Recently much has been written in your newspaper about the Androscoggin River and International Paper. As the rhetoric has heightened, the attacks have become much more personal and, increasingly, the facts have become exaggerated and clouded with emotion.
We need to stop, take a very deep breath, and return the focus to sound science that will, in fact, help continue to clean up the environment without putting thousands of good jobs at risk. Yes, we can do this.
To that end, International Paper remains dedicated to identifying and implementing the very best environmental science that will benefit the entire watershed and surrounding areas and to improving all aspects of our environment, including water and air emissions. Being a good environmental steward and operating the Androscoggin Mill to remain competitive in the global marketplace are equally important objectives, and our employees are highly committed to both.
We are also committed to validating all environmental data available to us. It is in everyone’s best interest to compare “apples to apples” to assure the citizens of Maine see true environmental improvement.
After the recent Board of Environmental Protection hearing, where the board decided not to vacate and return to the Department of Environmental Protection any of the licenses and permits issued to the Androscoggin Mill in September, International Paper reiterated its desire to work openly and cooperatively with the DEP and others to examine the scientific data to be sure that we progress toward the common goal of a cleaner environment. We have a way to go before all the issues are resolved, but we are committed to a civil process where fact replaces emotion, and those involved can respectfully disagree.
We sincerely hope all parties will join us in this cooperative effort to assure continuing environmental improvement and continuing economic viability of the region.
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