Editor:
This letter is in answer to Jean Collins’ concern about the Weyerhaeuser Foster Mill emissions.
Jean, we do hear your concern, but believe me the Foster Mill has very strong environmental laws they must live by. I contacted WEYCO and our local mill is up to date with emissions and control of pollutants. If you see something coming from their chimneys, it has to be steam; that is what comes from this plant.
Willamette Industries, the former owners, had this plant in Sweet Home for over 60 years. It has become the largest employer in wood products for our town. We need jobs and losing this mill would be a huge loss to our community.
As for increased production, I read in the New Era that 90 men were laid off from Foster mill just a short time ago. Jobs are very important to the livelihood of Sweet Home. And they are many people employed there.
Right now Sweet Home is looking forward to new housing developments all over the area. One is next to Wiley Creek Retirement Center, and another large one is going in on the end of 10th avenue. If there are no jobs, who plans to live in these new houses? I want to see Sweet Home prosper and we need well paying jobs to do this. Some places only pay a minimum wage, or are as controversial as Wal-mart. Not so at Foster Mill, they have well-paid jobs at Weyerhaeuser.
Of course, we all want to live a quiet, safe neighborhood. Jean, what did you expect when you moved so close to industry? I urge you to call Foster Mill and ask your questions there, I am sure they will put your mind at ease. Did you think to ask them instead of writing to the newspaper? Our own Foster mill is open to questions, anytime. I know, I asked too.
Mona Waibel
Sweet Home