PORT TOWNSEND — Residents concerned about health problems possibly associated with smelly emissions from Port Townsend Paper Corp.’s mill agreed Tuesday night to organize, research the issue and approach mill officials in a positive attempt to find solutions.

Many of about 40 residents from as far away as Cape George and Marrowstone Island complained of headaches and nausea caused by the chemical smell wafting from the mill.

They discussed how to best handle the situation during a meeting at Port Townsend Community Center.

Leading the meeting was Diane Perry Thompson, Maeve Aeolus and Elaine Bailey.

No representative of Port Townsend Paper attended.

“Our purpose is not to close down the mill,” Thompson said, opening the meeting.

She instead urged working with mill officials in a positive way to reach a solution.

The group agreed to meet again April 25, and many said they were interested in weighing in on the mill’s state air operating permit, which is up for renewal.