Concerns mount over future of ‘high hazard’ Lake Logan, still owned by Pactiv-Evergreen
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The impacts of the Canton paper mill closure continue to resonate, as Pactiv-Evergreen owns the Lake Logan dam which the state has placed in its high hazard’ category. With the mill now shut down and its future uncertain, concerns are mounting over what will happen to the dam — and whether it will be safe.
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said should there be an occasion where the dam fails, it would have devastating consequences downstream to communities like Bethel and Canton.
Myself and the county agree…that’s a priority because of the safety, he said Friday, March 29.
Last year, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) deemed the Lake Logan dam high hazard, but said overall, the dam is in fair shape.
Pactiv-Evergreen owns the dam, and the state says it must conduct maintenance like clearing brush, fixing cracks, checking valves and eyeballing any seepage.
I have no doubt the state will continue to put pressure and make sure they’re doing exactly what they’re supposed to do to maintain this dam, Smathers said. The dam is going to continued to be monitored by the authorities.
Per requirement with the high-hazard designation, Evergreen has produced emergency action plans, which are supposed to be updated every year.
The company closed its Canton paper mill last year, so questions have emerged about the dam’s future and who will be responsible for its condition and the safety of those living below it.
That is definitely one of the big questions that is lingering from Evergreen, said Smathers.
For the mayor, it’s yet another challenge following massive flooding in the summer of 2021.
As much as we talk about the problems, the economic problems, the workers finding jobs, environmental issues, Smathers said, Evergreen’s ownership of the dam is one of those great unsolved mysteries.
Smathers said as long as Evergreen owns the dam, its safety is the company’s responsibility.
They are responsible for not just maintenance of this dam, but very good maintenance of this dam, he said.
He said time will tell what happens to the mill properties, including the dam and how Evergreen may sell off its parcels.
Right now, I do not know what those negotiations and those conversations are. But it has and will remain Evergreen’s property — and also their responsibility to maintain that dam for the safety of everyone in Haywood County, Smathers said. We can talk about the future and economic development and jobs and what’s next, but we know right now the safety of that dam is a priority.
