Savannah's Pollution: Understanding The Root Causes

Savannah, Georgia, has been facing issues with pollution, particularly in the form of air and water pollution. While the air quality in Savannah is generally acceptable, certain groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure to pollutants. The main air pollutant in Savannah is PM2.5, which consists of tiny particles that reduce visibility and cause a hazy appearance when levels are elevated. These particles can pose health risks, especially for sensitive groups. Additionally, the Savannah River has been identified as one of the most polluted rivers in the state and the country due to industrial facilities dumping toxic waste and chemicals, including cancer-causing substances, into the waterway.

Savannah's air pollution

Savannah, Georgia, has experienced issues with air pollution, primarily due to industrial activity and the production of electricity. While there have been efforts to reduce emissions, the air quality still poses risks to sensitive groups, and in the long term, can affect the health of the general population.

One of the major contributors to air pollution in Savannah is the International Paper Company’s Savannah Plant. In 2022, it was the single largest polluter in the area, releasing 371,600 metric tons of carbon emissions. Other significant industrial polluters include the U.S. Sugar Savannah Refinery, the City of Savannah Dean Forest Landfill, and the Southern LNG Company’s Elba Island Terminal. These facilities contribute to the high levels of greenhouse gas pollution in Chatham County, with industry accounting for nearly 43% of the county's total emissions in 2023.

The Port of Savannah, with its ever-expanding activities, has also been identified as a factor in the growth of climate-warming emissions. The increase in traffic and port-related operations has led to a rise in pollution levels. Additionally, the production of electricity, particularly through coal-fired power plants, has been a significant source of air pollution. However, there has been a gradual shift towards natural gas, which emits about half as much carbon as coal. The activation of the Plant Vogtle nuclear plant in Wayneboro is expected to further reduce emissions, as it will be the nation's largest single producer of emissions-free energy when fully operational.

Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a concern, especially for sensitive individuals. PM2.5, tiny particles in the air, can cause respiratory issues and throat irritation, even leading to difficulty breathing. When PM2.5 levels are elevated, the air appears hazy and visibility is reduced. These particles are currently at 1.9 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value in Savannah, indicating a moderate level of air pollution. While the general public may not experience immediate health effects, prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory and other health issues over time.

Climate-warming emissions

Savannah, Georgia, has seen a decline in climate-warming emissions in recent years, according to researchers. In 2023, emissions from electricity production fell by an estimated 300,000 metric tons, a significant decrease that is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions from powering 59,000 typical American homes. This reduction is particularly notable given the simultaneous population growth in the area, with a 24% surge over the same period.

The decline in emissions is attributed to Georgia Power's transition from coal-fired power plants to those run on natural gas, which release about half as much carbon. The upcoming activation of additional units at the Plant Vogtle nuclear plant in Wayneboro is expected to further reduce emissions significantly. Once fully operational, Vogtle will be the largest single producer of emissions-free energy in the nation.

However, despite these positive developments, there are other factors contributing to climate-warming emissions in the region. The ever-expanding Port of Savannah has led to increased traffic and industrial activity, which has resulted in a rise in emissions. In 2023, the industry accounted for 2.1 million metric tons of Chatham County's emissions, constituting nearly 43% of the county's total greenhouse gas pollution. This marks a significant increase from a decade ago when the industry accounted for only a third of emissions.

Several specific facilities have been identified as major polluters in the Savannah area. The International Paper Company's Savannah Plant is the largest single polluter, with 371,600 metric tons of carbon emissions reported in 2022. This is followed by the U.S. Sugar Savannah Refinery, the City of Savannah Dean Forest Landfill (which emits methane), the Southern LNG Company's Elba Island Terminal, and the International Paper's Port Wentworth Mill.

The Savannah River has also been identified as a site of high pollution. An environmental report from 2020 stated that it was the most polluted river in Georgia and among the most polluted in the entire country. The report revealed that industrial facilities dumped over 7 million pounds of toxins into the river in 2007, with more than 38,000 pounds known to cause cancer. While these levels are legal, there are concerns from environmental groups that they are too high.

Industrial pollution

Savannah, Georgia, has seen a general decline in its climate-warming pollution in recent years, according to researchers. However, industrial pollution remains a significant concern, contributing to nearly 43% of Chatham County's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. This marks a substantial increase from a decade ago when the industry accounted for only a third of emissions.

