Northern Pulp temporarily closes its pulp mill in Abercrombie Point, Nova Scotia, on Oct. 16-24 for maintenance, environmental improvement, including boiler upgrade, project to cut its odor emissions by 70%

Kendall Sinclair

NEW GLASCOW, Nova Scotia , October 21, 2011 (press release) – Northern Pulp’s scheduled maintenance and environmental improvement shutdown from October 16 – 24 is underway and already proving to be one of the busiest shutdowns in recent memory for the Mill, contractors and local businesses.

In addition to the usual maintenance that takes place during a scheduled shutdown, Northern Pulp is taking significant steps toward completing three major Green Transformation projects: A boiler upgrade that will reduce oil use by 2.5 million litres per year; a recovery cycle project that will reduce the amount of chemical used in the pulp process; and an odour reduction project that will cut the Mill’s odour emissions by 70%.

This work represents a large financial investment and requires a significant number of skilled workers at the Mill. To date, an average of over 600 contractors, 145 term employees, and over 200 Northern Pulp employees have been onsite each day to carry out the various shutdown activities. This shutdown is a $20 million investment including $8 million for the maintenance work and $12 million for work on the environmental improvement projects which are scheduled to be completed by end of this year.

“This is a huge undertaking to move our Green Transformation projects forward in addition to completing the usual maintenance that is required,” said Don Breen, Vice President, Business Development & Environmental Affairs. “We have a small window of time to get this work done so we can get the Mill up and running again. The contractors, term and full-time employees are doing a fantastic job to safely deliver on our commitment to operational and environmental improvements.”

Northern Pulp management isn’t the only group who appreciates the increased number of contractors working at the Mill. “When over 600 contract employees are at the mill site, it is a tremendous boost to local business, particularly restaurants, hotels and retailers,” explained Paula Irving, Business Development Officer - Pictou Regional Development Agency (PRDA). “It is really important at this time of year, the tail-end of tourist season. I’m also pleased that not all of the contractors are from outside the County. Many local tradesmen share the benefits as well.”

“This shutdown is critical to improve the Mill’s efficiency and long-term viability while helping Northern Pulp reduce odour emissions, increase renewable energy production and improve our environmental performance,” said Breen. “As a part of this community, it’s great to see that the local economy is benefitting from the activities at the Mill.”

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