US Nitrogen Files River Report

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

US Nitrogen LLC continued a reduced rate of river water use in December, according to a report filed with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
The Greene County chemical firm reported it drew 12.7 million gallons from the Nolichucky River in December and on more than a dozen days it drew minimal amounts. The monthly report, which is required under the company's state permit, shows the Midway firm discharged about six million gallons back in to the river during December. Discharges were minimal on a dozen days during the month.
In contrast the com[any reported that in October it pumped 21.7 million gallons from the river while it discharged 10.9 million gallons.
The December totals are similar to those the company reported for November when 12.3 million gallons were pumped from the river for use in the production of ammonium nitrate and other products.
A subsidiary of Ohio based Austin Powder, an explosives manufacturer, US Nitrogen is allowed to use the river water under a special permit that was recently renewed.
In other recent action TDEC officials responded to complaints from two local citizens who had complained of excessive visible emissions from US Nitrogen.
TDEC dismissed both complaints after site visits and a review of company records. The agency concluded the emissions were primarily water vapor. A complaint against the Old Castle Building Envelope Company also was dismissed.
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