Georgia v. Tennessee Copper Co.
Georgia v. Tennessee Copper Co.
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
Both defendants are smelting copper ores in Polk County, East Tennessee, near the Georgia line. The works of the Tennessee Company, much the larger of the two, are situated within half a mile of the line; those of the Duektown Company are some two and one-half miles away. The ores contain a very large amount of sulphur — around 20% — and in the process of smelting great quantities of sulphur dioxide are formed; if allowed to escape into «the air this becomes sulphurous acid, a poisonous gas destructive of plant life.
In October, 1905, the State of Georgia began this Original proceeding alleging that defendants permitted discharge from their works of noxious gases which being carried by air currents ultimately settled upon its territory and destroyed the vegetation, and asking for appropriate relief. The case was heard on the merits and the issues determined in complainant’s favor, May, 1907. We then said: “If the State of Georgia adheres to its determination, there is no alternative to issuing an injunction, after allowing a reasonable time to the defendants to complete the structures that they now are building, and the efforts that they are making, to stop the fumes. The plaintiff may submit a form of decree on the coming in of this court in October next.” 206 U. S. 230, 239.
Hope was entertained that some practical method of subduing the noxious fumes could be devised and by consent the time for entering a final decree was enlarged. Both companies installed purifying devices. The Tennessee Company and the State finally entered into a stipula
The Ducktown Company has spent large sums— $600,000 and more — since the former opinion in constructing purifying, works (acid plant); and a much smaller proportion of the sulphur contained in the ores now escapes into the air as sulphur dioxide — possibly only 41M% as against 85^4% under former conditions. Similar improvements have been installed by the Tennessee Company at great expense, but we are without adequate information concerning the effect produced by them., As it asked and was granted opportunity to show material changes the burden is upon the Ducktown Company. A full and complete disclosure of the improvements in-' stalled by it and the results continuously obtained has not been presented.
Counsel maintain that escaping sulphur fumes now. produce no substantial damage in Georgia, and further that if any such damage is being done the Tennessee Company alone is responsible therefor. We think the-
The evidence does not disclose with accuracy the volume or true character of the fumes which are being given off daily from the works of either company. Averages may not be relied on with confidence since improper operations for a single week or day might destroy vegetation over a large area, while the emission of great quantities of fumes during a short period would affect but slightly the average for a month or year.
It appears that in 1913 the total ores smelted by the Ducktown Company amounted. to 152,249 tons, or 304,498,000 pounds — 20% sulphur; total matte shipped was 12,537,000 pounds — about 4% of the ore; the total sulphur in the smelted ores not accounted for and which escaped into the air in the form of sulphur dioxide was 13,102 tons, or 26,204,000 pounds — over two pounds of sulphur for each pound of matte and an average of more than 35 tons per day.
During July, 1913, the'total matte shipped (approximately the production) was 846,000 pounds — more was shipped in June and less .in August. The July production was thus approximately 7% of the year’s total. The'sulphur in the fumes generated in connection with the production for this month, not - redeemed by the acid.plant and emitted into the air, may be fairly estimated as not less than 7% of 13,102 or.917 tons — substantially 30 tons per day. This amount produced harmful results and must be diminished.
It is impossible from the record to ascertain with certainty the reduction in the sulphur content' of emitted gases necessary to render the territory of Georgia immune from injury therefrom; but adequate relief, we are disposed to think, will follow a decree restraining the Duck-
The cause will be retained for further action and either party may apply hereafter for appropriate relief.
Within ten days either side may present a decree in conformity herewith, together with such suggestions as seem desirable.
Dissenting Opinion
dissenting: I do not think that the evidence justifies the decree limiting production as stated.
See page 678, post, for decree entered in conformity with this.opinion.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- State of Georgia v. Tennessee Copper Company and Ducktown Sulphur, Copper & Iron Company, Limited
- Cited By
- 16 cases
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- The defendant Ducktown Sulphur Copper & Iron Company and the State of Georgia not having agreed as to the method of operation of the furnaces of the former and additional testimony having been taken relating to^aiieged changed conditions since 1907 and it appearing that the furnaces aré emitting fumes in excess of what is proper, held that: A final decree against the Ducktown Company be now entered restraining it from operating its plant except upon the terms specified therein; the cause to be retained for further action and either side may present a decree in conformity with this decision. Final decree ordered in 206 U. S. 230, against defendant Ducktown Company.