The Environmental Science and Services Division, the Michigan Pulp and Paper Environmental Council, and the Michigan Forest Products Council announce the publication of the 2003 Annual Report for the Pulp and Paper Pollution Prevention Program (P5). This seventh annual report summarizes the pollution prevention goal achievements by 10 pulp and paper mills and 1 affiliate company that participate in this program, and lists the goals selected by the partnership for 2003.

The report reveals that for 2002, member mills made significant progress towards meeting their established short-term (one year) and long-term (seven year) goals through diligent P2 efforts. Of the 19 long-term goals originally set in 1996; 12 have been met or exceeded, 4 were nearly attained, and significant progress has been made towards the final 3 long-term goals. Compared to the program's industry baseline, member mills have experienced a production increase in the last decade of approximately 15 percent, while having accomplished significant reductions in the following areas as expressed on a production adjusted basis: hazardous waste generation by 51 percent, discharges of substances in waste water by 40 percent, air emissions by 33 percent, solid waste landfilled by 42 percent, and waste water volume by 22 percent.

For 2003, members have committed to the "Development of a Mercury Minimization Plan" as an industry-wide goal for the year while remaining committed to reducing sewer losses, air emissions, water usage, and wastewater discharges; minimizing land filling of solid wastes by finding practical uses; and promoting recycling, environmental management systems, and sustainable forestry. The Environmental Science and Services Division, the Michigan Forest Products Council, and the Michigan Pulp and Paper Environmental Council are pleased with the progress made through the P5, and are proud of the continued commitment made by the mills to participate in this voluntary program.

To find out more about the P5 or for the virtual seventh annual report, please visit the Pulp, Paper & Products website. You may also contact Karen Edlin via e-mail at edlink@michigan.gov, or by telephone at 517-373-0604.