RICEBORO, Georgia — Seattle-based Weyerhaeuser, which in 2022 owned or held long-term contracts on 631,000 acres of timberland statewide, has filed an application with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to open a log fumigation plant near Riceboro. The operation would place logs from the company’s vast timber holdings under tarps, then spray a chemical called methyl bromide (also known as bromomethane) under the tarps to kill any bugs or mold. The process is similar to tenting a house for termites. The concern is, say experts, when the tent (or tarp) uncovers the treated wood, methyl bromide escapes into the air where it can spread over a wide area. Methyl bromide is a dangerous chemical that depletes the ozone layer. The U.S. phased out its use for most purposes in 2005. However, according to the EPA, methyl bromide is still permissible for treating shipping lumber and tree seedlings.