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EPA ISSUES FINAL REPORT ON ANALYSIS OF PROCESS CHANGES FOR GEORGIA-PACIFIC, PALATKA, FLORIDA EFFLUENT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Release Date: 06/02/1999
Contact Information: Carl Terry, EPA Press and Media Relations, 404-562-8325

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pulp and Paper Technical Team has completed its report of the results of a technical and economic analysis of the Georgia-Pacific Palatka Mill and its discharges. The report concludes that Georgia Pacific can meet Florida Water Quality Standards (WQS) at its current discharge point in Rice Creek, if EPA's recommended process changes are implemented over the next several years.

The technical report provides information for future permitting decisions by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). EPA expects to continue working with the FDEP and Georgia Pacific in improving the discharge from the Palatka Mill and consequently the water quality of Rice Creek and the St. Johns River. FDEP is the permitting authority for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The NPDES program regulates discharges into surface water. EPA will review any draft permit that is developed by FDEP for the discharge. EPA recognizes the unique characteristics and operating conditions at each pulp and paper mill in the nation and, in its oversight role, will ensure that all WQS are met and aquatic life and human health are protected.