United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of the Administrator
Washington, DC 20460
Mail Code 1807
EPA 100-R-00-039
January 2001
www.epa.gov/opei
SEPA Project XL Progress Report
Weyerhaeuser Flint River Operations
In 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) embarked on a series of innova-
tive initiatives in an effort to test new ways to achieve greater public health and environmental
protection at a more reasonable cost. Through Proj ect XL, which stands for excellence and
Leadership, EPA enters into specific proj ect agreements with public or private sector spon-
sors to test regulatory, policy, and procedural alternatives that will produce data and experi-
ences to help the Agency make improvements in the current system of environmental protec-
tion. The goal of Proj ect XL is to implement 50 proj ects that will test ways of producing
superior environmental performance with improved economic efficiencies, while increasing
public participation through active stakeholder processes. As of January 2001, EPA has
reached its goal of 5 0 proj ects in the implementation phase. EPA Proj ect XL Progress
Reports provide overviews of the status of XL proj ects that are implementing Final Proj ect
Agreements (FPAs). The progress reports are available on the Internet via EPAs Proj ect XL
Web site at http://www.epa.gov/Project XL. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting the
Office of Policy Economics and Innovation's (formerly the Office of Reinvention) Proj ect XL
general information number at 202-260-5754. Additional information on Proj ect XL is
available on the Web site or by contacting the general information number. The information
and data presented in the January 2001 Progress Report is current as of December 2000.
Background
Weyerhaeuser Company is one of the largest private owners of forest, with 5.4 million acres
in the United States. Among its products are timber, paper, and pulp. Weyerhaeuser's Flint
River pulp manufacturing facility in Oglethorpe, Georgia, manufactures 320,000 tons per
year of absorbent fluff pulp, a material used in diapers. The facility was opened in 1981 and
is located 100 miles south-
west of Atlanta, Georgia.
Weyerhaeuser is striving to
minimize the environmental
impact of its manufacturing
processes on the Flint River
and the surrounding environ-
ment by pursuing a long-term
vision of a Minimum Impact
Mill (MIM). Through a
combination of enforceable
\ \r
J-JL-J Weyerhaeuser XL Project
v Oglethorpe, Georgia
Major Milestones
Septembers, 1995
Weyerhaeuser XL
Proposal Submitted
January 17, 1997
Final Project Agreement
Signed
January 28, 1998
First Annual
Stakeholders Meeting
Montezuma, Georgia
February 4, 1999
Second Annual
Stakeholders Meeting
Flint River Facility
February 3, 2000 2006
Third Annual Final FPA Commitments
Stakeholders Meeting to be Met
Flint River Facility
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Weyerhaeuser XL Project 1-31-01
requirements and voluntary goals, the Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect will improve the environmental health of the
nearby Flint River and surrounding watersheds by:
reducing the allowable air emissions by 60 percent under the dual emission caps;
cutting bleach plant effluent by 50 percent over a ten year period;
reducing water use by 1,000,000 gallons a day;
cutting solid waste generation by 50 percent over a ten year period;
preparing and implementing a facility-wide plan to reduce energy use;
reducing the generation of hazardous waste to a level where the Flint River facility can qualify as a condition-
ally exempt small-quantity generator;
maintaining criteria air pollutant emissions at levels below facility-wide emission caps;
preparing and implementing a site-specific alternative compliance plan for hazardous air pollutant (HAP)
emissions;
improving forest management practices in over 300,000 acres of land; and
adopting the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001, an international standard that
defines the elements of a continually improving environmental management system.
The Experiment
The Weyerhaeuser proj ect tests a facility-wide permitting approach for water effluent discharges, air emissions,
and solid waste generation that is designed to promote the MEVI concept. Minimum impact manufacturing
contains the elements of a comprehensive pollution prevention program designed to minimize the use of raw
materials and to stop waste generation rather than to rely on end-of-pipe remedies.
The Flexibility
The Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect establishes a long-term plan to continuously reduce the Flint River facility's
impact on air, water, land, and the surrounding watersheds. As an incentive to achieve superior environmental
performance at Weyerhaeuser's Flint River facility, EPA and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division
(EPD) are providing more flexible and cost-effective processes for regulatory compliance. EPA and Georgia
EPD are offering Weyerhaeuser regulatory flexibility in the areas of environmental performance reporting,
effluent permitting, air quality permitting, hazardous air pollutant compliance, and solid waste permitting.
The statutory programs, and EPA offices administering those programs, that affect the Weyerhaeuser XL
proj ect are
Clean Water Act (CWA) programs administered by EPAs Office of Wastewater Management and EPAs
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds;
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) programs administered by EPAs Office of Solid Waste;
Clean Air Act (CAA) programs administered by EPAs Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards; and
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) programs administered by EPAs Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances.
All permitting programs required to implement the Final Proj ect Agreement (FPA) have been delegated by EPA
to the State of Georgia. Permits are issued by Georgia EPD.
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Weyerhaeuser XL Project 1-31-01
Reporting. EPA Region 4 and the Georgia EPD are allowing Weyerhaeuser the flexibility to consolidate some
of the facility's routine permitting reports into two reports per year. These reports are available on EPA's Project
XL web site at http://www.epa.gov/ProjectXL.
Effluent Permitting. EPA Region 4 and Georgia EPD have revised Weyerhaeuser's National Pollution Dis-
charge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to:
include more stringent effluent limits on biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and
adsorbable organic halogens (AOX);
streamline the permit renewal process;
eliminate fi sh ti ssue sampling requirements due to improvements in process technologies that have eliminated
detectable dioxin levels in effluents;
remove a requirement for additional assimilative capacity studies of the Flint River; and
allow annual compliance certification in lieu of periodic discharge monitoring reporting (DMR) due to the
company's ten year history of meeting all required discharge levels.
Air Quality Permitting. EPARegion 4 and Georgia EPD have modified the facility's existing air quality permit
to include dual emission caps for air pollutants. The caps reduce allowable air emissions from the facility by 60
percent below limits that would be required under a standard permit. The dual emission caps are (1) a cap that
allows the recovery furnace, smelt dissolving tank, calciner, and combination boiler (the facility's four maj or
sources of emissions) to be operated to their design capacity without triggering permit review; and (2) a cap
covering all facility sources except those four major sources. The dual emission caps apply to particulate matter
(PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic carbons (VOCs),
and total reduced sulfur (odor-causing pollutant). This modified air quality permit streamlines the permit renewal
process, includes alternate excess emission reporting protocols, and includes a protocol for conducting manu-
facturing process experiments without triggering a permit review.
