Preparation of Best Available Control Technolgoy (BACT) Compliance Plans for Chloroform and Formaldehyde for Selected Pulp and Paper Mills in Wisconsin, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

As required by the State of Wisconsin’s Hazardous Air Contaminant rules NR 445, facilities in Wisconsin having actual 1988 emissions of chloroform or formaldehyde exceeding 250 pounds per year are required to submit compliance plans for these pollutants by April 1, 1992 proposing a control strategy in conformance with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) on major emission sources of these pollutants at the affected facilities. Dames & Moore was retained by three sulfite mills and one kraft mill to assist them in developing compliance plans for these pollutants. For both pollutants, the paper discusses both source reduction as well as add-on controls as a means of reducing emissions to the atmosphere.

With respect to chloroform, the paper discusses various alternate bleaching sequences for sulfite mills employing use of ozone, chlorine dioxide, an oxygen tower, and hydrogen peroxide in reducing the use of hypochlorite. In addition, add-on controls for process-related chloroform emissions from bleach plants are included. With respect to chloroform emissions from wastewater treatment plants, the two approaches examined were reduction of chloroform at the source and reduction of chlorine in the pulp mill wastewater for the purpose of oxidizing SO3 to SO4. Finally, the paper discusses use of alternative disinfectants to chlorine in treatment of incoming water. With respect to formaldehyde, the paper discusses formaldehyde emissions from combustion sources and various approaches in minimizing these emissions. It also addresses various source reduction and add-on controls in the papermaking operations, particularly with respect to those using wet strength resins. Source reduction techniques addressed include formaldehyde-freeresins, low-formaldehyderesins, and scavengers. Formaldehyde emissions from WWTPs are also addressed.