According to a report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Finch, Pruyn paper mill generated the most pollution of any manufacturing plant in New York last year, 31 percent more than the second heaviest polluter in the state.

The Glens Falls mill discharged some 3.8 million pounds of chemicals in 2009.

Finch’s emissions were less than 1.1 million pounds as recently as 2007, meaning that their pollution has nearly quadrupled since the long-time locally owned company was sold to a pair of outside investment groups in mid-2007.

Other heavy North Country polluters included International Paper in Ticonderoga, Alcoa and Reynolds in Massena and Fort Drum.

Photo: Finch Paper in Glens Falls from above. Courtesy Google maps.