FORT FRANCES—In an move to convey information to the public regarding what has been a hot topic locally for more than a year now, Abitibi-Consolidated’s Fort Frances Division will hold two sessions regarding the proposed bio-mass boiler project next Thursday (Feb. 22).
These will take place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Adventure Inn ballroom.
The purpose of the info sessions is to briefly go over the plans for the bio-mass boiler project and answer questions the public may have, local mill manager John Harrison said yesterday afternoon.
“It’s mostly to tell people what the bio-mass boiler project is all about, what it means to the mill,” he noted, adding other information, like where it will be located and how the operation might change traffic flow in town, will be made available.
“Those are the kind of things we’re trying to get across to people, to let people know what we’re trying to accomplish here,” said Harrison.
If all goes to plan, the proposal for the $60-million bio-mass boiler project is expected to go before Abitibi-Consolidated’s board of directors for final approval sometime next month.
As previously reported, the proposed bio-mass generator (also referred to as a “hog fuel” boiler) uses renewable cost-effective fuel (wood waste) to generate steam and electricity to the mill.
This results in significant cost-savings and, in turn, boosts the long-term viability of the local mill.
The bio-mass generator would not replace the current co-gen plant, but supplement its power generation.
The proposed project also is the key to a tentative agreement struck between the four local mill unions and the company last month.
The unions agreed to a contract extension to give the company some long-term labour stability in exchange for a guarantee it would build and operate a new bio-mass boiler here.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
