News
Judge says lawsuit against New-Indy can move forward
WCNC
March 19, 2024
People living near New-Indy's paper mill in Catawba, South Carolina, say they've experienced health problems due to the plant's emissions.
New Indy lawyers to appear in Columbia federal court
Queen City News
December 21, 2023
Lawyers for the plant's parent company, which is owned by NFL owner Robert Kraft, will go before a federal judge on Thursday in Columbia.
New-Indy seeks judicial relief on two different fronts
The Lancaster News
December 19, 2023
New-Indy Catawba is asking for a judgment on two separate issues before it heads to court in June 2024.
New-Indy paper plant’s parent company should not be excluded from lawsuit: Legal filing
Queen City News
December 13, 2023
The legal team representing South Carolina homeowners living near the York County New-Indy paper mill argue the motion to exclude its parent company from a lawsuit should be denied.
Stinky SC paper mill tells judge it has improved. Residents say the plant still reeks
The State
June 30, 2023
Lawyers for residents argued the company should have obtained a stricter permit from DHEC that would have required public input. Instead the company received a lower level permit that did not require public participation.
Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation joins lawsuit against New Indy, claims waste seeping into groundwater
WCNC
April 14, 2023
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation joined a lawsuit against the New-Indy Containerboard plant in Catawba, South Carolina. It's the latest action in the ongoing saga involving the beleaguered plant that is owned by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Catawba Riverkeeper Joins Suit Against New-Indy Paper Mill
Queen City News
April 14, 2023
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (CRF) announced Thursday that it has joined a lawsuit against the New-Indy Catawba paper mill, located about 30 miles south of Charlotte in Catawba, South Carolina, claiming the mill has violated federal pollution statutes in its waste disposal and storage practices.
EPA says it found 19 more potential violations at New-Indy plant in South Carolina
WCNC
March 9, 2023
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent New-Indy Container Board a letter that detailed a slew of potential violations, namely that the company might not be in compliance with the Clean Air Act.
New-Indy faces new suit, court documents show complaints over discharge in Catawba River
WCNC
February 14, 2023
After years of complaints over a pervasive rotten egg smell hanging over Catawba, South Carolina, New-Indy Containerboard is facing new legal action over alleged discharge from its facility into nearby waters.
Attorneys update public on lawsuit against New-Indy
PMG South Carolina
February 14, 2023
Four attorneys representing members of a class-action lawsuit against the New-Indy Catawba mill updated about 50 people in a public meeting on the case.
Second suit filed against New Indy Container Board over new chemicals
Queen City News
February 13, 2023
The attorney firm representing 1,800 families impacted by the New Indy plant has filed a new lawsuit against the plant.
Behind-the-scenes: New-Indy paper mill aware of foul odor at state line
WSOC-TV
November 16, 2022
New-Indy Containerboard is aware of a problem with a foul odor that was released from the paper mill at the state line. South Carolina bureau reporter Tina Terry went to New-Indy in Catawba on Wednesday to see how the mill is looking at the issue that neighbors have complained about for months.
Data claims toxins from New Indy plant near state line are seeping into Catawba River
WSOC-TV
October 27, 2022
Channel 9 is investigating claims that toxic chemicals are seeping into the Catawba River from the New Indy Containerboard plant near the state line known for producing a foul odor. Brandon Jones, the Catawba Riverkeeper, told Channel 9 that he has been working for nearly two years with a law firm and collecting data from the major river.
Cancer-causing toxins leaking into Catawba River, according to new report on New-Indy
WCNC
October 26, 2022
The New-Indy Paper Mill is once again in hot water with new allegations the plant is allowing cancerous materials to make their way into the Catawba River. These allegations surfaced in a new report called for by a law firm, which now says New-Indy needs to clean it up or face another lawsuit.
Cancer-causing compound likely seeping into Catawba River from SC paper mill, attorneys say
WFAE 90.7
October 26, 2022
A highly toxic cancer-causing compound is likely seeping from a South Carolina paper mill into the Catawba River. That's according to attorneys who are suing the New Indy Containerboard plant in Catawba, South Carolina, for environmental missteps.
Cancer-causing pollution seeping from paper mill to Catawba River, reports show
The Charlotte Observer
October 26, 2022
A legal team suing the troubled New-Indy paper mill in South Carolina says it has uncovered evidence that dioxin, a cancer-causing material, is seeping into the Catawba River from the more than 60-year-old industrial site south of Charlotte.
