GENERA ENERGY, INC - Pulp and Paper Facility in Vonore, Tennessee

GENERA ENERGY, INC is a pulp and paper facility located at 167 Tellico Port Road in Vonore, Monroe County, Tennessee. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS codes 221117 (Biomass Electric Power Generation) and 322110 (Pulp Mills), indicating a combined role in energy generation and pulp production. As a pulp and paper plant, it operates within a sector known for significant water and energy use, as well as emissions of pollutants such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The facility is subject to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's multi-media regulatory framework, including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Section 313 reporting. These regulations govern air emissions, wastewater discharges, hazardous waste management, and public disclosure of toxic chemical releases. In Tennessee, the facility also complies with state-level environmental permits administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Pulp and paper facilities like GENERA ENERGY, INC play a critical role in the regional industrial landscape, converting wood fiber into pulp for paper products while also generating energy from biomass. The plant's location in Vonore, near the Tellico River, underscores the importance of water resource management and community proximity considerations. Its operational status and regulatory compliance are key factors in assessing its environmental footprint and community impact.

The facility is situated in Monroe County, Tennessee, near the Tellico River and the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. This region features a mix of forested areas, agricultural land, and small communities. Pulp and paper operations in such settings require careful management of water withdrawals and wastewater discharges to protect local aquatic ecosystems. Air emissions from biomass combustion and pulp processing can affect local air quality, particularly in nearby residential areas. The facility's proximity to the Tellico River and Lake Tellico highlights the need for robust water quality monitoring and compliance with Clean Water Act permits.