Squamish, BC — Canfor’s Howe Sound pulp and paper mill has been burning coal recently, causing concern among local…
Squamish, BC — Canfor’s Howe Sound pulp and paper mill has been burning coal recently, causing concern among local officials and environment groups, Laura Hendrick of the Squamish Chief reports. The newspaper contends that the Port Mellon mill power boiler has relied about 15% on coal since the end of May, as part of a nine-month trial period that the Ministry of Environment imposed on the mill after they requested to use coal.
Steffanie Warriner, acting manager of environmental protection for the BC lower mainland, points out that there is nothing in the mill’s permit (issued in 1978) that prohibits them from using coal, although she notes that this was an oversight and the permit “was not intended to allow a provision to burn coal.” Amendments to the mill’s permit which are being considered include increasing requirements to monitor air quality.
The Ministry has called for public input, as published Aug. 31 in a selection of newspapers, allowing a 30-day period to solicit feedback. Squamish Mayor Ian Sutherland feels that there was not enough publicity, and is working for an extension to the 30 day limit to ensure that all concerned citizens have a chance to speak out.
Source: Squamish Chief
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