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Asset Retirement Obligation
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
11. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

During 2008, we recorded $11.5 million, net present value, of asset retirement obligations related to the legal requirement to close several lagoons at the Spring Grove, PA facility. Historically, lagoons were used to dispose of residual waste material. Closure of the lagoons, which is expected to be completed in 2016, will be accomplished by filling the lagoons, installing a non-permeable liner which will be covered with soil to construct the required cap over the lagoons. The amount referred to above, in addition to upward revisions, were accrued with a corresponding increase in the carrying value of the property, equipment and timberlands caption on the consolidated balance sheet. The amount capitalized is being amortized as a charge to operations on the straight-line basis in relation to the expected closure period. Following is a summary of activity recorded during the first quarters of 2013 and 2012:

 

                 

In thousands

   2013     2012  

Balance at January 1,

   $ 8,882     $ 9,679  

Accretion

     82       122  

Payments

     (662 )      (207 ) 
   

 

 

    

 

 

  

Balance at March 31,

   $ 8,302     $ 9,594  
   

 

 

    

 

 

  

At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $3.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, is recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other current liabilities” and the balance is recorded under the caption “Other long-term liabilities.”