Afforestation
The conversion of land that has not been forested for at least 50 years to forested land through planting and seeding.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed by microbiological organisms and certain chemicals that oxidize and remove organic pollutants during wastewater treatment. If left untreated, organic material would exert an oxygen demand in receiving waters, resulting in low dissolved oxygen levels and adverse effects on some aquatic organisms.
Biomass fuels
Organic-based, nonfossil fuel, including wood, forest residuals, wood residuals, bark, black liquor, and liquefied and gasified wood.
Carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)
A common unit of measurement against which the impact of releasing, decreasing or avoiding the release of different greenhouse gases can be evaluated, expressed in terms of the global warming potential of one unit of carbon dioxide.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
A colorless, odorless and, at high levels, poisonous gas, formed when carbon in fuel is not burned completely.
Cogeneration
The generation of electricity as a byproduct of heat or steam that is created for use elsewhere in the manufacturing process, e.g., to remove the water from pulp or paper.
Cunit
A measurement of volume equal to 100 cubic feet.
Days-away case
Work-related incident that involves days away from work.
Emissions intensity
A unit of measurement intended to capture changes in greenhouse gas emissions that occur from investments or changes that enhance manufacturing efficiency. Usually expressed as greenhouse gas emissions per ton of production or other uniform units of business and/or manufacturing activity.
Exempt employee
An exempt employee is an employee who, because of his or her positional responsibilities and level of decision-making authority, is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Primarily a term used in the United States, an exempt employee is compensated by a salary, as opposed to a nonexempt employee, who is paid on an hourly basis and is eligible for overtime.
ISO 14001 environmental management system (EMS)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation founded to promote the development of international standards. The ISO 14000 series is composed of six elements, including an environmental management system, auditing, environmental performance evaluation, labeling and life-cycle analysis.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
The term used to describe the sum of NO, NO2 and other oxides of nitrogen that play a major role in the formation of ozone.
Oxygen delignification
A pulp-making technology that uses oxygen in the chip-cooking process to help break down lignin, a natural glue that holds wood fibers together and gives wood its brown color.
Particulate matter (PM)
Fine liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes or smog found in air or emissions. Inhalable PM includes both fine and coarse particles. These particles can accumulate in the respiratory system and are associated with numerous health effects.
Primary mills
Manufacturing facilities that use logs or wood chips as their raw material.
Recordable incident
An incident is recordable if it results in a work-related injury or illness that results in death, days away, restricted activity, job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or significant diagnosis.
Recordable incident rate (RIR)
The rate is the count of occurrences per 100 employees per year. An occurrence may be a recordable incident, lost-workday case or lost workdays.
Riparian
On or next to the bank of a river, pond or lake.
Sequestration
The uptake and storage of carbon dioxide in a different form, such as wood or trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and bind the carbon in wood fiber both while the tree lives and after it is converted into lumber and paper.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
A gaseous molecule made of sulfur and oxygen. High concentrations of SO2 can result in temporary breathing impairment for asthmatic children and adults who are active outdoors.
Total treated effluent
Wastewater treated in primary and/or secondary wastewater treatment systems before being returned to a river or other body of water.
Total reduced sulfur (TRS)
A measure of the amount of reduced sulfur compounds in air emissions. TRS compounds cause nuisance odors, including a “rotten egg” smell, around kraft mills.
Total suspended solids (TSS)
A measure of the suspended solids in wastewater, effluent or water bodies. Increased suspended solids reduce how deep below the water surface light can penetrate and thereby reduce the depth at which plants can grow. This can shift habitat for fish and the quality of food for herbivores.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and carbonic acid, that participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.
Voluntary protection program (VPP)
An OSHA program designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health management. In the VPP, management, labor and OSHA establish a cooperative relationship at a workplace that has implemented a strong safety and health program.
