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Catalyst’s Crofton mill study awaited |
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Gulf Islands Driftwood
October 26, 2005
Despite recommendations it made last month, Crofton
Mill Community Advisory Forum members have deferred giving the green
light to a new health assessment study on emissions from Catalyst
Paper’s (formerly NorskeCanada) Crofton facility.
Recommendation follows a damning peer review of the mill-sponsored 2004 Jacques Whitford study.
The review determined the assessment contained deficiencies with the data and methodology.
“It is critical that as a community we understand what the current
impact of the mill is,” said the Crofton Airshed Citizens Group’s
(CACG) Patti Bauer. “Only then can we begin to address the best
possible practices and technologies to safeguard the health of the
population and minimize impact on the environment.”
The need for a new report comes less than a week after the Canadian
Environmental Law Association and Environmental Defence named Catalyst
Paper facilities in Crofton and Elk Falls among the province’s “dirty
dozen” air polluters.
Findings were based on data provided by Environment Canada’s National Pollution Release Inventory (NPRI) figures from 2003.
“Once again we see the Catalyst mills being shown to be priorities for
action on toxic pollution in B.C.,” said the CACG’s Elizabeth White.
“Alternatives for these problem practices exist and, as one of the top
polluters for the region, Catalyst carries a special responsibility to
take immediate corrective measures.”
Catalyst Paper spokesperson Julie Douglas said the community advisory
forum was unable to address the issue at its meeting last week and will
arrive at a final decision next month. |
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