An original treatment system was designed, constructed, and operated for removal of suspended solids, turbidity, color, and BOD from the wastewaters of two paper mills which produce technical and other fine papers. The treatment process involves coagulation and flocculation followed by microstraining. Space and cost considerations were of paramount importance in selecting this process. Fiber recovery was investigated, but was found to be uneconomical because of the high percentage of fillers being employed and unacceptable levels of color and dirt. The sludge is being discharged to the municipal sewerage system. Plant operating efficiencies over the past year indicated substantial removal of the suspended solids and 5-day BOD. Effluent turbidities averaged less than 30 Jackson turbidity units (JTU). The estimated construction cost of the treatment facility is $689,000. First-year operating costs including wages, power, supplies, chemicals, microfabric, and maintenance totaled $36,175, which is approximately equivalent to $1.50 per ton of paper introduced. It is expected that the techniques used in this operation may have broad applicability to industries under similar space limitations and using similar manufacturing methods, and that cooperative ventures will make it possible for many small firms to survive when faced with meeting the new critiera for industrial wastewater discharges.

Prepared by Strathmore Paper Company, Turners Falls, Mass, under project no. 12040 FDE. "Project Officer Edward Conley." Includes bibliographical references (page 108), and glossary.

Conclusions -- Introduction -- Design of prototype treatment plant -- Operation -- Discussion -- Phase IV plant operation optimization -- Solids handling -- Appendices -- Exhibits : typical wastewater characteristics. An original treatment system was designed, constructed, and operated for the removal of suspended solids, turbidity, color, and BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) from the wastewaters of two paper mills which produce technical and other fine papers. The treatment process involves coagulation and flocculation followed by microstraining. Space and cost considerations were of paramount importance in selecting this process. It is expected that the techniques used in this operation may have broad applicability to industries under similar space limitations and using similar manufacturing methods.