Dear Editor: A recent article in the Cedar Key News made mention of a "proposed fifteen mile pipeline that would send (Buckeye) mill waste directly into the Gulf of Mexico . . ." This statement is in error. There is no plan for Buckeye's wastewater to be discharged directly into the Gulf of Mexico. A relocation of treated wastewater within the Fenholloway River is being proposed to remove salty wastewater from the freshwater portion of the river. During the past 15 years there have been many important improvements to the Fenholloway. Buckeye has invested $70 million to eliminate the use of elemental chlorine to purify pulp. Wastewater color has been reduced by approximately 50 percent. New cellulose washing and screening equipment has been installed to remove more organic material from wastewater. The Florida Department of Health has lifted the 1990 Fenholloway fish advisory. Plant water use has decreased significantly. The restoration of Buckeye-owned San Pedro Bay wetlands has begun. The article's larger point, however, is well taken: more needs to be done to improve the Fenholloway. Buckeye is committed to making additional investments to ensure the Fenholloway is restored to fishable and swimmable standards. Readers are invited to contact Buckeye (584-1275) to receive information on the plan of work to improve the Fenholloway and protect Gulf water quality. Sincerely,
Dan Simmons
Dan Simmons
Buckeye Florida
Public Affairs Manager
Editor's Note: Public Affairs Manager Simmon speaks of "relocation of treated water within the Fenholloway River." A careful reader might note that the waste water only bypasses the "freshwater portion of the river." The phrase in our article would have been more accurate if it had said, "directly into an estuary of the Gulf of Mexico." | 