The regulatory framework for pulp and paper mill effluent in North America and Europe

Abstract

In the United States, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of the Clean Water Act is the permitting system to control water pollution. This system consists of both chemical and biological method for the assessment and the reduction of toxic discharges. The Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards (1998) set discharge limits for dioxins, chlorinated phenolics, chloroform, TSS, BOD and AOX. EPA is developing options to encourage effluent trading for NPDES permittees. In Canada, the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (1992) under the Fisheries Act set discharge limits for TSS and BOD, and prohibit the discharge of effluents that are acutely lethal to rainbow trout. As well, mills are required to conduct Environmental Effect Monitoring (EEM) studies. The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive of 1996 is a set of common rules on permitting for industrial installations in the EU countries. The permits must be based on best available techniques (BAT). The Reference Document on BAT in the pulp and paper industry set emission levels of TSS, COD, BOD, AOX, total nitrogen and total phosphorus to water. The waste water tax scheme has been widely adopted in EU member countries to improve water quality.