Appleton Coated LLC - Combined Locks Mill: Pulp and Paper Facility in Combined Locks, Wisconsin

Appleton Coated LLC - Combined Locks Mill is a pulp and paper facility located at 540 Prospect St, Combined Locks, Wisconsin, USA. The plant is operational and classified under NAICS codes 221119 (Other Electric Power Generation), 322120 (Paper Mills), 322121 (Paperboard Mills), and 322122 (Newsprint Mills), indicating a diverse production scope. As a pulp and paper mill, it is part of a sector known for significant water and energy use, as well as emissions of pollutants such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which enforces multi-media environmental laws including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Section 313 reporting. These regulations require permits for air emissions, wastewater discharge, and hazardous waste management, as well as annual reporting of toxic chemical releases. The plant's location in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, places it within a region with a strong industrial history, particularly in paper manufacturing. The Combined Locks Mill is situated in the Fox River Valley, an area historically associated with the paper industry. The facility's proximity to the Fox River and Lake Winnebago underscores the importance of water management and compliance with CWA discharge limits. As a pulp and paper mill, it contributes to the local economy but also faces environmental scrutiny regarding effluent quality and air emissions. The plant's operational status and regulatory compliance are key factors in its environmental footprint.

The pulp and paper sector is inherently pollution-intensive, with primary process emissions including particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and volatile organic compounds from pulping and bleaching operations. Wastewater from these facilities often contains high levels of organic matter, chlorinated compounds, and suspended solids, requiring advanced treatment. Community proximity to the Combined Locks Mill, located in a mixed residential-industrial area, raises considerations for local air quality and water resource protection. The facility's compliance with US EPA regulations, including CWA permits and TRI reporting, is critical for mitigating environmental impacts.