New River Oxygenation System Replaces Sidestream Concept, 1995 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Steven L. Royer

Georgia-Pacific Corp.

Terry J. Turner, PE

SBE Envir. Co.

Traditionally, the pulp and paper industry has used sidestream oxygenation technology to supplementally inject oxygen into receiving streams. This process is typically employed to improve river water quality conditions characterized by low dissolved oxygen concentrations. In an agreement with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IV, Georgia-Pacific’s Brunswick mill will enhance the water quality of the Turtle River by adding up to 9,000 kg. of oxygen per day. A novel technique involving in-situ modular jet aeration technology was trialed in August, 1994. This new technology has not been used for this type of application anywhere in the United States. The trial was conducted to determine the technical viability of the equipment and to actually measure its in-stream oxygen transfer capability. Due to the modular system design, and the direct oxygenation in the river itself, this new technology is physically less obtrusive to the environment. Other advantages of this new technology are lower capital and operating costs compared to the sidestream system.