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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0000272_NOV-2021-FK-0002 & NOV-2021-SS-0022 Response_20220203pactiv evergreen' 175 Main Street Canton, NC 28716 828.646.2000 pactivevergreen.com CERTIFIED MAIL— RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED 70182290000178809897 February 3, 2022 Mr. Landon Davidson Regional Supervisor Division of Water Resources —Asheville Regional Office North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 2090 US Hwy 70 Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778 Subject: Response to NOV-2021-FK-0002 and NOV-2021-SS-0022 Blue Ridge Paper Products, Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging Canton Mill - Permit No. NC0000272 Dear Mr. Davidson: This document responds to NOV-2021-FK-0002 and NOV-2021-SS-0022 received on January 3, 2022. As stated in the response to NOV-2022-LV-0002, Evergreen Packaging places paramount importance upon permit compliance and water resource protection and regrets the issues that led to the upset of the mill wastewater treatment plant and subsequent, apparent impacts to water quality in the Pigeon River and aquatic life. NOV-2022-LV-0002 cited three BOD daily limit exceedances and one monthly average limit exceedance in November 2021. The Canton Mill has a significant history of NPDES wastewater permit limit compliance, particularly regarding BOD limits. Two exceedances of BOD daily limits were identified during review of the previous 15 years of discharge monitoring records: October 31, 2008 and May 17, 2012. Clearly, the recent BOD limit non-compliance was a rare event and effective treatment of wastewater and discharge of compliant effluent should be expected. As reported in the Noncompliance Report submitted to your office on December 6, 2021, wastewater treatment processes and effluent quality were negatively impacted by soap, a byproduct of the kraft pulping process, entering the mill sewer system, causing the exceedances of permit limits described in NOV-2022-LV-0002. Additional information regarding the investigation and actions taken by the mill since the above - mentioned report was delivered is provided below; this information has been updated since submittal of the NOV-2022-LV-0002 response on January 14, 2022. Cause Investigation Evergreen has continued efforts to analyze the cause(s) of the introduction of soap to the mill sewer system, including reviewing mechanical components, system processes, communication/warning systems, and operator actions and responses. Response to NOV-2021-FK-0002 and NOV-2021-SS-0022 Page 2 of 4 As reported previously, two likely causes have been identified: 1. Discharge from the tall -oil -making process area 2. Overflow from the pine weak liquor storage tank Corrective Action After further investigation of the causes, the following items were identified that likely could have prevented the loss of soap to the mill sewer: • Updated training for operators of the extreme importance of containing soap in mill processes and avoiding any discharge to the wastewater treatment plant (WTP), including more aggressive action steps to eliminate and capture any discharges • Updated training for operators of best management practices (BMPs) • Expanded communications of pine weak liquor storage tank monitoring data to operators and managers • Remote visual monitoring of the pine weak liquor storage tank area • Enhanced, timely communications of process condition changes that may indicate possible soap overflows or discharges • Increased secondary containment at the pine weak liquor storage tank to prevent discharge of soap to the containment sump Briefings and communications have been conducted with operators to emphasize the extreme importance of containing soap in mill processes and avoiding any discharge to the WTP. Updated BMP training is in the final stages of review and updates. Upon completion, the updated training module will be released to appropriate mill personnel as required training, as soon as possible. Best practices regarding the use and management of hoses within the tall -oil -making system has been reviewed with department staff and the importance of maintaining effective secondary containment of all products containing soap has been emphasized. Communication of data collected from the overflow alarm on the pine weak liquor tank, an indication of possible soap discharge from the tank, was modified to display in a second location for increased visibility of process conditions for department managers. A text -enabled alarm to appropriate personnel has also been initiated. Remote visual monitoring was considered an enhancement to pine weak liquor tank area monitoring. Installation of surveillance camera equipment has been completed. Monitoring of the visual feed from the camera is now an assigned duty of operations personnel. Intradepartmental and interdepartmental communications have been enhanced to create more effective prevention and capture of soap discharges. To further prevent the discharge of soap from the pine weak liquor tank to the mill sewer, temporary measures have been implemented until