Hazardous Air Pollutant Compliance. EPA Region 4 and Georgia EPD have agreed to provide
Weyerhaeuser the flexibility to demonstrate HAP emission reductions using innovative pollution prevention
approaches rather than end-of-pipe HAP controls. Weyerhaeuser committed to preparing an alternative compli-
ance plan that will present the HAP emission reductions to be achieved by the facility following promulgation of
the Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT) Cluster Rule for the pulp and paper industry.
Solid Waste Permitting. EPA Region 4 and Georgia EPD will modify Weyerhaeuser's solid waste permit to
allow nonhazardous industrial wastes containing free liquids to be disposed of in a permitted, onsite landfill.
Promoting Innovation and System Change
Proj ect XL provides EPA opportunities to test and implement approaches that protect the environment and
advance collaboration with stakeholders. EPA is continually identifying specific ways in which XL proj ects are
helping to promote innovation and system change. The innovations and system changes emerging from the
Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect are described below.
Pulp and Paper Cluster Rules. The Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect provides a pilot for testing alternative compli-
ance approaches to a new MACT standard. Weyerhaeuser will prepare an alternative compliance plan that will
present the HAP emission reductions to be achieved by the facility following the April 15,1998, promulgation
of the MACT Cluster Rule for the pulp and paper industry. EPA will use a site-specific rulemaking or similar
mechanism to authorize alternative MACT compliance.
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Weyerhaeuser XL Project
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Consolidated Reporting. The Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect allows the facility to consolidate reporting for some of
the applicable Federal, state, and local permitting and regulatory programs into two comprehensive reports each
year. The XL proj ect tests an approach to streamlining both permitting and the collection of higher quality
information from regulated industries. The XL proj ect will influence development of the comprehensive informa-
tion management plan to be prepared by the EPA's new consolidated Office of Environmental Information.
Dual Emissions Caps. The Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect provides for dual emissions caps that limit facility-wide
emissions to levels 60 percent below those that would be required under a standard permit. In return,
Weyerhaeuser can change certain equipment operating conditions, as long as they do not result in emissions
exceeding the caps, to respond to customer needs without triggering permit reviews.
NPDESPermitting. Weyerhaeuser's NPDES permit has been revised to include more stringent effluent limits
on BOD, TSS, and AOX. In return, Weyerhaeuser (1) is not required to conduct fish tissue sampling because
improvements in process technologies have eliminated detectable dioxin levels in effluents; (2) is not required to
conduct additional assimilative capacity studies of the Flint River; and (3) can provide an annual certification of
compliance instead of periodic discharge monitoring reports (DMR) because of the company's ten year history
of meeting all required discharge levels.
Comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS). Weyerhaeuser will voluntarily revise an EMS at
the Flint River facility to conform with the ISO 14001 standard. The facility is developing a comprehensive
manual of standard work procedures for plant employees. As announced in the Federal Register on March 12,
1998, EPA is evaluating options that will lead to development of an Agency policy on EMSs. The
Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect will provide data on the compliance and environmental benefits of an EMS approach.
TimberlandResource Strategies. Weyerhaeuser also will reduce solid and hazardous waste generation and
improve forest management practices in more than 300,000 acres of timberland. EPA will participate in review
and evaluation of feasibility studies with potential applicability of results across the pulp and paper industry.
Project Commitment Summary
This table and the environmental performance section that follows summarize progress in meeting commitments
described in the FPA for Weyerhaeuser's Flint River facility. The facility has completed Phases I, II, and HI of
its environmental management plans (which are therefore not provided in the following table), is nearing comple-
tion of all Phase IV environmental management plans, and is in the process of implementing Phase V feasibility
studies.
Commitment Status
Minimum Impact Mill Phase IV Implementation Schedule
Construct brownside optimization equipment.
Upgrade odor control system.
Reduce energy steam use.
Construction and process optimization were
completed in 1997.
Construction and process optimization were
completed in 1996.
Construction and process optimization were
completed in 1997.
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Commitment
Status
Minimum Impact Mill Phase IV Implementation Schedule (Continued)
Revise existing EMS to conform to ISO 14001 EMS
(nonenforceable), including operational procedures,
record keeping, auditing, quality assurance, and
permit requirements.
The process of ISO 14001 documentation, originally
scheduled for completion in mid-1997, has pro-
ceeded slower than expected. Weyerhaeuser has
completed a corporate-wide guidance document for
implementing an ISO 14001 EMS. The Flint River
facility is identifying environmental aspects of the
facility's operations. Completion of ISO 14001 EMS
documentation for the Flint River facility i s expected
in 2000.
Minimum Impact Mill Phase V Feasibility Studies
Conduct feasibility studies for reducing solid waste
generation through source elimination, by-product
reuse, and energy recovery.
A compost using facility by-products that is suitable
for land application has been produced; an economic
analysis of composting has been completed. Long-
term land application feasibility trials are underway.
Conduct studies of mill water use to reduce the
quantity of treated wastewater discharged into the
river.
A feasibility study has been completed on reusing
excess white water in the bleach tower. Feasibility
studies are under way on reusing bleaching plant
filtrate in the wood yard log flume and on using
waterless packing for rotary equipment.
Conduct an energy conservation study to identify
potential conservation practices and prepare a long-
term energy conservation plan to reduce plant energy
demand and power boiler steaming rates.
Four small-scale energy conservation projects have
been completed: returning product unit condensate to
the boiler feedwater system, returning evaporator
condensate to the recaust area, reducing secondary
temperatures in the recovery boiler, and using weak
filtrate to clean the cylinder mould. A facility-wide
energy conservation study was completed in early
1999; the results of the study will be used to prepare
a long-term energy conservation plan.
Conduct feasibility studies, including water use,
process elements, finished product quality, and
multimedia impacts, to determine how to reduce the
volume of bleach plant effluent flow.
An initial feasibility study on creating a closed circula-
tion bleach plant has been completed. The initial
assessment determined that this is not a cost-effective
option given market conditions. Additional feasibility
studies are planned for reducing bleach plant effluent.
Conduct FLAP emission reduction feasibility studies to
identify pollution prevention approaches for achieving
HAP emission reductions.
Emissions testing on facility sources and condensate
streams has been completed. A draft MACT alterna-
tive compliance plan has been sent to EPA.
