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EPA Signs Agreement for Innovative System at Georgia-Pacific Mill

Release Date: 6/5/2000
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

BIG ISLAND, Va. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today joined other government agencies in signing a “Project XL” project agreement that will allow the construction of an innovative black liquor gasification system at the Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill here.

The black liquor gasification system, which will replace existing smelter-type recovery furnaces, will lower environmental emissions, increase energy efficiency and reduce operation and maintenance costs at the mill. This will be the first commercial application of the gasification technology in the United States. Black liquor is a waste product from making paper that contains chemicals that will be recycled more efficiently under this XL agreement. Gasification converts waste from the pulping process into a valuable gas (primarily hydrogen) that will be used as a clean fuel at the plant.

“A paper mill has been operating continuously on this site since the late 19th century. Georgia-Pacific’s innovative approach will take the mill well into the 21st century. This exemplifies the kind of approach we need in environmental protection,” said EPA Regional Administrator Bradley Campbell.

The gasification system comes under EPA’s “Project XL,” which stands for eXcellence and Leadership. This is a national program that allows companies flexibility in environmental regulations on condition that the public benefits from reduced pollution or other superior environmental performance.

Joining Campbell in signing the agreement were Alice Carlton from U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service; David Johnson, chief deputy director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Patrick Purdy, general manager of the Georgia Pacific Big Island Mill.