenges. It is the largest emitter of mercury among major paper plants in the United States. In 2024, the company reached a $103 million settlement with residents affected by odors, which included funds for community compensation and plant improvements. Approximately 400 employees work at the mill, which is partially owned by Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
Criticism of Regulatory Actions
Despite the company's claims of compliance, critics argue that the regulatory response has been inadequate. The $7,000 fine is viewed as a minor consequence for a company with substantial financial resources. Previous fines from both the SC DES and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have totaled over $1.2 million, yet community members remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these penalties in ensuring long-term compliance.
Conclusion
The New Indy paper mill's recent fine highlights ongoing environmental concerns and community dissatisfaction regarding air quality and health impacts. While the company asserts improvements and compliance, the situation underscores the challenges of regulating industrial pollution and addressing community grievances effectively.