permanent modifications can be completed: a sand bag wall has been placed between the tank overflow pipe and drainage structures to contain any soap overflow. A permanent, 4-foot containment wall with a drain valve will be constructed as soon as practicable. In the Response to NOV-2021-FK-0002 and NOV-2021-SS-0022 Page 3 of 4 event of tank overflow, this addition will allow capture of overflowing materials prior to entry of the materials to the sump, preventing any loss to the mill sewer. Spent liquor, turpentine and soap containments, conductivity sensors and level transmitters have been inspected to ensure all components are functional. The following procedures and processes have been reviewed and will be modified as needed: • BMP inspections • Equipment repairs • Sump, sewer and wastewater monitoring • Spill response Records Per the request for electronic versions of records required by Section C. 2. of NPDES permit NC0000272: • The current BMP Plan was provided to your office on December 15, 2021 • Attachment A provides daily BMP inspections records for the period of the subject event (November 23, 24, and 25, 2021) o Once a leak has been identified, a work request is entered into the mill computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and work order prepared o Work histories on the equipment are maintained on CMMS • Attachment B provides the BMP 2021 annual BMP training that was provided via the mill's learning management system o The event review portion was delivered without being updated, which will be rectified in the updated training to be released imminently • Attachment C provides the Best Management Practices 2020 Annual Report mailed to your office on March 30, 2021—the 2021 report will be provided accordingly • Attachment D provides records daily influent monitoring data (conductivity and color) for the period of the subject event (November 23, 24, and 25, 2021) We remain hopeful that consideration will be given to the long-term compliance history maintained by the mill and corrective actions taken since the subject non-compliance event, as you review this matter. Please contact Mr. Tracy Willis if we can provide any additional information that may be helpful. Respectfully, Tracy Wtllis Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC Canton Mill tracy.willisPpactivevergreen.com Phone: 828-646-2874 / Mobile: 828-424-9955 A. 714--- John McCarthy General Manager Canton Mill john.mccarthyPpactivevergreen.com Phone: 828-492-6189 Response to NOV-2021-FK-0002 and NOV-2021-SS-0022 Page 4 of 4 Attachments ATTACHMENT A #2 Fiberline BMP Daily Inspection for Black liquor Leaks Please inspect systems fo leaks of Black liquor/Soap/Turpentine Digester House YES NO If yes please describe the Black Liquor leak in detail N #7 Digester .----' GJJte--)C r (;rci-,, L cd m jea_e1 #8 Digester —/ #9 Digester #10 Digester #11 Digester ./ #12 Digester #14 Digester #15 Digester ✓ ' (ec f S)-- CA,,m /, ec;`J\ #16 Digester Blow Tower ✓ djr^, i n de;' e ; -) Turpentine System Condenser Decanter Knotting and Brown Stock Washing Primary knotter Secondary Knotter and Accepts Tank lst. Stage Pre-02 Washer System 2nd. Stage Pre-02 Washer System 3rd. Stage Pre-02 Washer System Spill Collection System West Sump Pump East Sump Pump' Brown Spill Collection Tank Shift: Crewleader Ki ��d2lj Date: /T-02 3- 0 Recovery BMP Daily Inspection for Black Liquor Leaks Please inspect systems for Teaks of Black Liquor/Soap /Turpentine* Recovery Area Y N If Yes please decribe the Black Liquor Leak in Detail Red Liquor Storage Tank #10 Recovery Boiler #11 Recovery Boiler #10 RB Sump Pump L7, #11 RB Sump Pump Red Liquor Storage Tank Sump Pump Shift: / 1 9.4..FT Room Runner: Date: Recovery BMP Daily Inspection for Black Liquor Leaks Please inspect systems for Teaks of Black Liquor/Soap /Turpentine* Recovery Area Y N If Yes please decribe the Black Liquor Leak in Detail Red Liquor Storage Tank #10 Recovery Boiler #11 Recovery Boiler #10 RB Sump Pump #11 RB Sump Pump Red Liquor Storage Tank Sump Pump Shift: /I Room Runner: Date: 11— ay- 2001 #2 Fiberline BIM Daily Inspection for Black liquor Leaks Please inspect systems fo leaks of Black liquor/Soap/Turpentine Digester House #7 Digester #8 Digester YES NO If yes please describe the Black Liquor leak in detail fjtom LriG r k2 #9 Digester #10 Digester #11 Digester #12 Digester #14 Digester #15 Digester #16 Digester 4(),Y e c7L- 5' t'ecul-‘ 1e4 i Blow Tower Turpentine System Condenser Decanter Knotting and Brown Stock Washi Primary knotter Secondary Knotter and Accepts Tank 1st. Stage Pre-02 Washer System 2nd. Stage Pre-02 Washer System 3rd. Stage Pre-02 Washer System pill collection System West Sump Pump East Sump Pump ' Brown Spill Collection Tank Shift: Crewleader Date: /I 2 / - Z #2 Fiberline BMP Daily Inspection for Black liquor Leaks Please inspect systems fo leaks of Black liquor/Soap/Turpentine Digester House YES NO #7 Digester #8 Digester #9 Digester #10 Digester #11 Digester #12 Digester #14 Digester #15 Digester #16 Digester Blow Tower Turpentine System If yes please describe the Black Liquor leak in//detail i del L/4JevGc. LA. L TI DrI2&z m ��V`,tgst esi Condenser Decanter C./ Knotting and Brown Stock Washi Primary knotter ,..