Community Research

(University of Idaho, 2004)

Potlatch Corporation maintains a sawmill located along the Clearwater River, just east of Lewiston, Idaho.  The mill currently employs about 2,000 people, mainly from the greater Lewiston area, and sits on approximately 27 acres.

Salaries at Potlatch are higher on average than other industrial companies in the area.  Potlatch Corp. has been a continual source of controversy in the community, considering its size, impact to the environment, odor, history, and economic value to the area.

Pros & Cons of Potlatch Corp's Location:

(+) Provides well paying jobs

(-) Property is in the county and not within the city limits, (no tax revenue).

(-) Takes up valuable riverfront property

(-) Unsightly.

(-) Production rates have slowed down dramatically in recent years.

(-) Strong odor from treatment ponds

(-) Environmental impact issues to the river and surrounding riverbank

(University of Idaho, 2004)

The wetland area sits west of the treatment pool (east-most part of the complex).  Composed of 3-4 acres, almost entirely cattails, with a small area of exposed water where the water is pumped into the wetlands.

Pros & Cons of Potlatch Corp's Wetlands:

(?)Will it be needed if treatment pool is removed.

(+) One of the only "green" areas on site.

(+) Use of phytoremediation

(-) Takes up a lot of space.

(-) Not the best for wildlife habitat

(University of Idaho, 2004)

The pool, located on the east end of the site, is used for treating bleach and other affluent liquid used to manufacture tissue products.  Large pumps are used to aerate the water which is then pumped into the wetland adjacent to the pool (west).

Pros & Cons of Potlatch Corp's Treatment Pool:

(+) Some treatment to potentially harmful chemicals and affluent

(-) Unsightly

(-) Strong and bad odor

(-) Possible contamination (river/soils)

(-) Potential danger to wildlife

(-) Limited options for land reuse

(-) Large number of rail lines along pool

(University of Idaho, 2004)

Due to security issues we were unable to actually tour the site.  Yet, from a variety of views we were able to somewhat analyze the structures.

Pros & Cons of Potlatch Corp's Buildings:

(+) A few possible buildings of historic value.

(+) Some larger warehouse buildings that could be renovated for future commercial use.

(+) Some larger nice London Plane Trees and a few other plant material at entrance of facility.

(-) A large number of buildings have no particular value if Potlatch moves.

(-) Large amounts of wasted space within site.

(University of Idaho, 2004)

West of Potlatch, before entering residential areas, there are a variety of empty lots, unused buildings, and dated equipment.

Pros & Cons of Potlatch Corp's lot:

(-) Area remains in floodplain between levee and bench, (Main St.).

(-) Industrial traffic is distracting, dangerous and unsightly.

(-) Again, wasted space on potentially prime riverfront property

(-) Very few buildings worth keeping.

(-) Railroad is a dwindling use of transporting goods.

(University of Idaho, 2004)

After reviewing the site, our opinion is that Potlatch would best be relocated, for both Potlatch's economic health and the surrounding community's health and well-being.  Potlatch's positive contributions do not out-weigh the negative effects, because of its location, appearance, and environmental degradation.

Potlatch Corp.'s location sits at the entrance to Lewiston from Highway 95.  Relocating the facility will provide Lewiston to create an urban park setting along the river that will welcome guests from the north, provide recreation and entertainment for residents, and offer prime location for new businesses.