Domtar B.C. Kraft Pulp Mill Hit with Hefty Fine for Repeated Violations
Paper Recycling | 2025-05-27 21:29:10
The findings of the authority were challenged by the company, stating that impacts to human health were found to be “not significant” as per a nearby air quality impact assessment.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Domtar Inc.’s Skookumchuck, B.C., kraft pulp mill has been imposed a penalty of $17,200 for nearly two dozen failures to control the release of emissions. The mill was found to have violated pollution levels 23 times over eight months starting in 2021.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks officers who conducted the inspections first determined that the infractions were "medium" in severity. Three fines totaling $39,000 were suggested in March 2024. The inspectors noted that emissions from boilers, a kiln, and a bleach facility had excessive concentrations of particulate matter, sulfur compounds, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
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The corporation contested the authority's findings, claiming that a local air quality impact assessment had determined that the effects on human health were "not significant." It further contended that the ministry had not demonstrated that the infractions would affect employees. The business argued that the planned base penalty should be reduced, if not completely scrapped, because it is excessively large. The seriousness of the infractions was lowered to "low to none" in response.
A representative for the corporation recognized the fines and stated that it is collaborating with the environment ministry of British Columbia.
