Inbox

[January 7th, 2009]

THIS IS NO GREEN HERON
Thanks for revisiting your story on Blue Heron Paper Company [“From Academia to Zetamania,” WW, Dec. 31, 2008]. I like staying informed about their ups and downs. They’ve been an integral part of our community’s landscape and economy for nearly as long as there’s been an Oregon City.

In addition, Blue Heron Paper is our community’s largest polluter by far. Their current DEQ permit allows them to emit up to 644 tons of nitrogen oxides and 742 tons of sulfur dioxide annually. These emissions are known to cause respiratory problems. Blue Heron’s DEQ permit also allows them to release up to 313 tons of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Long-term exposure to VOCs is linked to cancer and a number of adverse neurological, reproductive and developmental disorders.

So, naturally I look forward to the day when WW either reports that Blue Heron has cleaned up their operations, or has shut down, because they are not economically and environmentally sustainable.

Janine Offutt
Oregon City

CORRECTIONS:
In “From Academia to Zetamania” last week, WW included different last names for one subject. Her name is Helen Hunter. WW regrets the error.

Aaron Mesh’s review of the movie Wendy and Lucy last week incorrectly described the movie’s film stock and the date of its shooting. The picture was shot on Super 16 mm film, and shooting was completed before the death of lead actress Michelle Williams’ former fiancé, Heath Ledger.