WARD PAPER COMPANY - Pulp and Paper Facility in Merrill, Wisconsin

WARD PAPER COMPANY is a pulp and paper facility located in Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin, United States. The plant is operational and classified under NAICS codes 322120 (Paper Mills) and 337121 (Upholstered Household Furniture Manufacturing), suggesting a diversified production scope. As a pulp and paper facility, it is part of a sector known for significant water and energy use. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Section 313 reporting. Pulp and paper mills in the U.S. are subject to specific effluent guidelines and air emission standards, particularly for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) under the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards. The plant's location in Merrill, Wisconsin, places it in a region with a strong industrial history, particularly in paper manufacturing. The facility's environmental significance includes potential impacts on local water resources and air quality, typical for the sector. Its operational status and compliance with EPA regulations are key factors in its environmental footprint.

The pulp and paper sector is inherently pollution-intensive, involving high water consumption, wastewater discharge containing organic compounds and chlorinated substances, and air emissions of particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and volatile organic compounds. The facility's location in Merrill, Wisconsin, near the Wisconsin River, raises considerations for water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. Community proximity to industrial operations may also be a concern, as typical emissions from pulp mills can affect local air quality.