Tennessee Residents Say Jack Daniel’s is Polluting Community with Whiskey Fungus’

Residents of Lincoln County in Tennessee are frustrated with the ‘whiskey fungus’ that has taken over their homes, cars, and porches. The fungus, known as Baudoinia compniacensis, is said to be fueled by the ethanol vapor coming from the Jack Daniel’s buildings in the area, affecting locals since the firm began construction on six barrel houses in 2018, and setting plans in motion to build another 14. People in the area have sued the company, claiming that air filled with ethanol is not safe to breathe and that the company and the county must take responsibility for the mold, as well as the decreasing home prices.

Source: WHNT News 19/Youtube

Patrick Long and his wife Christi, who live near the barrel houses, have filed a lawsuit against the county. They are calling for the installation of an air-filtration system blocking the emissions of ethanol and limiting the fungus growing in the county. They are also calling for an environmental impact study to be conducted to review the amount of ethanol coming from the barrel houses and the health dangers it may pose.

Mr Long explained that the six barrel houses located near his home require him to spend about $10,000 annually on power-washing his home using water and Clorox. He added that officials in the area have ceased trying to clean the street signs, replacing them instead when they’re no longer readable. Ms Long’s lawsuit against the county Board of Planning and Zoning argues that the company’s initial construction was out of the bounds of the law, and they don’t have the correct site-plan approval and building permits for their site.

About 200 people from the community and Jack Daniel’s staff attended a public hearing in December of last year. Becky Benson Carroll said she has stage four lung cancer that has reached her brain. She added that her dog has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She said, “I think there is a concern for the quality of our lives… I’m in favour of the filtration system”. The vice president and assistant general manager at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Melvin Keebler, told her that they comply with all regulations.

The mould has reached as far as a mile from the barrel houses, which can hold tens of thousands of barrels of whiskey, leading to part of the alcohol evaporating through the wood barrels’ pores and reaching the air – whiskey manufacturers call it the “angel’s share”.

It is essential to recognize that companies need to take responsibility for the impact of their actions on the communities in which they operate. In this case, Jack Daniel’s and the county must work collaboratively to find a solution that will protect the health and well-being of the residents. We can all take action by supporting organizations that advocate for the rights of communities impacted by Pollution and working towards a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Let us use this opportunity to call on Jack Daniel’s and the county to take action and find a sustainable solution that will ensure the health and safety of the residents in the community. We can also Support local advocacy organizations and hold companies accountable for the impact of their operations on the environment and the communities in which they operate.

Together, we can create a more just and sustainable future for all.

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