Investigation Into Pacific Bioenergy Emissions Continues

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 04:37 AM

Prince George, B.C. – The start up phase of Pacific Bioenergy’s new facility which saw the plant exceed it’s permitted emissions is under investigation by the Conservation office of the Ministry of the Environment.

The plant was the one that came forward with the news of the infraction when its emissions were more than twice the limit allowed under the permit. “The company notified us immediately that they were out of compliance” says Sean Sharpe, Regional Manager for The Ministry of Environment.

He says the company believed it knew why the emissions were excessive, and made adjustments to correct the problem. “Since then, there have been two more tests, and both were within limits” says Sharpe.

He says the company not being in compliance with its permit is not taken lightly “The company was out of compliance during its phasing in stage last fall, this isn’t an ongoing thing. Still, that doesn’t take away from the seriousness of the issue and that is why the matter has been turned over to a Conservation officer for further investigation.”

That investigation could lead to one of three events,

A warning letter could be written and attached to Pacific Bioenergy’s file
There could be a ticket issued,
The company could be charged and taken to court.

As the investigation continues, there has not yet been any determination on which of the three options will be pursued,

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Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 04:37 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: sum42guy2k on April 29 2008 6:16 AM

Atleast the company was honest, cant they give them that? Just let them off on it!

Posted by: northern taxpayer on April 29 2008 6:23 AM

no , you have to treat all polluters equally, no matter what if the mining industry has ,for cyanide into the water table , special laws to put sulphur dioxide into the air,you must increase the threshold limit values for the biomass industry its only fair but lets get the gum wrapper dropper for life in prision, this is in keeping with gordy's no tolerence policy, special rules for his friends in the pollution business,what else can he do we are so far into provincial debt, he will do as he is told kinda reminds one of a puppet show eh? guess who is pulling the strings?

Posted by: robichal on April 29 2008 6:38 AM

If they let them off scott free, it sets a precidence. Soon all industrial polluters will be given one "freeby". NO WAY!

Posted by: Lindylou on April 29 2008 6:47 AM

"A warning letter" Whats up with that????

Posted by: He speaks on April 29 2008 7:58 AM

Start up period, didn't they use that excuse last year. Sure there was a fire, but shouldn't they meet the tolerences if it was operational before.

Posted by: owl on April 29 2008 8:29 AM

Does anyone wonder why a conservatiuon officer, Spengen, who typically handles wildlife situations, is dealing with this? To me this shows the lack of capacity at the MoE to deal with air quality matters.

This plant is likely bending over backwards to comply because they were given such a sweatheart deal by the MoE in the first place. The original owners should have gotten fined in the first palce big time for the phenomenal level of non-compliance over the many years. All they ever got was that ticket for $500+

The whole thing is a crime. The lack of monitoring even to this day by the MoE is a crime.

Remember folks, this is only one plant of many in the community. PBEC is in the limelight. The others are all huddling quietly by.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 29 2008 9:16 AM

Bang on owl!

Posted by: Foo738 on April 29 2008 10:08 AM

Sounds like the Ministry of the Environment is not too efficient. I don't think it is an exaggeration to comment that our health is in their hands, and if they are not competent, where do we go from here?

Posted by: NMG on April 29 2008 4:05 PM

"Remember folks, this is only one plant of many in the community. PBEC is in the limelight. The others are all huddling quietly by"

Indeed they are. If ever there was a time to "send a message", this would be it.