Utilization of Integrated Paper Mill Residual Wastes for Coal Mine Remediation, 1995 Process & Product Quality Conference Proceedings

Brian R. Terando

In 1995, the Erie Mill completed implementation of a beneficial use program that utilized the mill’s boiler ash, non-reclaimable primary clarifier sludge, and causticizing area byproducts (lime cake and slaker grit). These material strams account for approximately 90% of the mill’s solid waste production. The program uses the materials to remediate an abandoned coal mine (owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) which was causing acid mind drainage. Stormwater runoff with pH of 3.0 was produced due to poor mining practices by the previous owner. By setting this beneficial use program in place, the mill will extend the life of its existing landfill indefinitely and demonstrate a technology that can be utilized to remediate similar sites.

A concerted team effort displayed by the Erie mill, Pennsylvania State University, E & L Brokerage (private contractor), and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was essential to the project’s successful execution. This specific beneficial use project may not be feasible for all paper mills, however it has demonstrated that with a favorable state regulatory climate, promising new beneficial use technologies can be realized.