The Influence of an Integrated Pulp and Paper Mill on Ambient Levels of TRS and PM2.5 in the Community

Three ambient monitoring stations for TRS and PM2.5 were operated for a period of 1.7-2.2 years in a large city near the vicinity of an integrated pulp and paper mill. The stations were carefully located so as to differentiate the influence 4 the mill from other sources. For ambient TRS, the mill's installation of a dilute non-condensable gas collection system midway through the study resulted in a significant reduction (43-82%) in the TRS levels in the community. For ambient PM2.5 statistical analysis Of the data clearly indicated that mill emissions were not the most important contributor to the ambient levels that were measured at the three stations. During poor air quality episodes, it was clear that the elevated values were due, in large part, to sources other than mill emissions. This strongly suggests that wood-burning stoves, other town and industrial sources, and residential activities are important contributors to the ambient PM2.5 concentrations that are measured in the airshed.