Kamloops pulp mill to receive new machines to reduce air pollution

KAMLOOPS – Residents of Kamloops can expect to breathe in cleaner air this summer if Domtar officials bring in new machines to the Kamloops pulp mill to reduce and improve air pollution.

In an annual air report prepared for Kamloops city council by Domtar, the company will invest $3.5 million towards new machines. One is an electro-static precipitator that is used to remove smoke and dust particles from gases and the other is a scrubber used to clean and reduce air emissions. It will also eliminate the need for liquid sulfur dioxide – one of the most hazardous liquids used at Domtar mill.

The 2017 pulp mill data also shows air emissions and odour from the manufacturer has decreased in the last few years, but the report does not say if the new equipment will reduce odour caused by air pollution.

Companies around the country in similar situations have also had comparable machines put in place, according to the report.

The town of Pictou, Nova Scotia, received a precipitator at the town’s pulp mill to meet the province’s air population requirements in 2015. The installation required the plant to shut down for 15 days to connect the device to ductwork.

The updates are to begin next month, according to the report.

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