Sustainability Report 2004

Environmental aspects

Environmental actions | 2004 Environmental targets

Compliance of objectives

  • Environmental management system
    Objectives and targets
    Maintain the ISO 14001 certificates for the Guaíba and Barra do Riacho Units and integrate the management systems of the two units.
    Results in 2004
    Aracruz performed two external audits in 2004 for maintaining the ISO 14001 certificate at the Barra do Riacho Unit (June and November) and 2 at the Guaíba Unit (January and July). Two non-compliances were registered and dealt with at the Barra do Riacho Unit. The certificates were maintained.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Draft and approve the Aracruz Sustainability Plan as well as the Plan of Action for implementing it.
    Results in 2004
    Key aspects of the Plan and its range of targets were discussed: governance, transparency and engagement with stakeholders.
    Analysis of the actions already implemented and their impact on company performance undertaken.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved.
    Approval and implementation of the plan was transferred to 2005.
    The project delay was partly due to the need to contract a manager to coordinate it.
    Objectives and targets
    Maintain the CERFLOR forestry certificate for Aracruz plantations in Bahia and FSC for the forestry areas at the Guaíba Unit.
    Results in 2004
    The first maintenance audit was carried out in October 2004 for the certificate for company plantations in Bahia without registration of any non-compliance.
    The third annual monitoring for the FSC certificate took place in December; the certificate was maintained with a list of corrective actions to be implemented in 2005.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Maintain the Environmental Education Program (PEA) for employees at the Barra do Riacho and Guaíba Units.
    Results in 2004
    In the Guaíba Unit, 837 workers were trained and leaflets with environmental tips and the Company’s management policy were distributed.
    A workgroup was set up to reformulate and manage the PEA at the Barra do Riacho Unit. 121 multipliers from the forestry area attended six courses enabling them to teach training courses for approximately 6,000 company and permanent outsourced supplier workers. The program for administrative and plant workers was discussed and approved, and is due to be implemented in 2005.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved at Guaíba Unit. The 2004 timetable was pushed back, to be concluded in Feb/2005.
    Barra do Riacho Unit -Partially
    achieved.
    Achieved in the forestry area. Delay in implementing the PEA for the industrial area.
    Objectives and targets
    Draft and approve the CERFLOR forestry certification plan for Aracruz plantations in Espírito Santo.
    Results in 2004
    The Aracruz plantations in Espírito Santo are in the process of being certified; the first phase of the process was conducted between 11/29 and 12/3, with six public hearings, and as yet no non-compliance has been identified. The second phase will be from January 24-28, 2005.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Set up a new database for controlling the evaluation of environmental effects and legislation at the Guaíba Unit.
    Results in 2004
    The scope and commercial part of the system was negotiated with the supplier during the second half of the year. The negotiation was concluded in December 2004. Installation of the system is planned for the first half of 2005.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved.
    Delays took place during negotiation with the supplier.
    Objectives and targets
    Maintain the traveling community forest program, designed to publicize the Guaíba Unit’s forest management model.
    Results in 2004
    125 opinion formers were contacted and presented with Aracruz’s forest management model in various municipalities where the Company operates.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved – The target had been to contact at least 300 opinion formers.
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  • Licensing
    Objectives and targets
    Renew all the environmental licenses due to expire in 2004.
    Results in 2004
    Guaíba Unit - All the mill’s license renewals were registered. Some were issued by FEPAM, while others remain pending. Barra do Riacho Unit - Operating license for Industrial landfill B obtained, release of operating license for the A and B mills is pending. All other licenses up to date.
    License for Aracruz’s own ES plantations totaling 91,539 ha renewed. Request sent for renewal of license for Forestry Partners plantations in ES.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Negotiate increase in unit’s productive capacity in the Operating License with FEPAM-RS arising from production streamlining project.
    Results in 2004
    Streamlining project presented to FEPAM. Prior license requested and received.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
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  • Climate changes
    Objectives and targets
    Develop a pilot project for obtaining carbon credits from reduction of emissions.
    Results in 2004
    A project was developed based on reducing emissions by replacing road transportation of wood by coastal barge shipment.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Produce and publish the greenhouse gas balance in the Company’s operations.