--- Secondary Knotter and Accepts Tank 1st. Stage Pre-02 Washer System 2nd. Stage Pre-02 Washer System (.,''' SCeGG eCt n1n sala`-c)er'(,n, n>tkidrli e 1 3rd. Stage Pre 02 Washer System &V / =,.,G e GG• ectel (j toA.t.)-eir) 2 e /<- 6111 $ pill c,oiiectton System West Sump Pump East Sump Pump ' Brown Spill Collection Tank 1,a (C- V -r8 4c) 6 71-40 01 64., Shift: Crewleader //- 2S �/ Date: e/'‘ et, d ATTACHMENT B Trainin * • Required • When —Initial and Annual • Who —operators, maintenance, supervision • Includes: — Overview of BMP plan requirements — Previous year's event reports — How and when to report — How to initiate report — Procedure on diversion (WWTP) What are BMPs? Best Management Practices "The primary objective of the BMPs is to prevent leaks, spills of spent pulping liquors, soap and turpentine. The secondary objective is to contain, collect, and recover at the immediate process area or otherwise control those leaks, spills and intentional diversions of spent pulping liquor, soap and turpentine that do occur" Whv must we have BMPs? 40 CFR 430.03 http://www.epa.gov/EPA-WATER/1998/April/Day- 15/w9556.htm Cluster Rule http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/pulppaper/cluster.h tml NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NPDES Permit* Issued by North Carolina Canton Mill Operates under permit #NC0000272 Must be renewed every 5 years NPDES permit sets Secondary Effluent limits Canton Mill has a permit limit of 36,000 ib s/day 3 Tiers of Protection • Sumps — Normally overflow to sewer but... — Conductivity sensors & level detection — Automatic and Manual sumps • Offline Spare Clarifier (Usually No.1) Communication is key!! Released at a non -disruptive rate Reactive control measure — we MUST be proactive Remember to follow our spill reporting procedure! • Stand-by aeration basin — If lower basin cannot maintain DO, utilize upper basin eve rg r a n packaging Canton Mill Sump System HWD Knotter Sump East Digester Sump West Digester Sump Hardwood Bleach Pine West Brownstock Pine East Brownstock Pine Knotter Sump Fiberlines HWD Brown Spill Tank 1st Pre-02 Washer (HW) HWD Bleach Spill Tank Pine Blow Tower Pine Brown Spill Tank HW Primary Scrn Feed Tk 2nd Pre-02 Feed Tank (Pn) Hardwood BlowTower Canton Mill Sump System - Recovery Black Liquor Evaporators Sewer With Operator Alarm Sew er With Operator Alarm Heavy Black Liquor Evap. Wash Water Tank Evaporator Boil Out Tank Tall Oil Save All Tank East Heavy Liquor #10 Recovery Boiler #11 Recovery Boiler WGB Foul Condensate Swenson Foul Condensate Evap. Boil Out Sump Evaporator Tank Farm Evaporator "U" North Evaporator "U" South Stripper Sump Camp Branch Tank Farm Tall Oil Compound CRP Sump Canton Mill Sewers Color, Conductivity, Flow and Fiber Loss Overview - Mill Sewers Hill Filt r P CRP 10 R6 Re - Cant - Sump Iocaiion - IMili011 65B Smei Canduclivily SII11YI1 Gol iiIL e1 w9ty 4G Aid Sewer 5A • -4C 411 Depcly Broke 4F Erco 0.32 MGD !l F!L Bleach Plant Chemical Storage 0.40 MLbs Color Eo 4.82 Mlbs Color D-1 WEL Evaps Power r - 7 #4 Boller 2A Spste a j Ice HW Screen Room '4A PI Color 54532 Ib sfd ay #1 F$L Brawn Stock Washing t Time 5/1512009 1024143 NH #19 PM FLOW 3.45 MGD FIBEFL 8,51 Tons Fiber 0 FLOW 0.61 MGD #20 PM FIBER: 1.05 Tons Fiber Sewer Data i!1 #2 #26 #31A #4 $15ri AS FLOW OM* 4.23 NIA 0.43 1.91 NJA 1.73 3.03 coLOR iwt * 168.00 144.00 tnLort moo man Wyk 3.03 2.62 8.03 1.13 8.20 HIDER Itonsl: 5.61 NIA 0.04 0.33 NIA NIA 0.14 Power Boilers WTP 10 162 PI Corot as pp1H 234 8Iu carnllasis of PI Cvlar BM I 0-0 SE Color 42078 Ibsfday SE TSS [372 Ibslday #14 PM Area #12 PM 1111 PM 0 Color@ TN 7.92 D.D. F'vl 0 14.04Tons Fiber 30.614 0 No Data 2.9 Delta T 21.6 River Temperature Sacorrdary FfllueI t D.A., TALL OIL AREA BMP INSPECTION BLUE RIDGE PAPER PRODUCTS, INC. CANTON MILL CANTON, NORTH CAROLINA SA=28613 142.18$ gol TANK LOCATIONS 23. SOAP COLLECTION 24. SOAP PUMP TANK 25. #I SOAP STORAGE 26. #2 SOAP STORAGE 27. TALL OIL COOK POT U. TALL OIL LOADING SUMP PUMP LOCATIONS G. EAST HEAVY LIQUOR COMPOUND SUMP PUMP J. TALL OIL/SOAP STORAGE COMPOUND SUMP PUMP K. TALL OIL MAKING SUMP PUMP I 18. 2 56. ProJ. No: NO. 2 FIBERLINE BMP INSPECTION BLUE RIDGE PAPER PRODUCTS, INC_ CANTON MILL CANTON, NORTH CAROLINA I 1 • 10044 401014040 32.34.36 31 [A.B. 35Q e) 3T IlLk ■■■i ■i 3© lorF A. mime 41 ED 39 30 i Nirgirt4401004R1* TANK 0 2_ DIGESTERS - PINE (9) 20. PINE TURPENTINE DECANTER 30. PINE BROWN SPILL TANK 31. PINE BROWNSTOCK WASHERS (3) 32_ PINE 1ST PRE 02 FILTRATE TANK 34_ PINE 2ND PRE 02 FILTRATE TANK 35. PINE 2ND PRE 02 MIX TANK 3G. PINE 3RD PRE 02 FILTRATE TANK 37_ PINE 3RD PRE 02 MIX TANK 38_ PINE BLOW TOWER 39. PINE PRIMARY KNOTTER 10. PINE SECONDARY KNOTTER 11. PINE SECONDARY KNOTTER ACCEPTS TANK 42. PINE SURGE TANK a YOL= 3917 aal. SUMP PUMP LOCATIONS E. EAST & WEST DIGESTER DOUBLE CHAMBERED SU P. BROWN STOCK U-DRAIN WEST SUMP PUMP O. BROWN STOCK U-DRAIN EAST SUMP PUMP S. PINE KNOTTER SUMP PUMP • .-•+. rtiaThn 71 lfnhn-,l 1rlr•rnI R f} --._ f53f^.nJ'1fl Fir flil.n.d.Af` A•A iA • dm __.._■ ■�■�■�■ ,uuI" �■r•`ii■i��■■■� +.ram■u•M■M�■■■•I _■■_!_■_�■■■!IM 0 I. '— ii• ;■1111 III • ■ u h, _ fit.