DHEC chief says paper mill misled agency in shutting off pollution controls at SC plant
The State
September 27, 2022
New-Indy issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon saying paper mills across the Southeast have used other treatment methods and that DHEC has methods to address any concerns it might have.
Stories of stink: Carolinas residents recount how a paper plant affected their lives
The State
September 25, 2022
Scents resembling rotten eggs, cat urine, spoiled cabbage, skunks, sweet chemicals, feces, and menthol have floated on the breeze since early 2021, say those who complained to regulators in South Carolina. All told, as many as 49,000 complaints have been registered about New-Indy.
Stench rose at SC paper mill after a key pollution control device was removed
The State
August 22, 2022
The saga of the New-Indy paper mill has become one of the biggest environmental stories during the past two years in South Carolina, sparking questions about why the unpleasant odor came from a plant that had operated quietly in York County since the late 1950s.
Judge denies motion to dismiss lawsuit against odorous York County paper mill
WBTV
August 9, 2022
A judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against a York County paper mill that residents say is causing a foul smell in the area. In her Aug. 5 ruling, U.S. District Judge Sherri Lydon said the plaintiffs have “plausibly stated their private nuisance and negligence and gross negligence claims” against New Indy Containerboard.
Class-action lawsuit against New-Indy can continue, federal judge rules
WCNC
August 5, 2022
On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Sherri A. Lydon ruled the suit lodged against the company behind the New-Indy plant in Catawba can move forward, while also denying an alternative request from the company to dismiss the complaint entirely.
New group sues New-Indy for violations
The Lancaster News
July 25, 2022
Another group of local residents has filed a lawsuit against New-Indy Containerboard, LLC, for violations to the Clean Air Act.
SC paper mill sued again over stink that left thousands complaining
The State
July 23, 2022
A stench that has fouled the air in the Carolinas near Charlotte sparked a lawsuit Friday that accuses a paper mill of not getting a pollution permit and of shutting down a key piece of equipment that was vital to controlling odors.
Dispute over what stinks in Rock Hill ends up in federal court
Queen City News
June 1, 2022
A dispute over what stinks in Rock Hill ended up in a federal courtroom on Wednesday. It’s been going on for more than a year now. Folks in four different counties in North and South Carolina have been complaining of a rotten egg odor and now a sweet chemical scent coming from the plant.
Stinking SC paper mill fights neighbors in court. People complain of sickening fumes
The State
June 1, 2022
A South Carolina paper mill blamed for producing nauseating odors that sickened its neighbors near Charlotte is pressing a federal court to toss out a lawsuit by those who want compensation for troubles they’ve suffered from the stinking air.
In South Carolina, residents battle paper mill pollution and say EPA falling short
The New Lede
May 31, 2022
The pollution stemming from operations at New-Indy Catawba LLC in Catawba, South Carolina affects potentially more than one million people who live and work in the region, according to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina.
Norman wants EPA to hurry with review of comments
The Lancaster News
May 12, 2022
U.S. House Rep. Ralph Norman wants the Environmental Protection Agency to hurry up. He has written a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan asking that the EPA expedite the review of nearly 600 comments to make a final ruling on the consent decree order it released in January regarding the New-Indy Containerboard mill in Catawba.
'I don't want the thing to drag on' | Congressman pushes for faster review of New Indy comments submitted to EPA
WCNC
May 11, 2022
The comments are in response to a proposed consent decree to fine New Indy $1.1 million dollars and have the paper plant change some of its manufacturing practices. Attorneys involved in a lawsuit told WCNC Charlotte the proposed consent decree doesn’t go far enough.
Congressman urges EPA to stop stench from SC paper mill after thousands complain
The State
May 10, 2022
David Hoyle, a lawyer for residents who are suing New Indy over the foul odors, said the EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice need to take action — but that action needs to be stronger than the $1.1 million fine proposed last December.
Neighbors push for York Co. to do more about New Indy as EPA, DHEC idle with new penalties
WBTV
April 5, 2022
DHEC just recently urged the EPA to take its final actions but still - nothing has been issued. Now some living within the bubble of the smell are demanding county leaders to do more as they await decisions from the state and national agencies.
