UPM penalized with a fine of USD 188,000 for environmental incident at pulp mill

Uruguay’s Ministry of Environment announced a penalty of USD 188,000 to UPM for not complying with the environmental management plan at its UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill. The fine stems from an incident that occurred in August 2023, when a chemical leak occurred at the mill’s facilities.

The leak generated the presence of sodium hydroxide in a nearby stream, resulting in elevated pH values in the water and fish kills. Although the water quality at the mouth of the stream into the Negro River was also affected, it was to a lesser extent.

UPM took immediate corrective action to address the situation and prevent future leaks. They informed the environmental authorities and local residents of the incident, publishing a communiqué on the UPM Uruguay website.

The pH levels in the affected water bodies returned to normal within a few days. UPM, together with the Uruguayan environmental authorities, has investigated the causes and consequences of the incident. The company is implementing all necessary actions, including monitoring, as instructed by the authorities, and measures have been taken to avoid similar incidents in the future.

UPM expressed its deep regret for the incident, highlighting the rarity of this type of occurrence in its operations, given the rigor of its environmental management processes, controls and monitoring worldwide.