Odor: Demonstrating an Improved Impact From Expanded Pulping Operations, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

A kraft mill wished to double its pulping capacity by expanding and modernizing its pulping operations. This expansion required the mill to undergo a public environmental review process which included an assessment of the odor impacts to the community. The message was clear from the regulating agency. Expanded pulping operations could not exacerbate existing odor concerns. Demonstrating a reduction in odor impacts to the community was preferred. The mill therefore designed the expansion to reduce odor impacts. The mill demonstrated in a quantitative and publicly defensible manner that expanded pulping operations would result in decreased odor impacts to the community. Overall TRS emissions from the expanded mill decreased by about 70 percent relative to the existing mill. This was accomplished by virtually eliminating uncontrolled low-level TRS emission sources, installation of a dedicated NCG incinerator and installation of new digesters which incorporated, low energy, cold blow and extended delignification technology.