News
Veracel holds first Odor Perception Network (OPN) meeting
On December 3, the first meeting of the Veracel Odor Perception Network (OPN) was held. The network was especially established to monitor and report back to Veracel about any eventual odors occasioned by the mill. The network is made up of 17 volunteers who reside in the municipalities of Eunápolis, Itagimirim, Itapebi, Belmonte and Barrolândia, Santa Maria Eterna and Vera Cruz. These individuals have received guidance about reporting to the company by telephone as quickly as possible if they perceive any aromas emanating from the pulp mill. As a result, the technical staff responsible should be able to identify and correct any operating problems that exist and avoid discomfort for residents in the region.
Odors that originate in the Veracel mill are caused by the emission of TRS gases (reduced sulfur components) that are a characteristic of the pulp manufacturing process - used by Veracel and practically all pulp mills in the world. Although these gases are inoffensive to human health in the concentrations normally found in the air in the vicinity of the mills, the sulfur particulates contained in them generate a disagreeable odor. Furthermore, the limits for perceiving these odors are very low, less than 0.5 parts per billion. This means that, even when the concentrations are extremely low, the human nose can detect their presence.
At the pulp mill, industrial director Walter Martins, environmental manager Zeila Piotto and recovery and utilities manager Ari Medeiros received the volunteers. Besides lectures by these professionals and a visit of the mill, the network members listened to a talk on the subject of atmospheric dispersion by a Federal University of Espírito Santo specialist, Prof. Rogério Queiroz, who was one of the individuals responsible for establishing the Veracel OPN.
According to Ms. Piotto, "the Odor Perception Network is very important because the records it produces will help the company improve its industrial processes and reduce emissions." She added that the OPN is in step with the best environmental practices and demonstrates that the company is taking responsible actions in the field of the environment.