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Small diameter timber (SDT) has emerged as a national problem in the forest products industry due to catastrophic forest fires in the West, increases in imported pulp in the South and high grading in the Central and Eastern U.S. This research evaluated the potential markets for small diameter hardwood and softwood timber resources in Northern Mississippi. Traditionally, SDT has been used primarily as pulpwood in the production of pulp and paper products. However, demand for pulpwood has decreased due to the increase of imported pulp. Exports of paper products from Mississippi decreased 18% between 1999 and 2003, while exports of wood products increased 82% during the same time period¹. Stumpage prices of softwood pulpwood in the southern region have declined during this period from approximately $10/ton to $6.35/ton currently. Stumpage prices of hardwood pulpwood in the southern region have increased slightly to $5.43/ton². Due to the low prices of small diameter timber, value added products need to be explored so that SDT harvesting is economically feasible. The combination of weak pulpwood markets and the lack of alternative markets for SDT have led to an increased supply of SDT. In Northern Mississippi it is estimated that timber growth in non-industrial private forests exceeds removals by 750,000 cords per year³. Currently there are few value added markets that can utilize the SDT resource (< 9-11” DBH). The objectives of this research were: 1) to explore existing products that can utilize SDT, 2) identify markets in Northern Mississippi that can utilize SDT and 3) identify the viable markets for SDT.

Small diameter timber (SDT) has emerged as a national problem in the forest products industry due to catastrophic forest fires in the West, increases in imported pulp in the South and high grading in the Central and Eastern U.S. This research evaluated the potential markets for small diameter hardwood and softwood timber resources in Northern Mississippi. Traditionally, SDT has been used primarily as pulpwood in the production of pulp and paper products. However, demand for pulpwood has decreased due to the increase of imported pulp. Exports of paper products from Mississippi decreased 18% between 1999 and 2003, while exports of wood products increased 82% during the same time period¹. Stumpage prices of softwood pulpwood in the southern region have declined during this period from approximately $10/ton to $6.35/ton currently. Stumpage prices of hardwood pulpwood in the southern region have increased slightly to $5.43/ton². Due to the low prices of small diameter timber, value added products need to be explored so that SDT harvesting is economically feasible. The combination of weak pulpwood markets and the lack of alternative markets for SDT have led to an increased supply of SDT. In Northern Mississippi it is estimated that timber growth in non-industrial private forests exceeds removals by 750,000 cords per year³. Currently there are few value added markets that can utilize the SDT resource (< 9-11” DBH). The objectives of this research were: 1) to explore existing products that can utilize SDT, 2) identify markets in Northern Mississippi that can utilize SDT and 3) identify the viable markets for SDT.

A commercial pesticide sampler was evaluated for chlordane and heptachlor sampling. The sampler can obtain samples at rates up to 6.5 CFM through each of two collectors. Collectors are glass fiber filters impregnated with a polymeric medium. Chlordane and heptachlor appear to be collected by several modes: filtration, adsorption, diffusion and gas-solid partitioning. Analyses showed that the compounds were collected efficiently on the collector and retained. A detection level of approximately 20 parts per trillion can be obtained with a one hour sample. The sampler is flexible and quite easy to use. Several problems are associated with operation of the sampler. Suggested improvements are discussed in the report. Suggestions for further work are also included.

Particulate emissions from a newly installed Fairchild-Hiller film Incinerator/Silver Reclamation Processor were determined to evaluate compliance with applicable emission standards. Evidence indicated that a large fraction of the particulate emissions may have been contributed by the refractory lining. Proper curing (operating the unit over a period of time) should eliminate emissions form the lining and eventually reduce total emissions to less than the required standard. (Author)

In order to investigate the practical feasibility of combusting waste POLS (petroleum, oil, lubricants) in heating plant boilers, a field testing program was undertaken to obtain actual performance and air pollution data. Since most Air Force heating plants Utilize FS-Grade (No 2, No 5) fuel or natural gas as a primary fuel source, emphasis was placed on the installation of waste POL systems at three separate Air Force bases employing the use of these fuels. Various percentages of waste POL were burned in the test boilers with the corresponding fluctuation in stack emissions documented. Results of this study are reported in terms of quantity and hours of waste POL burned per installation, operational procedures, air pollution data, and recommendations for the safe installation of a compatible waste POL system. (Author)

Stack emission tests were conducted at three Air Force heating plants to determine the effect on stack emissions resulting from the use of Air Force waste petroleum fuels and lubricating oils (POL) as a supplement to heating plant fuel. Particulate emissions were unaffected by (1) 11% waste POL (by volume) with 89% no. 5 fuel oil and (2) 4% waste POL with 96% no. 2 fuel oil. Particulate emissions were increased by (1) 16% waste POL with 84% no. 2 fuel oil and (2) 16% waste POL with 84% (by heat content) natural gas. Hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions were unaffected by any percentage of waste POL up to 26% by volume. Lead emissions were increased by all percentages of waste POL except in one test when only 2% waste was used. Emission codes were not violated by the use of waste POL IN ANY TESTS. (Author)

Refuse derived fuel (processed municipal solid waste) was used as a supplement to coal in a utility boiler (80,000 lbs. steam per hour). Furnance emissions were determined from coal, and from 1:1 and 2:1 mixes (by volume) of refuse derived fuel (RDF) and coal respectively. In comparison with coal, the 1:1 mix had significantly lower sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emission levels. Particulate emissions were unchanged. Lead, chloride and fluoride emissions were significantly increased. The 2:1 mix had lower SO2 and HC emission levels but higher Nitrogen oxide emissions and erratic particulate emissions. Lead, chloride and fluoride emissions were significantly increased. Operators had difficulty controlling furnance temperature, fuel distribution and fuel: air ratios during use of the 2:1 mix. Except for increased lead emissions, the use of RDF in a 1:1 mix with coal was favorably indicated. The increased emission of lead creates a complex environmental question. No Federal emission or air quality standard for lead has been promulgated and scientific controversy exists as to an 'accepted' level for airborne lead. The EPA has not proposed any standards, but has issued an opinion calling for the reduction of lead whenever possible. Any planned use of RDF in units not equipped with efficient particulate control devices (efficient forsubmicrometer particles) must address the problem of increased lead emission. Lead was found predominantly in the submicrometer particle size fraction. Particles in the stack effluent contained 245 times more lead than particles collected by a multiclone.

An environmental evaluation was conducted of an operation in which nitric, perchloric, and hydrochloric acid vapors and aerosols are generated. The evaluation was requested to determine why a visible white plume existed at the exhaust of a wet scrubber. The white plume was formed regardless of meteorological conditions when acid vapors and aerosols were generated. The evaluation included a scrubber efficiency study, an environmental assessment and an air pollution regulation compliance tests. (Author)

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte

Copyright and permission to republish held by: Deloitte