Q626. In 40 CFR Part 98, Subpart AA (Pulp and Paper Manufacturing) EPA requires reporting of annual production of pulp or paper products produced under 98.276(k). Is EPA asking for the virgin pulp production or the quantity of pulp sold off-site?

A626. Section 98.276(k) of subpart AA, as originally promulgated, required reporting of the "annual production of pulp and/or paper products produced (metric tons)."  However, this section was amended on November 29, 2013 (78 FR 71904) to clarify the pulp production total to be reported is the total annual production of unbleached virgin chemical pulp produced onsite in air-dried metric tons per year.  This total annual production value is the sum of all kraft, semichemical, soda, and sulfite pulp produced onsite, prior to bleaching, through all virgin pulping lines. Mechanical pulp or secondary fiber repulped for paper production is not included in the virgin pulp production total.  Also, as a result of the November 2013 amendment, paper production is no longer required to be reported beginning in reporting year 2013.