During its nearly 30 years of existence, the Nyrstar zinc smelter in Clarksville, Tennessee has demonstrated that industry, farming and nature can thrive together. The original site, comprised of 600 acres, has been increased to roughly 1,600 acres by purchasing adjoining properties.
The additional land was purchased to provide a greenbelt buffer between the facility and the surrounding community. Using this idea and other proven land management and wildlife habitation practices, Nyrstar Clarksville has continued to provide refuge for a variety of vegetation and wildlife.
While the Clarksville site is the largest primary zinc producer in the United States, actual production facilities occupy only 120 acres of the property. Utilizing land management practices for the various land types present (highly fertile floodplain, wetlands and the woodland pasture lands) on the remaining acreage, several types of buffers were built. These include: riparian buffers to protect waterways by intercepting contaminants; filter strips to trap potential pollutants; and field windbreaks to reduce wind erosion of the soil. In addition to the buffers constructed on the property, approximately 35,000-plus trees were planted and a moist soil wetlands area was constructed. Agricultural activities on the site include cattle pasturing and raising crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
As a result of the conservation efforts, responsible farming and a continued commitment to a changing environment, wildlife flourishes on the property. There has been a marked population increase for a number of wildlife species including: fish, deer, reptiles, beaver, coyote, foxes and, most notably, birds. The combination of the bordering Cumberland River to the west, the shallow waters of the created wetlands areas, and a ten-acre oxbow lake adjacent to the wetlands draws many types of birds to the site. Controlled flooding in the fall and winter months is especially attractive for migratory birds. As a result, each year the local chapter of the Audubon Society holds a winter migratory bird count. Some of the types of birds that are common during this count include shore birds, wading birds, woodland birds, ducks, geese, turkey and birds of prey. Over 180 different species of birds have been noted on the property to date.
As a direct reflection of the Nyrstar business principles (of preventing the potential for harm to people and the environment, reducing our environmental impact, and positively contributing to environmental stewardship) Nyrstar Clarksville is dedicated to protecting the environment through continuation of the land management and wildlife habitation programmes.
