Powell River Pulp & Paper

Powell River Pulp & Paper, located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, produces bleached Kraft pulp, newsprint, groundwood printing papers and lumber. The company is owned by Weyerhaeuser and has established several pollution prevention initiatives:

• Reduced air emissions and increased efficiency;
• Improved recycling practices;
• Improved purchasing practices;
• Use of waste grate ash for building roads;
• Use of waste fly ash for cement production;
• Elimination of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenols).

Major savings have been achieved following the installation of a new power boiler and motors. The company believes the purchase of the boiler has given it a competitive advantage by reducing production costs. It will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and natural gas consumption by using biomass, in the form of wood waste, as a fuel.

A unique PCB removal and decontamination process has eliminated PCB emissions, while improved recycling and purchasing practices have reduced solid waste production by 50%. This in turn has substantially extended the life of the landfill.

Currently, the company is in the process of finding markets for fly ash and grate ash in cement production and road building, respectively. It is implementing the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association's Environmental Management Plan, which parallels ISO 14000. As part of this plan, the mill has established a community advisory committee to improve communications and solicit advice from a cross-section of community groups.