Paper Mills? (Asheville, Henderson, Waynesville: appointed, daycare, new home)

[CJCWorld]

Ok, I for sure would like to know. I have searched a little bit in the Western NC stuff, and I really wasn't aware of paper mill information. I did however, come across some information that there was one in the Canton area. I almost might've considered that area until I heard of this.

I would like to be sure to ask about any paper mills in the Asheville/Western NC area. Are there any other mills in other locations, where are most of them at.

I do not like the smell of this, and I can imagine it would affect where I would want to live.

Also, If I considered the Asheville area, I thought I would probably want to be on the West to South sides of it, probably more close to the mountains. I also thought about North of it. I definitely don't think I would want to be directly near Asheville, though my thoughts might change. I had considered Marshall, and Mars Hill on the north side. Might those be possibilities.

What I know is that I definitely would want to stay away from paper mill locations, I wouldn't even really want to have to travel through those areas if I didn't have to.

Thoughts?

[Asheville Native]

Blue Ridge Paper in Canton in Haywood county. Cleaned up from what it used to be, but still stinks.

[Cofga]

I looked into this a couple years ago just to make sure I didn't end up near one too. The mill in Canton is still in operation (will it make it through the recession?). Because the winds are mainly out of the west the smell is local and east. This means that far western Asheville, Candler, and to some degree south of that is in the immediate airshed. I have been told that on a "good" you can smell it in Avery Creek and Bent Creek areas (just west of the French Broad River and south of I-40).

Another consideration is the powerplant located in Arden--it has an ash storage site right there and folks have recently been complaining of ash blowing offstie onto their houses, cars, yards, kids! You also need to check the EPA list of toxic sites in the area and there are a bunch of them. Be careful of getting a place with well water unless you make sure and insist on a complete water quality analysis.

Finally be aware that the area is a radon hotspot. In NC if you sign a contract and find out the house has radon then you're still committed to buying it. The only way out is if the seller refuses to pay for mitigation. Still want to move there?

[CJCWorld]

What is it about the radon, and is it generally most of Asheville area? Please somebody shed some more light on this matter also. Thanks.

[Cofga]

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

For more info see the EPA Radon site at:



You should test for radon.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools.

Testing is inexpensive and easy - it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon (see How to Test Your Home).

You can fix a radon problem.

Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.

Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. In addition, installing them at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels further if these passive techniques don't reduce radon levels to below 4 pCi/L. Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant. If radon levels are still in excess of 4 pCi/L, the passive system should be activated by having a qualified mitigator install a vent fan. For more explanation of radon resistant construction techniques, refer to EPA publication, Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes (see Radon-Resistant New Construction | Radon | US EPA).


How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?

Any home may have a radon problem

Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water (see "Radon in Water" below). In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.
RADON GETS IN THROUGH:

1. Cracks in solid floors
2. Construction joints
3. Cracks in walls
4. Gaps in suspended floors
5. Gaps around service pipes
6. Cavities inside walls
7. The water supply

radon get in through....

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office for general information about radon in your area. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test.

Radon can also be a problem in schools and workplaces. Ask your state radon office about radon problems in schools, daycare and childcare facilities, and workplaces in your area.


For more info see the EPA radon site at:

http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html

[Cofga]

PS--here is a link to a US distribution map and one for North Carolina. Note the red blobs that are Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties:

EPA Map of Radon Zones | Radon | US EPA

[tkhk3746]

I would TOTALLY stay away from Asheville or north there towards Canton. That area is a mess! EVeryone seems greatly disappointed moving there and finding out it's not what they had thought.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by tkhk3746

I would TOTALLY stay away from Asheville or north there towards Canton. That area is a mess! EVeryone seems greatly disappointed moving there and finding out it's not what they had thought.

Pssst.... Canton is west of Asheville, Mars Hill is to the north

[CJCWorld]

So does that mean that as far west as Waynesville is ok, just still avoid the immediate Canton area? Can Waynesville feel the draft sometimes? And you said the north part of Asheville, are you suggesting to also stay away from the northern part of asheville, ex. marshal or mars hill?

What about southern asheville directions, might somebody be ok there from the smelly areas?

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by CJCWorld

And you said the north part of Asheville, are you suggesting to also stay away from the northern part of asheville, ex. marshal or mars hill?

What about southern asheville directions, might somebody be ok there from the smelly areas?

No that was in reference to the poster that said Canton was north of Asheville, which is incorrect, as Canton is west of Asheville.

Blue Ridge Paper in Canton is about the only 'smoke stack' industry within 50 miles of Asheville, in any direction.