The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is confident that Cantimber Biotech Inc. will uphold the environmental and human health safety levels demanded by legislation and the community, following an operational review report.
The port authority released a prepared statement last week following the release of the report, conducted by Golder and Associates, which included stack emission testing by A. Lanfranco and Associates, in early November.
The port authority will require Cantimber to follow through on 11 recommendations, and will include the remaining recommendations in a revised operating permit, according to the statement.
Golder was commissioned to conduct a thorough investigation and review of Cantimber’s operations, equipment, processes, procedures and stack emissions following concerns raised by PAPA, the City of Port Alberni and the community during the company’s commissioning trials this past spring.
According to a PAPA press release, the port authority is satisfied with and accepts the methodology and analysis of their findings, which led to 21 recommendations presented in the report.
“We will be working diligently with the city, Cantimber, Golder, BC Ministry of Environment, Vancouver Island Health Authority and other relevant and appropriate third-party agencies to ensure all necessary conditions are met before operating again are achieved,” states the press release.
“The remaining recommendations will become prescribed guidelines in a revised Operating Permit.”
The port states the report and its recommendations provide an “extremely constructive” approach and checklist to follow to ensure that the mill operates in a manner that adheres to strict regulatory guidelines.
“As we committed, we will remain open and transparent as we work with the company and stakeholders.”
Michael Liu, director of project development and research at Cantimber, didn’t respond to calls before the News’ deadline.