ASHDOWN, Arkansas — Domtar A.W. LLC has agreed to pay a US$1.5 million civil penalty and invest at least US$2.6 million in environmental improvements at its Ashdown pulp and paper mill under a proposed settlement with U.S. federal and state environmental authorities.

The agreement resolves alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and Arkansas environmental regulations related to air emissions and pollution control at the facility.

Settlement Resolves Air Compliance Allegations

The proposed consent decree was jointly announced by the:

• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment

According to the agencies, Domtar allegedly failed to install required air pollution control equipment and did not fully comply with inspection, monitoring and testing requirements at the Ashdown mill.

The settlement resolves these allegations without further litigation.

Mill to Upgrade Pollution Control Systems

Under the agreement, Domtar will implement a series of environmental improvement projects designed to reduce emissions and strengthen compliance.

The required measures include:

• Installation of new air pollution control equipment
• Expansion of leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs
• Increased inspection and monitoring activities
• Upgrades to the mill’s wastewater treatment system

The improvements are intended to reduce emissions of regulated air pollutants while enhancing long-term environmental performance.

Investment Exceeds $4 Million

In total, the proposed settlement requires Domtar to:

• Pay a US$1.5 million civil penalty
• Invest at least US$2.6 million in environmental projects

The combined financial commitment exceeds US$4 million.

Public Review Before Final Approval

The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period before being submitted for final approval by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

If approved, the settlement will become legally binding and establish the timetable for completing the required environmental improvements.

Environmental Compliance Remains Industry Priority

Environmental compliance continues to be a major focus across the pulp and paper industry as mills invest in emissions controls, monitoring systems and process upgrades to meet increasingly stringent air quality regulations.

The Ashdown settlement reflects the ongoing emphasis on modernizing pollution control infrastructure while supporting long-term regulatory compliance at pulp and paper manufacturing facilities.

Last Updated on 05/08/2026 by Jota Machinery