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Commitment Status
Minimum Impact Mill Phase V Feasability Studies (Continued)
Implement timberland resource strategies for over
300,000 acres of forest to designate forest buffers,
minimize erosion caused by roads, improve stream-
side management, develop water bars to stabilize
soils, safeguard unique habitats, implement landscape
planning, establish wildlife corridors, and protect
threatened and endangered species.
Documentation and implementation of timberland
resource strategies was completed in the fall of 1 997.
Water
Revise the NPDES permit to provide more stringent
effluent limits for BOD, TS S, and AOX; to streamline
the permit renewal process; to remove the fish tissue
sampling requirement; to remove the requirement for
additional assimilative capacity studies of the Flint
River; and to allow annual compliance certification in
lieu of DMR reporting.
Modify the surface water withdrawal permit to
reduce the daily maximum withdrawal limits by one
million gallons per day (MGD).
The NPDES permit was revised in July, 1 997.
Weyerhaeuser submitted the water withdrawal permit
modification in June 2000.
Solid Waste
Modify the solid- waste permit to allow disposal of
nonhazardous industrial wastes containing free liquids
into a permitted onsite landfill. Weyerhaeuser will
continue stormwater and leachate treatment and
quarterly groundwater monitoring.
Weyerhaeuser submitted a solid-waste permit
modification request in late 1998.
Hazardous Waste
Reduce the generation of hazardous wastes to a level
where the facility can qualify as a conditionally
exempt small-quantity generator.
Weyerhaeuser achieved designation as a condition-
ally exempt small quantity generator in 1997 by
recycling and reusing a solvent (methyl ethyl ketone)
used for cleaning painting equipment.
Air
Modify the facility's air quality permit to include dual
emissions caps, to streamline the permit renewal
process, to include alternate excess emission report-
ing protocols, to include an alternate compliance
testing protocol, and to include a protocol to allow
experimental trials without triggering permitting.
Revise Flint River's Title V permit to postpone permit
modifications for activities undertaken pursuant to the
XL project until the permit comes up for renewal.
The air quality permit was revised in December,
1997.
The permit was revised in December, 1997.
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Air (Continued)
Prepare a site-specific MACT alternative compliance
plan that will detail how Weyerhaeuser will reduce
HAP emissions to levels equal to or exceeding those
required under the MACT Cluster Rule.
The MACT Cluster Rule for the pulp and paper
industry was promulgated in April 1 998 . Weyerhaeuser
has prepared a draft MACT alternative compliance
plan. Completion of the final plan is expected in the
second half of 2000.
Reporting
Prepare annual reports for distribution to EPA, the
State of Georgia, and local stakeholders.
Prepare midyear reports for distribution to EPA, the
State of Georgia, and local stakeholders.
Distribute data and reports to the public upon reports
to the public upon request.
Annual reports have been completed for 1997 and
1998, and 1999. The 2000 annual report is due to
be completed in January 2001 .
Midyear reports have been completed for 1 997,
1998, 1999, and 2000.
As needed.
Stakeholder Meetings
Conduct annual public meetings in January in the
vicinity of the Flint River facility.
The first annual stakeholders meeting was held in
Montezuma, Georgia, on January 28, 1998. The
second annual stakeholders meeting was held at the
Flint River facility onFebruary 4, 1999. The third
annual stakeholders meeting was held at the Flint River
facility onFebruary 3, 2000.
11.47
11.92
Environmental Performance
This section summarizes progress in meeting the environmental performance commitments described in the FPA
for Weyerhaeuser'sFlintRiver Facility.
Raw Water Usage
Raw Water Usage: Reducing the facility's use of water Monthly Average
from the Flint River will reduce the quantity of treated
wastewater discharged back into the river.
Weyerhaeuser's long term goal is to reduce water with-
drawal from the Flint River to a voluntary limit of 10.18
MGD monthly average. Baseline water withdrawal at the
facility is 11.18 MGD monthly average. The facility's
surface water withdrawal permit was scheduled to be
modified to reduce enforceable withdrawal limits by 1.0
MGD, to 11.5 MGD monthly average, by January 1,
1998. Permit modification has been delayed and is now
expected during the year 2000 following completion of
water conservation studies.
2000 YTD*
(1/00-6/00)
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
Voluntary Goal
Baseline
(1993-95 monthly averages
Permit Goal
Enforceable Permit
11.49
11.74
11.91
10.18
11.18
11.50
12.50
10.00 10.25 10.50 10.75 11.00 11.25 11.50 11.75 12.00 12.25 12.50
Millions of Gallons per Day
*YTD=Yeartodate
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Weyerhaeuser XL Project
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Progress: The water reductions obtained from modernization proj ects in 1996 and 1997 were not sufficient to
offset increased water use from other facility process areas, which resulted in an increase from the baseline to
11.74 MGD monthly average for 1997. In 1998, water use was reduced to 11.49 MGD monthly average
through the daily water conservation efforts of production operators. In 1999, water use increased to 11.92
MGD monthly average. In the first six months of 2000, raw water usage decreased to 11.47 MGD.
During 1999 and the first half of 2000, daily water usage was given higher visibility by the Weyerhaeuser
operating teams. When water usage could not be significantly lowered through administrative controls, the teams
searched for an engineering solution. Detailed engineering studies showed that by upgrading the impeller of the
white water pump, Weyerhaeuser might be able to significantly reduce plant water usage. After upgrading the
impeller, Weyerhaeuser found that, due to the complexities of the water system, this proj ect was not going to
yield the results they had anticipated.
Weyerhaeuser continued to search for ways to reduce total water usage. In February 2000, the Flint River
facility initiated further water usage reforms that have reduced average daily water usage by 500,000 gallons per
day by the end of June, bringing raw water usage to 11.47 MGD. Of this 500,000 gallons per day,
Weyerhaeuser attributes saving:
100,000 gallons per day to raising awareness throughout the plant;
200,000 gallons per day from automating and adding a flow measurement device to the line that provides
makeup flow to the Machine wire pit (Weyerhaeuser proved that they did not have to "turn over" the wire pit
with fresh water each time before changing product grade to a higher brightness pulp);
100,000 gallons per day to reducing the orifice sizes in several nozzles in the wood yard operation; and
100,000 gallons per day to installing an automatic shutoff valve on the water that is used as a continuous
washdown underneath the refuse conveyor in the wood yard.
Water conservation proj ects remain a priority and Weyerhaeuser will continue to study ways to decrease the
raw water usage at its Flint River facility. A Weyerhaeuser proj ect that reclaims and reuses cooling water going
to several fan bearings in the boilerhouse area has just been approved for funding. This proj ect has the potential
to save another 500,000 gallons per day of water by the end of 2000.
