Notice of Intent to Issue National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for
International Paper Company (IP), Pensacola Mill in Escambia County
(NPDES Permit No. FL0002526-008)
Supporting Documents:
Notice of Intent to Issue National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit
Questions & Answers
What is being announced?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave notice of Intent to Issue the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for International Paper Company (IP), Pensacola
Mill in Escambia County. The permit requires modifications and operation of an industrial wastewater
treatment plant, along with construction of an effluent pipeline for the treated wastewater and
construction of a receiving wetland system.
Why is a permit needed for this facility?
As authorized by the federal Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program controls water pollution by
regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into surface waters of the State. Florida implements
its approved state NPDES program under authorization from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What improvements have already been made at International Paper?
IP’s Pensacola Mill has already made several improvements to its wastewater discharge, including replacement
of the primary sedimentation and sludge dewatering system. In addition, the Mill converted the pulp and paper
production to mostly unbleached packaging papers, thereby reducing bleach plant discharges by approximately
70 percent.
What actions does this draft permit describe?
International Paper has submitted a permit application to make further improvements to its existing
industrial wastewater treatment facility in Escambia County and to relocate its discharge. The company
will construct a 10-mile pipeline that will convey treated industrial wastewater from the paper mill into
a wetland distribution system. The wetlands are located on the East Rainwater Tract property owned by
International Paper bordering lower Elevenmile Creek and upper Perdido Bay.
Although not specified in the permit, the company is also partnering with the Emerald Coast Utility
Authority (ECUA) to provide potentially up to five million gallons a day of reclaimed water to the mill
for beneficial use to replace groundwater currently used by the mill in its production process. The
reclaimed water will be supplied by ECUA’s new advanced wastewater treatment plant.
What further improvements will this proposed project achieve?
The project will improve the quality of International Paper’s wastewater, eliminate direct discharge
to upper Elevenmile Creek and reduce groundwater use by the facility. The removal of the wastewater
discharge from upper Elevenmile Creek will help restore the water quality of the Creek and Perdido Bay.
International Paper will also enter into a legal agreement with the Department to improve processes at
the plant and undertake corrective actions to bring the company into compliance with applicable water
quality standards and criteria.
What is the timeline for the improvements at IP?
| Item |
Timing |
| Wastewater treatment plant modifications |
18 months |
| Startup of modified industrial wastewater facility |
2 years |
| Construction of pipeline, wetlands distribution
system and begin discharge to wetlands |
2 years |
| Cease wastewater discharge to upper Elevenmile Creek |
3 years |
How is this permit different from the previous one?
The previous permit application was challenged and eventually denied on August 8, 2007, by DEP Secretary
Sole because insufficient information was provided on potential adverse impacts to the proposed receiving
wetland’s biological communities.
The new application includes a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts to these biological communities.
Based on this comprehensive assessment, the applicant re-designed the wetlands distribution system to avoid
unique wetland habitat and reduced the area receiving effluent from 1,484 acres down to 1,381 acres. IP
removed 103 acres of habitats containing threatened or endangered species from the wetland effluent zone.
IP also agreed to provide for the conservation and management of a 1,188 acre area to offset impacts to
specific plant communities within the 1,381 acre wetland effluent zone. An effluent distribution system
will distribute wastewater into 1,381 acres of wetlands (wetland effluent zone). The wetland effluent
distribution system, wetland effluent zone, and an additional 1,188 acres of adjacent wetlands to be used for
habitat enhancement (Offset Areas) comprise the 2,569 acre Experimental Wetland Project Area (EWPA). Land
management practices within the offset areas will emphasize the restoration of historic ecosystems and
functions with a specific focus on habitats suitable for threatened and endangered species. Within the
wetland effluent zone, habitats for biological communities, including macroinvertebrates and vertebrates
(e.g., amphibians, reptiles, and fish) will be enhanced or created. The functional gains within the offset
area will far surpass the estimated loss within the wetland effluent zone.
Has public comment been received and considered on the draft permit?
Yes, the Department hosted a public meeting agenda [PDF -
311 KB] at the University of West Florida, Main Stage Theatre, Building 82, on May 13, 2008, to accept public comments.
The public comment period ended on the close of business May 20, 2008. Since that time the Department has reviewed and considered
the comments in taking this final agency action.
What happens next?
Once the intent to issue is published, parties affected by the permitting decision have a 21 day
period during which they may petition for an administrative hearing.
International Paper Company,
Intent to Issue Revised Permit,
Amended Consent Order, and
Associated Permit Application
Northwest District 