EPA gets 100 comments on New Indy
The Lancaster News
March 14, 2022
According to attorneys for plaintiffs in the case, there were 100 comments made by people about the agreement reached between the EPA and New-Indy and the $1.1 million fine EPA imposed, as well as comments about the New-Indy plant.
Stinking SC paper mill with tainted waste pits the focus of state pollution probe
The State
March 12, 2022
State regulators are preparing to take enforcement action against a South Carolina paper mill that has generated tens of thousands of odor complaints during the past year and raised concerns about the plant’s potential to pollute the Catawba River.
Attorneys frustrated with delay in EPA's delivery of New-Indy documents
WCNC
March 10, 2022
Frustration is growing in York County ahead of Friday's deadline for public comment on a proposed consent decree between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New-Indy Containerboard after regulators accused the paper mill of releasing dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide into the air.
Deadline extended for comments on New-Indy decree
The Lancaster News
February 12, 2022
The U.S. Department of Justice has extended the public comment portion of the consent decree between New-Indy Catawba and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by another 30 days. The deadline is now Friday, March 11, to make a public comment regarding the consent decree with New-Indy Catawba or just regarding New-Indy in general.
New-Indy parent claims suit does not apply to it
The Lancaster News
February 12, 2022
Attorneys for the plaintiffs in the suit say that is just not logical, based on the interaction between the two parties over the course of the past several years in the establishing of New-Indy Catawba.
EPA proposes settlement with New-Indy mill over pollution, but some say it’s not enough
The Herald
February 1, 2022
At Tuesday’s meeting, public opinion was clear: People who are affected don’t think the EPA order goes far enough. And they want to know, now, when the odor will end.
A $1.1 million consent decree between the EPA and New Indy is proposed. The idea is being slammed
WCNC
January 25, 2022
Homeowners are criticizing a proposed consent decree reached between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Indy Containerboard after regulators accused the paper mill of releasing dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide into the air.
EPA holding public hearing on proposed settlement with the South Carolina New Indy paper mill
WFAE
January 25, 2022
Environmental lawyer Chase Brockstedt’s law firm is one of the court-appointed interim co-lead counsel that has filed a class action suit against New Indy. The settlement doesn’t do enough to end the plant’s environmental impact, Brockstedt said.
Cancer-causing waste found at troubled paper mill on SC river. How did it get there?
The State
January 11, 2022
As Carolinas residents complained last year about nauseating fumes from a York County paper mill, a less visible threat lurked in some of the mill’s aging waste lagoons along the Catawba River. The threat is dioxin, an industrial waste generated for decades by paper and pulp mills as they produced white paper for sale in many widely used products.
Our Shopping Obsession Is Causing a Literal Stink
December 15, 2021
TIME
In May 2021, the EPA issued an emergency order under the Clean Air Act requiring the company to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions and install air quality monitors on its fence line. But for Bishop and other residents, that’s not enough; the company was only required to install a few monitors, and air quality has not improved since May, she says.
Environmental agencies slam New-Indy plant in Catawba, claim new environmental violations
November 7, 2021
NBC Charlotte [WCNC]
The new allegations come as New-Indy Containerboard remains under federal and state orders to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions at its Catawba mill.
Residents file to stop New Indy emissions
October 1, 2021
The Lancaster News
A motion was filed this week in U.S. District Court by area residents to put an immediate stop to air emissions at the New-Indy Containerboard mill and for it to comply with federal orders.
'We have some resources that the EPA does not.' | Homeowners' attorneys ask to intervene in EPA complaint against New-Indy
September 30, 2021
NBC Charlotte [WCNC]
Attorneys representing homeowners in a class action lawsuit against New-Indy Containerboard, the York County paper mill have asked a judge to allow them to intervene in a separate complaint filed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Rock Hill residents file motion to intervene in EPA’s New Indy litigation
September 30, 2021
ABC Charlotte [WSOC]
People are fed up with the foul odor coming from South Carolina and many of them have now taken matters into their own hands, asking the company accused of being responsible to stop.
Residents file motion to intervene in EPA litigation against New-Indy, asking to put an immediate end to pollution
September 29, 2021
CBS Charlotte [WBTV]
Area residents impacted by the stench and toxic emissions released by the New-Indy paper mill are seeking accountability from the plant.
