The decision follows a significant consultation and review process, and permit approval from the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the District of Coldstream.
The plant will employ technology which significantly advances the manner in which pellets are produced in Canada. Well known in Europe, the drying technology has a low operating temperature which translates into both a lower emission concentration and minimized fire risk. This in combination with the election to proceed with the implementation of bag house filtration on both the pellet plant and Tolko fibre delivery systems will improve the overall air quality in the Lavington area.
Tolko’s CEO Brad Thorlakson said: “We want to acknowledge everyone for their work throughout this process. Thanks to the combined efforts of the MoE, the community and our planning team, we’re moving forward with an exciting project that will be good for the community and the environment.”
At Tolko’s existing Lavington mill, Troy Connolly, General Manager, B.C. Lumber, is getting ready for construction and is positive about the impact the pellet plant will have on the Lavington operation. “Co-locating the plant here at Lavington will bring a number of benefits. It will allow us to deal with the excess of sawdust and shavings that has been collecting, on site and at other locations in the Valley, since Domtar Kamloops reduced its operations in 2013. It will also help us to create more efficient rail and trucking logistics and improve the level of both emissions and fugitive dust control. This is a good project for the community and the mill, and one that supports the long-term viability of the Lavington sawmill.”
The pellet plant is expected to be operational by September of this year and will bring 30 permanent jobs to the area.
Tolko Industries Ltd. is a private, Canadian-owned forest products company based in Vernon, British Columbia.
