July 1, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced that Weyerhaeuser Company-Grayling OSB has been designated as the 103rd Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen. Located just south of the city of Grayling, Weyerhaeuser-Grayling OSB is one of the largest structural panel facilities in North America. They manufacture Oriented Strand Board (OSB), a structural panel used primarily for exterior sheathing and single-layer flooring in new homes.

“I am pleased to recognize the Weyerhaeuser team in Grayling for their proactive approach to sustainable forestry and their commitment to earning this significant designation,” Governor Granholm said. “They have taken a leadership role by setting and achieving environmental improvement goals at the facility while continuing their contributions to the local economy and forestry education.”

“We are very excited about receiving this certification,” said Weyerhaeuser’s Grayling OSB manager Dave Malm. “Our entire organization, led by our Environmental Committee, is committed to excellence in environmental performance and responsibility. In addition to our Environmental Management system, our wood procurement system is certified to the American Forest and Paper Association's Sustainable Forestry Initiative standard (SFI ®). We were among the first in our company and industry to receive this certification, which speaks to the importance we put on keeping our forest habitat healthy and sustainable while providing products that are essential to people’s lives.

” Weyerhaeuser Company, incorporated in 1900, is one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, employing some 58,000 people worldwide.

To qualify as a Clean Corporate Citizen, candidates must adopt a strong environmental management system, a facility-specific pollution prevention policy and program, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Clean Corporate Citizens are eligible for certain benefits including expedited permits and additional operational flexibility. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Weyerhaeuser-Grayling OSB has set goals and targets for pollution prevention, solid waste reduction, and has achieved source-specific waste reductions of 20, 30, and 50 percent from the targeted waste streams. The facility uses a variety of wood types from northern Michigan tree species. Wood residuals generated at the mill that are unsuitable for use in the product are used for energy generation at a local power plant. The power plant - Grayling Generating Station - is also a designated Clean Corporate Citizen.

The facility also has earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification, meeting the voluntary international standard for environmental management systems, and also has voluntarily joined the DEQ as a partner in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership.

“I congratulate the management and associates at the Grayling facility for this achievement,” said DEQ Director Steven Chester. “Weyerhaeuser-Grayling OSB’s environmental systems, waste reduction efforts, and commitment to continual environmental improvement have earned them this special designation, and we appreciate their partnership in DEQ voluntary programs.”

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised July 1, 2004 by Pat Watson