This manual was prepared as part of the Phase I programme of the Network f or Industrial Environmental Management (NIEM). The manual presents in detail the methodology and procedures to be used in conducting discharge characterization surveys at small pulp and paper mills. Network members, drawn from industry, government and academia of the Asia—Pacific region, conducted a series of coordinated projects on discharge characterization of pulp and paper mills based on the recommendations of this manual. The results and experience obtained during the course of the individual mill surveys was used to revise and update this manual to its present form.