Bleach Plant Flow: Weyerhaeuser has committed to re-
searching the feasibility of implementing future technological
developments in the industry that may allow the facility to
reduce its bleach plant effluent flow by 5 0 percent to 10 cubic
meters per air dried metric ton (ADMT) for finished product
(fluff pulp used to make diapers) by the year 2006. The
expected environmental benefits include (1) a two MGD
monthly average water-use reduction (bleach plant flow is
approximately 48 to 49 percent of the total plant water
usage); (2) reductions in effluent BOD, TSS, and AOX; and
(3) HAP emission reductions. To reach these goals,
Weyerhaeuser plans to conduct feasibility studies on water
use management. The results of these studies will be used by
EPA, Georgia EPD, and Weyerhaeuser to negotiate a
NPDES permit to be issued in 2002. The permit will contain
enforceable measures for reducing effluent flow to an agreed-upon level by 2006.
Bleach Plant Flow
2000 YTD*
(1/00-6/00)
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
FPA Goal
by 2006
Baseline (1993-95
monthly averages)
10.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Cubic Meters per Air-Dried Metric Ton of Finished Product
*YTD=Year to date
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Weyerhaeuser XL Project
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Progress: Bleach plant flow remained unchanged at 20 cubic meters per ADMT in 1996,1997,1998,1999,
and the first six months of 2000. An initial feasibility study to determine the equipment required to reduce bleach
plant flow, the effect of the equipment on product quality and effluent, and estimated capital costs has been
completed. The company's initial assessment is that the cost of creating a closed loop recycling bleach plant
would not justify moving ahead with maj or bleach plant effluent quantity reductions. Pulp purchasers in Europe
and North America have indicated little interest in paying a higher price for pulp from a mill with a closed loop
recycling bleach plant. Some additional testing for internal improvements in the bleach plant will be conducted to
reduce bleach plant flow without requiring the maj or capital expenditures of creating a closed loop bleach plant.
Weyerhaeuser is searching for new opportunities to reduce bleach plant effluent and is seeking alternative ways
to move toward the goal of reducing bleach plant effluent by 2006.
Biological Oxygen Demand
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Effluent:
Weyerhaeuser has committed to reduce BOD levels
in treated wastewater discharged to the Flint River.
The facility's January 1998 NPDES permit allows
the discharge of 3.8 pounds of BOD per ADMT of
finished product.
Progress: Weyerhaeuser has modernized several
components of the pulping process, which has
reduced the amount of organic materials, and conse-
quently the BOD levels, in bleach plant wastewater
from baseline levels. Weyerhaeuser reduced the
amount of BOD in its effluent from a 1997 level of
3.01 pounds per ADMT to a 1998 level of 2.13
pounds per ADMT. During 1999, BOD levels in
facility effluent increased to 2.83 pounds per ADMT.
Unreliable operation in a facility process during 1999
caused increased production of offgrade pulp, which is recycled through the pulp manufacturing process. This
increased the amount of water used, effluent produced, and BOD levels per ton of finished product. In the first
six months of 2000, BOD levels increased to 4.01 pounds per ADMT. This increase is attributed to a seasonal
effect; Weyerhaeuser expects the BOD to remain within permitted levels, as noted in the footnote for the figure
in this section.
2000 YTD*
(1/00-6/00)
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
"Permit Level
Effective 1-1 -98
Baseline (1993-95
monthly averages)
Allowable under
Guideline Requirements
(
4.01
2.83
2.13
3.01
3.52
3.80
4.32
4.83
312345
Pounds per Air-Dried Metric Tons of Finished Product
*YTD=Yeartodate
"Units used in the NPDES permit are pounds per day.
The permit level has not been exceeded.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in Effluent:
Weyerhaeuser has committed to reducing TSS levels in
treated wastewater discharged to the Flint River. The
facility's January 1998 NPDES permit allows the
discharge of 4.09 pounds of TSS per ADMT of
finished product.
Progress: Weyerhaeuser has modernized several
components of the pulping process, which has reduced
the amount of TSS in bleach plant wastewater.
Weyerhaeuser reduced the amount of TSS in its effluent
from a 1997 level of 3.13 pounds per ADMT to a
1998 level of 2.8 pounds per ADMT. During 1999,
TSS levels in facility effluent increased to 3.87 pounds
per ADMT. Unreliable operation in a facility process
Total Suspended Solids
2000 YTD*
(1/00-6/00)
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
"Permit Level
Effective 1-1 -98
Baseline(1 993-95
monthly averages)
Allowable under
Guideline Requirements
4.60
3.87
2.80
3.13
3.58
4.09
4.65
8.58
0 2 4 6 8 10
Pounds per Air-Dried Metric Ton of Finished Product
*YTD=Year to date
"Units used in the NPDES permit are pounds per day.
The permit level has not been exceeded.
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Weyerhaeuser XL Project
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during 1999 caused increased production of offgrade pulp, which is recycled through the pulp manufacturing
process. This increased the amount of water used, effluent produced, and TSS levels per ton of finished prod-
uct. For the first six months of 2000, TSS levels increased to 4.60 pounds per ADMT. This apparent increase is
likely due to a seasonal affect; Weyerhaeuser expects the TSS to remain within permitted levels, as noted in the
footnote for the figure in this section.
Adsorbable Organic Halides
2000 YTD
(1/00-6/00)
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
"Permit Level
Effective 1-1-98
Baseline (1993-95
monthly averages)
Allowable under
Guideline Requirements
0.09
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.15
0.11
0.156
0.00 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16
Kilograms per Air-Dried Metric Ton of Finished Product
*YTD=Year to date
"Units used in the NPDES permit are pounds per day.
The permit limit has not been exceeded.
Solid Waste Generation
482
Adsorbable Organic Halogens (AOX) in Efflu-
ent: Weyerhaeuser has committed to reducing AOX
levels in treated wastewater discharged to the Flint
River. The facility's January 1998 NPDES permit
allows the discharge of 0.15 kilograms of AOX per
ADMT of finished product. The AOX limit under
Project XL achieves 4 percent reductions above the
best available technology standards proposed by
EPA.
Progress: Weyerhaeuser has modernized several
components of the pulping process, which has gener-
ally maintained the levels of AOX in bleach plant
wastewater. AOX levels were 0.10 kilograms per
ADMT in 1996,1997,1998, and 1999. During
2000, AOX levels in facility effluent decreased to 0.9
kilograms per ADMT.
