The woods were coppiced on rotation throughout the years with the timber sold to local tanneries.

The local tanneries could be responsible for several deadly cases of leukemia, but also are the main employers for the area.

However, the virgin timber which supplied the local tanneries and sawmills was all clear-cut within several years of the flood.

During this time the pool was used as a sewer and discharge from local tanneries flowed into the waters.

Majority of the population of Melvisharam are employed in local tanneries and leather goods manufacturing companies.

An influx of Mexican immigrants to the area began in the 1930s, during a labor shortage experienced by many of the local tanneries.

Bark was in especially high demand for local tanneries that produced prodigious amounts of leather.

The doctor discovers that the water is contaminated by the local tannery.

"Some Jews were employed in the local tanneries," the encyclopedia had said.

They suspect local factories, most probably a chemical plant that produces huge amounts, or the local tanneries, which have powerful political connections to hide behind.