News that Cantimber Biotech is preparing to fire up again after the Port Alberni Port Authority shut down testing to the facility several months ago, has been met with mixed reviews.
Those who support new jobs in the Alberni Valley are happy that the wood-based activated carbon manufacturer is moving forward with operational plans.
Those who feel their health has been affected by smoke stack emissions during the testing phase last year, however, are disappointed.
Cantimber underwent stack testing last fall under supervision from third party Golder and Associates, and has been shut down ever since. Golder returned with 21 immediate recommendations in its 146-page report that it felt needed to be completed before Cantimber could fire up again.
Cantimber says it is down to the final two recommendations, and the port authority has reviewed the facility’s documents, saying they are almost completed—and that a third party will verify Cantimber has met all recommendations before the switch is flipped to ‘on’.
We hope the port authority and whatever third party is involved will take the time to ensure this is the case. We cannot have a repeat of poor emissions coming from the waterfront property like we did last year.
One thing is certain: the port authority needs to keep on top of any new testing of the facility, and ensure it is strictly adhering to environmental regulations before granting an operating certificate.
And Cantimber’s operators need to know in the court of public opinion at least, this is their last chance for getting it right.
— Alberni Valley News