Solid Waste Generation: Weyerhaeuser has committed
to reducing solid waste generation by 50 percent by the
year of 2006 from the MIM Phase IV goal of 621 pounds
per ADMT, which would be 310 pounds per ADMT.
Source elimination, by-product recycling and reuse, and
by-product energy recovery will be used to accomplish this
goal.
Progress: Weyerhaeuser has modernized several compo-
nents of the pulping process, which has generally reduced
the amount of solid waste generated by the plant. Solid
waste generation at the facility in 1997 was 409 pounds per
ADMT (59 percent of baseline). This increased in 1998 to
461 pounds per ADMT (67 percent of baseline). The
increase was caused primarily by the generation of over
9,200 tons of additional lime mud from two calciner operat-
ing and mechanical incidents. On the positive side, a total of 1,550 tons of solid waste reductions were achieved
in waste clarifier sludge from enhancing performance of the finish fiber cleaners, from reducing power boiler fly
ash, from reducing screening room knots from the digester, and from recovering wood yard debris.
During 1999, solid waste generation increased to 498 pounds per ADMT (72 percent of baseline). The in-
crease was predominately due to additional lime mud generation caused by calciner operational problems. The
increase in lime mud generation offset continued progress in reducing generation of power boiler fly ash by
approximately 630 tons, reducing generation of screening room knots by about 126 tons, and recovering 982
tons of wood yard debris. Through June 2000, solid waste generation decreased to 482 pounds per ADMT.
2000 YTD*
(1/00-6/00)
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
FPA Goal
by 2006
Baseline
(1995 level)
498
461
409
505
310
300
400
500
600
700
Pounds per Air-Dried Metric Ton of Finished Product
*YTD=Year to date
10
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The mill will be initiating a maj or study in the second half of 2000 to determine the scope required to meet the
2006 solid waste goal. In addition, the plan to refine composting methods and cost was completed in the first
half of 2000. If possible, approval will be sought during 2001. In addition, the power boiler advanced control
study is in progress to investigate ways to reduce combustion of flyash from the boiler. The study is expected to
take approximately one year to complete.
The University of Georgia has completed composting trials showing that composting is a viable alternative to
landfilling of certain solid wastes. A draft of the composting feasibility report concludes that the composting
process results in a stable product that can be used in horticultural, agricultural, and other soil blending applica-
tions. The compost has been used on a test plot for surface mine reclamation and has shown promising results.
The China Clay Producers Association has requested the compost for an expanded field study. If the expanded
study is successful and the economics are favorable, composting of process residuals would be commercially
viable.
Field plots supplemented with compost and process wastes have been planted with pine seedlings. This land
application feasibility trial is continuing into the second growing season. No effect on the mortality rates of pine
seedlings was observed after the first growing season. Growth rate is expected to be positively impacted in
sub sequent years. This field study is ongoing.
Air Emissions ofParticulate Matter: The facility's
December 1997 air quality permit includes dual emission
caps for air pollutants. The cap on all emissions of parti cu-
late matter is 589 tons per year, which is a 60 percent
reduction from the 1,472 tons per year allowed under a
standard permit.
Progress: Particulate matter air emissions increased slightly
from a 1998 level of 390 tons per year (66 percent of
capped level) to a 1999 level of 395 tons per year (67
percent of capped level). Data on particulate matter emis-
sions were not analyzed during the first six months of 2000.
Updated information on particulate matter emissions will be
provided in the annual report.
Air Emissions of Total Reduced Sulfur: The facility's
December 1997 air quality permit includes dual emission
caps for air pollutants. The total cap on all emissions of total
reduced sulfur is 62 tons per year, which is a 60 percent
reduction from the 155 tons per year allowed under a
standard permit.
Progress: Total reduced sulfur air emissions increased
slightly from a 1998 level of 33 tons per year (53 percent of
capped level) to a 1999 level of 35 tons per year (56
percent of capped level). Data on total reduced sulfur
emissions were not analyzed during the first six months of
2000. Updated information on sulfur emissions will be
provided in the annual report.
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
1995 Actual
Total Dual
Emissions Cap
Effective 12/97
Allowable Under
Standard Permit
Particulate Matter
395
390
385
423
457
589
1472
300
600 900
Tons per Year
1200
1500
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
1995 Actual
Total Dual
Emissions Cap
Effective 12/97
Allowable Under
Standard Permit
(
Total Reduced Sulfur
35
33
35
39
43
62
155
) 30 60 90 120 150 180
Tons per Year
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Air Emissions of Sulfur Dioxide (SO): The facility's
December 1997 air quality permit includes dual emission
caps for air pollutants. The total cap on all emissions of SO2
is 879 tons per year, which is a 60 percent reduction from
the 2,197 tons per year allowed under a standard permit.
Progress: Emissions of SO2 have decreased from a 1997
level of 624 tons per year (71 percent of capped level) to a
1998 level of 582 tons per year (66 percent of capped
level). Sulfur dioxide air emissions have since significantly
decreased to a 1999 level of 303 tons per year (34 percent
of capped level). Data on sulfur dioxide emissions were not
analyzed during the first six months of 2000. Updated
information on sulfur dioxide emissions will be provided in
the annual report.
Air Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOJ: The facility's
December 1997 air quality permit includes dual emission
caps for air pollutants. The total cap on all emissions of NOx
is 1,300 tons per year, which is a 60 percent reduction from
the 3,250 tons per year allowed under a standard permit.
Progress: NOx air emissions had increased slightly from a
1997 level of 769 tons per year (59 percent of capped level)
to a 1998 level of 795 tons per year (61 percent of capped
level). NOx air emissions have since increased to a 1999
level of 814 tons per year (63 percent). Data on nitrous
oxide emissions were not analyzed during the first six months
of 2000. Updated information on nitrous oxide emissions will
be provided in the annual report.
Air Emissions of Carbon Monoxide (CO): The
facility's December 1997 air quality permit includes dual
emission caps for air pollutants. The total cap on all
emissions of carbon monoxide is 2,516 tons per year,
which is a 60 percent reduction from the 6,290 tons per
year allowed under a standard permit.
Progress: Carbon monoxide air emissions increased from
a 1998 level of 1,573 tons per year (63 percent of capped
level) to a 1999 level of 1,599 tons per year (64 percent
of capped level). Data on carbon monoxide emissions
were not analyzed during the first six months of 2000.
