Whitecourt, Alberta Millar Western’s Whitecourt sawmill was among 10 environmentally responsible industrial facil…
Whitecourt, Alberta Millar Western’s Whitecourt sawmill was among 10 environmentally responsible industrial facilities recognized under the Government of Alberta’s new EnviroVista program June 8th. Introduced to showcase the work of environmental leaders, EnviroVista recognizes facilities that have a comprehensive, publicly-accessible, audited environmental management system and a minimum record of five years of excellent performance under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
The Whitecourt sawmill’s long history of performing above and beyond permit requirements paved the way for its recognition under the new program. While the mill is the first Millar Western facility to be recognized as an EnviroVista Leader, the company’s Whitecourt pulp mill and Boyle sawmill also have excellent environmental records and will apply for future recognition under the program.
Alberta Environment launched the EnviroVista program by announcing the first 10 operations selected for recognition. In addition to Millar Western, three other forest products operations were named among the first wave of EnviroVista Leaders, underscoring the forest industry’s impressive record of environmental responsibility. In making the announcement, Environment Minister Guy Boutilier stated, “These facilities have all gone above and beyond the minimum. It’s the right thing to do and they’ve challenged themselves to constantly improve.”
Whitecourt sawmill Operations Manager Greg Mayden noted that continuous improvement of environmental performance is an integral part of the planning and execution of activities at all Millar Western mill and woodlands operations. “Our people keep setting the bar higher when it comes to ensuring environmental responsibility, employee safety, product quality and operating efficiency,” said Mayden. “We’re extremely proud of their successful efforts.”
This is not the first time a Millar Western facility has been an inaugural participant in an initiative promoting environmental leadership and accountability. In 1995, Millar Western’s Whitecourt sawmill, pulp mill and woodlands operations became the first in Alberta to be certified under FORESTCARE, a program governing care of the forest, environment and communities that features independent, third-party audits and public reporting.
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