UPM to Rebuild Biological Effluent Treatment Plant at Pietarsaari Mill
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UPM, Finland, this week said that it will begin a large construction project to rebuild the effluent treatment plant at its Pietarsaari pulp mill in Finland, The approximate EUR 30 million investment will cover the rebuild of all of the main phases of wastewater treatment. The work will start immediately and is to be completed at the end of 2013.
"With the rebuild of the effluent treatment plant, we will improve the pulp mill's production efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. The rebuild will also enable further development of the mill in the future," the mill's GM, Kenneth Winberg, said.
The construction includes a new preliminary clarifier for fibers and an aeration basin, created mainly by excavating rock. The pumping station and compressor house will be completely new constructions.
UPM is currently reviewing water management and efficiency in material use at several mills. By 2020, the company aims to have reduced wastewater volume by 15% in pulp and paper production, compared with levels in 2008.
UPM treats all wastewater in primary and secondary effluent treatment plants before it is released into watercourses. The company explained that the biological treatment stage is an efficient way to remove dissolved organic contaminants and nutrients from wastewater. The emission level of wastewater, it added, is regularly measured and monitored according to valid monitoring plans.
UPM's Pietarsaari pulp mill is the biggest pulp mill in Europe with an annual production capacity of some 800,000 metric tons. of softwood and hardwood pulp. The pulp mill employs about 300 people. Pulp is sold mainly to global markets, where it is used in the production of tissue, packaging, label, and office and writing papers. The Pietarsaari mill site also includes a packaging paper mill.
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