NWF Sues EPA Over Paper-Mill Pollution Rules

National Wildlife, August, 1998

NWF is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to require the pulp and paper industry to adopt technology that will reduce dioxin and other toxic pollutants.

The Federation is leading several other conservation groups, including one of its affiliates, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, in the lawsuit, which demands that EPA tighten recently issued regulations for the industry.

As they now stand, the rules allow paper mills to continue using chlorine-based bleaching processes that produce dioxins. These pollutants are released into nearby waters where they build up in the food chain and pose a health risk to people and wildlife.

NWF wants EPA to require technology that will move the industry closer to the eventual adoption of a totally chlorine-free (TCF) paper process. Now in use in Europe, TCF produces no dixoin, significantly reduces other pollutants and uses one-eighth of the energy required by chlorine-based processes.