Like many facilities, Domtar is now required to educate area residents about hazardous substances.
This comes after a change was made by Environment Canada to the Environment Emergency Regulations.
The new requirement starts August 24 and requires companies like Domtar that work with hazardous substances to educate the public, in case of an environmental emergency were to occur.
Bonny Skene with Domtar says this is a proactive measure so that community members are aware and understand the health and safety risks.
Skene explains the two hazardous substances used to make of pulp.
“Two substances that we use in the making of pulp-and we’re not alone we’re similar to any craft pulp mill in operation- one substance is chlorine dioxide and hydrochloride acid. With chlorine dioxide its inhalation. If you inhale it it can be very severe. Range from mild to severe symptoms. We are constantly working on prevention, preparation and response.”
Skene adds that in the event of an emergency, residents would receive further instruction to shelter or even evacuate.
“We work hard to ensure employee, community safety and to protect the environment. We are constantly working on prevention, preparation and response. We prepare for an emergency of this type.”
Domtar also works with Dryden Emergency Services to make sure they are prepared and fully trained to respond.
Skene stresses that there is no emergency and this is a proactive measure to inform the public of health and safety risks associated with the hazardous substances used on site.
Residents and area businesses will receive a brochure in the mail with more information.
You can also view the brochure here.
BACKGROUND:
In 2003 the Government of Canada rolled out the Environmental Emergency Regulations. The purpose of the regulation was to “help reduce the frequency and severity of accidental releases of hazardous substances into the environment”, and it mandated facilities to develop systems and plans to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from accidental releases of specific substances.
REVISED E2 REGULATION:
The regulation now requires that we proactively inform the public about the risks these substances could pose, and the actions we’ve taken to prevent, prepare for, communicate during and respond to in the unlikely event of an environmental emergency.
