Environmental Impact Assessment in Pulp and Paper Industry

Abstract

As large industrial users of water, the pulp and paper industry has long managed water in the context of a regulatory environment. In other words, all mills in Tamilnadu must use and treat water in accordance with environmental permits. However, the industry is now collectively moving beyond water quality to better understand the quantity and the environmental impacts of water use. Industry participants are committed to better understanding our impacts and we have identified the evaluation of water foot printing tools and water disclosure as a key initiative. While access to water is an issue of global concern it is critical to recognize local, site-specific resources. Here is the overview on water usage in the pulp and paper industry and offer reflections on the driving forces for and barriers to change.