The test runs are complete, and the outcome was what Howe Sound Pulp and Paper (HSPP) was hoping for.
As previously reported in Coast Reporter, HSPP was conducting a trial run, experimenting with the addition of 700 tonnes of coal into their burners to increase productivity. HSPP had concerns regarding the high cost associated with burning wet wood and were looking at different options to reduce costs. Al Strang, manager of environmental and external relations, went to both the Town of Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast Regional District to inform the public of the proposed tests, in the week before the trial run began.
"The first couple of days we didn't see much of a change at all. But the third day, we saw a dramatic change in productivity," said Strang in an interview with Coast Reporter Wednesday afternoon. Throughout the week, HSPP entertained visitors from the Ministry of Environment, members from the Clean Air society and Coast Reporter, to answer questions regarding the emissions levels.
"We saw a lot of positive things and had some struggles, but all in all we learned a lot," Strang said. "We need to evaluate the data we've collected and calculate all the environmental information, which could take a few weeks."
The week-long trial ran Feb. 29 to March 7.
"I really want to acknowledge all the people who helped get us through this week," Strang said. "The guys working the boilers worked really hard, and they had to learn a lot in a short period of time."
While no major future steps were laid out, Strang said that information needed to be processed before the mill can determine what steps to take next.
"We all really need to sit down and take a look at the results, and make a decision," he said. "But we are still very committed to providing the public with the results we experienced this week."