- -J 1• I�^� EijIMT52B2�O • �� 1 49 45C 'UM ■ artm ivi`J 4 7 ri rMt 5 29 • ■ l �11■ 45 95a 7M MEM 0 1 00 0 AREA aRr SAi266-0 VOL= 39,653 gal 18 1AIN LINE 5 u — NCI- 1 FIB ERLINE 13 OAP INSPEC TIcN BLIJ E RIDGE PAP ER PRODUCTS, INC . CAN TON MILL E ANT Q N. F•JDRTH CARDLINA lk ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ii' 1r---�g---u ■■■■■■■■■■■Ilrii 1 , L4, �L■■■■■■■■■11■I 1..mi - , ........ q ■ 1■1 IMEMAIMAIMEMEME 39 1■1 MENEEPMEM #1 CM11.1 ■1---Z■1MEEMEEm1■� 7a1 G■ m TINY LCCATK N: 2. DI GIMTERS - WOW 0 t9i 21. HARDY/COD tLRPENTHE DECANTER F!, HARDWOOD BROWN SPILL OI LLEC.TIM TANK 45, HAR CAN I}JO BR O W N 3TOCN WASHERS I4- 46.. H41rD 1ST PRE 02 FILTRATE TANK 47_ H W D 21'..0 RRE 02 FLT ATE TAM 4a_ H1'a 3Ra PRE 02 FLT ATE T4F•.; 49_ HWD 4TH PRE 02 FLTRATE TAIW 50_ HARDWOOD PRIMARY KNOTTER 51. H#RDY+O'D 9EcNaARV KNOTTER 52. SECONDARY *JOTTER ACCEPTS TANKS 53. HARD Wac'a SLOW TE+WER 43_ '1 FCIihI TANK 44-. '2 FC M TANK SUMP PUMP Lcc ATKINS E. EAST 2, WI= IIII,ESTEPS CNDLI2LE CHAMBERED SUMP PIJNF' ID, HARDWOOD KNOTTER SMIP P>,JNP No r ,; ■■■■11 ■■■11 +; ._ =__. ■■■11 a ¢. 51■■■11 . .111i■ F ■iiiij �1 ¢ •ice • •■■ 1 • Irk- Ail," _�■■ I 1 • �1 ■■■■■■■■■■I • II ■■■■■r----- �..-------- .I ■■■■■1 ■■ i1■■■■.I■■ �1 L----L ■i it■■■■:1■■ • IIr-■■■LI 11■!!!11■■ Es I1 ■■MI��w11■ ■■■ uI■■ •■I• R• ��■ I 11 ■■III #� ® 111■ ■■■ �I■■ - - 1 m -� I rill ■ ■■u1 11■ rem EI■■ 111,1 i�i■ 11■■ ® I i it slog! ` ir• ■■ EI■■ Mil f uI ■u1 1 1 ■■ uI■■ iWI ■ 1 � �E I EC II ■■■■■11 � 11 OMEN 11■■ -� 'UM INN- —�. _ .I 11.IIr..I■.==■1 ■■■■ •IME 11 EI Ian ■ I 11111114111'46 Imo 11 ■■■■ 11■■ ileil MR iU� I .I . ■■.IL Al ■■■■ u1■■ 1 u1 P. W■ ■II : ■■I ■■■■.I■■ I MA II I:I; }1M ■■L.■■■■oim■ 1 II•1■■■■ ■•U u ■qr l'e1AIN LINE u 00 EVAPORATOR AREA EIP INSPECTION BLUE RIDE E PAPER Pf ODUCT5, INC. CANTON MILL WANTON, NORTH CAROLINAti .)\es TANK EATKtIS 1. PIKE 'NEM 9Lh LIDUO R STORAGE 3 WEST GB FEED Tr41%IK 4. EkST C43 FEED TANK 5, SWENSQN FEED TALK EVAF'0RAT 0 R OIL BUT TANK F.. S'AE NSW EVAP0RAT0 R SKkl T'NK NENSCN FOP 0RATOfR - F EELS 9 WEST o EVAPORATOR - 7 YEESELS 11. WEST GB EY eni9ATM SFFN TANK 1e. HARI:WOOD VIVI< BLACK LICILIOR STOKE 2!. WASH WATER TAW 56, HWD VIEW AZX UQUDR SOAP Tr41%IK • i jai= ■i■m■■�c■■= ■=■■=■■= r' =■11d-- i I =111 == '_■11 r J11P 1■1. r 11 1 ¢' 11.00 io II lLI■ LIE SIP me MI erg LAY INA LI41 111 FI.7 1r�z 21VI 11 —11 .111. • E 11'F s ID II0k SWIM II 11 n LII'� r' • It MAIN LSSE u SNP PUIIP LDGATIQNS 11 is. EMU LIT SLI F PLk1P f3, EVIV' 0RAT01R TANK FSUMP PUwP O. E Y;FOR Alt "LP NORTH ELM' RAF D. EVIPORATD 'V' 30IfTH BUMP PUMP fR, HARDW000 WEAK UUUOR STORAGE C NTr41NIIENT �-' _____ 11\i1!" NM -19 '- 211r19a dal, o IL1 AP TANK LOCATIONS 14 -142. 16 22 Si.-Si.-2 1 fikjiii EA-44B ';41 B9 gal ■■■■■■■ VmmmmU■■■■■ &_---- ■■■■■ 32.31.3E 1J . 61 F:E COVER( AR EA IHP I NSPEZT ] ON BLUE RIDGE PAPER PIRCOIJCT5, INC CANTON MILL CANTON, NORTH C IROL [ NA ■■■I ■■■II. 1■ 35 1 ....... 4 , 3 1■■■■■■ 4 Y re ROI WA ■■■ ■■�■ ■ 101111111^.111...01.1111111., ■ •-7■■■ Ar- IlklowilL r- ■■ 10, EAST HEAVY BLACK LIQUOR STORAGE TAW 40pp:• 12, NORTH OXIDIZER TANK 13_ CENTER OXIDIZER TANK 74-, SOUTH OXIDIZER TAIIK 15 EAST LI Irj:IDIzED ELACK LJQIJC STORAGE TAN 16_ WEST L Nm:IsIzED BLACK LIQUOR STORAGE TAIW 17. RED LIQUOR STCRAGE TANK 19_ TURPENTINE STORAGE TANK PUMP TANK , wccIDIzED LIQUOR SOAP STAND PIPE NO, 10 RECOVERY BOILER NO, 11 RECOVERY HC1LER sA=Ta1 i} 5•IJf' PUMP LOCATIONS F, NO.II IRECO'EIRY BOILER 5UP.13 PUMP H. FEED LIQUOR TANK FARM SUMP PUW Ala lg r- 411, SF Insnections and Renair of Leaking Eciuinment - Section (43O.O3(c(2* • NPDES Permit Part A(6) Section A(2)(i) • Operating Areas Performing Daily Inspections: — Tall Oil Making and Finishing — Recovery — Evaporators — Pine Fiberline — Hardwood Fiberline • Work Orders — CODE "BMP" 4111110111iillildi 0 6 1 1 1 1 I I 1 1 1;:Sly°�tlllII ' GAF QLLkCT Ilia Inspections and Repair, cont. • Must immediately repair leaking equipment items • If repair not possible until next outage, temporary means to mitigate (minimize) the leak must be provided. • Must track repairs and document for 3 years (repairs made resulting from daily inspections) • Must determine when it will be necessary to curtail production (i.e., shutdown) to repair leaking equipment items or prevent spills of black liquor, soap or turpentine. Continuous Monitorin * • Required by permit • Continuous and automatic (conductivity & level) — Conductivity set points will trigger sumps for soap and black liquor losses — Level alarms will be used to monitor turpentine systems • Practices separate from BMPs — Operators —monitor levels in tanks for overflows — WWTP & operators —monitor sewers for flow and conductivity — WWTP —monitors the Primary Influent Containment* • Required • Canton Mill has 24 bulk storage tanks • Annual tank inspection and integrity test • Canton Mill uses curbing and diversion structures to sumps in lieu of secondary containment Containment Cont. • Most Spent Liquor Bulk Storage Tanks are curbed to a sump area and are part of the mill's tank integrity testing program • Camp Branch • Bulk Turpentine Storage is fully contained • Soap/Turp. Loading areas curbed to a sump area Color Action