South Carolina Paper Mill New Indy Faces Another Lawsuit

South Carolina paper mill New Indy faces another lawsuit from residents impacted by claims of chemicals coming from the plant.  Just last year, a federal court issued a $1.1 million fine.  It came following some 50,000 complaints concerning odors from the facility.  Now, according to Queen City News, a firm representing 1800 families filed a new suit.  This lawsuit deals with claims of new chemicals making their way into the Catawba River.  The suit focuses on dioxins and cobalt.  On Monday, the team alleged harmful chemicals beneath the mill were being dumped into the river.  Furthermore, residents say the smells of rotten eggs aren't the only issue.  They go on to claim theirs homes are filled with particles of a white substance.  And, they claim physical harm, as well.  An attorney representing the group says they fear letting their kids play outside.  Also, the alleged chemicals impact their ability to go for walks and exercise in the community.

New Indy is an independent, privately owned manufacturer and supplier of corrugated boxes and recycled containerboard, according to their website.  The plant located at 5300 Cureton Ferry Rd, sits in Catawba, SC near Rock Hill.  The fine agreed to in 2022 actually stemmed from a suit filed in 2021.  The allegations of that claim centered around the mill "causing imminent and substantial endangerment to public health."  The suit asked the plant to stop elevated hydrogen sulfide emissions or face further penalties.  That H2S gas is where the "rotten egg" smell comes from.  I remember working near a paper mill when we were in Augusta, Georgia years ago.  And, I admit, the smell is pungent and unpleasant.  So, I was all too familiar with the claims of the residents.  We'll continue to follow as the South Carolina paper mill faces another suit.

Charleston, South Carolina was recently voted the best city in the world for yet another year. From its rich history to the beaches, it's everyone's favorite spot to visit when in the state. But, recently South Carolina has been ranked as the fourth worst state to live in in 2022. Umm, shocker! With severe worker shortages, pandemic rebuilding, and other factors people are really looking into states with the best options to relocate to. South Carolina surely has some great qualities, from beaches and historic sites. But, this new study looked into a few other things.

CNBC conducted their America's Top States for businesses study and found some states with great opportunities for individuals. The study pays close attention to the quality of life for individuals there. During their research, they were able to find states that were welcoming to people with overall best qualities. But, then there were those who did not match up. Ten states were ranked as the worst states to live in America for 2022. Check out what other states fell in this category along with South Carolina.

Nevada is one of the worst states for childcare resources with only 400 licensed childcare centers and over 3 million residents. Their air quality is also affected due to the desert causing more issues, according to the American Lung Association.

Tennessee's major problem is inclusiveness. The state has passed a series of laws aimed at the LGBTQ community causing people to want to leave the state. Their other weakness category is crime.

Indiana has one of the worse rates of access to childcare in the nation, leading it to make this list. Indiana also spends $76 per person on public health, which is again one of the worse in the nation. 

New Mexico is one of the worse states for crime. They have the second highest violent crime rate in the nation, according to FBI statistics.

Here is to America’s unhealthiest state, according to the United Health Foundation. They have the nation's third highest cholesterol level and the fourth highest rate of premature deaths. Louisiana also has one of the highest crime rates in the nation as well. 

A Missouri bill outlaws most mail-in voting, and adds a deeply controversial voter ID provision. This led to their voting rights becoming one of their weakest assets. 

South Carolina is one of the worst states for healthcare resources. The state has an average of 2.19 hospital beds per 1,000 residents. The state also ranks 44th for access to clinical care, according to the United Health Foundation.

This state is one for those not a fan of taking care of themselves. The state is home to those who are least likely to exercise or even eat fruits and vegetables. Oklahoma is also the worst for adults without health insurance, and childhood vaccines. 

Texas is having some quality of life issues for its residents. Texans also have limited childcare options, highest rate of uninsured, new issues on voting rights, and few protections against discrimination.

Arizona ranks as the No. 1 worst state to live in. They have the worst air quality in the nation, according to the American Lung Association. Maricopa County faces 39 high ozone days per year.