Paper mill reduces the reek
Mondi Richards Bay mill aims to cut back on odour flak
PAPER and pulp manufacturer Mondi Richards Bay Mill aims to get rosier feedback from the public in future.
The mill, notorious for emitting smelly gases in th City, says it is ‘on the road to odour reduction in Richards Bay’.
A target has been set to trim negative reports in uMhlathuze by 20% this year based on the number of grievances received in 2013.
‘Complaints regarding malodorous gases in the past led to the mill identifying odour reduction as one of the main areas requiring attention, and the mill began work on the problem since 2009,’ states Mondi’s latest sustainability report.
According to the group, this project has already made a noticeable difference over the last four years.
Since its implementation in 2010, the company has installed carbon filters for the gas vents and upgraded its condensate system to reduce the carry-over of compounds to other areas.
Five monitoring stations have also been set up to measure the total concentration of reduced sulphur compounds in the ambient air.
The results showed the filters have successfully reduced the odour from the mill’s vents, with recent calculations confirming 99% efficiency.
‘Now, the process of scoping phase four of the project is in progress, which involves the upgrade of the High Volume Low Concentration (HVLC) gas system and commissioning of this phase of the project is planned for the 2015 annual shut,’ said Mondi South Africa Corporate Affairs Group Manager, Lora Rossler.
‘In addition to the capital expenditure projects, the mill continues to focus on ensuring operators and mill employees have a high level of awareness of odour control.
‘This is being done by raising odour awareness through quarterly odour newsletters, our annual ‘Making a Difference Day’ campaign and Toolbox talks, reminding employees to close inspection hatches, report leaks and prioritise the repair of odour abatement equipment.
‘The reduction in odour complaints has been included in the mill’s shop floor bonus system to encourage employees to make every effort to minimise odour emissions.
‘The reduction target was set as an internal objective,’ said Rossler.
