Clean Pictou Air Group of Businesses PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR NORTHERN PULP DESPITE CONCERNS July 29 2014, Pictou, Nova Scotia Residents and businesses in Pictou County aren’t breathing any easier following a meeting between the Clean Pictou Air Group and representatives of Northern Pulp. The mill’s Vice President of Operations David Kerr admitted to being baffled by the current intensity of emissions. He acknowledged that they are presently not running in compliance and recognized community health concerns and the grave issues that local businesses are facing as a result of the emissions. Kerr stated that he sees only two options – wait until May 2015 for a new precipitator to be installed, or close the mill. If the latter option is taken he stated that the mill would not reopen. Group members challenged Kerr’s comments regarding the suggestion of closure as bullying. When asked what he would do if he were in a similar position to group members, Kerr said, he would probably be doing the same thing they were. He went on to say that, as mill manager, his priorities are to increase profitability and improve production quality. He believes that the emission problems may be solved by a precipitator scheduled for installation in May 2015. The precipitator has been malfunctioning since 2011; the company received a directive from Nova Scotia Environment to address the issue in 2013. As the air quality degrades, businesses close and tourists check out early. The Clean Pictou Air Group was hoping that Northern Pulp could offer a short term solution to a growing crisis. They were clearly disappointed by Kerr’s inability to address community health and economic concerns. His bewilderment with the current cause of high emissions left the group less than optimistic about any short or long-term solutions the mill is suggesting. It is with great anticipation that the group now waits to hear later this week from the Ministers of Health, Environment and Economic & Rural Development & Tourism. Contact: Anne Emmett Tel: 902-754-5046 Email: cleanpictouair@gmail
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:40:39 +0000
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