150 forest and clean water activists, along with people concerned with their own health joined in a rally in the shadow of the massive Champion International paper mill. For 90 years, the plant has polluted the Pigeon River which flows through NC into Tennessee. Life has been wiped out in the river by toxins generated by the plant as is evidenced by the chocolate-brown water.

The rally sent the EPA, Vice President Gore, and NC Governor Jim Hunt a clear message that the people of both NC & Tennessee want and need a clean, unpolluted Pigeon River.

The Pigeon River Rally comes as EPA headquarters nears a decision on Champion International's permit and color variance. River advocates know that EPA's decision will reflect the positions taken by Gore and Hunt. Tennessee residents have been upset with the Vice President's handling of the Pigeon River issue since 1988. They feel that this is his last chance to redeem himself to the people of his home state. As for Governor Hunt, North Carolina residents cite his administration's overall dismal record on water quality matters, including the Pigeon.

Those attending the rally will be asking that the long standing practice of exempting Champion from North Carolina water quality standards be stopped, and that any new permit force dramatic reductions in colored discharges into the river. Advocates want the waters of the Pigeon to run clear in both states. Research into the performance of other paper mills around the world, as well as evaluations of the Canton mill, show that Champion can do a lot better.

David Jenkins, Director of Conservation for the American Canoe Association, said "We know that Champion can reduce its color discharge into the river by more than 50% of the 1996 levels with little, if any, additional investment. Vice President Gore, through EPA, can ensure that those reductions are realized."