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A North Carolina papermill with a long history of polluting the Pigeon River just before it crossed the Tennessee state line is closing, according to multiple published reports.

In recent years, the Pactiv Evergreen plant – which began life as Champion Fiber Co. in 1908 – had been more environmentally responsible.

The plant’s closing will cost about 1,100 jobs dealing a significant blow to to the town of Canton, North Carolina and the region.

ABC13 news reported Union Leaders for Smoky Mountain Local 507 met with Evergreen Packaging officials Monday night and were informed of the intention to shut down the Canton mill and reduce workforce at the Waynesville plant.

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers likened the closure to taking a piece of the town’s soul and told the television station that the news came out of nowhere, and there was no fair warning.

State Rep. Chuck Edwards told the TV station that the mill has always been the lifeblood of Canton.

“As someone who was born and raised there, I understand more than most that the mill is more than just a workplace – it’s a way of life,” he said. “My staff and I have already engaged with state and local governments and organizations, as well as other businesses in our entire region, to help bring economic stability and opportunity to the families in Haywood County who are affected by this loss.”