    Results in 2004
    An inventory of emissions and sequestrations was developed based on Aracruz’s forestry and industrial operations. The results are available in this report and on the Company’s web site.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
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  • Foresty operations
    Compliance with legislation
    Objectives and targets
    Register 40,000 hectares of properties in Bahia, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais.
    Results in 2004
    47,824.04 ha (gross area) were registered on properties in the three states.
    Evaluation
    Target exceeded
    Objectives and targets
    Implement the Environmental Compliance Program for Permanent Preservation Areas and Legal Reserves, with authorization of DEFAP/FEPAM.
    Results in 2004
    The necessary authorizations were obtained in March and April 2004. The program is being implemented in compliance with the harvesting program and renovation of the areas.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Protecting biodiversity
    Objectives and targets
    Produce 400,000 native species seedlings; replant 145 ha of Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) and Legal Reserves (RLs); rehabilitate 2 ha of mining area.
    Results in 2004
    509,050 native species seedlings produced.
    397.54 ha of APP and RL replanted.
    12.63 ha of mining area rehabilitated.
    Evaluation
    Targets exceeded
    Objectives and targets
    Meet the minimum requirement of 20% Legal Reserve in the newly purchased areas.
    Results in 2004
    4,309.19 ha of the 14,818.54 ha of newly licensed areas were allocated and registered as Legal Reserve (29.1%).
    Evaluation
    Target exceeded
    Environmental forest monitoring
    Objectives and targets
    Produce detailed surveys of bird life in different company ecosystems and evaluate the quality of surface water resources in the São Mateus (ES) and Agril areas; monitor water quality and the water table level, and identify bird life in Forestry Partners areas.
    Results in 2004
    Number of campaigns undertaken:
    Bird life:
    - Forestry Partners: 2
    - Agril: 2
    - São Mateus: 2
    - Sooretama: 3
    - MG: 1
    Water Resources:
    - Forestry Partners: 2
    - Agril: 2
    - MG: 2
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved.
    Note: only bird life studies were originally planned for the municipality of São Mateus, monitoring of water resources were accidentally included in the SER 2003.
    Objectives and targets
    Based on the environmental studies in the Watershed Project area, develop forest management techniques and practices that enable increases in productivity and minimization of environmental impact.
    Results in 2004
    Bird life monitoring campaigns undertaken before and after
    harvesting of eucalyptus in the watershed area. Monitoring of water resources continued as planned and phyto-sociological survey of the permanent preservation areas. The results from 11 years of the project were summarized in two workshops, with the issue of a conclusive report and recommendations.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Complete the biodiversity monitoring stage in the Savanas region, begun in 2003, in accordance with the Plan for Monitoring by Phyto-ecological Region.
    Results in 2004
    The preliminary report was delivered on December 18; the results are scheduled to be discussed and incorporated into the 2005 APP and RL recovery plan.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Perform monitoring of hydrological indicators.
    Results in 2004
    Data collection was continued throughout the year. The partnership contract with IPEF ended in August and the monitoring analyses and directives will be integrated with the Barra do Riacho Unit.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Environmental monitoring of maritime wood transportation
    Objectives and targets
    Perform a physical-chemical and biological survey of the affected area before and after dredging, evaluate the outfall area before and after dredging of access canal and evaluate the potential impacts on marine life in the region affected by the Caravelas Barge Terminal (BA).
    Results in 2004
    The following monitoring actions and studies were performed:
    physical, chemical and biological in the Caravelas ocean region
    • fevolution of the sea bed in the outfall area;
    • reefs and corals/ deposition of sediments;
    • turbulence and wave/current conditions in the Caravelas region;
    • evaluation of environmental impact on motorized shrimp fishing and its accompanying fauna.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Contribute to setting routes and managing beached whales.
    Results in 2004
    The following monitoring actions and studies were performed:
    • The Southern Bahia Sotalia Boto Project;
    • Marine mammal rescue program,
    • • Whale monitoring.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Evaluation of environmental, social and economic sustainability of plantations.
    Objectives and targets
    Develop a module of social and environmental practices to be incorporated into Aracruz’s Forest Management.
    Results in 2004
    Complete list produced of social and environmental actions developed by the Company and due to be implemented from 2005 onwards.
    Evaluation
    Plenamente cumprido.
