Environmental Liabilities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Environmental Liabilities

Environmental Liabilities

13. Environmental Liabilities

The potential costs for various environmental matters are uncertain due to such factors as the unknown magnitude of possible cleanup costs, the complexity and evolving nature of governmental laws and regulations and their interpretations, and the timing, varying costs and effectiveness of alternative cleanup technologies. From 1994 through September 30, 2011, remediation costs at PCA's mills and corrugated plants totaled approximately $3.2 million. As of September 30, 2011, the Company maintained an environmental reserve of $10.2 million relating to on-site landfills and surface impoundments as well as ongoing and anticipated remedial projects. Liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies are estimates of the probable costs based upon available information and assumptions. Because of these uncertainties, PCA's estimates may change. As of the date of this filing, the Company believes that it is not reasonably possible that future environmental expenditures for remediation costs and asset retirement obligations above the $10.2 million accrued as of September 30, 2011, will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.