NC0000272_Public Notice_20010803

DEHNR PUBLIC AFFAIRS Fax:919-715- 97 Aug 3 '01 11:34 P.01t02
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Michael F. Easley, Governor ��r _jIt
Secretary NCDENR
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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Release: Immediate ConCact: Ernie Seneca, [phone] ext. 208
Distribution: Targeted
Date: August 3, 2001
DWQ seeking wastewater color reduction at Blue Ridge Paper will in Canton;
public hearing set September 6
RALEIGH-A proposed wastewater permit and associated color reduction plan for Blue Ridge Paper
Ine.'s plant in Haywood County will be discussed Sept. 6 at a public hearing in Waynesville.
The N.C. Division of Water Quality is recommending that a 19 to 29 percent color reduction be achieved
over the next five years along with tighter permit limits at the pulp and paper mill in Canton.
"Substantial improvements have been seen in the facility's wastewater discharge over the past decade,
and that has translated into a healthier Pigeon River," said Forrest Westall,water quality supervisor of DWQ's
Asheville Regional Office."We want to continue on that track and see even more improvement and color
reduction."
The hearing is scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Tuscola High School auditorium, 564 Tuscola School Road.
Built in 190g,the mill is currently permitted to discharge 29.9 million gallons of treated wastewater daily
into the Pigeon River in the French Broad River Basin. Champion International Corp. of Stamford, Conn. owned
and operated the plant until 1999,when employees purchased and renamed it.
Blue Ridge Paper is seeking renewal of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and
two variances for color and temperature. Previously renewed in December 1997,the permit and variances are set
to expire Nov_30,2001,DWQ has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation on the requests.
"We are committed to seeking what is most technically and economically feasible,"Westall said.
The mill has achieved about a 50 percent reduction in color-a byproduct of the pulping process-since
an agreement was reached in 1997. That agreement was between North Carolina,Tennessee,the EPA, City of
Newport,Tenn.; Cooke County, Tenn.; American Canoe Association,Tennessee Environmental Council and the
company-
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Don Reuter,Director
Office of Public Affairs FAX[phone]
Phone[phone] don """', oiai -net
1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC An Equal
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DEHNR PUBLIC RFFRIRS Fax:[phone] Rug 3 '01 11:35 P.02i02
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The reduction in permitted color loading has been from 98,168 to 49,000 pounds per day. The company
spent more than $330 million to upgrade facilities and treatment levels.
At the Sept. 6 hearing,DWQ staff will explain the draft NPDES permit and the variances. Blue Ridge is
seeking renewed variances because it is unable to meet state standards for color and temperature.
DWQ is also proposing a 12.5 percent reduction in the permit's daily maximum load for biochemical
oxygen demand.
The sign-up period for comments begins at 6:30 p.m. on the night of the hearing. Individual speaking
times could be limited depending on the number of people who register to comment.
DWQ will consider the comments and any additional information gathered. A decision on whether to
reissue the permit and grant the variances is to be made within 90 days of the hearing,unless the comment period
is extended.
Written comments should be sent to Mr.Michael Myers,Division of Water Quality/NPDES Unit, 1617
Mail Service Center,Raleigh,NC 27699-1617.
Copies of the draft permit and proposed variances are available for public viewing during normal
business hours at the DWQ central office at 512 N. Salisbury St. in Raleigh,[phone] extension 508;
Asheville Regional Office at 59 Woodfin Place,[phone].
Don Reuter,Director
p ce of Public Affairs FAX [phone]
Phone [phone] don. euter@R9M-al n—d
1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,N An Eg6ai op or niry I Affirr eive Action Empluycr