SPRINGFIELD — During an Oct. 9 Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) meeting, IDA CEO Brandt Herndon announced that the local DRT America plant intends to conduct a question-and-answer session with the public.

The Q-and-A is to be held onsite, 400 Governor Treutlen Drive, Rincon, in the Effingham Industrial Park off of Ebenezer Road. The time remains to be determined but will be advertised.

According to Herndon, DRT has faced more complaints about odors from the site and that company officials are working hard to eliminate the problems. DRT produces rosin and turpentine oil used in perfumes, adhesives, gum and many other products.

Herndon also noted that the company has not been allowed to discharge its waste into the local water treatment systems and has instead been transporting it offsite at a cost of about $1 million a year.

Herndon met with DRT’s new president recently. He emphasized that the company is working to solve its waste and odor problems. 

Although it’s difficult for the company to live with its current waste transport cost, Herndon said, “(It is) committed to the area and would love to expand.”

Herndon said DRT has spent about $5 million on top of its initial $40 million capital investment in an attempt to solve these lingering issues. 

See the Oct. 17 edition of the Effingham Herald for other news from the IDA meeting.