Notice of Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Permit for
International Paper Company (IP),
Pensacola Mill in Escambia County
Draft Permit
(NPDES Permit No. FL0002526-008)
Supporting Documents:
Notice of Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Questions & Answers
What is being announced?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is noticing a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit for International Paper Company (IP), Pensacola Mill in
Escambia County. The draft permit describes proposed
modifications and operation of an industrial wastewater treatment plant, along with construction of a transmission
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 Track property owned by International Paper bordering lower Elevenmile Creek and upper Perdido Bay.
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. This project will also provide new information regarding the use of wetlands
for low-energy wastewater treatment.
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 draft 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.
Potential impacts to the receiving wetlands were fully assessed under the new proposal. The revised project proposes
wastewater distribution to about 1,381 acres of wetlands, as well as conservation and management of an additional 1,188
acres of special habitat in a conservation easement. The revised project will not cause significant adverse impacts to
the receiving wetlands. Further, this draft permit requires comprehensive site management and monitoring that will
enhance a diverse array of habitats in the wetlands and conservation areas.
Are these documents available for public review and comment?
Yes. The public meeting agenda [PDF -
277 KB], permit application, draft permit, draft Consent Order and associated documents
are available for public inspection at the DEP Northwest District offices, 160 Governmental Center, Pensacola,
FL 32502-5794, during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.
Some documents are also available for review on the Department’s district website:
www.dep.state.fl.us/northwest.
Is there an opportunity for public comment?
Yes. Any interested person may submit written comments about the Department’s draft permit by contacting Bill Evans
at:
Bill Evans
DEP Northwest District offices
160 Governmental Center
Pensacola, Florida 32502-5794
(850) 595-8300 ext. 1168
bill.evans@dep.state.fl.us
Additionally, the Department will host a
public meeting [PDF -
311 KB] at the University of West Florida, Main Stage Theatre,
Building 82, on May 13, 2008, beginning at 4:30 p.m., to accept public comments. The public comment period will end
close of business on May 20, 2008.
What happens next?
After the public comment period closes, DEP will evaluate the comments received and make any changes necessary to
the draft permit. DEP anticipates making a final decision on the permit application in the next few months, which
will be publicly noticed. Once the intent to issue or deny a permit is published, there will be a 21 day period
during which interested parties may petition the agency action.
International Paper Company,
Intent to Issue Revised Permit,
Amended Consent Order, and
Associated Permit Application
Northwest District 