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Mackenzie Green Energy Centre Project Approved

By 250 News

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 09:40 AM

There are some happy people in Mackenzie this morning as news the Mackenzie Green Energy Limited Partnership has received an environmental assessment certificate.  That will allow for the construction and operation of a new biomass cogeneration facility to be built within the District of Mackenzie.
The project will burn wood residue from sawmills to create power that will be sold to BC Hydro and steam for use by the adjacent Pope & Talbot pulp mill.
The project is a vital link in the operations of the two main employers in the town says Mayor Stephanie Killam “The project was initially designed to aid the sawmill and pulp mill in making better economic decisions.”  Mackenzie nearly lost the sawmill earlier this year   because of cost over runs.  That mill was saved but about 130 jobs were lost.
This new project will create 260 jobs during construction and 26 permanent positions during its operational life of 30 years. Annual property taxes to be paid to the District of Mackenzie are estimated to be about $0.5 million.
“This is very good news for the community and I was very pleased to hear it” says Mayor Killam.
Before the project can proceed, the proponent will need to get the necessary licences, permits and other approvals from provincial and local authorities.
    
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Posted on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 09:40 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Comment Posted by: owl on November 6 2007 10:28 AM
It will be interesting to watch this from the point of view of expected air emissions and the scrubbing technology the plant will use.

Green energy, eh? From Pine trees?

;-)

Comment Posted by: owl on November 6 2007 10:38 AM
http://www.mackenziegreenenergy.ca/documents/Mackenzie_FirstNationsBrochure-web.pdf

Looks like a win-win on paper.
Comment Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 6 2007 12:49 PM
It COULD be a winner, but that remains to be seen as yet.
As I understand it,Pope&Talbot had agreed to supply wood waste from Fort St.James and Mckenzie to the cogeneration plant.
Does the financial issues P&T is now having change that?
What happens if P&T goes under, which is always a possibility?
It is also interesting to note that as usual,McKenzie kicked Fort St.James' ass again!
The mayor and council in Mckenzie are to be commended for having the vision and forsight to keep digging.
Too bad Fort St.James council doesn't seem get that!
Comment Posted by: lmorg on November 6 2007 1:36 PM
Hopefully when the mill closes down they will find a buyer for the steam power.
Comment Posted by: Chadermando on November 6 2007 2:00 PM
Hog fuel is 8 times as expensive (twice as wet) on the coast as it is in the interior, and yet profitable. So the economic of these kinds of projects is not in doubt IMO.