Opal Australian Paper is reviewing operating conditions at its Maryvale Mill in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley after EPA Victoria cancelled its temporary operating licence due to emissions of sulphur dioxide that exceeded EPA regulations.
Opal's Maryvale Mill
Opal Australian Paper, part of Nippon Paper Group, said Maryvale had been operating under a temporary EPA Victoria operating licence since its decision in February 2023 to stop manufacturing paper at the mill.
“Due to the unplanned lack of wood supply to the Maryvale Mill, Opal has made the difficult decision to close its white paper operations,” Opal said in a statement. “Although the Mill is no longer producing white pulp and paper, it continues to manufacture brown packaging paper and board.
“As a result of necessary changes to the Mill’s operations caused by the lack of wood supply, Opal applied to the EPA Victoria seeking temporary relief on certain elements of its operating licence for 120 days. This was granted on 22 December 2022.
“On 22 February 2023, emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) from a Recovery Boiler were exceeded – 5,440 grams per minute (g/m) versus the limit of 5,000 g/m.”
As a consequence, EPA Victoria advised Opal Australian Paper that its temporary licence ceased to have effect from 24 March 2023. The Maryvale Mill has now reverted back to its previous EPA operating licence.
“Opal Australian Paper takes its environmental obligations very seriously and is proactively engaging with the EPA to ensure it meets compliance requirements and manages the risk of harm to the environment and human health,” Opal said.
“Opal Australian Paper is taking the following steps to address compliance of SO2 emissions:
- The Maryvale Mill is reviewing and improving operating conditions. This includes installation of equipment that will assist in reducing SO2.
- A dedicated team has been set up to review all possible actions that can be implemented to ensure ongoing compliance with the EPA’s limit for SO2.
- The team is working with expert consultants to assess the best environmental compliance pathways going forward.”
Sulphur dioxide is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. According to EPA Victoria, "breathing in sulphur dioxide can impact your health. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. People with lung conditions like asthma are most affected by high levels of sulphur dioxide.”
