Safe, Cost Effective and Environmentally Responsible Disposition of Pulp/Paper Mills, 1999 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Dennis D. Knutz

Weyerhaeuser Company

Richard J. Diven

ICONCO, Inc.

High speed economies, improved technologies and changes in environmental regulations are forcing the closure of outdated pulp and paper mills. Good disposition processes are critical to a safe, cost effective and environmentally responsible asset management and demolition plan.

Well-planned asset management and demolition is critical to minimizing risk. Sound practices should be implemented to ensure the safety of plant and contractor employees. Detailed plans must be developed to avoid an unplanned shutdown of ongoing operations. A comprehensive site assessment coupled with approved processes will guarantee complete and cost effective environmental compliance. Close coordination between management, various technical departments and the demolition service provider will ensure success.

The experience acquired before, during and after the demolition of three West Coast pulp mills will be discussed in this paper. Several processes and best practices will be included and can serve as a guide to those facing such a closure in the future.