October 24, 2017-
The Ponderay newsprint mill in Usk, Washington has been honored for reducing its carbon emissions, improving its overall energy efficiency and for lowering its water consumption levels.
The Northwest Pulp & Paper Association (NWPPA) presented the Ponderay Newsprint Company with its 2017 Environmental Excellence Award for the mill’s sustained commitment to the environment. The honor was presented at the Association’s annual meeting on October 24 in Stevenson, Washington.
Since 2000, Ponderay has reduced the mill’s greenhouse gas emissions by 82%. During the same time period, it has also employed a variety of conservation projects, such as lighting upgrades, to reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 77%. The mill utilizes electricity produced from environmentally-friendly hydroelectric operations, with 97% of its total electricity produced via zero carbon-emitting hydroelectric operations. Additionally, since 2010, the mill has reduced overall water consumption by more than 25%.
Myron Johnson, Ponderay’s mill manager, commented, “We work with some of the most stringent environmental limits in the industry, and we remain committed to preserving the environment in Pend’Oreille County. We are proud of our team and what this means for our facility and the environment.”
Ponderay Newsprint Company is a partnership between Resolute Forest Products and three leading U.S. newspaper companies. Resolute holds a 40% interest in the joint venture and is the managing partner for mill operations, which currently employ 140 people in the area.