Updated information on carbon monoxide emissions will
be provided in the annual report.
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
1995 Actual
Total Dual
Emissions Cap
Effective 12/97
Allowable Under
Standard Permit
303
Sulfur Dioxide
582
624
271
587
879
2197
500
1000 1500
Tons per Year
2000
2500
Nitrogen Oxides
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
1995 Actual
Total Dual
Emissions Cap
Effective 12/97
Allowable Under
Standard Permit
5(
814
795
769
832
881
1300
3250
50 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
Tons per Year
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
1995 Actual
Total Dual
Emissions Cap
Effective 12/97
Allowable Under
Standard Permit
Carbon Monoxide
1599
1573
1454
1676
1780
2516
6290
1000 2000
3000 4000 5000
Tons per Year
6000 7000
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Air Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs): The facility's December 1997 air quality permit
includes dual emission caps for air pollutants. The total
cap on all emissions of VOCs is 778 tons per year, which
is a 60 percent reduction from the 1,945 tons per year
allowed under a standard permit.
Progress: VOC emissions had decreased from a 1997
level of 669 tons per year (86 percent of capped level) to
a 1998 level of 652 tons per year (84 percent of capped
level). VOC emissions have since decreased to 303 tons
per year (39 percent of capped level). Data on VOC
emissions were not analyzed during the first six months of
2000. Updated information on VOC emissions will be
provided in the annual report.
Volatile Organic Compounds
1999 Actual
1998 Actual
1997 Actual
1996 Actual
1995 Actual
Total Dual
Emissions Cap
Effective 12/97
Allowable Under
Standard Permit
632
652
669
636
759
778
1945
500
875
1250
Tons per Year
1625
2000
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Emissions: HAP emission levels that Weyerhaeuser will be required to
attain under the new MACT rule will be determined based on a site-specific assessment, Weyerhaeuser's
development of an alternative compliance plan, and Federal and state agency approval of that plan.
Progress: The facility has completed HAP emissions testing around the steam stripping system, the bleach plant,
the screening room, and oxygen stage sources to quantify the amount of HAPs (in this case, methanol) that are
produced in these process areas. HAP emissions testing conducted on sources subject to the MACT rules
shows the mill to be in compliance with the MACT standards for HAPs collection. This is a result of the system
modifications completed in 1996. In July 1999, the plant performed 30 days of testing for methanol content in
condensate streams. The results of this testing indicated that with a change in piping, more methanol in conden-
sate could be diverted to biological treatment. After piping changes were made, another 21 days of testing was
performed in October 1999. The results show that the condensate collection system is treating 83 percent more
methanol than that required by the Cluster Rule in biological treatment alone. A follow-up meeting was held with
Weyerhaeuser, EPA, and Georgia EPD in December 1999. Weyerhaeuser has completed and submitted the
facility's MACT alternative compliance plan to EPA and Georgia EPD. A draft site-specific MACT Rule has
been written by EPA to formalize this agreement and is in circulation within EPA. The process will be completed
before the MACT compliance date in April 2001.
Hazardous Waste Generation: Weyerhaeuser committed to reduce its hazardous waste generation to the
point where the facility's RCRA designation would be changed from a small-quantity generator (SQG) to a
conditionally exempt small-quantity generator.
Progress: Weyerhaeuser achieved this goal in 1997 by recycling and reusing a solvent (methyl ethyl ketone)
used for cleaning painting equipment.
Environmental Management System (EMS): An EMS instills the principles of continuous environmental
improvement through pollution prevention rather than end-of-pipe controls. The existing Flint River Operations
EMS will be revised to conform to the ISO 14001 EMS. ISO 14001 is a voluntary international standard that
outlines a framework for an environmental management system. When completed, the ISO 14001 EMS will
document the management systems required to comply with all applicable Weyerhaeuser policies and state,
local, and Federal rules and regulations.
Progress: An ISO 14001 guidance document has been completed by Weyerhaeuser staff at the corporate
level, at the Flint River facility, and at another Weyerhaeuser mill. The guidance document outlines the require-
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ments, steps to take, and examples for implementing an ISO 14001 EMS. Other Weyerhaeuser mills will use
this guidance document as a template to create their own EMS.
In the first six months of 2000, Weyerhaeuser has made significant progress in reorganizing and redocumenting
the Flint River EMS to conform to the ISO 14001 standard. Most of the high-level documentation has been
completed and significant environmental aspects have been identified, 50 percent of which have been docu-
mented. The plant has prepared a training package on EMS responsibilities for plant leadership, team leaders,
and all mill employees. An initial EMS audit is scheduled for November 2000. Weyerhaeuser plans to have a
fully functioning EMS that conforms to ISO 14001 completed by the end of 2000.
Energy Conservation: Weyerhaeuser committed to conducting energy conservation studies to identify oppor-
tunities for long-term reductions in facility energy demand. Based on these studies, a long-term goal for energy
conservation will be determined and incorporated into the FPA. The expected environmental benefit is a reduc-
tion in air pollutant emissions due to a reduction in the amount of fuel burned.
Progress: Weyerhaeuser continued to make gains in the area of energy conservation, specifically in their efforts
to reduce steam usage. Two capital projects from the energy conservation study were investigated. The results
from the non-capital projects implemented in 1998 show the average annual steaming rate continues to decline.
The reduction in power boiler steaming rate has a direct relationship to less criteria air pollutants being emitted.
There has been a decrease in power boiler steaming rate since the baseline years (from a level of 295,000
pounds per hour in 1994 to 199,000 pounds per hour for the first six months of 2000). In addition, since 1996,
energy steam usage has decreased from 22.44 million pounds (Mlbs)/ADMT to 20.62 Mlbs/ADMT through
the first six months of 2000.
Stakeholder Participation
Weyerhaeuser worked to ensure that stakeholders were involved in the environmental design and impact
assessment of its XL project and had an opportunity to participate fully in project development. The organiza-
tions directly involved in negotiating the FPA included Weyerhaeuser, U. S. EPA, Georgia EPD, the Georgia
Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (PPAD), and the Lake Blackshear Watershed Association. Efforts to
include a broad array of stakeholders as direct participants and to keep the public well informed included:
a series of regional public meetings in Oglethorpe, Georgia;
personal contacts through telephone calls and meetings;
oral briefings and broad distribution of written descriptions of Proj ect XL to employees;
oral briefings and the distribution of written proj ect summaries to interested national, nongovernmental
organizations; and
publication of notices in courthouses and local newspapers to convey an open invitation to scheduled public
meetings.
