Special Report No. 02-06: Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Pulp and Paper Mills in 2000

Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from U.S. pulp and paper mills were estimated for 2000 from an industry-wide survey. Survey responses were received from 260 mills. These mills represented over 90% of 2000 wood pulp production, and an estimated 85% of all pulp and paper mill SO2 and NOx emissions. Emissions from non-responding mills were estimated from past survey responses and various other industry data sources. The 2000 results showed SO2 emissions were 412,000 tons, a decrease of 53% from 1980. Coal and residual oil burning in boilers and combustion of spent kraft pulping liquor in recovery furnaces were the main sources of SO2 emissions.