Pulp and Paper Mill Residuals

When pulp and paper mills treat their wastewater, the solids removed are rich in organic matter--mostly small particles of wood too short to be bound into the paper product, as well as clay and lime.

 These light-weight residuals hold water, provide abundant organic matter, and help build deeper organic soils when used in agriculture and land reclamation programs. The benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced need for irrigation, increased nutrient-holding capacity, and reduced soil compaction.

In New England and eastern Canada, pulp and paper residuals - sometimes called "short paper fiber" or simply "SPF" or "FiberClay" are used in numerous ways:

• in manufactured topsoils, the abundant organic matter improves soils
• as bedding for dairy and other animals, the fibers and clay absorb moisture and provide padding
• in the impermeable cap on closed landfills, the high clay content ensures an impermeable seal

Land Reclamation with Biosolids and Pulp & Paper Mill Residuals

Sand and gravel have been mined from sites throughout New England and eastern Canada, leaving the landscape scarred. Similar scars are the result of landfills closing. These kinds of sites are barren, in need of new topsoil and sustainable vegetation. Traditionally, native topsoil has been taken from farm fields or construction sites for use in revegetating such sites. But removing native topsoil from farms is environmentally damaging. The use of pulp and paper mill residuals and biosolids provides a preferable alternative.