    Objectives and targets
    Investigate the eco-physiological processes involved in sustainable wood growth and production in eucalyptus plantations.
    Results in 2004
    First study of eucalyptus plantation respiration carried out. Aspects influencing productive processes monitored (water, climate, soils and allocation of carbon in plantations at different ages).
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Develop and apply process-based models for estimating the growth of eucalyptus plantations and evaluate the effects of climate change on forestry performance.
    Results in 2004
    A process-based model was adapted, calibrated and validated which enables quantification of the growth of eucalyptus plantations and the effects of climate and management practices. This model has been of fundamental importance in various forestry decision-making processes.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
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  • Industrial operations
    Reducing effluent impacts
    Objectives and targets
    Deepen knowledge of prevention and control of water, air and solid pollution in pulp production (in partnership with the University of Toronto).
    Results in 2004
    Continuation of our participation in a consortium with the University of Toronto, looking to discover new insights into different aspects of pulp plant effluents so as to minimize impacts on the environment.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Identify the best water consumption balance per ton of pulp produced.
    Results in 2004
    Consumption balance of 37.3 m 3 /adt identified through the annual water balance.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Multi-year Project
    Process Improvements at the Guaíba Unit
    Objectives and targets
    Eliminate green liquor leaks during causticizing.
    Results in 2004
    Funding released in November, equipment being manufactured, installation scheduled for July 2005.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved
    Project delayed
    Objectives and targets
    Reform of white liquor oxidation containment basin in the pulp manufacturing area; installation of recirculation of water from the ash decanting basin.
    Results in 2004
    Renovation of containment basin completed.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Installation of recirculation of water from the ash decanting basin.
    Results in 2004
    Work in progress.
    Conclusion forecast for Feb/05
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved
    Project delayed
    Objectives and targets
    Installation of new ash safety containment separation basin; replacement of underground line linking recuperation and pulp production effluent tanks.
    Results in 2004
    Works and modifications executed.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Improvements to the ETE at the Guaíba Unit:
    purchase of spare step-up pump.
    Results in 2004
    In process of being purchased.
    Forecast Mar/2005
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved
    Project delayed
    Objectives and targets
    Replacement of pressure pipes for the effluent treatment pumps; reform of secondary north decanting basin.
    Results in 2004
    Pipes and decanting basin renovated.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Dredging and recuperation of the operating capacity of the emergency lagoon.
    Results in 2004
    Emergency lagoon recuperated and in operation.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Reduction and appropriate disposal of waste
    Objectives and targets
    Reduction of 20 tons/year of administrative waste sent to landfill.
    Results in 2004
    There was a reduction of 119.8 tons/year of administrative waste sent to the landfill.
    Evaluation
    Target exceeded
    Objectives and targets
    Assess the feasibility of implementing a unit to process dregs that are produced.
    Results in 2004
    The study was executed and it was established that the processing unit was not technically viable since it failed to meet Aracruz’s specifications.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Increase sludge compacting capacity at the HF José Lutzemberger (Solid Waste Treatment Center).
    Results in 2004
    New bark compacting areas, 5th sludge compacting ditch and bed under construction. Conclusion in 2005.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Project delayed
    Monitoring of environmental aspects of mill
    Objectives and targets
    Monitor atmospheric emissions, odor, water effluents, the ocean and waste sent to landfill.
    Results in 2004
    Continuous monitoring of atmospheric emissions carried out and two surveys for measuring particulate material (Jun and Dec/04). Two meetings of Odor Perception Network held (May and Nov/04). Continuous monitoring of liquid effluents undertaken and two ocean monitoring surveys (July and Dec/04) in addition to toxicity tests every 45 days. Monthly evaluation performed of waste sent to landfill.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Execute 4 monitoring surveys of NOx emissions.
    Results in 2004
    Four monitoring surveys of NOx emissions executed. (Apr, Jul, Oct and Dec/04).
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Perform bioaccumulation and toxicity tests during general mill shutdowns.
    Results in 2004
    Three bioaccumulation test campaigns performed with mussels (Mar, Sep and Oct/04) during shutdowns.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Monitor liquid and oily effluents and underground water wells at the fuel storage posts every three months.
    Results in 2004
    Monitoring was carried out in Jan, May, Jul, Sep and Dec/04.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Install software for predicting TRS dispersion in region.
