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Rayonier Wastewater Treatment Improvements

Jesup, Georgia, 2000

Rayonier Wastewater Treatment

The existing on-site wastewater treatment plant for this paper mill was overloaded as a result of increased production. The city was receiving odor complaints and the plant operators were not able to stay within discharge limits. The plant has two separate waste streams, one of which was the major contributor to the problems. The plant environmental and engineering people found a solution to the problem.

Their choice was modifying the operation of an existing lagoon. This lagoon would pre-treat the problem waste stream before it was combined with the other wastewater. A portion of these modifications consisted of covering the center section to create an anaerobic treatment cell and using a series of baffles to extend the retention time of the wastewater in the anaerobic zone. This would eliminate odors, and substantially reduce the load on the existing plant.

A 45 mil PPR cover was chosen to seal the anaerobic section to prevent the escape of odors. 30 mil XR-5 was chosen for the floating baffles to extend the retention time of the anaerobic section.

Environmental Fabrics Inc. of Gaston, SC was chosen for the geomembrane work on this project. The geomembrane work started late summer and was completed on schedule. The cell was placed in operation and the baffles and cover system have functioned as designed with little required maintenance.

This covered anaerobic section has allowed the wastewater treatment plant to stay within its discharge limits, and ended odor complaints.