Mosheim, Tenn. — U.S. Nitrogen LLC (USN), a unit of Austin Powder Co., Cleveland, Ohio, told Green Markets Nov. 24 that its new $220 million liquid ammonium nitrate facility here is currently moving through testing on the process plant and related infrastructure in the startup phase. USN plans to begin production in a phased approach at the end of the year. USN also responded to a Nov. 23 appearance by Save the Nolichucky Inc. (STN) President Donahue Bible before a three-member panel of a Greene County Grand Jury. The group has alleged conflict of interest and bribery in the case of local citizen J.W. Douthat, who sold property to USN. Douthat served as chairman of the Old Knox County Utility District, which was initially to supply water to USN, as well as on the Greene County Industrial Board, which voted to approve a controversial 12-mile pipeline to the Nolichucky River that USN used instead of buying water via Old Knox. STN alleges Douthat sold the land to USN for $1 million, over $400,000 more than the appraised value. USN’s position, according to the Greeneville Sun, however, was that the Douthat site was farther from the river than three other preferred sites, and it was selected mainly because it was not in close proximity to endangered mussels or archaeology sites. STN was before the Grand Jury because local District Attorney Dan Armstrong found no criminal violation with regard to the land transactions and opted against taking the case to the Grand Jury. USN told Green Markets that it has not had any improper or illegal relationships or transactions with Douthat. While the Grand Jury activity remains confidential, indications are that panel may not send the case on to the full panel for further action, as Bible told a local blogger after his presentation that he was “disappointed.” So far, USN and/or its supporters have won or settled lawsuits brought to halt the project (GM March 30, p. 13, GM June 9, 2014).
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