RICEBORO, Ga. – Weyerhaeuser pulled the plug for constructing a log fumigation plant after meeting strong opposition from community members concerned about potential health threats.

The Coastal Courrier was one of several local news outlets to report on Weyerhaeuser’s decision not to see approval from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to use methyl bromide at the log treatment plant it is building about five miles south of Riceboro. Among its uses, methyl bromide is used to kill pests in wood. It is considered highly toxic and a threat to the ozone layer and human health. 

Dozens of residents voiced their objections to the plant during a recent meeting at Riceboro City Hall. Shortly afterward, Weyerhaeuser withdrew its permit application. According to the Courrier, county commissioners rezoned a tract for Weyerhaeuser to build the log treatment facility in January.

Weyerhaeuser released the following statement about its decision to withdraw the permit application.

“Weyerhaeuser cares deeply about the health and safety of the communities where we operate.  Although we believe fumigation would have been done safely and in full compliance with all state and federal laws, as we have demonstrated at multiple other locations, we have decided to withdraw our plans for an export yard operation in Liberty County. 

“Weyerhaeuser has a long history of operating in Georgia. We are proud to support local jobs and the region’s thriving forest industry, and we will continue to seek locations for the export yard that benefit local landowners and the broader community. In the meantime, our work on the proposed Jelk's Pasture Planning Area, a separate project in Liberty County, will continue with the goal of creating an important economic development hub in the area.”