Arauco Awaits Legal Authorization to Construct Industrial Waste Effluent Pipeline to the Pacific Ocean

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Corema, Chile's environmental commission, is extending an environmental evaluation for another 60 days, claiming that Arauco (Santiago,Chile) has not yet submitted all the necessary information Corema needs to grant permission for the building of an industrial waste pipeline project. The company is expected to present a more detailed report before the 60-day period expires.

The project seeks to install an approximately 2,000-meter long pipeline at a depth of 18 meters. The construction will enable the Valdivia pulp plant to pump waste materials to the Pacific Ocean. The company has had a long history of environmental abuse and degradation; consequently, there is a growing concern among environmental authorities about possible detrimental effects of the pipeline installation.

According to environmental activists, Arauco can use a treatment for its liquid effluents. They say that a process could be implemented through which toxic components are eliminated completely so water can be recovered and reused again. Activists also say that plenty of technology is available to prevent the pollution of the sea, which has been used in many cellulose plants in Europe.

Company officials assert that the environmental standards are being met and guarantee they are using the right technology. They also complain about the monthly earnings loss of US$27 million, which is related to production capacity. Without the pipeline, the Valdivia plant can only operate at 50% capacity.

The Valdivia pulp plant has been operational since January 2004 and is located in Los Rios, Valdia. The facility produces kraft softwood unbleached pulp and has an annual production capacity of 550,000 tons. At present, about 356 people work at the plant. Valdivia also has an operational power plant equipped with two 60-megawatts (MW) turbines and two boilers, a recovery steam boiler and a force steam boiler. The facility's total power generation capacity is 120 MW. The energy produced is used for self consumption, and the remainder is sold to Chile's National Interconnected System.

Arauco is one of the largest forestry companies in Latin America. It commercializes and produces kraft woodpulp, sawntimber and panels. The company currently exports its products to more than 50 countries worldwide.

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