U.S. Wood-Based Panel Industry: Energy, Environmental Protection, and Occupational Safety and Health

Energy requirements for production of wood-based panel products are modest compared to energy requirements for the manufacture of mineral-based products. This is due in part to the fact that wood residue from the manufacturing operation can be used as fuel. It is technologically feasible for some panel products plants to be completely energy self-sufficient by burning wood residue, although capital investment in equipment required to achieve energy self-sufficiency may not be economically attractive. Wood resources and natural gas and petroleum resources (used in the manufacture of adhesives and wax) have alternative value as energy sources. In some instances, there is strong competition between material and fuel demands for wood, particularly for dry wood residues from wood products manufacturing. The Clean Air Act as amended and the Clean Water Act as amended are the legislative bases for regulation of exhaust gas emissions and of waste-water handling, respectively, for the panel products industry. Sources or potential sources of air and water pollution in the panel products industry are highlighted, and regulatory requirements and treatment technologies for exhaust gas and waste-water streams in the industry are described. The legislative basis for occupational safety and health regulations is the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Agencies and professional organizations concerned with occupational safety and health are described. Occupational safety and health regulations pertinent to the industry are recounted.

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