Complete listings of all stakeholders that participated in general public meetings held to discuss the
Weyerhaeuser FPA are available in FPA Appendix A.
Weyerhaeuser openly communicates with stakeholders about the status of operations under the FPA, answering
all questions and inquiries. Weyerhaeuser has committed to holding annual stakeholder meetings in the vicinity of
the Flint River facility. Reasonable advanced meeting notice will be provided to Federal, state, and local agen-
cies and other stakeholders. The annual meeting is the platform for Weyerhaeuser to present the status of FPA
implementation and to answer stakeholder questions and concerns.
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On January 28,1998, the first Proj ect XL annual stakeholders meeting was held in Montezuma, Georgia. On
February 4,1999, the second annual stakeholders meeting was held at the Flint River facility. The third annual
stakeholders meeting was also held at the Flint River facility, on February 3,2000. Members of Weyerhaeuser's
corporate leadership attended as well as representatives of EPA headquarters and Region 4, Georgia EPD,
Weyerhaeuser employees, other stakeholders, and the general public. An audience of approximately 30 people
participated in open question-and-answer period following a presentation on the progress of Proj ect XL at the
Flint River facility.
Six-Month Outlook
The key focus areas for continued successful implementation of the FPA over the next six months will be to
identify and implement water conservation measures to drive towards the goal of 10.18 MGD total water
usage;
define possible water reuse and reduction opportunities that would reduce bleach plant effluent flow;
continue efforts in energy conservation;
complete the effort to convert Flint River Operation's EMS into ISO 14001 EMSin2000;
implement the applicable Cluster Rule requirements according to timelines within the regulation; and
focus on continued reduction of solid waste from the calciner with the implementation of a rate and reliability
study.
Project Contacts
Mark Johnson, Weyerhaeuser, (770-777-8308).
Lee Page, EPA Region 4, (404)562-9131.
Nancy Birnbaum, EPA Headquarters, (202) 260-2601.
David Word, GeorgiaEPD, (404) 656-4713.
Alan Leake, Georgia EPD, (404) 363-7138.
Bob Donoghue, Georgia PPAD, (404) 651-5120.
Information Sources
The information sources used to develop this progress report include (1) focus group discussions with represen-
tatives of the U.S. EPA, Weyerhaeuser Flint River Operations, GeorgiaEPD, Georgia PPAD, and local com-
munity stakeholders; (2) the FPA for the Weyerhaeuser XL proj ect; and (3) annual and semiannual status
reports prepared by Weyerhaeuser. The information sources are current through July 2000.
Glossary
Adsorbable Organic Halogen (AOX): A measurement of the amount of chlorinated organic compounds in an
effluent water sample.
Assimilative Capacity: The capacity of a body of water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without
deleterious effects and without damage to either aquatic life, or to humans or terrestrial animals that consume the
water.
Baseline: A measure by which future environmental performance can be compared.
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Best Management Practices: Methods that have been determined to be the most effective, practical means of
preventing or reducing pollution from non-point sources.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): The measurement in an effluent water sample of the oxygen consumed by
biological processes breaking down organic matter. Excessive amounts of BOD in water can result in algal
blooms.
Bleach Plant: Bleaching is any process that chemically alters pulp to increase its brightness.
Brownside Optimization: The name given to Weyerhaeuser's proj ect to upgrade its pulp digester to isothermal
cooking technology, reinj ection of wood knots, and change out of primary screens.
Brownstock Washing: The pulping solution used in chemical pulping is separated from the pulp using
brownstock washing. Efficient washing is critical to maximize the reuse of pulping solution and minimize the
concentration of pulping solution in the pulp sent to the bleach plant.
Calciner: In the calcining process, typically, a lime kiln is used to regenerate lime from lime mud.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete fossil fuel combustion.
Clean Air Act (CAA): The Clean Air Act is the comprehensive Federal law that regulates air emissions from
area, stationary, and mobile sources. This law authorizes EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Stan-
dards (NAAQS) and other regulations to protect public health and the environment.
Clean Water Act (CWA): The Clean Water Act sets the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants to
waters of the United States. The law gives EPA the authority to set technology-based effluent standards on an
industry basis and establish water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters. The CWA makes it
unlawful for any person to discharge any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters unless a National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is obtained.
Conditionally Exempt Small-Quantity Generator: Persons or enterprises that produce less than 220 pounds of
hazardous waste per month. Exempt from most regulations, they are required only to determine whether their
waste is hazardous, notify appropriate state or local agencies, and ship the waste by an authorized transporter to
a permitted facility for proper disposal.
Criteria Air Pollutants: The CAA requires EPA to set NAAQS for certain pollutants known to be hazardous to
human health. EPA has identified and set standards to protect human health and welfare for six criteria air
pollutantsozone, carbon monoxide (CO), total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead, and
nitrogen oxide (NOx). EPA must describe the characteristics and potential health and welfare effects of these
pollutants. It is on this basis thatNAAQSs are set or revised.
Digester: A reaction vessel used to convert wood chips into pulp. Wood chips are mixed with a pulping solution
(white liquor) in a reaction vessel (digester) that cooks the solution under increased pressure and temperature.
Output products are separated wood fibers (pulp) and a liquid that contains woody solids in a solution of
reacted and unreacted pulping chemicals (black liquor).
Dioxin: Any one of a family of compounds known chemically as dibenzo-p-dioxins. Concern about dioxin arises
from their potential toxicity as a contaminant in commercial products. Tests on laboratory animals indicate that
dioxin is one of the most toxic of man-made compounds.
Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR): Facilities that discharge wastewater directly from point sources to surface
waters must submit DMRs under NPDES wastewater permitting.
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Effluent: Treated or untreated wastewater that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial outfall. Gener-
ally refers to wastes discharged into surface waters.
Emissions Cap: A provision designed to prevent proj ected growth in emissions from both existing and future
stationary sources from exceeding mandated limits. Generally, such provisions require that any emissions in-
crease from equipment at a facility be offset by emission reductions from other equipment under the same cap.
End-of-Pipe Controls: Technologies, such as scrubbers on smokestacks and catalytic convenors on automobile
tailpipes, that reduce the emission or discharge of environmental pollutants after they have formed.
Final Proj ect Agreement: The FPA outlines the details of the XL proj ect and each party's commitments. The
project's sponsors, EPA, state agencies, Tribal governments, other regulators, and direct participant stakehold-
ers negotiate the FPA.