Levels • Action Levels were developed for Primary Influent Color • Lower Action Level = 55,400 lbs/day • Upper Action Level = 59,400 lbs/day • Out of Control Level = 72,500 lbs/day* • Exceed LAL for 2 consecutive days = investigation. • Exceed UAL for 2 consecutive days = investigation and corrective action * Requires immediate investigation Shill Response and Renortin • Must RESPOND to monitoring systems immediately; spills identified must be reported immediately (report to supervisor) or call ext. 6711. • Always notify WWTP at 2480 or by radio (Channel 6B) if black liquor, soap, or turpentine has been spilled or intentionally diverted to the sewer. • Supervisor to report incident to EHS Site Modification & Construction* • Team meeting prior to any construction activities in the pulping and recovery areas that could potentially effect BMP covered equipment — e.g. — black liquor tanks, piping, sumps, etc. • Purpose — Prevent a release of a BMP related material — Ensure all involved are aware of the importance of preventing a release Recordkeenin* • Mill must maintain: — Repair records (including tank integrity tests) — Training records — Records of all BMP reports — Monitoring records • For 3 years from date created. Review of Past Events What Hannened? 1) Unscheduled Outage / Scheduled Outage 2) Equipment Malfunction Scheduled Outage • On Wednesday, 6/21/17, the #10 Recovery Boiler had a planned outage to wash the cyclones and address green liquor lines that had become plugged. Weak green liquor overflowed from the # 10 RB dissolving tank and Weak Wash overflowed from the North Mud Washer to the mill sewer system contributing elevated pH material to wastewater treatment plant. Sewer generated color was observed in the Primary Effluent color numbers as a result. Other contributors were a small leak that was observed in the CRP evaporator feed pump when the seal water became plugged and the condition of the chevrons in the Swenson evaporator set. The set was not washed during this outage and will need to be at the next opportunity. Condensates with elevated color can be a result of increased black liquor scale that accumulates on the chevrons. . Scheduled Outage cont. — During this outage, the Pine fiberline also took a scheduled outage. Due to the amount of material sent from the Pine Brown Spill tank, the Hardwood fiberline became unbalanced and caused color to be carried over into the bleach plant filtrate. When the Pine fiberline started back, there were imbalances that resulted in excess filtrate being discharged to the sewer. EouiDment Malfunction • At 3:30am 12-11-17 • High Color was first discovered in a grab sample, 596mg/1 • Both the Pulp Mill and Recovery Foreman were notified of the high color. • Nothing was found by either foreman. • Color samples were then taken every 30 minutes ranging in value from 349-857, from 3:50am-7:00am • At 5:20am the Recovery Foreman called back to report a leak from the Swenson evaporator had breached the bark dam constructed to funnel the leaking black liquor into a U-drain and back to the Recover wash water tank. Equipment Malfunction cont... • The bark dam was reconstructed and the leak to #4 sewer was stopped at 6:00am. • The decision was made by recovery supervision to take the evaporator down at 8 : 3 0. • Once offline maintenance repaired the leaking transfer line on the 2nd effect of the Swenson evaporators. • Color numbers returned to normal with the 9:00am sample reading 275 and the 11:00am sample reading 173 • Effects from the high PI color level of 109,528 for 12/ 11 / 17 were seen the following day 12-12-17 in the form of a SE color number of 51,112 which is slightly over the action limit. BMP Events the past 5 years 3.5 3 2.5 1.5 1 0.5 0 BMP Events 4 5 Take Home Notes • Continue Daily Inspections • Communication with WWTP (2480) • Report any spill to supervisor • Fill out necessary forms every time ATTACHMENT C evergreen packaging Canton Office 175 Main Street • Canton, NC 28716 March 30, 2021 CBC 17-21 CERTIFIED MAIL Return Receipt Requested 7020 0640 0000 4606 2258 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources ATTENTION: Central Files 1611 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1611 Re: NPDES NO. NC0000272 Best Management Practices 2020 Annual Report Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. d/b/a Evergreen Packaging Canton, NC This letter report (two copies) is the 2020 summary of Best Management Practices (BMP) daily monitoring for the Canton Mill. The report is required on or before March 31' of each year by Special Condition A(6.) Best Management Practices, Section E.4 and Section F.1, of the mill's NPDES Permit No. NC0000272. The BMP action levels established in accordance with permit requirements and in effect for 2020 are as follows: Effective Dates: 1 Jan 2020 — 31 Dec 2020 Action Level Total Influent (TI) Color — daily monitoring result Action Required 1-Day Upper Action Level (UAL) > 72,500 Ibs/day for one day Immediate investigation and documented corrective action 2-day Upper Action Level (UAL) > 59,400 Ibs/day for two consecutive days Investigation and documented corrective action 2-day Lower Action Level (LAL) > 55,400 Ibs/day for two consecutive days Investigation and documentation Daily records of total influent color are maintained at the mill. These daily color data are compared to BMP action levels every morning. Total influent color exceeded BMP action levels on the dates outlined in the following table. A brief summary of information for these dates are included as required by permit Condition A.