The International Paper Company's Savannah Plant is the city's largest single polluter, with 371,600 metric tons of carbon emissions reported in 2022. This is followed by other industrial facilities, such as the U.S. Sugar Savannah Refinery, the City of Savannah Dean Forest Landfill, and the Southern LNG Company's Elba Island Terminal, each contributing over 100,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

In addition to carbon emissions, industrial facilities in Savannah have been responsible for dumping toxic chemicals into Georgia's waterways. In 2012, over 10 million pounds of toxic chemicals were released into Georgia's rivers and tributaries, with the Middle Savannah River being a significant recipient of this pollution. DSM Chemicals North America Inc. was identified as the biggest polluter in Georgia, discharging toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health issues.

To address these issues, organizations like the Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center have advocated for stricter regulations and the restoration of Clean Water Act protections. They recommend requiring industries to transition from toxic chemicals to safer alternatives. However, these efforts face opposition from polluting industries, including large agribusinesses and developers.

While Savannah has made progress in reducing its climate-warming emissions, particularly through the replacement of coal-fired power plants with natural gas alternatives, the decline in pollution levels may be reaching its limit. Activating additional units at the Plant Vogtle nuclear plant in Wayneboro is expected to significantly reduce emissions in the future, making it the nation's largest single producer of emissions-free energy.

Water pollution

Savannah, Georgia's air quality is generally considered acceptable for most individuals. However, water pollution is a pressing issue in the city, with a new study by Water Filter Guru ranking Savannah fourth for the most chemicals released into waterways at the city level.

Shawn Rosenquist, a senior civil engineer with Savannah's water department, confirmed that more than 12 million pounds of chemicals were released into Savannah's waterways from 2013 to 2022, with nitrate compounds being the most common. Despite these findings, Rosenquist assured residents that the water is safe and drinkable, stating that the city implements a rigorous treatment process to ensure water quality. He also highlighted the multiple sources of water in Savannah, including the Savannah River and the Floridian Aquifer, and emphasized their commitment to staying updated with information from relevant environmental agencies to address any emerging contaminants.

The presence of chemicals in Savannah's water supply can be attributed to various factors, including industrial pollution and natural occurrences. For instance, chromium (hexavalent), a known carcinogen, may contaminate drinking water due to industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater. Additionally, the use of chlorine and other disinfectants in water treatment can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts like bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane, which are associated with increased cancer risks and adverse effects on fetal growth and development.

To address water pollution in Savannah, local authorities have taken steps to transition from coal-fired power plants to those run on natural gas, which emit significantly less carbon. This shift has contributed to a notable decline in climate-warming emissions in the region. Additionally, the upcoming activation of the third and fourth units at the Plant Vogtle nuclear plant in Wayneboro is expected to further reduce emissions, making it the nation's largest single producer of emissions-free energy.

Traffic pollution

Savannah, Georgia, has seen a general decline in climate-warming pollution in recent years, according to researchers. However, traffic-related emissions have been a significant contributor to the area's pollution levels.

In 2023, industry accounted for 2.1 million metric tons of Chatham County's emissions, constituting nearly 43% of the county's total greenhouse gas pollution. This marks a notable increase from a decade prior when industry emissions comprised only a third of the total. The expanding Port of Savannah has been associated with this rise in pollution.

The International Paper Company's Savannah Plant is the single largest polluter in the Savannah area, with 371,600 metric tons of carbon emissions reported in 2022. This is followed by other industrial facilities such as the U.S. Sugar Savannah Refinery and the City of Savannah Dean Forest Landfill, which contribute significantly to the region's carbon and methane emissions.

While electricity-related carbon pollution has decreased in Chatham County, with a shift from coal-fired power plants to natural gas, the downward trend may be reaching its limit, according to Georgia Tech professor Bill Drummond. The activation of additional units at the Plant Vogtle nuclear plant is expected to significantly reduce emissions in the future.

Traffic growth and the bustling Port of Savannah contribute to the pollution levels in Savannah, Georgia. The area's industrial sector, particularly the International Paper Company's Savannah Plant, is the primary source of carbon emissions. Efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce emissions from power generation are ongoing, but there are indications that these gains may be reaching a plateau.

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