FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2002
Fernandina
Paper Mill Works to Restore Estuary,
Receives Sustainable Florida 2002
Award
TALLAHASSEE - Rayonier, Inc. was among the winners honored by the Council for Sustainable Flor-ida (CSF) for outstanding contributions to Florida's long-term sustainability through coastal conservation efforts. Winners were announced Monday night at a Tallahassee awards ceremony.
Rayonier was recognized for its cooperative work with the State that led to an 85 percent reduction in ammonia concentrations in its treated wastewater. Following studies of the Amelia River by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Rayonier and Florida State University, the paper mill implemented initiatives to reduce, recapture and recycle ammonia used in its manufacturing processes. With this successful reduction, Rayonier's Fernandina mill has helped restore the base food chain in one of Florida's most scenic coastal estuaries.
"Rayonier's clean up efforts are being added to the list of Florida's environmental success stories," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs. "This achievement illustrates how government and industry can partner towards long-term environmental protection."
The Council for Sustainable Florida recognized 17 businesses, organizations and individuals from across the state for their successful efforts to manage, protect and restore Florida's coastal areas. Winners re-ceived resolutions from Governor Bush and the Cabinet in a ceremony at the Capitol in Tallahassee to-day.
For more information about the awards program or the Council for Sustainable Florida, call CSF Execu-tive Director Sharon Cooper at (850) 539-5099.
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