(6.), Section E.4. The permit -required BMP investigation reports are maintained at the mill. 30 Mar 2020, Page 2 None of the BMP action level days resulted in disruption to the wastewater treatment plant. The Canton Mill met all NPDES annual average effluent limits during 2020. Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 6 — 8 January 102,256 Ibs/day 1-day UAL / 2-day UAL — Investigation and 2020 112,491 Ibs/day documented corrective action 79,869 Ibs/day Cause(s) In association with a planned mill outage, color material accumulated in the Recovery black liquor sumps. The contents were diverted to the sewers. The waste treatment plant received high color material, which was treated with color reduction polymer. Corrective Action(s) Proactive, frequent checks of area sewers and sump pumps occurred to ensure the gates were closed and sumps were pumping to the proper location. One -hour color sampling was done for the duration of the outage and the use of a chemical color reduction agent increased. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 4 March 2020 79,092 Ibs/day 1-day UAL — Immediate investigation and documented corrective action Cause(s) During a planned Recovery outage, material contained in the black liquor sumps was diverted to the waste treatment plant for a period of 50 minutes. Corrective Action(s) This material was captured in a spill protection vessel (a spare clarifier) and was metered back into the waste treatment system for further physical and biological treatment. Treatment efforts resulted in a 46.8% reduction in color. More frequent checks of sump system were implemented to ensure pick up of color material. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 3 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 6 — 7 March 2020 71,552 Ibs/day 58,215 Ibs/day 1-day UAL/ 2-day LAL— Investigation and documented corrective action Cause and Corrective Action(s) During a planned Recovery outage, material contained in the black liquor sumps was diverted to the Waste Treatment plant. Corrective Action(s) The material was chemically and biologically treated prior to reintroduction to the receiving stream, and more frequent inspections of the sump system occurs to ensure the pickup of color material. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 1 April 2020 75,113 Ibs/day 1-day UAL — Immediate investigation and documented corrective action Cause(s) During a planned Recovery outage, high -color material that accumulated in black liquor sumps was diverted to waste treatment. Corrective Action(s) More frequent inspections of sumps and conductivity meters occurred, and the material was treated with color reduction agents. The secondary effluent color was decreased using the activated sludge WTP and chemical amendment. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 4 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 13 April 2020 76,206 Ibs/day 1-day UAL — Immediate investigation and documented corrective action Cause(s) During upset conditions in the pulp mill, the color became elevated. The pulp mill experienced run -ability issues, causing a diversion of black liquor to the sewers. Corrective Action(s) The material was treated with color reducing agents, and the area was inspected frequently. The color event was not ongoing. After the flash floods, the flow was close to normal operation and the process was restarted to decrease color. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 16 — 17 April 57,897 Ibs/day 2 Day LAL — Investigation and documented corrective 2020 60,664 Ibs/day action Cause(s) The MRP was down for two days, so there was an excess in pine bleach filtrate. Based on the filtrate balance, the percent closure within the pine bleach plant was affected, so the color material was sent to waste treatment. Corrective Action(s) More frequent inspections of lines for cracks, fissures, or indications of stress or wear were implemented, and the material was treated with color reduction agents prior to release to the effluent. Since no black liquor, soap, or turpentine was released, this event qualifies as non-BMP, but is included in the report to acknowledge that the 2- day lower action limit was triggered and investigated. However, there were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 5 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 10 — 11 May 288,821 Ibs/day 1-day UAL / 2-day UAL — Investigation and 2020 80,979 Ibs/day documented corrective action Cause(s) An electrical ground created an unexpected power outage that caused #10 recovery boiler to go offline. Due to the power outage, dilution water was added to the cyclones as a safety mechanism, causing the material to overflow. The next day, during a cyclone wash, black liquor was sent to the sewers. Corrective Action(s) Material was treated with color reduction agents, with most of the material captured in a spare clarifier/spill protection vessel during both events. More frequent scans of the conductivity meters and temperature gauges were implemented, and an investigation into the cause of the electrical ground occurred to prevent future issues. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 1 June 2020 112,345 Ibs/day 1-day UAL — Investigation and documented corrective action Cause(s) During an annual outage, the color material contained in a #10 recovery boiler sump was unintentionally diverted to the sewer, causing heightened color values. Corrective Action(s) Operations was advised to be diligent with communications of color material to the waste treatment staff. The color material was captured in a spare clarifier for further treatment prior to slowly being metered back into the system. Secondary effluent color was improved prior to discharge. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 6 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 17 July 2020 83,106 Ibs/day 1-day UAL— Investigation and documented corrective action Cause(s) While #10 recovery boiler was down for a cyclone wash, the boiler sump lost prime twice, allowing a large amount of wash water material from the black liquor cyclones to enter the main mill sewer. Corrective Action(s) The sump pump internal flapper was changed and the discharge check valve was cleaned to reduce the possibility of the pump losing prime again. The material was biologically treated. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 12 — 14 177,701 Ibs/day 1-day UAL i 2-day UAL — Investigation and September 128,859 Ibs/day documented corrective action 2020 55,837 Ibs/day Cause and An unexpected power outage caused all mill systems to go offline/inoperable. The black liquor sumps, green liquor, and weak wash all over -ran to the sewer. Corrective Action(s) Color material was captured in a spare clarifier and was chemically treated prior to reintroduction to the system. Lower color material was treated with color reduction agents. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 7 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 17 — 18 105,121 Ibs/day 1 day UAL / 2-day UAL — Investigation and September 79,698 Ibs/day documented corrective action 2020 Cause(s) During a planned outage, the Recovery, Utilities, and Pulp Mill departments were unable to contain all color material in the sumps. Most tanks and vessels needed to be drained prior to the extended outage. Corrective Action(s) Plans were in place to chemically treat any color releases and capture flow if necessary. The material was treated with color reduction agents and most of the high color material captured in a spare clarifier. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 29 September 100,483 Ibs/day 1-day UAL — Immediate investigation and 2020 documented corrective action Cause(s) Following a planned outage, an unplanned power outage prevented the Recovery, Utilities, and Pulp Mill departments from being able to contain all color material in the sumps. Corrective Action(s) Plans were created to mitigate color and effectively prevented color exceptions in the secondary effluent. Flow was captured and color material was chemically treated. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 8 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 11 — 12 79,180 Ibs/day 1 day UAL / 2-day UAL — Investigation and October 2020 59,379 Ibs/day documented corrective action Cause(s) Following start up from a planned Recovery outage, the black liquor sumps were unable to contain all color material. Additionally, the conductivity probe in the area was reading incorrectly. Corrective Action(s) Repairs were made to the affected areas while normal color mitigation plans were in place; maintained regular communication with the areas discharging color to the sewers, maintained the ability to chemically treat material and divert the flow of material to a spare catch clarifier for treatment. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. 9 — 10 112,157 Ibs/day 1 day UAL / 2-day UAL — Investigation and November 62,892 Ibs/day documented corrective action 2020 Cause(s) During normal operations, a power outage caused a failure of the #11 recovery boiler sump pump. During this period of inoperability, the pump became plugged and the contained black liquor overflowed to the sewers. Corrective Action(s) Repairs were made within 4.5-5 hours, however the color material remained in the primary influent system for a period exceeding 24 hours. One million gallons of material was captured in spare clarifier before additional biological treatment. