Northern Pulp cleared to resume production after new gear passes inspection
Precipitator supposed to cut particulate matter emissions by 80 per cent
Northern Pulp has been given the green light to resume production after a month-long shutdown to install equipment to reduce air pollution.
The company was ordered to install a precipitator that is supposed to reduce emissions of particulate matter by 80 per cent and improve air quality.
The Department of Environment says the gear has passed its start-up inspection, but still requires fine-tuning and work. Randy Delorey, the environment minister, said the air should start clearing immediately.
"My understanding is that we should expect to see improvements right away, but with any large, complicated piece of equipment like this, there's no absolute guarantees," he said.
Northern Pulp has been given until Oct. 16 to meet the province's more rigorous environmental standards that took effect in January.
The mill is meanwhile appealing a set of environmental standards the Nova Scotia government wants to impose, including conditions regarding its use and discharge of water.