The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act (CWA), helps address water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to U.S. waters. The permit provides two levels of control: technology-based limits and water quality-based limits. Recent regulatory changes have had a significant impact on mill operations and costs requiring new strategies for managing environmental risks. 

Regulatory issues facing the industry, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, will be addressed at TAPPI’s Pulping, Recycling, Engineering, Environmental, Recycling and Sustainability (PEERS) Conference held on October 28-31 in Portland, Oregon. 

Another growing concern among the industry is residual nutrients in wastewater. This has become a critical factor in renewing NPDES permits and mills are looking for better wastewater treatment options. PEERS attendees will learn about new wastewater treatment advances during the program’s Environmental Track in addition to regulatory issues and other key topics affecting the industry today. PEERS also offers an expert-led panel addressing the implications of carbon tax legislation to the pulp and paper industry, the Oregon Air Toxics Program, and NCASI's long-term receiving stream study.

 

 

PEERS was developed by working professionals associated with the pulp and paper industry and offers eight topic-specific tracks focused on today’s most pressing mill issues. The Environmental Track is comprised of four sessions:

Session 12: Wastewater Treatment Advances

Session 15: Combustion & Emission (joint session with ERR*)

Session 25: Environmental Panel Discussion

Session 30: Bi-Product Sustainability (joint session with Sustainability & ERR*)

*ERR - Engineering, Power & Recovery, Recaust, and Lime Kiln Session

Presentation topics include membrane treatment technology, phosphorus removal technologies for pulp and paper wastewater treatment plants, Venturi injection for pulp and paper mills, impact of wood species on biomass combustion, reuse of CO2 in pulp mills, methanol shift from a waste byproduct to a valuable fuel, approaches to dewatering sludge, reduction of particulate and NOx emissions from Kraft recovery boilers, and factors impacting CO and NOx emissions on biomass-fired stoker boilers.

In addition to its comprehensive technical program, PEERS 2018 offers hands-on workshops, Hot Topics Breakfasts, a New Technology Showcase, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), multiple networking events, and exhibits. PEERS is also co-located with TAPPI’s International Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference (IBBC) and PEERS attendees have full access to the IBBC technical program, including the popular crossover topic, Nonwoods.

To learn more, visit tappipeers.org. Register today and take advantage of the Mill-Only Discount Program. Early-bird discounts end October 3, 2018.