G-P to replace coal-fired boiler at Big Island, VA, containerboard mill

By Will Mies, Director, News Editorial, RISI

SAN FRANCISCO, May 6, 2011 (RISI) - Georgia-Pacific is planning to spend $10 million to replace a coaled-fired boiler at its Big Island, VA, containerboard mill with a new natural gas boiler, according to The News & Advance of Lynchburg, VA.

The new boiler would reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and enable the mill to meet impending new air quality regulations. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of October.

"We would either have to retrofit that old coal boiler or replace it," a mill spokesperson told the newspaper.

New Clean Air Act standards that take effect Jan. 1 will raise standard for plants operating in federally protected areas, such as the James River Face Wilderness Area in Bedford County near the Big Island mill, according to the newspaper.

One power boiler at Big Island already runs on natural gas. Natural gas is a more expensive fuel but offers cost saving on maintenance in addition to its environmental benefits.

Mill management said the investment helps ensure the long-term viability of the mill, which has 290 workers. The mill has capacity to produce 309,000 tons/yr of semichemical medium on two machines and 286,000 tons/yr of recycled linerboard on a third, newer machine.