Forest Buffers: Strips of forests along each side of a stream that resist erosion and slow the runoff of sediment-
laden rainwater into the stream.
Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs): Air pollutants that are not covered by the NAAQS but that may present a
threat of adverse human health effects or adverse environmental effects. Such pollutants include methanol,
asbestos, beryllium, mercury, benzene, radionuclides, and vinyl chloride.
Impeller: The blade of a rotating portion of a machine. Weyerhaeuser increased the size of the impeller of a
Whitewater pump, allowing the pump to process a higher volume of water when needed. This reduced the
amount of water overflowing into the sewer as waste, thereby conserving water.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14000: ISO 14000 is primarily concerned with environ-
mental management. The ISO 14000 series sets out the methods that can be implemented in an organization to
minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by pollution or natural resource depletion.
Landfill: Secure landfills are disposal sites for solid wastes, selected and designed to minimize the release of
hazardous substances into the environment.
Leachate: Water that collects contaminants as it trickles through wastes, pesticides, or fertilizers. Leaching may
occur in farming areas, feedlots, and landfills, and may result in hazardous substances entering surface water,
groundwater, or soil.
Lime Mud: A by-product of the process of recovering used pulping solution. Impurities removed during the
recaust process are mixed with lime, which precipitates lime mud.
Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT): The emission standard for sources of air pollution requiring
the maximum reduction of hazardous emissions, taking cost and feasibility into account. Under the CAA
Amendments of 1990, the MACT must not be less than the average emission level achieved by controls on the
best performing 12 percent of existing sources, by category, of industrial and utility sources.
Media: Specific environmentsair, water, soilwhich are the subject of regulatory concern and activities.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK): A solvent typically used in cleaning painting equipment.
Minimum Impact Manufacturing (MDVI): Minimum Impact Manufacturing contains the elements of a compre-
hensive pollution prevention program designed to obtain the greatest use of raw materials and to stop waste
generation rather than rely on end-of-pipe remedies. MDVI involves a holistic approach to pollution prevention
employing a systems engineering approach, waste reduction, and a commitment to continuous environmental
improvement.
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Multi-media: Several environmental media, such as air, water, and land.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Standards established by EPA under the CAA applicable
to the emission of criteria air pollutants throughout the country.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): A provision of the CWA that prohibits the discharge
of pollutants into waters of the United States unless a special permit is issued by EPA, a state, or where del-
egated, by a Tribal government on an Indian reservation.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): An air pollutant that is the result of photochemical reactions of nitric oxide in ambient
air. Typically, it is a product of combustion from transportation and stationary sources. It is a maj or contributor
to the formation of tropospheric ozone, photochemical smog, and acid deposition.
Paniculate Matter: Fine liquid or solid particles, such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes, or smog, found in air or
emissions.
Point Source: A stationary location or fixed facility from which pollutants are discharged; any single identifiable
source of pollution, for example, a pipe, ditch, ship, ore pit, or factory smokestack.
Pollution Prevention: Identifying, altering, or eliminating areas, processes, and activities that create excessive
waste products or pollutants. Such activities, consistent with the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, are con-
ducted across all EPA programs.
Pulp: Cellulose fibers separated from wood chips used in making paper, cardboard, and related products.
Pulping Solution: A chemical solution that is mixed with wood chips and digested under temperature and pres-
sure. The pulping solution degrades wood by dissolving the bonds holding cellulose fibers together.
Recaust: The molten pulping solution reclaimed from the recovery boiler treated to further remove impurities and
convert sodium carbonate into active sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide.
Recovery Boiler: Used pulping solution is sent to the recovery boiler to burn off impurities (undigested woody
solids). Woody solids are burned for energy and the pulping solution is removed from the mixture in molten form
(smelt).
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): RCRA gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste
from "cradle-to-grave." This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazard-
ous waste. RCRA also establishes a framework for the management of nonhazardous wastes. RCRA enables
EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other
hazardous substances. RCRA focuses only on active and future facilities and does not address abandoned sites.
Screening: A pulp processing step that helps remove impurities from digested pulp, such as bark fragments,
oversized chips, and undigested chips. In open screening rooms, wastewater from the screening process goes to
wastewater treatment prior to discharge. In closed screening rooms, wastewater from the screening process is
reused in other pulping operations and ultimately enters the mill's recovery system.
Small-Quantity Generator (SQG): Persons or enterprises that produce 220-2,200 pounds per month of hazard-
ous waste. SQGs are required to keep more records than conditionally exempt generators. The largest category
of hazardous waste generators, SQGs include automotive shops, dry cleaners, photographic developers, and
many other small businesses.
Solid Waste: Nonliquid, nonsoluble materials ranging from municipal garbage to industrial wastes that contain
complex and sometimes hazardous substances. Solid wastes also include sewage sludge, agricultural refuse,
demolition wastes, and mining residues. Technically, solid waste also refers to liquids and gases in containers.
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Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Sulfur-dioxide gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur (mainly coal and oil) is
burned and can be formed during metal smelting and other industrial processes. Sulfur dioxide is associated
with acidification of lakes and streams, accelerated corrosion of buildings and monuments, reduced visibility,
and such adverse health effects as inhibition of breathing, respiratory illness, and aggravation of existing cardio-
vascular disease.
Title V of the Clean Air Act: Establishes a federal operating permit program that applies to any maj or station-
ary facility or source of air pollution. The purpose of the operating permits program is to ensure compliance
with all applicable requirements of the CAA. Under the program, permits are issued by states or, when a state
fails to carry out the CAA satisfactorily, by EPA. The permit includes information on which pollutants are being
released, how much may be released, and what kinds of steps the source's owner or operator is taking to
reduce pollution, including plans to monitor the pollution.
Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS): Sulfur is a nonmetallic element used particularly in the chemical and paper indus-
tries. TRS is a measure that includes all sulfur-based compounds with extra electrons, such as hydrogen
sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide. TRS has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS): The measurement of the amount of suspended solids in an effluent water
sample.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): Any organic compound that easily evaporates and participates in atmo-
spheric photochemical reactions, except those designated by EPA as having negligible photochemical reactiv-
ity.
Wastewater: The spent or used water from a home, community, farm, or industry that contains dissolved or
suspended matter.
Water Bars: An obstruction that slows the downhill flow of rainwater and, therefore, reduces erosion.
White Water: Screening and cleaning operations during the pulp processing stage are sources of large volumes
of wastewater. This effluent stream is called white water because of its characteristic color.
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