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 30 Mar 2020, Page 9 Date(s) Total Influent (TI) Color Action Level and Summary 10 — 14 73,971 Ibs/day 1 day UAL / 2-day UAL — Investigation and December 53,102 Ibs/day documented corrective action 2020 60,094 lbs/day 62,393 Ibs/day Cause(s) 57,800 Ibs/day During the start-up phase after a planned outage, several black liquor pumps within the hardwood pulp mill became plugged, causing liquor to be diverted to the sewer. Corrective Action(s) Waste treatment operators were notified in a timely manner, and high color material was captured in a spill containment clarifier. The sumps were cleared and repaired. During the next three days, color continued to be elevated, but was chemically and biologically treated and monitored hourly. There were no NPDES discharge limit color exceedances due to this event. Please contact us if you have questions regarding this information. Sincerely, Chuck Cranford Environmental Manager — Waste and Water Programs Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill Chuck.Cranford@everpack.com cc: Mr. Landon Davidson DWR Regional Supervisor, Asheville Regional Office North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 2090 U.S. Highway 70 Swannanoa, NC 28778 C. File — Wastewater Tracy Willis Operations Supervisor/ORC - WWTP Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill Tracy.Willis@everpack.com Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging — Canton Mill 175 Main Street • PO Box 4000 Canton, North Carolina 28716 • 828-646-2000 ATTACHMENT D WTP Influent Conductivity PI Trend 11/23—11/25, 2021 Ad -Hoc Trend 11/26/2021 12:00-00 Color & Fiber Monitoring Sheet Notify Pulp Mill and Recovery Supervisors by radio if color exceeds 400 ppm. During Outage, notify Pulp Mill and Recovery Supervisors of each color. Observe the amount of fiber on the pad after each HR color. Enter Low, Med, or High into Excel. Non -Outage Color capture set point is 500 ppm - divert to empty clarifier. Outage color capture set point is 900 ppm - divert to empty clarifier. Pulp Mill: 1AJ1 B Recovery: 5C 11/12PM: 11A 20PM: 11B 19PM: 11C Indicate Channel If No Answer Record all color diversions, color removal polymer addition times, & clarifier drain times at bottom of sheet. Date LL Color, //-2 a Composite 12:00 AM 1:00 AM ll 2:00 AM 3:00AM 4:00AM 5:00 AM __._...70_ 6:00 AM 7:00 AM -71 8:00 AM .�_ 9:00 AM 1, 10:00 AM Fiber (Circle) LMH LM LMH LM LMH L LMH L M© LMH L LMH m Grab @Time 11:00 AM 7 5 I L-1 12:00 PM 1:OOPM g Z 2:00 PM el pp L M H 3:00PM __.l.__.!___-. 4:00 PM L M H 5:00 PM 9 / L M� 6:00 PM L M H 8:00 PM L M H 9:00 PM /3 7 LCI-1 10:OOPM LMH 11:00 PM 2 /q 8-hr Color 7L/ 8-hr Color 67 8-hr Color Ni Date LL Color, ppm Composite Fiber l�—a3 (Circle) 12:00 AM L M H Grab @Time 1:00AM 36,0 LM it 2:OOAM LMH 3 00 AM A,3 L 4:00AM LMH 6:00AM LMH r4/4 ?"168 7:00 AM 97J L0H fiA464j1/ J43 8:00 AM LMH -v3S 9:00 AM 701 L M H 10:00 AM L M H 11:00 AM 350 L M H 12:00 PM L M H 1:00 PM /0 6 LMH _ - 2:00 PM L M H 3:00 PM tt LMH 111, 4:OOPM LMH 5:OOPM /) LMH 6:OOPM LMH 7:O0PM // LMH 8:00PM LMH 91 9:00PM 6,2s LMH 170:15: y 150,,,9e 10:00 PM LMH 11:OOPM 73 LMH 8-hr Color � -rl 8-hr Color a1_3 8-hr Color A /6 NOTE: If 24-hr influent composite sample is 30% higher than the average of the 3-8hr samples a rerun of the influent sample needs to be made. This result will need to be averaged with the initial reading and documented accordingly. Color Removal Polyamine Addition Date Color Event Capture Start Time Stop Time S • litter Box or . #1 Clarifier Clarifier Drain Date Start Time Stop Time X:\Room Runner Sheets\Color Monitoring Sheet.docx Color & Fiber Monitoring Sheet Notify Pulp Mill and Recovery Supervisors by radio if color exceeds 400 ppm. During Outage, notify Pulp Mill and Recovery Supervisors of each color. Observe the amount of fiber on the pad after each HR color. Enter Low, Med, or High into Excel. Non -Outage Color capture set point is 500 ppm - divert to empty clarifier. Pulp Mill: 1A/1B Recovery: 5C 11/12PM: 11A 20PM: 11B 19PM: 11C Outage color capture set point is 900 ppm - divert to empty clarifier. Indicate Channel If No Answer Record all color diversions, color removal polymer addition times, & clarifier drain times at bottom of sheet. LL Color, ppm Date LL Color, ppm 12:00 AM 1: OO AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11 T00AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3.00PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM _..-9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Composite 321. 13 Fiber (Circle) LMH LM(6) LMMHH LMH Grab @Time LMH LMH .ri4.'. LMH LM LM� LMH l�iA H LMH L®H-.. LMH LM® LMH L(1H LMH LMH i 8-hr Color aS 8-hr Color 8-h r Color Date I tbC 12:00 AM 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM ......_._......... 6:00AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:OOPM 6:00 PM 7 :00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Composite Q(7 Fiber (Circle) LMH Grab @Time L M) LMH L LMH LMCRJ� LMH LM LMH L H LMH Lt,PH LMH Lc H LMH Li LMH L_.. LMH ................ ............ LM� LMH L M� LMH L V�1H 8-h r Color log 8-hr Color 8-hr Color /;J NOTE: If 24-hr influent composite sample is 30% higher than the average of the 3-8hr samples a rerun of the influent samp e needs to be made. This result will need to be averaged with the initial reading and documented accordingly. Color Removal Polyamine Addition Color Event Capture Date Start Time Stop Time Slitter Box or . #1 Clarifier Clarifier Drain Date Start Time Stop Time X:\Room Runner Sheets\Color Monitoring Sheet.docx