Irving Pulp & Paper is proposing to build a new, Environmental Treatment Facility (ETF) using the best available technology at the current Pulp Mill site in west Saint John
GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY
Less water – This project will place Irving Pulp & Paper among the Canadian leaders in the manufacture of pulp by reducing water consumption by about 50 %.
Cleaner water – The proposed system provides increased recycling and reuse of filtered water at the Mill. It has also led to benefits for aquatic ecosystems and fish.
Construction on site – We are proposing to build the new facility at the existing Pulp Mill site where the impact on the community will be minimized and major digging and construction work will not be required.
HISTORY
Irving Pulp & Paper has operated a bleached Kraft pulp mill at Reversing Falls near the mouth of the Saint John River in Saint John, New Brunswick since the late 1940s when it was purchased from the Port Royal Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd.
The Mill has undergone numerous upgrades to become the world-class pulp producing and tissue producing facility that it is today. In fact, over $600 million has been invested in Mill upgrades since 2005. With a staff of about 350, the Mill is the anchor of the New Brunswick Forest Products Industry.
INVESTMENT AND LABOUR
Irving Pulp & Paper will invest over $150 million in this project with the objective of reducing the Pulp Mill’s water usage and its overall impact on the environment.
Construction will require 60 contractor jobs averaged over the 2-2.5 year period with peaks of 120 contractors. Construction and installation of the new equipment is expected to generate 609,000 person-hours of work over an estimated 22 months.
WHY THE PROJECT IS NEEDED
To minimize mill outflow and reduce water usage by 50%.
To address a new enforcement approach to federal environmental regulations.
To remove, reuse, and recycle chemicals and other Pulp-making materials.
To modernize technology to improve efficiency, cost-competitiveness, and environmental performance.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Environmental Treatment Facility (ETF) will consist of:
- An elevated walkway
- A building that will house operator stations, auxiliary equipment, pumps, blowers, electrical equipment, lab space, offices, and personnel space.
- Multiple tanks which include:
- A Clarifier tank
- A diversion tank
- Two moving bed biofilm reactor tanks; and
- a primary clarifier tank
Click here to read the EIA Registration Document
Click here to read the Public Involvement Report
Click here to read the IPP EIA Determination ETF and WUR
View from Milford Rd. once construction is complete
Final berm once constructed
Final berm – street view
Final berm – street view once trees are grown
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Construction of the new Environmental Treatment Facility (ETF) has begun following approval of the EIA by the Minister of Environment, as was announced here.
The first phase includes the construction of a large berm which will help to lessen noise and light coming from the facility both during and after construction. Construction of this berm has begun and is expected to be completed by mid-October.
Residents will notice that a temporary fence has been erected for safety purposes, but this fence will be removed once construction is complete. (see renderings above). In addition, a road has been constructed in order to allow access to the berm from inside the site in order to minimize traffic on Milford Road.
Any questions residents have can be directed to 648-3115.
NOISE/ODOR
Once construction is complete, this facility is not expected to generate additional noise or odor outside.
TIMING
Project construction activities are expected to begin immediately following the granting of a successful EIA determination and issuance of all applicable construction permits.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK – HERE’S HOW TO PROVIDE IT
We invite questions and comments about our proposal. We’re committed to working with the community, our neighbors, and different levels of government to develop an approach that works for everyone.
QUESTIONS?
ATTEND OUR OPEN HOUSE!
An Open house was held on March 23 which marked the beginning of our consultation process. If you were unable to attend or still have questions or comments, you can share them with Matt Alexander from Fundy Engineering or submit them here.
FAQ
Contact
Information
How to get in touch with us.
EMAIL ADDRESS
MAILING ADDRESS
300 Union Street
Saint John, NB
E2L 4Z2