Fuzzy model of choosing an operation combination when identifying the best available technology

A case study is presented, in which two approaches to the treatment of complex chemical wastewater are experimentally compared: an end-of-pipe “best available technology” option and an in-plant source segregation program. Both options proved to be feasible. Application of the powdered activated carbon treatment (PACT™) process for the combined end-of-pipe stream yielded up to 93% reduction of dissolved organic carbon, with complete toxicity elimination. In order to examine the potential for applying a conventional activated sludge process, a simplified laboratory screening procedure was devised, aimed at establishing baseline data of removability potential, defined either by biodegradation, activated carbon adsorption or volatilization. Using this procedure, the major source of the non-biodegradable fraction in the combined park's wastewater was traced to a single factory, from which twelve individual source streams were screened. The results allowed the division of the tested sources into three groups: degradable, volatile, and problematic. A modified wastewater segregation and treatment program was accordingly proposed, which should allow an efficient and environmentally acceptable solution. This program is presently at its final testing stages, at the conclusion of which a full comparison between the two approaches will be carried out.

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Upgrading effluent quality for lagoon-based systems

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1995.0506 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 31 (12) ◽

pp. 379-387 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Henryk Melcer ◽

Brian Evans ◽

Stephen G. Nutt ◽

Anthony Ho

Keyword(s):

Urban Communities ◽

Ammonia Concentration ◽

Sand Filters ◽

Plant Operation ◽

Capital Costs ◽

Effluent Quality ◽

Waste Sludge ◽

Best Available Technology ◽

Available Technology ◽

Aeration Plant

To establish Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BATEA) in non-urban communities which presently use conventional lagoon technology, an investigation was undertaken to evaluate alternatives which can be used to improve lagoon effluent and establish costs. Evaluated were the “Sutton” and the intermittent sand filtration or “New Hamburg” processes. The Sutton concept consists of a nitrifying extended-aeration plant followed by polishing lagoons, with waste sludge discharged into the lagoons. The New Hamburg concept consists of aerated or facultative lagoons, with the lagoon effluent sprayed intermittently over sand filters. The Sutton plants produce an improved effluent quality relative to conventional facultative lagoons in terms of BOD5 and TSS concentrations. Increases in ammonia concentration across the polishing pond occur after 5-7 years of plant operation, suggesting a need to implement a regular program of sludge removal from the lagoon. The New Hamburg process results in a significant improvement in effluent quality in terms of BOD5, TSS, TP, TKN, NH3-N and H2S concentrations. Approximate capital costs for upgrading the existing conventional lagoons in Ontario to Sutton and New Hamburg process facilities are estimated at US $221 million and US $93 million, respectively.

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Respect for the Environment is Part of Competitiveness - Best Available Technology Applied to an Old Pulp Mill at Kaskinen

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1999.0713 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 40 (11-12) ◽

pp. 201-206

Author(s):

I. Reilama ◽

N. Ilomäki

Keyword(s):

Process Development ◽

Continuous Production ◽

Production Capacity ◽

Pulp Mill ◽

Process Technology ◽

Line Production ◽

Nutrient Emissions ◽

Best Available Technology ◽

Available Technology ◽

Process Solutions

Oy Metsä-Botnia Ab's Kaskinen mill produces ECF and TCF bleached softwood and hardwood pulp on a single continuous production line. Production capacity has been raised from 250,000 tonnes to 420,000 tonnes a year after the commission in 1977. The basic process solutions date mainly from the 1970s. However, process technology has been gradually modernised. With systematic and well-timed process development investments the mill has remained competitive and among frontrunners in terms of environmental protection. Today, Kaskinen represent the best available technology (BAT) applicable to old mills. Effluent loading in general and nutrient emissions in particular has diminished during the development projects of the mill. Comparison to other mills shows that as far as effluent emissions are concerned, Kaskinen is one of the best pulp mills in Finland and Scandinavia. In this presentation, Kaskinen is also compared to Metsä-Rauma, the first greenfield TCF mill in the world, which was started up in 1996. Kaskinen's pioneering work on TCF technology was used as a basis for process solutions in the Rauma greenfield project.

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Modeling Nickel Leaching from Abandoned Mine Tailing Deposits in Jøssingfjorden

Water ◽

10.3390/w13070967 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 967

Author(s):

Svetlana Pakhomova ◽

Evgeniy Yakushev ◽

Morten Thorne Schaanning

Keyword(s):

Water Column ◽

Mine Tailing ◽

Point Of View ◽

Biogeochemical Model ◽

Sediment Reworking ◽

Long Term Storage ◽

Best Available Technology ◽

Available Technology ◽

Nickel Leaching

Underwater disposal of mine tailings in lakes and seas has been considered favorable due to the geochemical stability obtained during long-term storage in anoxic sediments. Sulfides are stable in the ore; however, oxidation and transformation of some substances into more soluble forms may impact bioavailability processes and enhance the risk of toxic effects in the aquatic environment. The goal of this work was to construct a model for simulating the nickel (Ni) cycle in the water column and upper sediments and apply it to the mine tailing sea deposit in the Jøssingfjord, SouthWest Norway. A one-dimensional (1D) benthic–pelagic coupled biogeochemical model, BROM, supplemented with a Ni module specifically developed for the study was used. The model was optimized using field data collected from the fjord. The model predicted that the current high Ni concentrations in the sediment can be a potential source of Ni leaching to the water column until about 2040. The top 10 cm of sediments were classified as being of “poor” environmental state according to the Norwegian Quality Standards. A numerical experiment predicted that with complete cessation of the discharges there would be an improvement in the environmental state of sediment to “good” in about 20 years. On the other hand, doubling of discharge would lead to an increase in the Ni content in the sediment, approaching the boundary of the “very poor” environmental state. The model results demonstrated that Ni leaching from the sea deposits may be increased due to sediment reworking by bioturbation at the sediment–water interface. The model can be an instrument for analysis of different scenarios for mine tailing activities from point of view of reduction of environmental impact as a component of the best available technology.

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Best available technology for European livestock farms: Availability, effectiveness and uptake

Journal of Environmental Management ◽

10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.09.046 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 166 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

L. Loyon ◽

C.H. Burton ◽

T. Misselbrook ◽

J. Webb ◽

F.X. Philippe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Available Technology ◽

Livestock Farms ◽

Available Technology

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Further Examination of the Market Valuation of Environmental Capital Expenditures by Pulp and Paper Companies

International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting ◽

10.5296/ijafr.v2i1.1544 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 174

Author(s):

Perry Warren Solheim

Keyword(s):

Paper Industry ◽

Pulp And Paper Industry ◽

Optimal Choice ◽

Pulp And Paper ◽

Capital Expenditures ◽

Market Values ◽

The Us ◽

Best Available Technology ◽

Available Technology ◽

Environmental Capital

In this study I use the US pulp and paper industry to explore the equity market’s valuation of environmental capital expenditures. I replicate and extend a study by Clarkson, Li, and Richardson that bifurcates the industry into high and low polluting groups. As with their study, I find evidence indicating that the market values environmental capital expenditures by over-compliant firms while attaching no such value to the same expenditures by minimally compliant firms. I do not find that the market assesses unrecorded liabilities to firms that are minimally compliant. My extension also seeks to address two possible specification issues in the Clarkson, et. Al. approach. The first, levels model they used is unbiased but inefficient. Their model scaled by common shares outstanding attempts to rectify this inefficiency but may not be the optimal choice of scaling variable. My results suggest that a “Best Available Technology” approach to environmental regulation may carry additional incentives provided by the capital markets.

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