In his recent letter, Robert Crate (Readers Write, Nov. 17) recognizes an important fact. Maine’s varied industries must co-exist with a healthy environment. Toward this end, Maine’s paper industry is seeking an interim dioxin standard consistent with major reductions of dioxin levels in our rivers over the past several months.

Although other states have some higher levels, as Mr. Crate notes, Maine’s industry simply wants a standard that reflects the present allowed levels. This is not an increase. It would allow our mills to operate without immediate and exorbitant expenditures not now required in other states.

Mr. Crate may misunderstand the intentions of a current EPA risk analysis of dioxin when he says they are “lobbying to increase dioxin levels.” The agency is looking at all the scientific evidence. It will deliver a report that should allow pulp and paper mills throughout the nation to operate on a level playing field. Anything less, including adoption of an unnecessarily strict standard in Maine, will only place our embattled mills on even more shaky ground without delivering any actual environmental benefits. Floyd R. Rutherford II President Paper Industry Information Office Augusta