Asset Retirement Obligation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

18.

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, was 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 the reserve for asset retirement obligations for the periods indicated:


In thousands		2014			2013
Balance at January 1,	$	5,032		$	8,882
Accretion		145			229
Payments		(827	)		(2,824	)
Gain		(236	)		(1,255	)
Balance at December 31,	$	4,114		$	5,032

During 2014 and 2013, we recognized gains of $0.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to the progress of closure activities for a portion of the lagoons required to be retired. The gains are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption “costs of products sold.”

The following table summarizes the line items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets where the asset retirement obligations are recorded:


	December 31
In thousands		2014		2013
Other current liabilities	$	2,855	$	915
Other long-term liabilities		1,259		4,117
Total	$	4,114	$	5,032