KAMLOOPS — Operations could soon resume at Lafarge in East Kamloops, but the company will meet with area residents before the plant starts up again.
Lafarge has sent a letter to neighbours saying an information session will be held in April.
The company is seeking permits from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for the instatllation of a gypsum granulator system that would turn powder into beads used for drywalling.
The proposal would add some emissions from their existing compound, that many residents living in close proximity are concerned about.
“They have advised us they have advised us they have an application before the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to add some emissions, it’s not anywhere near like operating the kiln but it is of interest, I’ve had some feedback from area residents, some of which are outside of city limits, but I think they need to hear from the company and hear from the Ministry of Environment on this matter,” says Ken Christian, Mayor of Kamloops.
Council briefly discussed whether to ask the Ministry of Environment for an expert opinion on the issue, an opinion pushed by Councillor Denis Walsh.
But Walsh’s push was voted down, with other councillors saying it’s not in the city’s purview.
