Progress in reducing the TCDD/TCDF content of effluents, pulps and wastewater treatment sludges from the manufacturing of bleached chemical pulp

This report summarizes the data received in response to NCASIʹs 1996 “Industry-Wide Dioxin Profile” and data on tissue concentrations in fish taken downstream from mill discharges. The current survey was the sixth effort to update industry accomplishments since the “104 Mill Study” in 1988. As of the end of 1996, bleaching export vector TCDD/TCDF contents have been reduced by 94% on a TEQ basis from the 1988 level. The few observations above nominal detection limits tend to be from mills that have not supplied new data to NCASI. Current releases are approaching the point where the difference between the estimate and “non-detect” levels is hardly quantifiable. The analysis of data on fish tissue taken downstream of pulp mill discharges showed an average 24% per year decrease, reflecting reductions in effluent loadings.