Opal Australian Paper, which has been manufacturing brown packaging paper and board under a temporary EPA Victoria licence since its white paper operations folded, had its license ceased following a recent rise in sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.
However, on 22 February, the emissions of SO2 from a recovery boiler in the mill were exceeded – 5,440 grams per minute (g/m) versus the limit of 5,000 g/m.
As a consequence, the EPA advised Opal Australian Paper that its temporary licence ceased to have effect from 24 March.
The Maryvale Mill has now reverted back to its previous EPA operating licence.
“Opal Australian Paper takes its environmental obligations very seriously and is proactively engaging with the EPA to ensure it meets compliance requirements and manages the risk of harm to the environment and human health,” the company said.
It has also outlined its next steps to address compliance of SO2 emissions. This includes:
- Reviewing and improving operating conditions of The Maryvale Mill. This includes installation of equipment that will assist in reducing SO2
- Setting up a dedicated team to review all possible actions that can be implemented to ensure ongoing compliance with the EPA’s limit for SO2
- Working with expert consultants to assess the best environmental compliance pathways going forward.
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