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Candidates press for monitoring and EPA involvement amid air-quality complaints near mills
Summary
Forum candidates described local air monitoring and urged engagement with paper mills and federal regulators after residents reported health impacts when mill emissions 'blow off.'
Air quality and mill emissions drew personal testimony and policy proposals. Len Krieger described local monitoring efforts — PurpleAir sensors and a sulfur-dioxide monitor — and said permitting and impaired-water designations are handled at the state level. Stacy McMonagle, who said family members have asthma, urged talking directly with mill operators (WestRock) and involving the EPA to reduce emissions: "They actually have a paper mill in Sweden... when they do their emissions... it's pretty much close to 0," she said.
Scott English said state and federal preemption limit local regulatory options but praised local groups (turtle watches, conservation clubs) for raising awareness. Candidates agreed the city should work with state and federal agencies and local advocacy groups to seek better monitoring and enforcement.
