Update: Republic Paperboard & COL Remedial Efforts - SW Lawton

20 December 2019

City of Lawton Leadership met with Senior Management of Republic Paperboard Company on the morning of Dec. 19, 2019, to discuss solutions to ongoing issues of unpleasant odors in Southwest Lawton that have derived from operations at the manufacturing plant.

Intermittent issues from operations at Republic Paperboard cause turbulence in the City’s sewer main which produce elevated levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas. The community should note that these levels have been measured and evaluated by City officials; these levels are NOT harmful to residents.

After investigating citizen complaints of foul odors and determining the source, the City issued a Notice of Violation to Republic Paperboard on Dec. 12. Republic Paperboard has expressed continued willingness to fully comply with all industrial pretreatment processes and regulations, as outlined by the City of Lawton, and Republic Paperboard leadership has also laid forth a plan to reduce and/or fully eliminate – by mechanical and chemical means – the elements causing these issues. Remedial steps will begin Dec. 31.

Additionally, the City of Lawton has reevaluated the citywide Sewer Rehabilitation program and in light of this issue intends to upsize the sewer main servicing Republic Paperboard in 2020 instead of the previous schedule of late 2021 to assist in resolving the odor issue.

The City of Lawton and Republic Paperboard are both committed to serving and improving the Lawton Fort Sill community. Your patience and understanding is appreciated as this issue is remedied through continued partnership and cooperation.

Thank you.