Environmental Issues for Corrugated Containers Plants, 1991 Environmental Conference

Historically, container facilities have had few environmental problems with typical wastewater discharge to a POTW; SO₂ and particulate emissions exempted from package boilers; and possible requirements for sludge dewatering or vacuuming from a sump for disposal in a municipal treatment plant.

Currently, POTW’s are being squeezed by State/Federal regulatory agencies, who in turn are coming up with pipeline to individual industrial discharges. VOC emission limits are being developed and forcing evaluation of printing ink formulations. Pretreatment of wastewater prior to discharge forms sludges, which are increasingly difficult to dispose of. SARA submittals have been required and will continue annually, and underground tank storage of fuels are forcing tank monitoring, repair, and in some cases replacement of removal. As EPA reduces the size of boilers falling under regulations, plant package boilers are being regulated for the first time.

Future environmental concerns will include trace organic water contamination, toxic air emissions, past waste landfill disposals practices, and recycling.