Factors influencing in-plant and external effluent treatment systems in six Alberta pulp mills were investigated. These factors included environmental impacts of pulp mill effluent, pulp mill technology development, government incentives and control of pulp mills, market influences, and public concerns. It was determined that public concern and awareness was instrumental in influencing government to approve mills with the best available technology and to implement high effluent discharge standards for the mills.

Between 1988-1991, four new pulp mills were constructed in Alberta, and the existing two pulp mills were upgraded as part of the provincial government's economic diversification program. This increased level of activity, especially the ALPAC hearing process, and global environmental concerns, enhanced public awareness of forestry development in the province. The public was concerned with harvesting practices and mill pollution as down-stream users of receiving waters.

The process by which the pulp mill industry responded to the public concerns about the environment is complex. A systems approach was used to identify the basic pathways and interactions between the sector's influencing factors. Defining the response process depends on the observer's point of view since environmental issues have become, to a large extent, a matter of perception. Fully understanding these concepts is crucial for government to establish constructive policy and for industry to cost-effectively address public concerns.