    Results in 2004
    Not executed in 2004.
    Evaluation
    Not achieved
    Project rescheduled
    Objectives and targets
    Replace the on-line treated effluent flow meters.
    Results in 2004
    Equipment purchased, awaiting next shutdown for installation.
    Forecast Nov/05.
    Evaluation
    Partially met
    Project delayed
    Objectives and targets
    Upgrade continuous monitoring of particles from recovery boiler.
    Results in 2004
    Equipment replaced and in operation.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Reduction of atmospheric emissions
    Objectives and targets
    Evaluate the efficiency of the aeration increase and the creation of a green belt around the effluent treatment station and evaluate the cleaning of the 6th lagoon.
    Results in 2004
    The study was completed and it was decided to implement the green belt in 2005.
    The study of the cleaning of the 6th lagoon was completed and it was observed that interventions were necessary prior to the cleaning operation.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Install the following equipment: new electrostatic precipitator for the power boiler
    Results in 2004
    Equipment installed.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved. Failed to achieve expected results in performance tests.
    Awaiting solution from the equipment supplier.
    Objectives and targets
    Capacitor for filtering high voltage in fields 1 and 2.
    Results in 2004
    Project cancelled.
    Evaluation
    Not achieved.
    Capacitor not required following installation of electrostatic precipitator.
    Objectives and targets
    Exhaust system on the woodchip silos discharge system.
    Results in 2004
    System installed with reduction of sawdust inside the wood chip conveyor belt tunnels.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    New SO 2 absorption tower for exhaust gases emitted by the gas incinerator scrubber.
    Results in 2004
    Project cancelled.
    Evaluation
    Not achieved.
    As a result of the project for resizing the GNC scheduled for 2005, this project will become part of the GNC.
    Objectives and targets
    Replacement of chlorine line in the chlorine-soda plant.
    Results in 2004
    Line replaced.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Water supply
    Objectives and targets
    Improve the water input system at the Pavor Dam.
    Results in 2004
    Recuperation of the upstream slope, downstream containment vegetation and crest, with conclusion forecast for April 2005.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Noise reduction
    Objectives and targets
    Renovation of enclosure of chipping building.
    Results in 2004
    Awaiting release of funds.
    Scheduled for 2005.
    Evaluation
    Not achieved
    Project rescheduled
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  • Stakeholder communication
    Contribution to the development of legislation and systems for forestry certification
    Objectives and targets
    Contribute to the development of environmental legislation at federal level and in the states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul and Rio de Janeiro, focusing on five key themes: Water Resources, Zoning, Forests, Conservation Units and Biosafety.
    Results in 2004
    Aracruz took part in all these forums. Different company managers were involved in fulfilling this target.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Contribute to consolidation of CERFLOR.
    Results in 2004
    Aracruz represented the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Association (BRACELPA) in the CERFLOR System discussion forums
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    CContribute to establishing an evaluation system for legitimizing forestry certification systems.
    Results in 2004
    Participation in the following meetings/forums:
    • meetings of The Forest Dialogue in Malmo, Sweden and Maidenhead, England
    • meeting of the Global Forest Industry CEOs Forum in New York, USA
    • meetings of the Sustainable Forest Products Industry Working Group (SFPI WG) of the WBCSD in New York, Amsterdam and Brussels.
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved.
    The series of meetings showed that there is no support for the development of a Legitimacy Threshold Model by a large group of stakeholders.
    Alternatively, the WBCSD will discuss how to develop this with a limited group of stakeholders
    Objectives and targets
    Contribute to the definition of Biosafety principles for the Brazilian forestry sector.
    Results in 2004
    Participation in forestry forums and debates, contributing to the production of technical documentation used as the basis for drafting the biosafety bill now being discussed in the Brazilian Congress.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Monitor community perception
    Objectives and targets
    Implement new odor perception network involving employees and relatives of employees in the municipalities of Guaíba (RS), Eldorado do Sul (RS) and Porto Alegre (RS).
    Results in 2004
    The network will be implemented in 2005.
    Evaluation
    Not achieved
    Project rescheduled
    Contribution to community environmental and social programs
    Objectives and targets
    Donate 110,000 native plant species seedlings and 3 million eucalyptus seedlings to forest extension programs.
