Mar 10, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Gunns Limited announced the Federal Government had granted the final environmental approvals for the proposed Bell Bay pulp mill. The fully plantation timber-based mill now has all approvals necessary for construction and operation. Gunns Managing Director Greg L’Estrange said the successful approvals were a critical step in finalising finance for the mill to begin construction. “It is confirmation that the mill’s design and operation must meet stringent environmental standards,” he said. “Gunns has heard community concerns around the mill project since its original approval in 2007, and has attempted to address these concerns. Fundamental to this has been the adoption of a 100% plantation strategy and the adoption of the latest bleaching technology, the ECF Light process, which has allowed a significant reduction in chlorine dioxide usage. We will continue to work with the community on transparency, operational improvements and a comprehensive monitoring program that can provide greater and continuing confidence to the community on a balanced outcome of environmental, economic and social outcomes.” “The Government’s comprehensive approval process brings certainty for our proposed investors and we would hope allay many of the community’s concerns about potential environmental impacts on the marine environment. These latest approvals confirm that the release of biologically treated effluent into Bass Strait, in accordance with a sound environmental management regime, presents an acceptably low risk to the environment.” Gunns is continuing a due diligence process with potential equity investors in the mill.