January 25/09 Graymont submitted their Renewal Application
to Alberta Environment on November 13, 2008. If anyone would
like to review a copy of the application, please let us know. As
some of you may know, Graymont’s permit to operate their Exshaw Lime Plant
expired and they are required to re-apply for an operating permit for the next
10 years. BVCAS has met with Graymont on a number of occasions and we are
encouraged that Graymont has committed to undertake an ambient air monitoring
program (not done before at the plant); however, there are other areas of the
renewal application that disappoint us, namely:
·
Graymont is only installing a baghouse on one of
their kilns. The other kiln will continue to use older, less effective technology.
·
Graymont has no plans to set targets to reduce CO2
emissions.
·
Graymont has no plans to install more effective
controls to reduce wind blown particulate matter nor do they have any plans to
reduce blue haze.
·
Graymont has plans to burn alternative fuels which
could be a concern if contaminates are present in the fuel source or if
contaminants are generated in the plant.
From
an emissions point-of-view, (e.g. Using 2006 emission data) Graymont
Exshaw’s CO2 emissions were reported as 173,708-tonne/year, which would rank
Graymont Exshaw as 219th in Canada.
February
24/09 - BVCAS submitted
a Statement of Concern
regarding Graymont’s license renewal and have been granted
"standing "by Alberta Environment.
May 28,
2009
Graymont’s permit to operate has just been extended for another year.
The reason for the extension, according to Alberta Environment is to allow more
time to develop a fugitive dust management plan and to prepare a draft permit
to operate.