Duane Hicks
The AbitibiBowater mill here was shut down indefinitely this morning after a problem was identified at the company’s effluent treatment system at the lagoon in the north end of town.
“All operations were shut down this morning at the Fort Frances facility,” Jean-Philippe Cote, director of public affairs and government relations with AbitibiBowater, said from Montreal.
“They will remain down until further notice.”
Cote said the mill’s effluent treatment system exceeded its daily biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) limit due to the cold weather.
“Because of that, we had to shut down the mill to be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he explained.
“We’re currently working with internal and external experts on the best plan to address the situation.
“It’s our intent to follow very closely all related laws and regulations,” he stressed.
Cote said it was not possible as of this morning for the company to say how long the mill will be down and how many employees will be affected.
“Although the total workforce totals about 565 employees, we might need a working team in the time being,” he noted, referring to the possibility not all workers will be off the job for the duration of the shutdown.
Cote said the problem with the effluent system only was identified this morning, and the mill shutdown began immediately.
“Be assured that what’s happening is to make sure we are, and remain, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and so everything was done with due diligence and at the right time,” he remarked.
“We are working hard on it to address the best plan.”