    Results in 2004
    115,850 native seedlings and 4,935,400 eucalyptus seedlings were donated to forest extension programs.
    Evaluation
    Targets exceeded
    Objectives and targets
    Provide training in Environmental Education for 400 Forestry Partner Program participants.
    Results in 2004
    13 Environmental Education events held for Forestry Partner Program participants in ES. Total number of participants: 442 rural landowners and forest farmers.
    Evaluation
    Target exceeded
    Objectives and targets
    Expand the Environmental Education Program in the Extreme South of Bahia, implementing new nuclei in public schools in Mucuri, Prado, Teixeira de Freitas, Ibirapuã and Vereda, contributing to the training of at least 20% of the teachers in each municipality.
    Results in 2004
    The implementation of the nuclei was postponed until February 2005 (start of the academic year), since 2004 was an election year when new mayors took office and a number of education secretaries were replaced.
    Evaluation
    Project postponed.
    The implementation of the nuclei was postponed until February 2005 due to the mayoral elections.
    Objectives and targets
    Support the Marine Biology Station, the Zen Buddhist Monastery Environmental Education Program, the Bioatlantic Institute and the Humpback Whale Institute, and evaluate new opportunities for partnerships.
    Results in 2004
    All partnerships were maintained. The Dialogue with the ES NGO Forum begun in 2003 was continued in 2004 (5 meetings).
    A new partnership was also begun with the Vila-Velhense Association for Environmental Protection – Avidepa.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Support the pilot project for the recuperation of the Arroio Passo Fundo riparian buffer zone run by the NGO AMA of Guaíba (RS).
    Results in 2004
    Diagnosis of the environmental conditions of the Arroio Passo Fundo water. The riparian buffer zone recuperation stage depends on the AMA NGO of Guaíba (RS).
    Evaluation
    Partially achieved
    Project delayed
    Objectives and targets
    Support the Maciar Project, a partnership of Rotary Clubs from the region covered by the Arroio dos Ratos and Sema/Defap with the aim of recuperating the riparian buffer zone in question.
    Results in 2004
    The project activities advanced with the support of Aracruz, which has provided support in the areas of cartography, phyto-sociological information and support of project coordination.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    1.Distribute 20,000 native species seedlings in the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul, and the city governments and Council Chambers of municipalities in the state and another 100,000 seedlings of native and ornamental species via the Make the World Green campaign..
    2.Support the Morro do Osso ecological Park in Porto Alegre (RS), improving its infrastructure, helping in preservation work and raising its public profile.
    Results in 2004
    1.20,000 native tree seedlings distributed during the Environment Week held by the RS Legislative Assembly.
    2.Program suspended.
    Evaluation
    1.Fully achieved
    2.Not achieved due to invasion of area
    Objectives and targets
    Contribute to the State Environment Secretariat – Rio Grande do Sul Zoo-botanical Foundation, enabling better habitat conditions for the animals kept on its premises.
    Results in 2004
    Construction of five new aviaries, improvements to the drainage system of the elephant enclosure and recuperation of the fence of the giraffe enclosure.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Collect 10 tons of plastic refuse from the shores of Lake Guaíba, situated in an area of the Barba Negra Forest plantation, through support to the Biguás canoeist NGO of Barra do Ribeiro (RS).
    Results in 2004
    Four campaigns to collect plastic refuse were carried out, totaling 200 sacks collected from the shores of Lake Guaíba, by the Biguás NGO.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Supply eucalyptus wood to the Guaíba Tourism Secretary for the purpose of building a pier to allow leisure boats to dock in the city.
    Results in 2004
    Donation of wood needed to build pier, totaling more than 50 m3 .
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Objectives and targets
    Support the Volunteer Partners NGO, through the Guaíba Trade and Industry Association, fostering volunteer work in the city.
    Results in 2004
    The Volunteer Partners NGO was supported with 164 reams of paper for producing material to be used in publicizing its actions and attracting new volunteers.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
    Publicizing of environmental and social actions
    Objectives and targets
    Produce and distribute Aracruz’s Social and Environmental Report; evaluate improvements for the following year.
    Results in 2004
    The 2003 SER was published in April 2004, distributed to a variety of stakeholders and made available on the Company’s homepage.
    Evaluation
    Fully achieved
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