The pollution load caused by ECF Kraft Mills, Botnia-Uruguay: first six months of operation

Abstract

The pollution load caused by Kraft Mills with and without bleaching is analysed. Particularly, the mill emissions of Botnia Fray Bentos S.A. over the first six months of operation are reviewed just as they are presented by the EcoMetrix report dated July 2008, at the request of the International Finance Corporation, World Bank. Regardless of the opinions expressed there, from the numerical values it is absolutely clear that Botnia has discharged great quantities of solid, liquid and gaseous dangerous pollutants into the Uruguay River and into the atmosphere. This pollution load, according to the background known, will cause serious and irreversible damage to the flora, fauna and health of the inhabitants of the basin within a few years.