Kraft Mill Landfill Site Restoration and Lime/Woodwaste Utilization, 1994 Environmental Conference Proceedings

H. R. Ruppert, L. J. Fulcher

Waste materials including lime grits, lime chunks, sawdust and chips were landfilled in an area adjacent the mill for approximately 20 years. Groundwater with elevated conductivity, pH and color resulted in regulatory attention and leachate treatment. Changes in Washington State definition of a corrosive resulted in classifying the landfilled material a Dangerous Waste. In 1989 a closure and post closure plan were prepared which included consolidation, capping and internal leachate collection. After site characterization and review of alternatives we chose to excavate and utilize site materials. In 1990 a landfill restoration project was begun. The project, continuing through 1993, is nearly complete with the distribution of 118,000 metric tons and the application of 109,000 metric tons of lime materals. The paper discusses challenges that arose and were resolved through the three year project. Looking back we are able to suggest ways to improve the project management reducing the risk of project failure.