Plaintiffs request to combine multiple class action lawsuits against New-Indy into one
September 24, 2021
NBC Charlotte [WCNC]
A new motion filed in federal court seeks to wrap multiple complaints against New-Indy plant in Catawba, South Carolina into one, along with a request for the court to appoint four lawyers as interim co-lead class counsel.
S.C. lawmakers scheduled to visit New-Indy facility
September 17, 2021
CBS Charlotte [WBTV]
It has been several months since residents of York, Lancaster, Union and Mecklenburg counties in S.C. and North Carolina first complained about the foul smell they said is coming from the New-Indy facility.
‘Sadly we’re being poisoned.’ Fort Mill family says they’re forced to move over New-Indy Paper Mill’s chemical smell
September 9, 2021
FOX 46 Charlotte
Reilly said New-Indy Paper Mill’s continued toxic chemical smell was enough to leave their Fort Mill home of 12 years.
EPA investigating reports of increased emissions at New-Indy paper mill
September 6, 2021
NBC Charlotte [WCNC]
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been made aware of increased emissions at the New-Indy Containerboard paper mill in Catawba, South Carolina, state health officials said.
Stick, Sulfur and Soot: Billionaire Kraft Deals an Air Pollution Crisis to South Carolina
August 23, 2021
EcoWatch
The plant is spewing high and dangerous amounts of smelly hydrogen sulfide gas and soot into the air above Catawba, South Carolina and nearby counties. While emergency orders have been issued to stop the smell created by the New-Indy Containerboard paper mill, no regulatory actions have been taken to curb their air pollution.
Residents of South Carolina Town Fume at Billionaire Robert Kraft
July 29, 2021
The Daily Beast
“I feel like I have a runny nose. It’s actually blood,” the 43-year-old resident of Fort Mill, South Carolina, told The Daily Beast. The culprit, in Steven’s mind: the New-Indy paper mill in nearby Catawba, which makes containerboard used for cardboard boxes.
New documents shed light on ‘rotten egg’ stench coming from SC factory
June 23, 2021
ABC Charlotte [WSOC]
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) started investigating the issue in early March and had ordered the facility to submit a corrective plan to eliminate the foul odor by Tuesday. The plant submitted a plan but health officials said it did not meet all of the requirements.
‘It’s like living in a war zone’ | Neighbors of the New-Indy paper plant gather for a town hall to discuss solutions
June 16, 2021
NBC Charlotte [WCNC]
A town hall meeting gave neighbors the chance to hear directly from environmental and health professionals about the impact of the air and water pollution the plant is producing and find out what can be done about it.
Lawyers get public input at town hall over stench from New-Indy plant in S.C.
June 16, 2021
CBS Charlotte [WBTV]
As lawsuits have been piling up against New-Indy plant in South Carolina, the wretched smell is still a big talker among several counties. Lawyers who recently filed a third class action lawsuit against New-Indy hosted a town hall Wednesday to answer questions about the stench.
S.C. Paper Mill Sued Over Cross-State Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions
June 8, 2021
Bloomberg Law
The proposed class action lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina’s Rock Hill Division, seeks damages and remedial action from the Catawba, S.C. paper mill, co-owned by The Kraft Group and Schwarz Partners LP.
Woman got headaches, bloody noses and nausea from SC pulp mill stench, lawsuit says
June 8, 2021
The Charlotte Observer
Kennedy got headaches, bloody noses, sinus issues and “persistent nausea” from the odor, she said in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday against New-Indy Containerboard LLC of Catawba, S.C. The plant is about seven miles from her home in Indian Land, S.C.
‘Cautiously optimistic’: Environmental lawyers weigh in on SCDHEC’s odor order to New-Indy
May 10, 2021
CBS Charlotte [WBTV]
Attorneys Phil Federico and Chase Brockstedt speak on the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control ordering New-Indy Containerboard to stop the stink that has been plaguing residents for months.
This information is provided by Interim Co-Lead Class Counsel in the New-Indy emissions litigation:
Chase T. Brockstedt and Philip C. Federico of Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, Richard A. Harpootlian of Richard A. Harpootlian Law Firm, P.A. and T. David Hoyle of Motley Rice LLC
The legal team appointed as Interim Co-Lead Class Counsel is co-counsel with:
Gary V. Mauney of Mauney PLLC, Thomas E. “Tommy” Pope and Ben P. Leader of Elrod Pope Law Firm P.A. and Leon E. Stavrinakis of Stavrinakis Law Firm LLC
