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Volume 58 No. 45
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www.northernsentinel.com
Rio Tinto Alcan’s new emissions challenged Cameron Orr Four people who live in Kitimat and Terrace, as well as organizations SkeenaWild Conservation Trust, and Lakelse Watershed Society, are appealing a Ministry of Environment decision to allow an increase in sulphur dioxide emissions from Rio Tinto Alcan’s eventual modernized smelter. RTA’s new smelter will reduce many of its emissions, however sulphur dioxide is the one component going up, which the company has said is purely in line with increased production. Sulphur Dioxide is increasing by 56 per cent to 42 tonnes per day. PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are being reduced by 98 per cent to three tonnes per year. Particulates are going down 80 per cent to 420 tonnes per year. Gaseous fluorides are being reduced 72 per cent to 168 tonnes per year and greenhouse gases are being reduced 36 per cent to 898,800 tonnes a year. That is according to company numbers. The appellants in the case believe RTA should be investing in scrubbing technology to cut down
Sentinel
Northern
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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the SO2 emissions. “Alcan has made tens of billions of dollars smelting aluminum and selling electricity in British Columbia,” said Charles Claus, an appellant for the application and a Terrace-based food grower. “Investing in scrubbers would not only protect our health and environment, it would also make Rio Tinto Alcan a world leader in sustainability”. “The easy, responsible solution is to install sulphur dioxide scrubbers,” said Greg Knox, executive director of SkeenaWild Conservation Trust. “Rio Tinto Alcan’s own experts have told us that scrubbers work well and can easily be installed at the new smelter - the company simply doesn’t want to spend the money.” RTA’s Manager of Corporate Affairs and Community Relations Colleen Nyce said the company is sad that they’re being brought into an appeal process with local stakeholders. She said the company has tried to speak directly to the appellants but they have so far refused any meetings, she said. Continued on page 3
Cold Weather response needed Cameron Orr Kitimat Council was asked to fund a contract worker to put into action a Cold Weather Response Program. At a total request of $2,600, the potential hire would work under the Kitimat Housing Committee and develop a plan to help people who have no housing over the winter. Presenting the program on behalf of the housing committee was Trish Parsons, who said that there were a number of initiatives underway, one by Mayor Monaghan to bring in ATCO trailers for temporary housing, and also interest from Kitimat’s Ministerial Association to putting together a cold weather response. “What we do need is someone to come up with a work plan,” said Parsons. The current housing resource worker, Ann Moyls, is currently “maxed out” she added. Moyls had reported to the committee at a recent meeting that there is a need from about eight to 14 individuals who could potentially need shelter in the winter. Continued on page 6
The tradition continues, as the rock wall along the Kuldo Boulevard extension suddenly sprouts carved pumpkins in the days following Halloween.
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Preparing for Remembrance Day ... page 8