KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) -- Businesses, residents and travelers in Kingsport may experience a smellier atmosphere in the downtown area through mid-January as Domtar said it will be dredging its wastewater treatment lagoon on Riverport Road.

A letter sent from Domtar to property owners, and included in the Kingsport Chamber's weekly newsletter, said the dredging aims to remove solids in the settling zone of the wastewater treatment lagoon.

Domtar said the mill expects "minimal impacts to the surrounding community" throughout the duration of the project, which is anticipated to last through mid-January. Domtar said its contractor has enforced an enhanced odor mitigation system, but "an odor may occasionally occur."

The project's goal, according to Domtar, is to improve the efficiency of the treatment system and reduce odor from the process.

The full letter from Domtar can be found below:

TO: Downtown Property and Business Owners, Downtown Residents

FROM: Domtar Packaging Mill

"Domtar's Kingsport Mill will begin removing solids by dredging in the settling zone of its wastewater treatment lagoon on Riverport Road during the week of November 18. The project is expected to continue through mid-January. The mill anticipates minimal impacts to the surrounding community during the project. Our contractor has put in place an enhanced odor mitigation plan, but an odor may occasionally occur. The dredge project is part of the company's plan to improve the overall efficiency of the wastewater treatment system and reduce odor from the process. For more information, visit domtarpackagingkinsport.com."